Leathernecks
Posted on Fri Jan 12th, 2018 @ 10:44am by
Edited on on Thu May 31st, 2018 @ 9:53pm
882 words; about a 4 minute read
Mission:
Episode 2 - The Enemy Within
Location: Chief of the Boat’s Office
Timeline: MD003 0800 hrs
Tags: SD 71375.0800
B’tak kept her office sparse. No need for frills and extraneous decorations, although she did have her Bat’leth hanging from the wall. She had sent a request to the Marine CO to see her here in the office at his earliest convenience. She was currently beginning to familiarize herself with as many of the enlisted as she could.
It took Jack longer than he liked to find the Chief of the Boat's office. Getting used to serving on a ship was going to take a while. He wasn't used to waiting around for turbolifts or all the greetings the crew felt the need to give. He stopped outside of the office door and pressed the entry chime.
"Enter." She called, and set the PADD that she had been reviewing off to the side. Seeing the Marine CO she stood and gestured at the chair opposite the desk.
"Take a seat Lieutenant. The captain wanted us to be acquainted, given my background and position aboard. How have you found the Marines here thus far?"
Jack sat down, appraising the chief of the boat. He had a hard time understanding how someone could leave the Marines for the fleet. "I'm still getting used to them, to be honest. I've had some conversations with the CO about training in the holodeck soon. I didn't see anything in their personnel files that indicate that they are complete screw ups or oddballs, so that's a good sign. Do you have any insights for me?"
She admittedly did not, she had only been aboard a short while and had been hoping for more information. Apparently they both suffered from a lack thereof.
"Unfortunately no. I was admittedly hoping that you would have that information. But perhaps we can at least agree to help each other. You keep the Marines in line, I'll keep the rest of the enlisted in line."
"I don't foresee the Marines being a problem for you. I plan to keep them so busy with training that they will either be under my watchful eye or asleep. A bored Marine is a dangerous Marine," Jack said with a smile. "I'd be glad to have you join in some of our training ops if you are interested. Got anything to drink?"
She slapped a hand on the desk and laughed.
"I'm not sure if that is a slight that I forgot to offer you one to begin with, or just a friendly request. What can I get you?"
"I like whiskey or strong beer. I'm not averse to bloodwine either," he said with a grin. "So where were you stationed before the Pioneer? I was snatched from a ground base and barely made it onto the ship before departure."
B’tak stepped to the replicator and ordered two synthahol whiskeys. She was going to be hospitable, but regulations were regulations.
“I was assigned to the USS Dublin. I spent most of my career there. What base were you at?”
Jack took the drink and raised it to his host. "Camp Eisenhower. We rotated in from near the Romulan border and I was just getting used to civilization again. Last second orders and here I am," he said and took a swallow. It might not have been real whiskey but it tasted pretty good. "Have you had much interaction with the captain?"
Sipping the whiskey and then swirling the glass around she nodded.
“We were both aboard the Dublin for a time. It has been a few years since we have seen each other, but it is good to see him in Command. He always seemed to have a knack for it.”
She sipped again and indicated the pile of PADDs on her desk,
“How does your paperwork match up?”
Jack frowned. "Poorly, to be honest. It gives me so little insight into who the Marines really are. I mean, sure, I can read their psych evals and their performance reviews but until I look them in the eye, I won't know. First impressions are that the captain has managed to get a good batch. My EVAC pilot and my sniper both were near the tops of their classes and have good records. I could do worse. You sure you don't want to transfer in? I could use you."
B’tak laughed. She wanted that, perhaps more than she was willing to admit at the moment. But, she had been chosen for a different path.
“Unfortunately I will have to seek honor in another avenue.” She took back the last of the whisky and took her feet.
“Well LT, I’m sure that we will have plenty of chances for more conversations in the future.”
Jack smiled. "Well it was worth a shot," he said. "Thanks for the chat. I appreciate it. Let me know if the detachment can be of help. Once a Marine, always a Marine." He drank the rest of his whiskey and headed for the door.
A Joint Post By:
1st Lieutenant Jack Cunningham Jr
Marine Commanding Officer/Second Officer, USS Pioneer
Command Master Chief Petty Officer B'tak Williams
Chief of the Boat, USS Pioneer
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