== /\ USS Chimera, Observation Lounge /\ === Jack sat unimpressed through the briefing, looked to him asif it was going to be another mission rife with chatting and patting of eachothers backs. Not exactly the kind of mission he felt that a Special Forces detachment should be devoting any of their valuable time and effort into. The ODA Unit on this ship was severely in need of some real live action. There's only so much you can do for your reflexes during holographic training sessions. This next mission seemed pointless to him, he wondered why Starfleet didn't just obliterate these people from orbit under the pretence of friendship. That was probably the reason why Jack wasn't the Commander In Chief of the Federation, as he'd prolly be fighting a war on many fronts. Regardless Jack was a soldier, he would go where they told him and kill whoever they needed him to be, that was pretty much a soldiers life, and that was pretty much his. The Captain turned to him. "But aside from diplomacy, we have to count on troubles with the Romulans and I don't want to be caught with our pants down, so I ask you Captain Walsh to keep your ODA guys on alert while in the Kzenti System." Jack nodded in return, pretty standard stuff, he didn't need to be told it, it did however highlight the fact that the Acting Commanding Officer didn't really have anything for the ODA to do, what with this mission being diplomatic in nature. After more chat and a promotion Jack departed the Observation Lounge and retired back towards the ODA Offices. He was yet again back at his desk and working through manageable amounts of bitesized paperwork, it seems that the new paper pusher in the department had been making himself busy. He'd also made a report on the repaired equipment and put forward some training opportunities. Also there was another matter which was waiting on his desk which Petty Officer Williams had marked important. It fitted in nicely with the departmental meeting that he'd organized for, right about...now. He smirked as Cadet McKnight popped his head in the door. "Everyone's assembled and awaiting you Captain" his assistant Commander informed him. Jack stood from behind his desk and exited his office to see all members of the three teams were waiting for him, stood fast to attention. Jack made his way to the front and leant on the back of an adjacent console. "At Ease." He spoke clearly after a lingering pause. "Right you lot." He folded his arms. "I've spent the morning up top with the rest of the Senior Staff getting the 411 on our next mission. Sorry Ladies and Gentlemen but it's looking pretty much like a babysitting mission at the moment. We've be assigned to diplomatic duties. God Knows why, but what that basically means for us is that the Captain and Counsellor are going to be involved in negotiations and we're going to be watching their backs." There was no response, it wasn't their place to talk yet. "There is however potential action for us. These new guys, the..." he lingered, forgetting their names...he turned towards Williams, clicking his fingers. "... the Kzenti" replied the Third in Command of the ODA. "Yeah the Kzenti, whatever they're called I want you all to read up on who they are and their abilities, if we have to engage them we're not going to fight them arm for arm, because frankly the bastards have cheated and they've got implants. Its going to be strategic warfare. Also we think the Romulans are going to try their hand, but we know how to deal with those green bloods" Jack smirked. "Phaser right where they don't expect it, and don't show them your backs, they're likely to shoot you in it." Small chuckles filled the room. "So what does that mean for us now? Well our new addition Petty Officer Williams has been kind enough to bring some suggestions to my attention. He's going to be involved in some one on one training with each of you, as arduous a task as that is its a good idea and I want it done. With regards to ships operations, sentry duty is to be doubled and stepped up. We're in potential enemy space here, just because the Command staff have delusions of a peaceful resolution to this I'm not going to leave my neck on the chopping block without having my ass covered." "Aye Sir!" came the unison reply. "Private Mondana, I want you to work with Williams on training, the two of you should be able to handle that. Specialist Lynch, I want you to work with yourself" he smiled. "Study up on what little we know about this new race and the romulans, familiarise yourself with their technology and their capabilities. I don't want you second guessing yourself in the field." "Yes Captain." "As for you McKnight. You'll be formulating some battle plans for my approval. Also I want you to work with Captain Acheson on the Bridge and go over ODA response in regards to the Chimera being boarded. I'm thinking worse case scenario here kids." Jack stood up slightly. "One More thing before you go Cadet." "Captain?" he looked towards his Department head. "It's come to my attention that your performance has been exemplary since you started this tour of duty. After talking with the Academy and under orders from the Executive Officer I hereby promote you to the rank of Ensign." he smiled pulling a Solid gold pip from his pocket and placed it on the Cadets collar before saluting him. "Now, Get to work people! And, get in uniform Cadet" he marched back to his office. === Marine Captain Jack Walsh ODA Commander USS Chimera