To: CAPT Varley, L. (@Lauren)
CC: CAPT Nimitz, A.; CAPT Detuggo, G.
From: CAPT Mirazuni, A.
Subj: Gorn Nursery
Captain,
We are currently returning to Deep Space 13 with the USS Hydra, in tow. The ship will need to be quarantined upon arrival as it contains a Gorn nursery. Recommendations have been appended to the AAR, attached.
Regards,
//SIGNED//
Captain Mirazuni Ayesha, M.D.
Commanding Officer, USS Endeavour
38th Fleet ‘Argo’
—
//ATTACHMENT// rebrandtclusterreconnaissance.aar
To: CAPT Varley, Lauren (@Lauren)
CC: LT S’Slaask (@kermit)
From: LCDR Khet, Mossic
Subj: Coordination on U.S.S. Hydra situation
Captain, I hope this message finds you well, given the circumstances. After being briefed on the situation with the U.S.S. Hydra, Ambassador Perim has asked me to coordinate the Starfleet response while we work with the Gorn Hegemony to arrange for collection of their young. Obviously this is a delicate situation in several respects, so if there is anything I can do to assist you and DS13, I’m at your service.
I understand that quarantine measures are underway for the Hydra already, but I believe we can defuse some of the potential blowback from this incident by authorizing a boarding action to recover the remains of the crew. Many cultures have strong views on the desecration of the dead and while it isn’t possible to undo the damage already done, we can prevent further misuse.
If you have no objection, I’d like to request the use of the U.S.S. Atlantis for this operation, where we’ll attempt to lure the creatures away from certain sections of the vessel, initiate site-to-site transport of crew remains to secure storage (also under quarantine), and replace them with an acceptable replicated nutrient substitute. By going sector by sector, we should be able to avoid confict with the immature Gorn.
To that end, I’d also like to request consultation from LT S’Slaask, a Gorn Starfleet officer assigned to DS13. Not only will he be an invaluable informational resource for this operation, he might be able to influence the behavior of the immature Gorn directly as an “authority figure”. Of course, I’ll be seeking his input on the best way to direct the young from sector to sector while we work.
//SIGNED//
Lt. Cmdr. Mossic Khet
Diplomatic Corps Attaché
Federation Consulate, DS13
To: LCDR Mossic, K.
CC: LT S’Slaask
From: CAPT Varley, L.
Subj: Re: Coordiation on U.S.S. Hydra situation
Commander, while I am pleased that the Diplomatic Corps are taking swift action in this situation, your plan leaves me with some reservations.
The Hydra is quarantined and moored, at present its situation does not pose a risk to any more lives. Sending a boarding party, however well prepared, undermines this current stasis. I appreciate that the sanctity of the dead merits consideration, but the risk to the living is, in my opinion, a far greater consideration.
However, I will confess that I don’t particularily grasp the risks involved in this highly irregular situation, the circumstances of which fall outside of my own experience. I also recognize the limited amount of time within which your objectives remain feasible. I will invite Lt. S’Slaask to confer with you and, barring his outright rejection of your plan, authorize you to proceed with a team of volunteers.
//SIGNED//
Captain Lauren Varley,
Commanding Officer,
Deep Space 13
To: CAPT Varley; LCDR Khet;
From: LT S’Slaask
Subj: Re: Coordiation on U.S.S. Hydra situation
Captain. Commander.
The hatchlings will cooperate. There will be no conflict.
They will be permitted to consume only nutritionally appropriate meals and snacks.
Fear not. Your away teams are neither.
//SIGNED//
Lieutenant S’Slaask
Physician, Deep Space 13
To: CAPT Varley, Lauren (@Lauren)
CC: LT S’Slaask (@kermit)
From: LCDR Khet, Mossic
Subj: Re: Coordination on U.S.S. Hydra situation
Captain, the operation was a success thanks to Dr. S’Slaask’s advice and participation. In the end, it appears that the remains we are recovering mostly do not belong to the Hydra’s crew, an outcome I didn’t expect. Providing closure to these victims’ families may not even be possible. I don’t regret making this effort, but I thought I should inform you in case an “I told you so” was warranted. Thank you for granting this request despite your misgivings.
//SIGNED//
Lt. Cmdr. Mossic Khet
Diplomatic Corps Attaché
Federation Consulate, DS13