Do Not Underestimate

Posted on Sun Aug 24th, 2025 @ 1:41am by Warrant Officer Emily Douglasdale & Commander Thomas Carey

830 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Trillius Prime
Location: Armory

Emily Douglasdale made her way down the corridor on her way to the Armory. Since the senior staff meeting, she had been putting together some ideas based on the movements of the L'Dira pirate ships movements. For the most part, she was able to determine their ship was inferior to the Meridian when it came to speed, firepower. Now she wasn't too certain about maneuverability. But the enemies ship was smaller and likely had them beat in that department. They were less advanced, but who knew what they were capable of doing. One reason why she was meeting with the First Officer to get his tactical input.

Entering the armory, she bypassed a few of the staff where she found Thomas Carey. "Commander, can I have moment of your time."

"Of Course, what can I do for you." Thomas replied as he closed the cabinet housing the rifles. They were stocked, and primed, ready to go.

The Warrant officer watched as Carey secured the rifles. "Just wanted to go over and put together some possible attack patterns based on what we know of these pirate ships so far."

"Absolutely. Lets see what we can hammer out shall we."

Handing a PADD over to the Commander, she took a seat across from him. "From recent reports, I believe that haven't achieved more than warp three. Perhaps even warp four. So, them running from us, isn't an option for them."

"How fast they can run isn't what I am concerned about. Its teeth they bite with that concerns me. Reports vary, some say they more advanced, others say they match. Some say they are almost a century behind us. But, its means nothing, they can still do damage with old weapons, if they outnumber us." Thomas replied as he looked over the padd. "Lets say they match us, in weapons, lets go with that, and prepare ourselves for an even fight." He looked over the padd, images of the ships usually used by the pirates. "The one thing the Meridian hasn't got going for her, is maneuverability. Pirate ships are fast, and maneuverable. That is what we have to watch out for."

"You bring up a lot of good points," Douglasdale admitted. "Which is exactly why I came to you. Do you really believe there are more pirate ships out here?"

"The problem is if we didn't expect there to be. If we are told theres two pirate ships, expect that tenfold. Prepare to be outnumbered, that way nothing surprises you in terms of numbers."

Emily thought carefully about everything Thomas had brought up. The Commander brought several excellent points. This was definitely a learning experience. "What do you suggest?"

"Without a proper Intel, we expect the unexpected, and talk with the Captain see if we can twist the arms of our hosts to giving us more info. It seems they know more than they let on, whether they know or not."

"Why do you think they wouldn't give us all the intel?"

"Something to hide, or the fact that they may think it is nonimportant."

The Warrant Officer was becoming even more curious. "You don't seem to be too trusting when it comes to the Trill. Or at least it appears to be that way."

"Ive seen things during the war, some not so nice. But I am also not saying they are hiding stuff. I am just cautious going into a situation when we don't have enough of the information we can to protect ourselves and others."

"Guess you can never be too cautious when this far from home," Douglasdale responded. "A peaceful mission to Trill strictly for diplomacy would have been really nice. Perhaps things will work out causing the least amount of damage."

"Perhaps my vacation coming up, I will make it a point to stop there." Thomas replied as he sat back. "You are right, diplomacy would be nice, but if you want peace, prepare for war."

"Any other recommendations?"

"Honestly if you asked about the Romulans, I am more experienced with them. But at the moment, just keep your chin up, and always do your homework on the opposing side, if that is possible. If not, take notes while battling."

The Warrant couldn't help but to smile thinking of the comparison between the L'Dira and the Romulans. It took a long time for her to get past her experience int he Earth-Romulan War. Only in her second year after enlisting in Starfleet and found herself thrown into a war for the next four years. These pirates seemed like child's play in comparison. "Basically, do not underestimate your enemy."

"It was the advice that was given when I asked the same question."

"That's some good advice," Emily admitted. The two turned their attention back to what they knew about the pirate ships and went back work on some contingency plans.

=========
Commander Thomas Carey
Executive/Chief Armory Officer
USS Meridian

Warrant Officer Emily Douglasdale
Helm Officer
USS Meridian

 

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