Well since we're at Starfleet HQ right now I've come to them with an idea. I've asked that the Mexen be issued a decommisioned Defiant Class starship. The reasons I put to support my request are:

1) If the Mexen is under attack, instead of displaying it's suppieriour firepower and potential we launch the Defiant as an offensive/defensive ship.

2) While the Mexen is off doing system tests and other mission parameters, the Defiant can go and explore/map anything that we haven't mapped yet, and do long term away missions so that we do not have to compromise our primary mission of the Mexen.

3) If the Mexen does have to fight an extra ally doesn't hurt any.

4) It'll be better then many escape pods, a little cramped but, a lot safer.

I hope that Starfleet command will authorize this because I feel that I need my own ship sometimes, and that a few of the crew feels the same way and it adds a bit more excitement, believe to the entire mission. Now all I have to do is work on the specs and see what Starfleet says. Well, I have a dinner date to attend to.
Computer, end recording.