Strategy

Posted on Wed Jul 30th, 2025 @ 3:12pm by Lieutenant Xavier & Lieutenant Robin Maxwell

860 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Preservation Instinct
Location: Meeting Room | USS Ontario
Timeline: Prior to leaving for Away Team, Shortly after arrival at colony

ON:

Xavier was surprised that he was called into a meeting with the Intel officer. He locked his panel and ensured the replacement pilot was ready. The ship was locked in a high orbit but, from Xavier's understanding, Maxwell had some information that would help determine the proper orbit level. Something in the way that it was presented by Maxwell in the summons told him that this was not a routine thing.

He arrived in the small meeting room just off the bridge with coffee in had. If he was going to have a business meeting this early he needed something sweet and caffeinated.

Maxwell had been there a bit, his uniform jacket on the back of the chair. Leaning back he rose to offer a hand shake.

"Robin Maxwell, glad you could make it." Winking. "I was hoping to have a little exchange between friendly types you know?"

Xavier, like most Vulcan's didn't like handshakes but he knew they were a part of the Starfleet world. He put on his big boy pants and extended his hand in a firm handshake. "Indeed. There has been no response via coms. You are an intel officer, this is more your forte then mine but because of the potential danger our departments have crossed paths."

From below there came a tap on Maxwell's shin. The Raven, Phobos, had followed his master into the meeting room.

Xavier raised his hand. "I do not think you were invited." He said to the Raven who chittered at him and then looked up at Maxwell.

"Apologies Lieutenant Maxwell. He tends to like to be around for ship launches."

Maxwell had only made the minimal handshake; getting what he wanted from the exchange. Eyeing the Raven his eyes darkened slightly.

"If he has proper Security clearances I will allow it." Maxwell said in a calm tone. "But what I have is nothing that cannot be heard by anyone," Taking a seat. "I was hoping to get some rough estimations on Shuttle Flight times from different orbital locations?"

Leaning back a bit for comfort.

"Out of transporter access by the ship or planet. How soon could we deploy a shuttle for support at 20% past Transporter Range of the planet but still within weapon range?"

Xavier gave a nod. "Indeed. I can do that." He motioned to the table. "May I use the 3-D display?"

"Of course, that will help with my understanding your interpretation of the question," Maxwell noted. "Also the higher orbit will enhance anything that might be hiding on the other side?"

"It will be of assistance for that." He walked over to the table and brought up the planet and the ship. "We are now here, this is the highest orbit and it allows us extra cushion should we need to leave. It will be harder to transport though though. Shuttle, as you said, is the way to go. At the current orbit if we drop 10% we will be in weapons range but I think it best that we stay high. If something goes wrong... well it's easier for the shuttle to get away and the ship can already have a head start away."

"With the emphasis naturally on the ship the shuttle can go low under the weapons." Maxwell had a sly grin. "The ship's escape is a priority as it can always come back for the Shuttle." He remarked. "Could we damage the power connections to the weapons, less to repair afterwards than destroying and same objective solved?"

"If the need arose I don't see why not." Xavier said. "Are you expecting trouble? It could be as simple as their coms relay not working."

"That would not explain a slight echo from their end." Maxwell said with a stoic expression. "When the test ping is sent we get 'No response, that is to say our side of transmission is going through, the remote functions check out, but until we are orbital we cannot use the remote commands to activate control panel."

Maxwell explained.

"Like a prefix code on a star ship we can remotely take control of the panel when in close range, use the cameras and such. That give a diagnostic ping when asked so in essence; the lights are on but no one seems to be home."

A sly grin.

I have some experience with com systems with my old duty billet." He ended.

"Indeed. Well I shall ensure that we're ready for everything. I have studied the shuttles and they are actually updated with some new model software that will make take off smooth. We can do a voice launch and the prechecks are automatic in level three conditions. I am looking forward to flying the new model."

"So as long as I get us a signal we have access to a shuttle." The sly grin grew.

"Indeed. I should be heading down to check the shuttle." He stood. "If there is nothing else I get that complete."

"I think you and I shall get along famously, thank you very much." Maxwell complemented.

OFF:

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Lieutenant Robin Maxwell
Chief Intel Officer
USS Ontario

&

Lieutenant Xavier
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Ontario

 

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