03-28-2026, 12:00 AM
It was D'Tor'an who asked the first question, the one that everyone likely had on their mind but was unsure how to ask. Given the situation, there were probably some who thought the response fairly obvious, but given the tense nature of diplomatic relations between the Federation and the Cardassian Union, Jenny was glad that people were asking rather than assuming. The question sparked something of a discussion, and led Jenny to wonder just why Kal-Geal had decided to attend - he was neither senior staff nor invited, but then again he'd been educated in the Klingon Academy where telling him to leave would be tantamount to a challenge...and Jenny didn't want blood spilled in the Briefing Room. It was a nightmare to get out of the carpet.
"By blockading the system, the Cardassian Union has committed an act of war against the Federation. Though no formal declaration of war has been issued by either side, we must assume that at the very least we are in a de facto war situation. For now, we are at ROE Yellow - we are authorised to use force if attacked or are witness to any hostile act committed by Cardassian vessels or troops."
Jenny glanced at the officers who knew her best, namely T'Lari and Kal-Geal who had served with her through her myriad 'disagreements' with Starfleet Command, and continued.
"This ship will not fire first, even if provoked. We will not be the reason this sparks into another Border War."
Not that the politicos will believe a word of it...
"As for getting through to Starbase 214 to deliver supplies or coordinate an evacuation, we have an Ace up our sleeves in the form of the Slipstream Drive. At Slipstream velocity, we can simply blow past the Cardassian blockade. Problem is, we'll be stuck for at least twenty-four hours while it cools down and undergoes maintenance, and that's already playing fast and loose with the safety margins. We can also assume that any attempt to break the blockade will be considered a hostile act and trigger the very incident we're hoping to avoid."
Returning to an upright sitting position, Jenny drummed her fingers on the table once.
"On a happier note, I also got confirmation from the Personnel Office. Riley, Flint, your promotions came through. Whatever shitshow we find ourselves walking into, it'll be as Ensign Wright and Chief Petty Officer Chertstone. I wish I could give you that news under happier circumstances, maybe with some champagne, but we live in 'interesting times'. We'll save the party for whenever this is over; for now, if there are no more questions, you're all dismissed."
"By blockading the system, the Cardassian Union has committed an act of war against the Federation. Though no formal declaration of war has been issued by either side, we must assume that at the very least we are in a de facto war situation. For now, we are at ROE Yellow - we are authorised to use force if attacked or are witness to any hostile act committed by Cardassian vessels or troops."
Jenny glanced at the officers who knew her best, namely T'Lari and Kal-Geal who had served with her through her myriad 'disagreements' with Starfleet Command, and continued.
"This ship will not fire first, even if provoked. We will not be the reason this sparks into another Border War."
Not that the politicos will believe a word of it...
"As for getting through to Starbase 214 to deliver supplies or coordinate an evacuation, we have an Ace up our sleeves in the form of the Slipstream Drive. At Slipstream velocity, we can simply blow past the Cardassian blockade. Problem is, we'll be stuck for at least twenty-four hours while it cools down and undergoes maintenance, and that's already playing fast and loose with the safety margins. We can also assume that any attempt to break the blockade will be considered a hostile act and trigger the very incident we're hoping to avoid."
Returning to an upright sitting position, Jenny drummed her fingers on the table once.
"On a happier note, I also got confirmation from the Personnel Office. Riley, Flint, your promotions came through. Whatever shitshow we find ourselves walking into, it'll be as Ensign Wright and Chief Petty Officer Chertstone. I wish I could give you that news under happier circumstances, maybe with some champagne, but we live in 'interesting times'. We'll save the party for whenever this is over; for now, if there are no more questions, you're all dismissed."