Meet the Roughnecks

Posted on Tue Aug 2, 2016 @ 6:59pm by Commodore Michael Aravan

Mission: An Orion to Die For
Location: Ready Room
Timeline: MD 0 || 1000 Hours

It hadn't taken too long for the transport ship to reach the Triumphant, for which a number of the Marines were grateful. They were anxious to get settled into their new berth, as was their CO.

Lt. Colonel James Racktor walked up along the narrow walkway, between the Marines who were sitting down, armed and ready as if they were going to war. It was something that James demanded of his men at all times. He was always prepared for anything. He also demanded a strong mental attitude from his men, and he gave the same.

As he reached the cockpit, he saw the massive starship ahead of them. "Remember people, this is just a new base, not a chance to relax. We're going out into deep space where we will encounter new species. Some will be as friendly as you or me. Others will want to eat your eyeballs and any other part of your body that are squishy. Respect the fact that the entire mission could be deadly. If you don't, you'll be dead." He said, as he faced the marines. "We will have more marines coming aboard as well, so I'll be expecting you to keep them in shape. Help them understand the rules. And if I hear any bullshit of a Marine fighting with Security officers, whoever starts it will find themselves out of the Corps so quick it'll make your head spin." James ordered.

He turned as went to the cockpit. "Request permission for me to beam aboard. As soon as I've introduced myself, I'll give the signal for you to dock and get aboard." James ordered.

"Aye sir." The pilot said. "USS Triumphant, this is Marine Transport Roughneck Whisky One, requesting permission to beam Lt. Colonel Racktor aboard." He said.

The Transporter Operator received the transmission and verified the signature and source, then approved it. "Permission has been granted, Lieutenant Colonel Racktor."

James looked at the pilot. "Alright then. Beam me aboard." He ordered. He stood on the single transporter platform in the cockpit, and stood at attention as he felt the transporter beam wash over him.

The beam rematerialized the Marine on a transporter pad located on the massive bridge of the Triumphant, one that could easily hold fifty people and still have room to move around. The command seat wasn't immediately visible from the transporter pad, but a tall man with black hair and green eyes wearing the red of Command with four pips on his collar walked up the ramp leading to the main bridge. "Lieutenant Colonel Racktor," he said. "I'm Captain Michael Aravan. Would you care to talk in my ready room?" He gestured towards the left where a set of double doors were flanked by exotic plants.

"Be my pleasure, sir." James said, as he stepped off of the transporter pad. He walked towards the door, taking note of every detail around the massive bridge. It was the largest he had seen, and in fact reminded him of a Starbase Operations Centre. He wasn't a huge fan of large command areas, but he was used to operating with whatever he had, not luxury.

Michael entered his authorization code as he walked beside of Racktor and took note of the man's behavior and speech.

As he stepped through the double doors, he stood at attention, as was regulation. "Captain Aravan, my orders assigning myself and the Roughnecks to your command, sir." He said, holding out a PADD for the man.

Inside was a huge black-surfaced table which dominated the center of the room which had a dozen chairs around it. Plants were at the corners of the room and most of one wall was filled with shelves which contained over a dozen species of bonsai trees, some elaborately sculpted around tree houses, some made to look like homes built into the ground and others that looked like they were just starting. Another table off to one side held a decanter of strong black coffee with several cups around it, a bowl containing sweetener and another for some type of cream.

Michael accepted the PADD and gestured towards one of the chairs. "Have a seat, Colonel," he said. "Would you care for some refreshments?"

"Thank you sir. I'd appreciate a cup of coffee, black. It was a long trip back here." James said, as he sat down. "But then, our transports aren't usually designed for hauls longer than 24 hours, but we make do with what we have. My men and I just finished dealing with a group that was looking to build up a force on a backwater planet, not sure why, but the relief teams will find that out." James explained.

The Captain went to the carafe and poured two coffees in the mugs sitting beside of them and added a sugar for himself, then brought them back, handing the Marine the one without sugar before he took a seat at the head of the table. "It can be like that at times, Colonel," he said. "Speaking of Marines, we currently have one on board that is looking for a battalion to be a part of again."

"I'm happy to bring them into the Roughnecks. We've also been given a few new recruits from boot, so I'll be training them as we go." He said, before taking a sip of his drink. "If there's one thing I believe in, it's being ready to go at all times. Whatever time of the day, a unit will be ready to be deployed, with all off duty officers ready to go at a second's notice. Seen too many cases of people not being ready to go that's caused more than a few problems." He said.

"This one marine you have aboard, you have his file to hand at all?" James asked.

"I do," Michael said as he ran his hand over a sensor on the table. "Computer, display file for Master Sergeant Gage Aravan." A moment later, the table lit up like a giant LCARS with all of the information displayed. "He was here with our last battalion and chose to stay aboard when they were transferred."

James looked at the file, taking a sip of his coffee as he did. "Seems like a decent Marine. First Sergeant, I know I need one of them. Lost a few people not long ago, still not replaced them all." James said. "He'll fit in just fine, I've got no doubts about that."

"He's a good man," Michael said, grateful that the Marine Colonel didn't ask about the family relationship. "He likes to lead from the front and won't ask his men to do anything he isn't willing to do."

"A man after my own heart." James said, with a smile. "I'm the same way. I cultivate a strong mental attitude among my marines, and I'm always at the front of battle. Patton said to do anything you ask of those you command, so when I send my men to fight, and possibly die, it's always more powerful when I add 'I'll be right there beside you' and it gives the men confidence."

"That sounds like Gage to the letter," Michael said as he picked up the PADD and began to review Racktor's file. "Thirty two years of service?" he asked. "That's impressive. What has inspired you to stay active all this time?"

James smiled at the question. He had heard the same question before, especially since a lot of Marines with his level of service had retired, or moved to training camps. "Fact is, Captain, being a Marine has never been a simple job for me, it's a calling, and a part of the family. My father's a Marine, his father was a Marine, and so on. Some members of the have been fleet, but it's the same story, we're called to our position, and we're there until we're carried out feet first." James said. He took a sip of his coffee.

"I've been fighting for years, and don't get me wrong, I'd love to live in a world of peace, but the galaxy doesn't work like that. So I fight to make sure others do have the peace they deserve. My kids are of the same viewpoint, although they don't all fight. My sister owns Racktor's House of Munch back on Earth, and my daughter works there. If we have time, you'll have to come down for a meal; best steak in the galaxy." He said proudly.

"If you're looking for a good steak, you should check out The Black Hole on deck ten," Michael said. "My sister-in-law runs the place and the food and service is wonderful." He paused and took stock of the old Marine. "Tell me, Colonel, how do you feel about Security?"

James smiled as he finished his coffee. "I'll have to do that. It'll be nice to know I can get a prime cut out here." He said. He had been expecting the question; for a number of marines, there were problems with Marines and Security. Personally, James never understood why.

"There's only one security officer I ever fight with, and that's because he's my older brother; or he was security, he's a Captain now. I know some units have friction with Security; personally, I've fought against that. Yellow or green, we're doing the same job. Training might be harsher, never actually compared it, but I've already given a warning to my men; the first who causes problems with security will be out of the Corps so fast it'll make their damned head spin. I got nothing but respect for Security." He explained.

Michael nodded. "I feel the same way. I was in Security before I went into Command, Colonel and as long as the job gets done with a minimum loss of life, that's the only thing that matters. I don't expect to hear anything between you and Security or between Security and the Marines on this ship and if there is, I'll handle it personally, because you really don't want my Executive Officer stepping in. I'm the nice one on this ship."

James nodded. "You won't need to worry about that. My men know to follow my orders, and they know to respect Security, and all others. We're a single unit on the ship, there are no divisions. We're here to do the same job." He promised.

"Good," Michael said. "I wouldn't expect anything less than the standards that we're all expected to uphold. Do you have questions for me, Colonel?"

"At the moment, I have one question, and a plan of action. I'd like to bring my men aboard, get them settled in and begin training immediately. I'll make an appointment with your Security Chief, see if I can arrange some cross department training. As for the question, what's your view on civilians? My wife and youngest children will be joining me, assuming there isn't any problems with it." James replied.

"Get them aboard and settled in," Michael said. "Deck forty-three is all Marine Country. As for civilians, my wife and two kids are aboard and there's four hundred and ninety-seven other civilians are on the ship as well. Get with Operations if you prefer a family quarters instead of taking your family to Marine Country."

"I'm sure we'll be fine in Marine Country. To be honest, I prefer to be close to my men at all times. And my wife...she's a peach. Damned understanding, and always been there as support to me. My kids are the same. How old are your children?" James asked, as he leant back a little in the chair.

"Two and a half and five months," Michael said with pride. "Ava and Michael Junior. How about yours?"

"I've got six myself. Jackson's 33, he's the Marine XO on the Athens, Emily's 29, she's the head chef at Racktor's House of Munch, and Martin's 27, a sharpshooter assigned to Starbase 294. The three with me are Amelia, who's ten, Oliver who's 7 and Mariah, she's 3." He said, taking out a picture from his uniform jacket pocket, showing it to Michael. "And my wife Lucy's there with me. Took this picture seven months ago, at a family picnic." He added.

Michael brought up pictures of Spencer, Ava and little Mikey on the LCARS even though it was supposed to be for official business only, but he was the Captain and could take privileges. "That's my wife, Spencer, Ava and our son Mikey. Spencer was my Executive Officer until she stepped down and resigned due to Medical reasons."

"Cute kids." James complimented. "I've always found family to be important. Gives you a reason to keep fighting, incentive to come home at the end of the day." He said. "This is a new experience for us though. The Roughnecks...this is the first time we've been assigned to a ship. Not that I'm complaining; it'll be nice to do a little exploring at the same time, but it's just unusual."

"Agreed," Michael said. "Why don't you get them aboard and settled in, then get a meeting with Doctor Washburn after that?"

"Sounds like a plan." James said. He activated his wrist communicator. "Racktor to RW1, begin docking and get the men aboard. I want everyone on board and lined up in ten minutes." He ordered. He looked at Michael. "They're efficient. You're welcome to come down and meet them if you like. I'd like to have Gage come down and join us; makes sense for him to meet the men."

"If he's not down in Marine Country, he's likely at The Black Hole," Michael said. "Just give him a comm and he'll meet you. Welcome aboard, Colonel."


Captain Michael Aravan
Commanding Officer
USS Triumphant

&

Lieutenant Colonel James Racktor
Marine Commanding Officer
USS Triumphant