Sorripto's Defiance

Hearing the plan Sorripto knew that there were those there that doubted what he said. After years of learning how to read faces he knew several thought he was angry, wrong, and even crazy but they knew little of what was at stake here. They murmured to themselves about saving lives but lives were not going to be saved so easily. Sorripto watched the Vulcans, Humans, and Andorians passed judging gazes upon him. Dead give away all of them. This openness is why he knew they were wrong.

Arrogant fools. They think this is some standard beam out. Sorripto thought angrily to himself.

Continuing to look around the room Sorripto watched as some understood him, but most just blew him off. He was right about these fanatics and he was the only person in the room who had fought them before. He knew what they were capable of and he had been in situations like this before. Standing again Sorripto spoke loudly, a tone that politely told the crowd to silence themselves they were going to need to hear this.

“Well I can clearly see that my first suggestion fell on deaf ears is sadly understandable. The McKenzie is the best ship for a quick strike and trust me when I tell you she will be more then ready. I have made modifications and advancements to her that would put her launch design to shame.”

Speaking more seriously now Sorripto continued.

“I can see people wanting to dismiss me, judge me, hell even remove me from the mission but you have to understand that I may speak like an Andorian on a blood crusade or a Kligon with an oath, but there is no one here that can understand what is going on there better then I.”

“Sir you said despite your Cardassian training, well with all due respect Sir there are parts of my personnel file that are closed for a reason. Brushing me off as an angry engineer would be not the wisest choice. I am an Engineer but as I said earlier I am better trained and equipped to do what you ask than any of those Marines you want to send.

I am a Starfleet Office and I will stand my post. The McKenzie will be ready for a fight and she will survive I swear to Galor on that one, but know there is more going on here then a simple beam out. We are talking fanatics and believers that will fight to the death more then any of you have seen before. I have been there when we tried to take a Vorta from some Gem Ha’dar and that is nothing compared to the loyalty you will see from these men.”

Glancing over at the tall women leaning over whispering to an Andorian Sorripto nodded and continued. He knew she judged him more then anyone and knew inside she knew nothing of the horrors he had seen in life.

“Anyone here who even for a second thinks they can rescue him without having a fight on their hands or without loss of life is fooling themselves or worse putting lives in danger that could be saved by sending the right people. Everyone here knows the fight that is going to happen here, people are going to die on both sides. No offense to anyone here but planning on the potential of death will beat out planning around thinking everything will be fine. Trust me when I say that no plan and I mean no plan that involves a direct confrontation to save Sisko will end without someone dying whether we want them to or not.”

Glancing around the room Sorripto knew that several in attendance had not quite settled in to the fact that there were going to be casualties and perhaps lots of them.

“I know there are those here who doubt me and I understand that, but I warn you… no I beg you do not think even for a moment that any part of this mission is going to be easy. Especially not rescuing Sisko you would have an easier time in a fight against a thousand Romulan ships then fight a thousand of these believers trying to defend their prophet.”

Watching the faces Sorripto could read their eyes. Years of Cardassian and special training Sorripto could read faces. Some were changing their minds, others realizing he was right, while others still passed him off. Sorripto knew that no level of understanding would change their minds. There were still those here that doubted he should go and doubted what he said.

I just hope that no one dies because someone here thinks they can do this without having to fire a shot.“

I have overstepped my bounds and I apologize but understand that what you see from me is not anger or some thirstful quest for vengeance this is an understanding of what has to be done. Sisko is my friend and I want him back but I am not volunteering because I want to hurt the people who hurt my friend I volunteer because more then most I know what we can expect in there. I am better trained and equipped to fight then most of those Marines you are sending. This is not a crusade this is the truth. And with all respect to those in here glaring down at me now trust me when I say I have seen things and know things that most of you could only imagine.”

Reaching into his pocket Sorripto pulled out a small medallion. Glancing down Sorripto read the inscription.

What no man will do must be done. For this is Section 31.

Since the realignment years ago Section 31 had shed its evil shell as an operating entity that would kill blindly and break every law to achieve some twisted version of justice. Section 31 had since become more of a secret society that could be the cloak and dagger needed by the Federation the last thirty years. More like the CIA of 21st century earth or the early democratic Obsidian order. Despite what people still holding onto grudges wanted to believe Section 31 had become the good guys they just still did not exist and they certainly were not willing or wanting to take credit for any of they had accomplished since the Dominion War. Looking up at the man leading the brief Sorripto knew he would understand.

No one here can know what I have done can understand what I have been through and they may not want to listen to me, but maybe they will listen to this.

With that Sorripto tossed the Medallion to Samji and with a nod spoke more words then could be spoken in a lifetime of conversation. Sorripto’s stern look and nod said he was ready, said he would maintain his professionalism and his cool, and most importantly Sorripto’s eyes said to relax the fears of judgment. Sorripto would do what needed to be done whether sent to the other ship or ordered to stay in Engineering. Sorripto wanted to help and was the best man for the job, but orders come with a cost and Sorripto would do what must be done.

What no man will do must be done.

Sorripto knew that expression all to well and now someone else could start to share in how well he knew that. With the simple nod Sorripto sat back down.