[Galaxy] 2158.06.24 || Joint Log || RAdm Suzanna Batenburg + Cmdr Kareem Morotai

[Kareem Morotai]

// New Darwin : Command Centre \\

Waiting patiently with Cmdr Youngblood's written report to hand, Kareem watched as the com screen changed from the Starfleet logo to an image of a Starfleet Officer. He was uncertain what to say exactly, but needed to report and then get instruction from Starfleet Command. His last report had simply said they were preparing to meet with Harrad-Sar. To now jump and say they'd raided and captured him and his outpost would have to be carefully phrased.

"Good morning, Commander," Suzanna said and smiled at the Daliwakan. 

"Commodore Stirling is in a meeting and I was told this was important."

"Hello Admiral. I have a situation update on the Orion presence in our region... much has changed." Kareem paused to acknowledge the face of Admiral Batenburg at the other end. "My first officer and Chief of Security met with Harrad-Sar, the commander of the establishment and soon discovered they were harboring Daliwakan and Denobulan slaves, amongst other species. It was a distress call, spoken in Daliwakan that led them there, Sir." he explained.

Suzanna nodded for Morotai to continue as she listened to his report.

"After gathering information from a nearby probe which Sar had been tampering with there was enough data and a decision was made to launch an immediate raid on Sar's establishment to recover the slaves. Their rescue mission was carried out swiftly, effectively and successfully. We are in the process of treating those freed and have Harrad-Sar himself in custody. Admiral, I know this incident isn't ideal in light of the recent war declaration, but consider the positives that could come from this." Kareem tried to offer some light. "We have liberated Daliwakans, Denobulans, Rigelians and others. Efforts are being made to contact the embassies and families of these men and women. This will have a knock-on effect Sir." Kareem explained.

"I'm glad to hear about the liberations, Commander... having said that, it will certainly complicate matters with the Orion Syndicate," Suzanna said, and that was something they could do without. Especially since the Romulans would hire just about anybody to hurt Earth and Starfleet.

"A decision was made and it has my blessing. It was morally right. I don't know yet how the Orions sneaked into our system undetected but swift action was required to end the suffering of the captives. If we can bring Harrad-Sar to justice, openly, then the Orion Syndicate will have no basis for disagreement!"

"If things were as simple as that, Commander, we wouldn't be at war with the Romulans at the moment. Unfortunately, not everyone shares our morality, and it is quite possible that the Orions view this as a loss of profit instead."

"I understand and apologise for this situation. But we couldn't sit aside whilst suffering ensued in our own backyard." Kareem said and decided he'd said enough. "Shall I arrange for Harrad-Sar to be brought back to Earth for trial? I believe he still needs questioning about the incident with Captain Archer?" he asked.

"I am not sure if we would be the right people to try him. Having said that, I am sure that Starfleet Intelligence would like to talk to him, about the incident with Captain Archer amongst others." Suzanna replied.

"I will let them know and they will arrange to pick him up."

"There is another issue I'd like to raise with you, Sir"

"Go ahead, Commander, you have my attention at the moment." Suzanna replied.

"New Darwin is in a very vulnerable position. We are 25 light years from Earth and with increases in galactic tension I am concerned for our safety here on the Klingon border. We have a number of supply and civilian vessels coming and going from this place, but just one military craft in the form of the ESS Valiant. Admiral, if the Romulans or Klingons decided to pay us a visit, we'd be fairly helpless against an attack." Kareem posed one of his biggest concerns.

"One of the meetings that Commodore Stirling is in at the moment relates to that sort of issue. We are looking at balancing our resources, to make sure that we can get adequate cover going. Which would include New Darwin and its supply routes." Suzanna replied.  At the same time, we do have limits. New Darwin needs to put a plan together on how it can come through this in case supplies do get cut off for instance."

"New Darwin is still young, our ground defences are minimal. But our early scans of the system show we have massive resource potential. I'm concerned we might draw attention because of that. In particular the discovery of the Thalium mineral."

"I understand, and in many ways, share your concerns, I suggest that as soon as we have analysed the current plans we do a joint meeting with you to go over the details." Suzanna responded.

Kareem nodded. He had hoped for some guarantees but had expected this cautious response. "We will see what we can do here on our own steam and I shall report back to you" he said. "I hope by then you will also have a clearer picture to tell me, Sir"

"So do I, Commander, and don't forget the Apollo and Soyuz are patrolling space lanes in the area. They will be able to assist you in emergencies, and I am sure that part of the plan is to have them be a bit closer to New Darwin. I just can't confirm the details at this point in time."

"I will arrange to speak with the CO's of Apollo and Soyuz. Is Cmdr Garrett still in command of the Apollo?" Kareem asked remembering the man who had liberated his particular group from the mines all those months ago.

"Yes, he is." Suzanna acknowledged affirmitavely.

"Excellent. And who is in charge of the Soyuz?"

Suzanna had to think for a moment before she could reply. "Commander Benjamin Heinz is."

"Understood Sir."

"Is there anything else I can do for you today, Commander?" Suzanna asked the Daliwakan.

"No, thank you for your help Admiral" Kareem said. "Morotai out"

-- 
RAdm Suzanna Batenburg
Fleet Commander
Starfleet: The First Era
"Everything fits, otherwise we will make it fit."
http://www.firstera.net

and 

Cmdr Kareem Morotai
Commanding Officer
New Darwin Colony
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