"Corporate Raiders" - Part 1 - Commo Sebastian Ascari, Cpt T. Ramius, & NPCs

Posted on 241410.21 @ 11:23am by Commodore Sebastian Ascari

Mission: Insurrection [Fleet Plot]
Location: USS Corsair
Timeline: Backlog

Conference Room – USS Corsair
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“Now that we’ve had some time to lick our wounds just how bad are they Mr. Kusinagi”, Captain Ramius asked from one of the conference room’s many windows. Beyond the window lay an endless sea of stars and within that vast ocean the USS Corsair had stopped to make repairs after her recent battle at a Starfleet communications hub.

“We’re not too bad off”, Kusinagi stated looking over a padd as he rechecked his meeting notes. “Using the phaser cannons destroyed its port phaser coil. Unfortunately, those coils are prototypes just like this ship so obtaining replacements without Starfleet Intelligence spacedock will be difficult. The damage is extensive, but with the proper raw materials I’m confident we can fabricate replacement parts from the original specifications. Assuming we had the supplies and parts fabricating a replacement coil that large will still require upwards of two to three weeks.”

“Continue chief”, Ramius stated standing at the window with his hands behind his back.

“There was internal fire damage where the coil failed. Nothing serious, but repairs will take upwards of two weeks as well. Radiation protocol is also still in effect. We should have the affected decks cleaned by the end of today. Current crews are completing routine final inspections for any remaining contamination.

Beyond the damage caused by the ship’s cannons we suffered some thermal damage to the engine core due to the energy transfer. We’re reviewing the data from the battle. My modifications and the addition of extra dampeners weren’t enough to completely mitigate the thermal effects and power feedback caused by discharging that much raw power. Looks like I’ll have to go back to the drawing board sir.”

“No need to beat yourself up chief. Those cannons were never perfected. No one here expects them to work flawlessly. They’re risky, dangerous, and unstable however given that they are still tactically viable in extreme situations. We wouldn’t have made it out of our recent engagement in the shape we are in without them and your modifications. Use the data from the recent battle. Perhaps we can improve them.”

“Starfleet’s brightest tried to perfect them a decade ago and gave up. I’m not sure what I can do.”

“I have faith chief. Starfleet’s brightest simply gave up…too soon.”

“Maybe so”, the chief responded with a slight chuckle. “We have moderate EPS damage to address on several decks. Shields took a beating by that Sovereign Class. The aft generator is offline. Our ablative hull armor is the real hero and kept us in one piece despite the punishment we received however it’s going to require several days of EVA walks to replace the damaged panels. Replicating hull armor plating to the Corsair’s specifications is at the limit of our industrial replicators. I’m already working on prioritizing replication requests. With all the repairs demand for replication time is high. I’d also like to take the engines down for a day. We pushed them hard and the engine core is always strained when we fire the main cannons. I’d feel better if we could get some maintenance time in on the engines and inspect them for any problems. Since we don’t have access to a starbase I’d prefer to catch any small issues early before they become larger issues we might have difficulty addressing out here on our own.”

“Captain”, Lt. Redstone, the Corsair’s tactical officer stated with youthful exuberance. “If we take the engines offline for maintenance we will be defenseless if approached by hostile forces. Not having warp capability is an unacceptable tactical risk given the current situation. We just attacked and destroyed a major communication center and damaged a ship of the line. Starfleet knows we are in the area. They will be looking for us.”

“I don’t fancy being without warp drive either lieutenant”, Ramius answered, “however, the chief engineer has a valid point. We’re on our own. If we fail to keep the Corsair in fighting form then we could find ourselves with unanticipated problems when we need to rely upon the ship the most. If the chief says he needs to time to work – then we will give him the time he needs. We’ll have to find a shady spot to conduct engine maintenance and repairs. Since you brought it up lieutenant – work with stellar cartography and locate a suitable location for us to conduct repairs that will satisfy your requirements for discretion. Anything else chief?”

“Nothing else to report sir aside from the parts and supplies we need to complete repairs.”

Ramius turned and made his way to his seat at the conference table. “It would appear that we need to go shopping”, the captain said in jest taking his seat at the table.

“There’s a trading outpost not far from our position”, Commander Novada, the ship’s executive officer, stated. “However it is doubtful we can procure all the components we require.”

“If we enter orbit anywhere we need to ensure our port of call has what we require. Lingering too long anywhere will attract unwanted attention. We recently damaged a frontline Sovereign class starship. The shadow of anonymity we have enjoyed thus far is gone. Starfleet will indeed be watching”, Admiral Valtren stated with a solemn tone.

“Starfleet is scattered everywhere in a vain effort to consolidate and assert the Federation’s will and authority. We shouldn’t underestimate their presence, but we don’t have to scurry and cower in corners like mice either”, Captain Akina stated from his seat adding his viewpoint to the conversation. “Intelligence suggests widespread unrest throughout the Federation. Colonies, Federation member planets, - a substantial majority of membership is resisting the new leadership. There are reports of sedition if you want to call it that on a dozen planets. Starfleet has its hands full addressing those hotspots. Despicable as it is using military might on Federation members those individuals are keeping Starfleet distracted and occupied. Their blood and their lives are the currency used to procure such an outcome. We should ensure we do not squander this opportunity.

The Federation is at a crossroads. The more power they try to assert over member worlds the more rebellion and insurrections they will be forced to contend with. If these Federation First characters were hoping for a bloodless coup they seriously miscalculated. The revolts occurring will force them to show their true face soon enough. The tyrant will be unmasked if it hasn’t already. The Federation will continue to use Starfleet as a hammer to keep the membership in line and THAT is our greatest advantage and their greatest weakness.”

“A valid tactical assessment of the situation captain”, Valtren stated, “however that does not address our current supply issues.”

“It was just the warm up”, Akina answered with a wry grin. “I think you will find this interesting. If I may captain”, Akina asked gesturing toward the viewscreen.

“By all means captain.”

Akina nodded and stood making his way to the nearby monitor which activated displaying a brown, reddish planet. “Planet Atavia. It was terraformed, but only just. It’s barely class M home to a variety of mining operations and heavy industries. It is only one point five parsecs from our current location”

“I don’t see where this is going Captain”, Director Ascari stated. “We aren’t attacking civilian targets to acquire supplies. If you can provide a Starfleet installation we can consider your plan. Raiding member planets would make us no different than those we are fighting. I won’t permit this starship to engage in piracy.”

“Piracy is such a harsh term”, the captain replied, “especially since our target is culpable in current affairs and more. Atavia is home to a Starfleet weapons production facility among other things. All of the supplies we require and more will be there. And…we won’t be hitting innocent civilian targets. Our target is here!” Akina pointed to the screen as the image changed.

“A NeoDyne facility”, Admiral Valtren stated aloud his eyebrow arching upwards.

Captain Ramius suddenly sat forward in his chair and indeed the climate of the room seemed to change by several degrees as the senior staff seemed to become somehow more rigid and attentive. The changes were not lost on Director Ascari.

“NeoDyne is a civilian contractor”, the director stated with no small degree of irritability in his voice. “They supply Starfleet with weapons, medical supplies, and countless other materials. I don’t understand why the name of this company seems to have sucked the air out of this room?”

“NeoDyne supplied many of the defensive systems, computers, and early warning detection equipment that was compromised by the Cardassians when they attacked Earth director. You yourself ordered NeoDyne equipment to be scrapped and replaced given the breadth and scope of the security lapses after the attack on Earth.”

“I am aware of my previous actions Admiral Valtren however I do not see how my orders then helps to justify piracy in this case. Surely you are not in support of the captain’s ill begotten plan?”

“My division has been watching the Neodyne Corporation for quite some time sir. Given NeoDyne’s political and industrial power there were those in various capacities within the Federation and Starfleet who regarded the company as a potential...problem. I was ordered to quietly keep an eye on the company and its activities. Over the last decade Neodyne has acted and continues to act in peculiar ways. There is some evidence to suggest their actions and activities are a cover for some other larger purpose which is unknown to intelligence. They’ve made various individuals throughout the Federation from politicians, to member worlds, nervous, suspicious and uneasy.”

“This is the first I’ve heard of it”, Ascari commented. “Was spying on NeoDyne another one of your black projects Admiral?”

“I prefer the term watching. We only deployed our minimal assets to observe. Nothing more. I don’t have to remind the director that NeoDyne has substantial technical and industrial capabilities. The corporation maintains the largest private security forces in known space. It possesses its own ship yard and manufactures its own ships. It has vast industrial capabilities and is engaged in weapons design and manufacture. Its influence extends into everything from defense, medical, science, and engineering. NeoDyne is a corporate juggernaut that wields more influence and power than some of the Federation member worlds. It is a significant force that cannot be ignored.”

“And what of this evidence? Do you have proof of wrongdoing Admiral or do you have nothing more than shadowy supposition and vague irregularities to prop up this argument?”

“There is some evidence”, Valtren responded. “My orders were only to watch. I was not permitted to actively infiltrate and penetrate the organization. Doing so would take a substantial effort given their elaborate security and tight control of personnel. What I have seen over time does give me reason for pause sir. Given their systems were at the heart of the failures on Earth during the recent Cardassian attacks combined with other observations I believe a strong case can be made that NeoDyne has a clandestine agenda and one that is not in the best interests of Starfleet or the Federation.”

Ascari mulled over the Admiral’s words for a few moments.

“I respect your experience and opinions Admiral Valtren, however it cannot be a justification for piracy. If what you say is true then this is a separate matter which is not connected to our immediate goals and objectives no matter their affiliations.”

“I disagree”, Captain Akina interjected. “Sir, their actions and activities strike at the very heart of our goals and objectives. If NeoDyne is producing equipment, supplies, and weaponry for our adversaries then they by affiliation are also involved.

In any event, I am not suggesting we attack the facility. I propose we infiltrate their warehouses and quietly borrow the heavy industrial supplies we require for repairs. I scarcely think they will miss it and even if they do by the time they realize any shortfalls in inventory we should be long gone. It also gives us a prime opportunity to access their computer networks and further our understanding of their activities and actions. With the Federation in turmoil we can quietly raid the facility and perform intelligence gathering we could have only dreamed about in the past.”

“Captain Akina, you are asking for a blank check to perform actions that under normal rules and regulations would be prohibited!”

“Director Ascari, as much as I prefer the Federation and Starfleet to other governing bodies in the quadrant there are times when the rules must be bent to service the greater good. We cannot obtain the parts we need by being hopeful and optimistic. We are going to have to procure them from somewhere if not NeoDyne. Why not kill two birds with one stone? We take what we need, quickly, quietly as well as peak under the covers just to see what, if anything, is there.”

“Except that this so called ‘peeking’ violates every regulation in the book! I cannot condone such actions given that they are exactly the sort of thing we are fighting against!”

Valtren sighed. He quietly picked up a nearby padd and entered several commands before sliding it forward toward Director Ascari.

“Here director. I was hoping I wouldn’t have to show you this. I know you of all people are sensitive about the attack on Earth.”

Ascari slowly took the padd. “It was a tragedy that happened on my watch. You’re damned right I have strong feelings about it. What is this?”

“Before we were forced to abandon Earth, intelligence was focused on determining the particulars on how the Cardassians so easily breached our defenses per your orders sir. The Cardassian Union is not the Borg. They do not possess the capabilities to waltz into the Sol System and yet they did just that almost unopposed. The padd contains a preliminary report that was in its early stages prior to the coup.

As I mentioned earlier NeoDyne manufactures many of the defensive systems employed to protect and monitor Earth and the Sol System. Those systems were fully penetrated and disabled prior to the attacks. Furthermore the intelligence suggests that in addition to inside assistance which we now know was provided by those involved with the coup, there were several backdoors that were purposefully inserted into these same systems. The purpose of the backdoors could have only been to allow external and internal parties the ability to compromise system integrity. The evidence suggests, at least on some level, that NeoDyne was culpable in aiding and abetting the conspirators. Only they have the technical expertise and access to affect so many systems spread over such a wide area.

I suspect they were aware of the pending attacks, perhaps the coup itself, and offered their assistance knowing that a war would create insatiable demand for additional weaponry, technology, and supplies. Business contracts would be lucrative…so much so that they may have played along with the conspirators to curry their favor and win additional business opportunities for themselves while also ensuring their clout and influence remained constant. Again, that report was only preliminary. It was never completed, but the implications are serious if valid. I found myself unable to believe the draft myself, but given everything that has occurred I myself am forced to concur with the initial conclusions in that report. There are strong indications the NeoDyne Corporation is complicit with the conspirators that have taken control of the Federation’s centers of power.”

Ascari could hardly believe what he was being told as he quickly read through the report absorbing the Admiral’s words and those upon the screen before him. His fingers tightened around the padd as emotions swelled from deep within. Normally composed the director’s feelings were apparent as his hand holding the padd began to tremble.

“I..I concur with your assessment given the facts in this report Admiral Valtren. I assume the others have seen this? There seem to be few secrets among the senior staff aboard this vessel.”

“We’ve seen it”, Ramius stated. “It is an incomplete report sir. It wasn’t necessary or relevant to disclose it until now.”

“If there is any additional information that may or may not be relevant I would prefer to be briefed in due course. I…appreciate your desire to ensure to keep certain distractions out of view however as intelligence director I need to be aware of all the facts – even the inconvenient ones. Is that understood?”

“Perfectly sir.”

“Captain Akina. Your initial plan is approved. Coordinate the details with Admiral Valtren and Captain Ramius. Chief Kusinagi, ensure everyone receives a copy of the supplies and parts we require for repairs. Admiral Valtren, please prepare a briefing to discuss NeoDyne security, likely obstacles our people will encounter, contingency plans, and details upon the methods to be used to access NeoDyne computers and exfiltrate gathered information. Captain Ramius, set course for Atavia, maximum speed.

Are there any questions?”

No one responded. “Very well dismissed. Captain Ramius…may I have a word in private?”

Ramius arched an eyebrow at the director’s request. “Yes sir.”

The senior staff stood and made their way out of the conference room. Valtren paused for a moment at the door glancing at Ramius and Ascari before heading out himself. The doors closed leaving the two men alone.

“What can I do for you director?”

“Drop the rank Ramius”, Ascari chided. The director stood and made his way toward the captain. “I have a personal request to ask of you.”

Ramius’s curiosity was piqued. What was Ascari on about?

“NeoDyne….am I correct in assuming that this is not your first encounter with them?”

“We have had some…interactions with them in the past.”

“I see. Anything of consequence?”

“That depends on your definition of the word consequence. Dealings with NeoDyne always incur consequences. Managing those is what this ship does best.”

“How dangerous is the mission I just approved in your opinion? I respect Captain Akina however I have the impression his confidence can cloud his overall objectivity.”

“A fair assessment. Akina is a consummate professional and his confidence is what gives him an edge, but it is indeed a double edged blade which can cut both ways. It would not be my place to second guess Captain Akina in matters of tactical…”

“I’m asking for your opinion captain”, Ascari interrupted. “I want your assessment. Not his.”

“Very well. The mission carries a medium-high level of risk. NeoDyne security forces are well trained and heavily armed. Security around their sensitive installations is well conceived and utilizes the latest in technologies to deter unwanted visitors. Our target however is an industrial complex that NeoDyne likely considers in a safe zone and as such should have fewer security measures in place. Security forces will still be heavy but will be lighter than more heavily fortified NeoDyne installations. A small, nimble squad should be able to penetrate the facility, obtain the needed equipment and supplies, and have a decent shot at accessing low-level NeoDyne intelligence relating to the company’s activities. I do not expect our people to discover highly sensitive information from warehouse computer systems, but they might be careless and leave some interesting tidbits of information for us to find. One can never be sure what one will find when they go looking for the unknown.

As for a tactical assessment, the mission will be challenging and poses elevated risks, but I believe our people can complete it quietly and without incident. As for my opinion, I believe we are capable of completing it successfully and yes, I support the operation despite the risks given the potential rewards. NeoDyne isn’t expecting…corporate raiders. Starfleet on the other hand will be on the lookout…for us. The NeoDyne facility while more formidable grants us the element of surprise and stealth whereas a nearby Starfleet facility will be on high alert for anything unusual.”

“And Akina? Can he do it?”

“I have absolute faith in the captain’s abilities. He quite simply is the best field operative there is sir, if that is what you are driving at.”

“No…not quite”, Ascari stated folding his hands behind his back.

“I..I don’t know how to say this…so I will just say it. I want to join the away mission.”

Ramius’s eyebrows now fully extended upwards as he met the eyes of the director. “You want to do what?”

“I want to join the away mission.”

“Director…with all due respect sir, this isn’t a field trip. I cannot and will not take that kind of risk. This operation will require high caliber professionals and a high degree of precision. Quite frankly sir, you would be in the way and as such would be a liability to the away team. They won’t want you there. Akina cannot be distracted by having to protect you, and I will not allow it. The risks are too great. You will endanger the mission and jeopardize the safety of the away team. I’m sorry.”

Ramius paused for a moment considering the director’s words.

“However, you already knew what I would say and have likely anticipated my reaction. So then – why ask when you already know the answer?”

“I’ve got to get into the fight Ramius”, Ascari stated leaning over the table bracing himself on his hands and arms. “Our last mission made me realize just how useless I am aboard this ship. I give orders and evaluate information and send others to fight and die on my behalf. I cannot suffer to do so any longer!

Do you know how difficult it is to sit back and watch as the rest of you engage the enemy? You may find me harsh, brash, and insufferable and to be honest I cannot blame you.

When they took me prisoner on Earth and interrogated me day after day – I thought it was simply my punishment for failing the people of Earth, my duty as a Starfleet officer, and the citizens of the Federation. The Cardassians attacked Earth on my watch! They destroyed Paris on my watch! The Federation was hijacked right beneath my own nose and I didn’t see it coming Ramius! Me, the intelligence director of Starfleet, and I didn’t have even a whiff of the seditious factions that had penetrated our organizations and institutions!

I figured they would kill me in that cell and I looked forward to it thinking that my death would in some way atone in part for my failures and for the lives that were lost as a result of my ineptness. When your people rescued me I…I wasn’t prepared for this role. I had resigned myself to my fate at the hands of my captors. However, I am here…alive. I have an opportunity to make a difference. I’ve been given a second chance.

Damn it Ramius, I want that chance to mean something! I can’t just sit back and watch from the sidelines any longer. I’ve had the opportunity to observe this ship and its crew for a while now. You’re all more than just officers and crewmen – you’re almost…a family. Close knit, cohesive, and highly effective – I can see now that my prior attempts to have this ship decommissioned were in error. I was blind to what you and others like you are out here doing within the shadows.

I look around and have realized that I’m the one who doesn’t fit it. I’m the outsider. I’m the authority figure everyone walks on eggshells around. I cannot be completely trusted. I haven’t earned anyone’s respect and it is only given begrudgingly as a result of my rank, position, and title. I can’t continue like this Ramius! I have to do something! You have to give me an opportunity to earn some measure of respect both aboard this ship and for myself. I have to prove to myself I can make a difference otherwise I’m nothing more than a figurehead and am undeserving of being called a director of anything. Please…

Do I have to beg for the chance? Is that what you want from me? I know we don’t see eye to eye, but tell me what I must do and I will do it.”

Ramius had long suspected Ascari carried with him such weight. The man’s deep and raw injuries had driven him to lay himself prostrate before him practically begging for an opportunity to redeem himself in his own eyes and the eyes of those he interacted with aboard the Corsair. He needed their support as much as he needed to rebuild his own shattered confidence. How could he refuse such a request?

“If I permit such a thing will you meet me halfway Ascari”, Ramius asked his tone reflecting the seriousness of the situation.

“Name your terms.”

“It will take us several days to reach our destination given our reduced speed. During that time, you will train and drill with the away team. Captain Akina will be responsible for all training exercises. You will take your meals with the team. You will sleep when and where the captain tells you, eat what he tells you, and work where he tells you. Any objections and you are off the team. If the captain feels you are not giving 100 percent you are off the team. If the captain judges you to be unfit for the mission despite your efforts you are off the team. If you attempt to question the captain, pull rank, or desire special treatment, you are off the team.

Akina will no doubt have significant objections to this, but I will address his concerns. It isn’t me you need to impress – if you’re serious about this Ascari, it’s Akina you will have to win over. And that is no easy task. I’ve seen him make the hardest, most seasoned operatives, cry for their mothers and fathers. He demands perfection and he gets it. The missions he undertakes have no room for error – he demands the best because he has to have the best. He must have absolute confidence in his team and they in him given the extremes for which they willingly volunteer.”

“I would not have asked if my convictions were even the slightest bit unclear”, Ascari firmly stated with a clearness in his gaze that Ramius had seen in few people. “I understand what is at stake.”

The director’s resolve was beyond question. Ramius could sense it in his voice and in his expression. Ascari needed to regain something he had lost. He wanted to share in the risk and peril he was ordering others to undertake. He had demons he needed to slay and possessed the courage to confront them. Ascari had bared his soul which took no small amount of courage and character. A prideful man would have said nothing even as his soul crumbled under the weight of guilt, remorse, and anguish. He could respect such a man and could not refuse such a matter of personal honor.

Ramius stood from the table.

“Give me a few hours to speak to Captain Akina about this matter. He will contact you.”

Ramius moved to leave stopping beside the director. He reached up and placed a hand on Ascari’s shoulder. “You aren’t alone on this ship Sebastian. We take care of our own no matter the challenge.”

Ramius quietly left the conference room leaving Ascari alone in silence the two men speaking a silent language communicating volumes in that brief instant.

Ascari turned and faced the closing doors as Ramius departed. He had to prepare for the challenges ahead. Ramius had granted him his chance. He would succeed where he had failed in the past or he would die trying. Honor demanded no less. Ramius understood this. It was the only reason he had approved. At least they had one point of agreement between them. Perhaps they had more.

Time would tell.


~ To Be Continued ~



====================================================================================

Captain Sebastian Ascari
Starfleet Intelligence Director (Deposed)

Captain Taverain Ramius
CO, USS Corsair

Captain Zane Akina
Starfleet Intelligence Operative

Admiral James Valtren
Starfleet Intelligence (Deposed)

Commander Sai Kusinagi
Chief Engineer, USS Corsair

Commander Alanis Novada
XO, USS Corsair

Lieutenant Alexander Redstone
Tactical Officer, USS Corsair