Strategic Planning

Second Officer's Log: Captain Kheren has assigned myself, Strategic Operations, and the USS Polaris the mission of assisting with the survey of the space surrounding this so-called Eden colony world. I fail to understand why these surveys weren't ordered completed by ships with equipment for suited to them and long before colonists were allowed to approach the area, but nevertheless my crew and I will endeavor to complete the mission as ordered and gather the specified information. It is mostly mapping the system that the colony will be located in and I will lean on the expertise of my science specialist Lieutenant Ji'lan to help attune the Polaris sensor array. 

Jureth sat back in the command chair of the Strategic Operations Center as the door opened and Major Duncan McGregor strode in. The MACO squad leader was unlikely to be directly involved in the upcoming mission but Oseno had wanted him involved in the planning so that he and his team were familiar with what was happening. 

"Mac, good to see you again, enjoy your leave?" 

"Aye Sir, that I did. Starbase Lotus is quite the station."

Jureth nodded "It definitely is. How is your team?" 

"We're chompin at the bit Sir, but it doesn't sound like we'll get much action this time around." 

"It's unlikely, but one thing I've found serving with Lotus Fleet is that you just never know." 

Jureth swiveled in the chair to face more of the consoles where his people were seated.

"Ladies and gentlemen if you would, let's get started." 

The entire Strategic Operations staff was assembled in the space which while not large, was enough for them all to be present without being cramped. As they gathered near him Jureth switched the main holographic display to a map of the area of space they were headed.

"As you might know the Horizon is underway destined for the other side of the Azimuth Horizon anomaly and a class "M" planet to deliver the colonists which came aboard before we departed Starbase Lotus. Strategic Operations has been tasked to deploy the Polaris upon our arrival and begin mapping the space surrounding the colony planet in assistance to the USS Phoenix. That is our primary mission, and Lieutenant Ji'Lan you will be taking point. Your previous experience in charting and mapping space as well as your scientific background are ideally suited to assuring that the Polaris sensors are optimized for the mission."

Ji'Lan, ever the quietest member of Jureth's staff, didn't reply she only nodded and began making notes on a PADD that seemed to be attached to her hand as she had it out every time Oseno saw her.

"I am adding an additional requirement for the department as well. These colonists are all members of the Horizon's Children cult. For those of you who do not know the Horizon's Children are the same cult who attempted to prevent Starfleet's containment of the Azimuth Horizon which would have sacrificed millions of lives in the name of their religion. They are fanatics of the highest order and even went so far as infiltrating Lotus Fleet and committing acts of sabotage to accomplish their goal. We will not have a repeat of that aboard this ship. Captain Kheren and security are taking active measures to prevent it, and we will assist. To that end I asked Lieutenant Variel to access the latest intelligence on the Horizon's Children and thier leader Governor Sufra. Lieutenant?" 

Variel Palos stepped forward and tapped several commands into the control console for the holographic display. The image changed displaying a dossier style layout with Governor Sufra's picture in the top right corner.

"Starfleet Intelligence was asked to profile Sufra and her group when they first began petitioning to colonize the space beyond the Azimuth Horizon. As far as our operatives were able to tell Sufra is nothing more than a pontificating, self important beuracrat and religious leader. Prior to her joining the Horizon's Children she was a small time politician and not a very good one. Her followers are just that, they hang on her every word and make no major movements without her say so. Starfleet Intelligence doesn't believe this group is militant or dangerous, but at the same time their tenets are the same as those of the group that kidnapped Commander Sisko and some of his closest friends, brainwashed him, and turned him into their profit. That alone makes them worthy of extra observation.  They haven't shown extremist tendencies, but that doesn't mean they aren't there below the surface." 

Jureth nodded "thank you Variel," he said before addressing the group again he was beginning to have a respect for the intelligence officer who, while cocky and brash had done everything Oseno asked him to do. "The bottom line is that the group these people are apart of has been dangerous before and could potentially be again. You do not need to go out of your way as I'm sure our new security chief will be as cautious as he can be with the colonists and Sufra, but if you see anything, hear anything report it immediately no matter how slight. Our job is to assist the Captain and XO in whatever way we can and if we can help prevent anything we will do so. Now, assignments, Commander Yiral I would like you to command Strategic Ops aboard the Horizon when the Polaris departs, you will have our newest addition, Lieutenant Wynn here to assist you. Mister Wynn was my Ops officer on the USS Alsea during Operation Horizon and I trust him emplicitly. Welcome to the Horizon Lieutenant."

"Thank you Sir," Wynn replied "Good to be here." 

"Alright, it's time to get to work people, dismissed." 

The group began dispersing, some to the various consoles in the center, and others toward the door to relax until it was their turn to be on watch. Finally only Adira Yiral, the El-Aurian diplomat remained.

"Commander, a word if I might." 

"Certainly Adira, what is it?" 

"Sir, you don't trust these people we are ferrying do you?"

"I do not,"

"Why?" 

"Why? Because of what their compatriots have already done and tried to do. Kidnapping, sabotage, murder. That is not religion, that is terrorism." 

"Perhaps," she replied nodding "but what if they do not share the same views as their predecessors. For all you know they only thing in common might be the name."

"It might, but until that is known we cannot afford to be lax. How many times in your travels as a diplomat did you see horrific things done in the name of religion?" 

"It is true, throughout history religions have been the source of much conflict, and I have seen no shortage of that in my lifetime but does that mean we shouldn't give them a chance to be what they say they are?" 

"They are here, Adira, aboard this ship. This is their chance, but that doesn't mean we can't or shouldn't watch them." 

"Perhaps," Adira replied a philosophical look crossing here face "but who watches the watchers Oseno?" 

With that she walked away and Jureth looked after her, once again not correcting her breach of Starfleet protocol and failure to address him by his proper rank. As insightful as she was that woman had a way of saying things drove Jureth insane sometimes. He had never met and El-Aurian prior to meeting Adira, but he had heard stories of the woman Guinan who served aboard the Enterprise as the ship's bartender. The race themselves were said to be extraordinary listeners and lore-keepers having perceptions that were beyond what most other species were capable of. All Oseno could do was shake his head, and he looked up at the central display and Sufra's profie and began composing his report for the official mission briefing.