Unification Accords All-Staff Briefing, Part 2

Posted on Tue Aug 12th, 2025 @ 12:15pm by Captain Remy Johansen & Sub-Lieutenant Osirin Acainus & Lieutenant Commander Nash Winters & Lieutenant Commander Eirly Andersen & Major Clay McEntyre III & Lieutenant Daynah Ral & Lieutenant Chrysanthe Capulet & Lieutenant Alexandra Blackstone & Lieutenant Ryan Keel & Lieutenant JG Jean-Baptiste Dorsainvil & Lieutenant JG Thivi

1,776 words; about a 9 minute read

Mission: Peril at the Unification Accords
Location: Conference Room - Deck 1 - USS Astrea
Timeline: MD 06, 1400 Hours, After Part 1

Jean-Baptiste sat with his arms loosely crossed at the far end of the table, listening as the tactical details unfolded, though part of his mind was drifting. He'd walked this conference beat before--just two weeks ago, in an impromptu assignment with Irene Seya. They had mapped-out contingencies for this very summit, surveyed and plotted each possible scenario to the minutest detail.

Now he sat on the other side of it, not running point but nodding along. And it was oddly comforting. His eyes were fixed on the display as Clay and Xalanth volleyed strategies. The work hadn't changed. But the context had.

The Marine in Keel appreciated the talk of tactics and dispositions, but in his new career he did find it oddly disturbing they were ready to utilise such force. It is a touchy subject, he thought to himself, before clearing his throat. 'I know the security of the summit is important,' he drawled in his Rigellian accent, 'but key to safeguarding it would be understanding the various factions involved in these talks - and those hovering at the margins wishing it both good and ill?'

The Captain nodded along with Lieutenant Keel as he spoke. "Yes, Lieutenant Keel makes an excellent point. We've been pulled away from our main assignment these last several months, so many of our departments have been a bit removed from the political unrest in the region, but being here for this conference is a pivot back toward our primary mission - why we're here and a good opportunity to get ourselves up to speed on various factions that are gaining ground and groups that we need to be on the lookout for," she added.

"In addition to the security concerns, for those who wish to attend the conference, particularly during the social hours at lunch and in the evening, we have been asked - in the traditional Starfleet way, to spread positive energy among the conference attendees," Remy added. "Romulans and Vulcans will be intermingling, so there could be tensions. We are to deescalate, help everyone find common ground."

"But in the case that things don't de-escalate... well, I've instructed my nurses to be ready for anything." Thivi sighed. "We will be setting up a medical post on-site. Preparations are already underway."

"That's great," Remy responded. "The more visible medical is, the more goodwill we potentially foster among some of the Romulan colonies. I'll make sure to have Commander Andersen keep you staffed with someone from clerical to keep track of any comments you may take in from people in passing. it wouldn't surprise me if your facility becomes a bit of a complaint box for what Starfleet is or isn't doing out here."

Eirly nodded her confirmation but didn't say anything. She agreed it was necessary to have the right security and protocols in place for the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved and was willing to get involved in any way possible.

“That does generally become the case, as illogical as it is in most cases.” Alex looked to between Thivi and Remy as she spoke, pausing for just a brief moment before continuing. “It is part of why I have volunteered to work with medical onsite. My Vulcan heritage will hopefully help to allay concerns from all involved parties that may need medical attention, including the Romulans.” She kept her words measured and her face schooled so that her distaste for Romulans as a whole didn’t show in the slightest.

Osirin spoke up for the first time since coming to the meeting. "I think I might be able to help with keeping things from escalating. Or at least directing our people where they need to be. The Expanse has been kicking my ass," he paused his grin, turning sharper, "Metaphorically speaking, of course. Anyway, I can handle it. While it makes me a little uncomfortable, it works to our advantage. My mental shielding is down, which means I'm more sensitive to emotions It won't be a perfect system by any means, but I should be able to sense when emotions start running high."

The Captain nodded to both Dr. Blackstone and to Sub-Commander Acainus. "Thank you for saying something Sub-Commander. Since we have a few days before the conference begins, why don't you use this time to take some time for yourself. Shore leave if you like, but do check in with one of the doctors before you go," Remy ordered. "I'm told it can take some time for the effects to fully wear off, but we need to make sure that everyone is steadily improving."

Osirin nodded his head in agreement. "I think that's a good idea. Before I can help others, I need to be in control of my emotions. I think there is a Terran concept, 'Physician heal yourself?'"

"I'll make sure you all get adequate rest," came Jezra's voice through the screen. While her glance still occasionally went beyond the computer, most of her attention was on her screen. The Trill's body language gave no sign of a problem, merely observing for changes in behaviour beyond the glass wall of their office. "Some of the medical staff pulled long hours to ensure our guests pulled through. I've been working on a rotation for our presence at the conference that gives folks some time to relax and recuperate. I reckon we really only need a couple of people on duty at the conference and a couple to keep sickbay running."

“I have some light sedatives prepared for those still suffering effects from the Expanse. They won’t do much more than lower anxiety and perhaps provide a little more focus for a few hours after they are on board; they will however make it a little easier to rest between shifts.” Alex eyed Osirin then looked around the room. “I’ll keep an eye and check in with the crew throughout everyone’s shifts as well.”

“I’ll pass that along to my team, Doc. Sure they’d appreciate it. They’ve been working double overtime in my absence,” Nash interjected. “I have to admit I’ve been feeling a little fatigued myself. Rest assured, your Chief Engineer will be fine. But I’m glad to be home,”

"I know you will, but schedule some rest for yourself as well," Remy reminded him. "All department heads, that's an order. "You too, Marine," Remy took a a hard looked at Major McEntrye. "I know your department will be busy, but I want everyone to get a little leave. The Expanse was hard on the crew. We'll have enough time to do some rotations."

“I’ll write up rotations for my enlisted and Non-Coms. I’ll be remaining aboard to work out plans and deployments for the conference.” Clay nodded, still scrawling on his PADD, still dutifully in his duties.

The Captain looked around the table at the assembled officers, department heads and assistant chiefs. Along with her executive officers they made up the leaders on the ship, not just as commanding officers, but as people that the crew looked up to in other ways. Many of them she had been able to select herself, or had come her way by design - meant to help her from the people at Starfleet Command who had been able to orchestrate Remy's rise to commanding officer of the Astrea. All were trusted, their trust earned in various ways.

"I want the Department Heads and Assistant Chiefs to work out a reasonable plant for your crew to take some shore leave while we're here, but still keep your department up and running. As usual, submit your rotas to Commanders Spello and Andersen. I plan to be working my usual shift while checking in on the conference when I can," Remy stated. "If you have officers in the command track, this may be a good time for them to get some Bridge time in. Submit those names to me and Commander Spello, and we'll work in who we can."

"Any final questions or concerns?" She asked.

Jean-Baptiste remained quiet. He wasn't the type to talk just to fill a silence, and this wasn't a moment that asked for his voice anyway. The Captain had said what needed saying. So had the others. What struck him now was something quieter, more structural--the way a plan he'd once seen only in theoretical fragments, written in briefing packets and flowcharts, was no being pulled apart and passed down to real people, with names and quirks and tired eyes.

He leaned back slightly in his chair and folded his arms. His gaze drifted down the table, not searching for anything in particular. Just taking note. They were moving something. And for once, he wasn't predicting it from afar. He was inside the system and in the thick of the weather.

Chrys had taken all notes and shook her head. Her team would support where needed.

Shaking his head, Keel tidied the space in front of him in preparation for his leaving. He had all the instructions he needed. Happy that his team had been putting in the work needed, Keel was more than comfortable that his team would contribute to a successful summit.

"I already have a plan in place, Captain. My nurses are already on rotating shifts, one and a half days in and three days out. Rest assured there'll always be some of us left to keep sickbay running." Thivi smiled. "Elsewise, I have no further questions."

"That's great," Remy nodded in approval. "I'm glad we have the medical staff to permit that. You all deserve it."

Daynah sat and listened intently. She took notes on all that was said. The idea of shore leave appealed to her, and she knew that the rest of the crew would love it. "I will be doing something similar with the Operations department. As much as shore leave is grand. This would be a great time to get some upgrades done to the ship's computer. As well as run needed diagnostics on lesser used systems."

"I've heard you have some eager crew under you, shouldn't be too difficult too find volunteers for that." The Captain nodded at her Operations Chief approvingly. She was one of the new newer department heads, Remy hoped to make a point to get to know her better soon.

"If that's all, then we're adjourned. "I more than trust you all. Thank you for your hard work these last few months, and pass that along to your crew." The Captain stood up to let everyone know they were good to leave.

RSS Feed