EARTH, STARFLEET HEADQUARTERS

Normally the sunshine would blaze through the large picture window which ran along one wall of conference room 19. But today was a rain day as designated by Weather Control and the outside looked as bleak as Captain Marcus Forrester felt. Even the light beige wall and lighting inside the room did nothing to brighten his spirits.

Trying to shake off the feelings of doom and gloom, Captain Forrester decided to begin the mission briefing to his senior staff on a positive note.

"First of all," began Captain Forrester, I want to congratulate Patricia MacLaughlin and Simon McRaney on their promotions. Now onto the reason we all assembled here. I want to introduce you to Captains, Fulton and Bowman of the Warrior and Tempest, respectively. They will be a part of our mission.

Captain Forrester sat at the end of the large rectangular table while to his left sat his first officer, Cmdr. Rebecca Sinclair. The others in attendance were: Dr. Mira Montgomery, CMO, Cmdr. Simon McRaney, Administrative Science Officer, Cmdr. Patricia (Cam) MacLaughlin, CSO, Lt. Cmdr. Maxine Taggert, CEO, Lt. Cmdr. Jesse Sanchez, Chief Security Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Antos Bek, Counselor and Captain Margaret Fulton of the USS Warrior and Captain Richard Bowman of the USS Tempest.

As you have already been informed, we will not be returning to the Endeavour, but will instead be assigned to the USS Alliance, a Universal Class ship. I can assure you this is a spectacular ship which is well suited to our mission. Rebecca?"

Commander Rebecca Sinclair got up and proceeded to the large viewscreen directly behind Forrester's chair. "These," she pointed to the space map on the screen, " are where Khynah attacks have been reported." She pointed to several areas on the map.

"Then, they are continuing to attack us?" asked Sanchez.

"Yes," replied Sinclair. "We've tried to keep these attacks as quiet as possible in order to prevent widespread panic. We do not yet know the reason behind these attacks."

"I assume Starfleet has tried to communicate with them?" asked Dr. Montgomery, shifting in her seat and trying not to call to mind the last time she faced the Khynah.

"Of course, but all to no avail. The Khynah refuse to even acknowledge our transmission," said Sinclair.

"Then they are attacking for no other purpose than to destroy?" asked Cam. It was still hard for her to believe that a species could be so apparently evil.

"That and more I'm afraid," replied Forrester. "Our reports are that not only are they killing our people, but are now taking prisoners, apparently as slaves."

A collective gasp went up from around the table. To be killed by the Khynah in battle was horrible enough, but to be held captive was to be subjected to all kinds of horrors that no one cared to imagine.

"Captain, was exactly is our mission?" asked Cam.

"Officially to contact the Khynah, communicate with them and convince them to stop this destruction and killing and to return those taken prisoner," replied Forrester.

"And unofficially?" asked Taggert.

"To do whatever is necessary to stop them and free those held captive," he finished.

"Then we're on the edge of war," stated Taggert.

"I'm afraid so, Commander," replied Forrester, "but hopefully there is still a chance we can avoid an all out war."

"How likely is that?" asked McRaney.

"Not very, I'm afraid Commander, but anything is possible," said Forrester.

Sanchez had been studying the map on the viewscreen while listening intently to all that was said. "Captain, it appears that the Khynah attacks are leading into the direction of the Romulan Empire."

"Very astute observation, Commander Sanchez. "Starfleet feels the same, but we don't know if the Khynah intend to advance into Romulan space or stop short."

"I don't see the Khynah stopping short on anything," said Simon.

"Nor do I," replied Forrester.

"Are Terrans their only targets," asked Mira.

"Mostly," replied Sinclair, "although one Klingon ship has been attacked. The planets and colonies which have been attacked have been a mixture of species though, not just Terrans."

"I imagine the Klingons aren't very happy with the Khynah either," commented Jesse.

"You are correct," said Forrester," but so far we've managed to convince them to hold back on retaliation. This has taken our best diplomats, but it appears to be working at the moment. But you know that the Klingons are not ones to idly stand by while their ships and people are attacked. They have informed Starfleet that is another of their ships is attacked, the will not hesitate to retaliate."

"But if we do go to war, we will need the Klingons on our side, won't we?" asked Jesse.

"Yes, Mr. Sanchez, but let's not speak of war just yet. Starfleet is in no hurry to jump into a war," said Forrester.

Jesse thought that Starfleet had already avoided war with the Khynah for far too long already. If it was up to him. . .

"Now onto specifics," began Forrester. " First of all, Lt. Cmdr. Vanessa Remington will not be returning to our ship as she has been assigned to Starfleet Headquarters as an expert on the Khynah situation. She will be coordinating efforts here and with all other ships. Next, Dr. Montgomery, you are to ready your medbay for casualties and also to work with Dr. Collins of the Tempest."

"Medbay? Not Sickbay?" asked Montgomery.

"Starfleet feels 'medbay' is more positive than 'sickbay'," said Forrester, smiling. "We are on the verge of war with the Khynah and Starfleet is worried about negative words." He seemed amused by it all.

"I like it," said Mira. "What about the Warrior's Medbay?" she asked.

"The Warrior doesn't have a medical staff, doctor," said Captain Fulton, "only an Emergency Medical Hologram Program. All our staff have the necessary emergency training of course."

"No medbay?" asked Mira.

"The Warrior will be working closely with our ship and will be using our med staff when needed," replied Forrester.

Mira nodded, "I see." "Dr. Montgomery, did you wish to add something?" asked Forrester.

"Oh, yes, I almost forgot," said Mira. "We have discovered a little bit about the anatomy of the Khynah which might prove useful should we ever become involved in a battle with them again. While they are similar to us physically, there is a difference in their chemical makeup. During times of stress or battle, their brain produces adrenaline the same as ours but with one difference. The adrenaline interacts with another chemical which acts as a neural inhibitor. This allows the Khynah to feel approximately 67 to 75 percent less pain than do we. Also, it takes longer for their brain to receive the neural responses to pain which means if they are injured, they may not realize it for two to five minutes."

"What I wouldn't give for some of that chemical!" remarked Jesse.

"Maybe," said Mira, "but there are drawbacks. The longer it takes for you to notice that you are injured, the worse the injury will become. This could result in bleeding to death or injuring your body so badly that it cannot be repaired. While this is not a problem for the Khynah, it would be for us," she finished.

"That explains a lot about them being so fierce in battle then," said Simon.

"Yes, and why they can keep on fighting while we would be disabled immediately," said Mira.

"Thank you Doctor. That is an important fact for us to know," said Forrester.

"Mr. Taggert, you will be working with the engineering staff of both the Tempest and Warrior. You and your crew will need to familiarize yourselves with all three ships. I know this will be a lot of work for you and your staff, but I also know that you are capable of handling this," said Forrester.

"Yes, sir, that will be no problem for either myself or my staff," replied Taggert confidently.

"Mr. McRaney, you will be in charge of the day to day operations of the Alliance's Science Department while Commander MacLaughlin's duties will be on the Bridge. You will also work with Lt. Cmdr. Hienlien of the Tempest."

"Yes, Captain," replied McRaney.

"While our mission will concern the Khynah, we will also be continuing to explore and map the galaxy as usual," said Forrester.

"Mr. Sanchez, security will be of utmost importance. I want you to coordinate your efforts with those of the Tempest and Warrior. Every security officer is to wear a phaser at all times while on duty. Whenever anyone leaves the ship, they are to be armed as well. This includes transporting between our three ships. You are to be ready for battle at all times."

"Understood, Captain."

"I think it would be a good idea to hold hand to hand combat sessions for everyone on board all ships. Use the holodecks to simulate Khynah warriors.

"My thoughts exactly, Captain," replied Jesse.

"Mr. Taggert, you will assure that each holodeck is programmed for these simulations."

"Yes, sir," replied Maxine.

"Counselor Bek, we will need your abilities on the Bridge of the Alliance. You will assist the Tempest and Warrior crews as needed."

"Understood," replied Bek.

"Also on another matter," began Forrester, "early this morning we discovered an empty life pod from the USS Lovell, which has been reported missing since yesterday."

"Oh no," gasped Mira, turning to look at Cam who only nodded sadly. This was Cam's brother, Captain Peter MacLaughlin's ship. Peter was also the husband of Mira's nursing supervisor, Kate MacLaughlin.

"Commander and Lt. MacLaughlin were notified this morning," said Forrester.

"Cam, I'm so sorry," whispered Mira.

"He's all right," replied Cam, "I have to believe that."

"And," began Sinclair, " Lt. Ren Carstairs is missing as well."

"Ren?" asked Bek, who had grown fond of the security officer.

"Yes, while on a reconnaissance mission. We have no further information at this time," replied Sinclair.

"Are there any questions?" asked Forrester.

"Sir, I noticed on the map that the three cargo ships found abandoned in the Praetor System were not listed," noted Sanchez.

""That's correct. We believe the Khynah are not responsible for those crews' disappearance. As of now, we are not sure what happened to those crews. The USS Falcon is investigating those incidents, said Forrester.

"Any other questions?" asked Forrester. When no one responded he said, "Good. We are to report to the Alliance on Stardate 49801.15. I suggest everyone take the next two weeks to familiarize yourselves with your new ships, offices and living areas as well as saying your goodbyes to your families. It may be a long time before we make it back to Earth again," he said, "Dismissed."