Post by Nola on Aug 29, 2019 6:50:10 GMT
"What is your name, Private?" Delvok asked of his excort - a young male human.
"Stahl, sir," he replied. "James Stahl."
"A pleasure to meet you, James," offered the Vulcan. "I am Delvok."
The Private nodded with an awkward smile.
"'Will of memory,' right? Short for 'dvelan vokaya?'" he inquired. Delvok did the brow thing.
"I minored in Vulcan studies at the Academy," the human explained.
"That seems uncommon," Delvok observed.
"It can be, but I think Vulcan culture is really interesting. I particularly enjoy the evolution of Vulcan art in the course of the disapora."
Delvok stared at Stahl for a long a moment, having been wholly unprepared for such a conversation. Fortunately, the lift came to a stop just in time, the doors swishing open.
"Right this way, sir," led the Private.
"Hopefully we can continue this discussion later," Delvok remarked, drawing a brief smile from the Private.
They walked through a short series of corridors and through a secure checkpoint leading into the station's armory. A pair of Starfleet Brass and an Andorian Marine officer stood around a table arrayed with a variety of equipment, including newly-appointed Marine Corps head Horace Andross.
"Mr. Delvok," greeted General Andross, offering a hand. Delvok shook it with a practiced firmness, his expression polite, but neutral.
"General Andross. On behalf of the Federation News Network, I thank you for granting this briefing on the tools and tactics of the Starfleet Marine Corps," he offered.
"Oh, it's our pleasure," replied Andross. "Starfleet values an informed populace, and we're more than happy to assist in that endeavor."
Delvok had wondered why Ms. Jemke had picked him for this assignment as opposed to taking it herself. As he imagined how she would react to such a bold-faced lie, he no longer wondered.
"You're dismissed, Private Stahl," said Andross. The young man saluted and turned with practiced precision before striding out of the armory.
"Do you have any questions before we begin?" asked Admiral V'nem, the other brass in attendance.
"Nothing that can't wait until after, Admiral," replied Delvok. Andross and V'nem shared a brief glance.
"This is Major Zhybin ch'Kannahr of SFMC Logistics," explained Andross. "He'll be walking you through a standard Marine squad loadout and will answer any technical questions you might have about the equipment. After that, we'll go over general liberation tactics and ethical standards."
Delvok simply nodded, at which point Major ch'Kannahr stepped forward. The Andorian and Vulcan shared a momentary stare, the rivalry between their peoples apparently alive and well, Delvok noted.
"As you might guess, a Marine's loadout differs significantly from Starfleet standard tactical personnel," explained the Andorian. "However, the primary armament remains the same: the Three-Cee compression rifle, one of the most reliable and effective directed energy weapons in the known galaxy. The majority of Marines will carry this as their primary weapon."
An example of the weapon was laid center-stage on the table, and it was hard for Delvok to shake the sense he was being sold something.
"The standard sidearm is an ergonomically modified Type II phaser with compression option for harder targets," ch'Kannahr continued, indicated a sleek-looking device reminiscent of pistol-type phasers of old - an Era Ms. Jemke liked to refer to as the 'cowboy' days of Starfleet.
"Explosive armaments include standard photonic and stun grenades. Squads may also carry spatial charges depending on the task at hand, or the shoulder-mounted Havok micro-launcher for anti-vehicle purposes. Finally, each rifle squad will include at least one of the newly-commissioned Type V Squad Automatic Weapon, or SAW for short."
The SAW was an intimidating thing, a heavy rifle with what looked to be a bipod and under-mounted battery. A variety of interchangeable sights and stocks were arrayed next to it.
"The SAW has three firing modes. Mode 1 is a conical stun beam, effective to a range of 30 meters, designed to incapacitate groups of individuals at once. Modes 2 and 3 are designed for rapid-fire suppression and incapacitation. In these modes, the SAW is capable of firing upwards of 600 rounds per minute, though in realistic use that number will be closer to 50 or 60. Mode 2 is purely automatic fire, while Mode 3 fires in five-round bursts for improved stopping power and accuracy-on-target."
"Impressive," Delvok offered in typically dry fashion. "I understand this is modeled after an old Earth projectile weapon."
"That's right," affirmed ch'Kannahr, just a hint of surprise in his tone. "The original SAW performed admirably in its intended role as sustained area suppression."
"'Suppression,'" echoed Delvok. "Not termination?"
Ch'Kannahr and Andross shared a knowing glance.
"Correct," replied the Andorian. "We'll cover this in the tactical briefing, but the purpose of the SAW is to pin down an enemy position and allow friendly units to maneuver. While capable of inflicting heavy casualties, that would require large numbers charging the SAW's position, which is not a common tactic for Section 31 to employ."
Delvok regarded the weapon, a dozen different articles about Earth's 'First World War' flitting through his thoughts as he nodded for ch'Kannahr to continue.
"Finally, the Mark II Starfleet Marine combat armor system, or CAS," ch'Kannahr continued. The armored plates took up an entire half of the table, complete with vizored helmet and placeholder unit insignia. A gold-plated Starfleet emblem sat embedded in the chest and along the shoulder plates.
"This is a heavily modified version of the fullerene combat armor currently in use in Starfleet vessels and installations. Each reinforced plate has its own shield emitter, providing redundancy for added protection from directed energy weapons and explosives. The armor itself is made of an ablative material. Each piece can take two to three direct shots from a Three-Cee before being compromised.
"The chest plate and helmet contain the Starfleet Tactical Identification and Classification System, or STICS, which feeds real-time, AI-assisted information to the helmet's HUD. Sensors in the helmet scan individuals within the user's field of view, and, via uplink to a ship's LCARS database, will assess available identification parameters to determine whether the target is friend or foe, and outline said target in a color suited to the user's vision."
"What, specifically, does this system use to make that determination?" Delvok asked immediately.
"The STICS AI will analyze Starfleet and SFI databases based on both visual and genetic scans," ch'Kannahr explained just as immediately. Clearly they'd expected that exact question.
"If the target is a known Section 31 operative, they will be outlined in a color or pattern denoting as much. If the target is a known civilian who is unarmed, they will be outlined in another color or pattern. If their status is unknown, but they're carrying a weapon, they will again be marked differently, and standard Rules of Engagement state that such targets are to be subdued in nonlethal fashion."
Delvok nodded slowly, taking in the details of the armor for a moment.
"How quickly does the system make this determination?" he asked.
"Scanning and identification should take no longer than five seconds, assuming a secure connection to a starships or forward operating base," chimed Andross.
"And if there isn't a secure connection?" pressed Delvok.
"Rules of Engagement authorize reciprocal equivalent use of force," said ch'Kannahr. "In accordance with interstellar regulations regarding warfare."
"'Reciprocal equivalent use of force,' meaning we do to them what they do to us," inferred Delvok.
"Within the bounds of those same regulations," interjected Andross. "If Section 31 decides to use chemical weapons against us, we'll not be doing the same to them. However, if they fire at Marines while STICS is down, those Marines will use their judgment, and are authorized to return fire."
Another slow nod from Delvok, his eyes scanning the various implements displayed so proudly on the table.
"This is an impressive array, gentlemen," he offered. "A terrifying, impressive array."
"'War is the remedy our enemies have chosen,'" recited Andross, which drew a raised brow from the Vulcan.
"You've been reading Sherman," he reasoned.
"Civil wars are the least civil," the general replied with a hard stare. "I understand your concern, Mr. Delvok. Truly. I understand your agency's trepidation with the actions of Starfleet Tactical, and those of the wider public. I dearly wish the items on this table weren't here, that we had no need of them, but we've given Section 31 every opportunity to surrender. The Diplomatic Corps tries every day to secure peace, but until such time as Ronan Karn relinquishes these worlds, the task falls to us to see them free."
Delvok searched the General's expression for a long moment before turning his gaze back to the table, to the confluence of the history and future of violence. He tried to fathom the scale of the suffering to come as Starfleet attempted to forcibly 'liberate' 60 worlds.
"'War is hell,'" was all he offered.
"Stahl, sir," he replied. "James Stahl."
"A pleasure to meet you, James," offered the Vulcan. "I am Delvok."
The Private nodded with an awkward smile.
"'Will of memory,' right? Short for 'dvelan vokaya?'" he inquired. Delvok did the brow thing.
"I minored in Vulcan studies at the Academy," the human explained.
"That seems uncommon," Delvok observed.
"It can be, but I think Vulcan culture is really interesting. I particularly enjoy the evolution of Vulcan art in the course of the disapora."
Delvok stared at Stahl for a long a moment, having been wholly unprepared for such a conversation. Fortunately, the lift came to a stop just in time, the doors swishing open.
"Right this way, sir," led the Private.
"Hopefully we can continue this discussion later," Delvok remarked, drawing a brief smile from the Private.
They walked through a short series of corridors and through a secure checkpoint leading into the station's armory. A pair of Starfleet Brass and an Andorian Marine officer stood around a table arrayed with a variety of equipment, including newly-appointed Marine Corps head Horace Andross.
"Mr. Delvok," greeted General Andross, offering a hand. Delvok shook it with a practiced firmness, his expression polite, but neutral.
"General Andross. On behalf of the Federation News Network, I thank you for granting this briefing on the tools and tactics of the Starfleet Marine Corps," he offered.
"Oh, it's our pleasure," replied Andross. "Starfleet values an informed populace, and we're more than happy to assist in that endeavor."
Delvok had wondered why Ms. Jemke had picked him for this assignment as opposed to taking it herself. As he imagined how she would react to such a bold-faced lie, he no longer wondered.
"You're dismissed, Private Stahl," said Andross. The young man saluted and turned with practiced precision before striding out of the armory.
"Do you have any questions before we begin?" asked Admiral V'nem, the other brass in attendance.
"Nothing that can't wait until after, Admiral," replied Delvok. Andross and V'nem shared a brief glance.
"This is Major Zhybin ch'Kannahr of SFMC Logistics," explained Andross. "He'll be walking you through a standard Marine squad loadout and will answer any technical questions you might have about the equipment. After that, we'll go over general liberation tactics and ethical standards."
Delvok simply nodded, at which point Major ch'Kannahr stepped forward. The Andorian and Vulcan shared a momentary stare, the rivalry between their peoples apparently alive and well, Delvok noted.
"As you might guess, a Marine's loadout differs significantly from Starfleet standard tactical personnel," explained the Andorian. "However, the primary armament remains the same: the Three-Cee compression rifle, one of the most reliable and effective directed energy weapons in the known galaxy. The majority of Marines will carry this as their primary weapon."
An example of the weapon was laid center-stage on the table, and it was hard for Delvok to shake the sense he was being sold something.
"The standard sidearm is an ergonomically modified Type II phaser with compression option for harder targets," ch'Kannahr continued, indicated a sleek-looking device reminiscent of pistol-type phasers of old - an Era Ms. Jemke liked to refer to as the 'cowboy' days of Starfleet.
"Explosive armaments include standard photonic and stun grenades. Squads may also carry spatial charges depending on the task at hand, or the shoulder-mounted Havok micro-launcher for anti-vehicle purposes. Finally, each rifle squad will include at least one of the newly-commissioned Type V Squad Automatic Weapon, or SAW for short."
The SAW was an intimidating thing, a heavy rifle with what looked to be a bipod and under-mounted battery. A variety of interchangeable sights and stocks were arrayed next to it.
"The SAW has three firing modes. Mode 1 is a conical stun beam, effective to a range of 30 meters, designed to incapacitate groups of individuals at once. Modes 2 and 3 are designed for rapid-fire suppression and incapacitation. In these modes, the SAW is capable of firing upwards of 600 rounds per minute, though in realistic use that number will be closer to 50 or 60. Mode 2 is purely automatic fire, while Mode 3 fires in five-round bursts for improved stopping power and accuracy-on-target."
"Impressive," Delvok offered in typically dry fashion. "I understand this is modeled after an old Earth projectile weapon."
"That's right," affirmed ch'Kannahr, just a hint of surprise in his tone. "The original SAW performed admirably in its intended role as sustained area suppression."
"'Suppression,'" echoed Delvok. "Not termination?"
Ch'Kannahr and Andross shared a knowing glance.
"Correct," replied the Andorian. "We'll cover this in the tactical briefing, but the purpose of the SAW is to pin down an enemy position and allow friendly units to maneuver. While capable of inflicting heavy casualties, that would require large numbers charging the SAW's position, which is not a common tactic for Section 31 to employ."
Delvok regarded the weapon, a dozen different articles about Earth's 'First World War' flitting through his thoughts as he nodded for ch'Kannahr to continue.
"Finally, the Mark II Starfleet Marine combat armor system, or CAS," ch'Kannahr continued. The armored plates took up an entire half of the table, complete with vizored helmet and placeholder unit insignia. A gold-plated Starfleet emblem sat embedded in the chest and along the shoulder plates.
"This is a heavily modified version of the fullerene combat armor currently in use in Starfleet vessels and installations. Each reinforced plate has its own shield emitter, providing redundancy for added protection from directed energy weapons and explosives. The armor itself is made of an ablative material. Each piece can take two to three direct shots from a Three-Cee before being compromised.
"The chest plate and helmet contain the Starfleet Tactical Identification and Classification System, or STICS, which feeds real-time, AI-assisted information to the helmet's HUD. Sensors in the helmet scan individuals within the user's field of view, and, via uplink to a ship's LCARS database, will assess available identification parameters to determine whether the target is friend or foe, and outline said target in a color suited to the user's vision."
"What, specifically, does this system use to make that determination?" Delvok asked immediately.
"The STICS AI will analyze Starfleet and SFI databases based on both visual and genetic scans," ch'Kannahr explained just as immediately. Clearly they'd expected that exact question.
"If the target is a known Section 31 operative, they will be outlined in a color or pattern denoting as much. If the target is a known civilian who is unarmed, they will be outlined in another color or pattern. If their status is unknown, but they're carrying a weapon, they will again be marked differently, and standard Rules of Engagement state that such targets are to be subdued in nonlethal fashion."
Delvok nodded slowly, taking in the details of the armor for a moment.
"How quickly does the system make this determination?" he asked.
"Scanning and identification should take no longer than five seconds, assuming a secure connection to a starships or forward operating base," chimed Andross.
"And if there isn't a secure connection?" pressed Delvok.
"Rules of Engagement authorize reciprocal equivalent use of force," said ch'Kannahr. "In accordance with interstellar regulations regarding warfare."
"'Reciprocal equivalent use of force,' meaning we do to them what they do to us," inferred Delvok.
"Within the bounds of those same regulations," interjected Andross. "If Section 31 decides to use chemical weapons against us, we'll not be doing the same to them. However, if they fire at Marines while STICS is down, those Marines will use their judgment, and are authorized to return fire."
Another slow nod from Delvok, his eyes scanning the various implements displayed so proudly on the table.
"This is an impressive array, gentlemen," he offered. "A terrifying, impressive array."
"'War is the remedy our enemies have chosen,'" recited Andross, which drew a raised brow from the Vulcan.
"You've been reading Sherman," he reasoned.
"Civil wars are the least civil," the general replied with a hard stare. "I understand your concern, Mr. Delvok. Truly. I understand your agency's trepidation with the actions of Starfleet Tactical, and those of the wider public. I dearly wish the items on this table weren't here, that we had no need of them, but we've given Section 31 every opportunity to surrender. The Diplomatic Corps tries every day to secure peace, but until such time as Ronan Karn relinquishes these worlds, the task falls to us to see them free."
Delvok searched the General's expression for a long moment before turning his gaze back to the table, to the confluence of the history and future of violence. He tried to fathom the scale of the suffering to come as Starfleet attempted to forcibly 'liberate' 60 worlds.
"'War is hell,'" was all he offered.