All In A Row

Posted on Sat Jan 6, 2018 @ 8:53am by Lieutenant Colonel S'er'in'e

Mission: Falling Star
Location: MCO's Officer / Marine Barracks
Timeline: MD 32 ll 14:00Hrs

S'er'in'e had been sifting through the computers recommendations about who should comprise the four teams that the Commodore had requested. Diverse teams that can handle almost any situation was what was asked for yet not knowing the specifics it made selections a bit more tricky. The computer's recommendations were good ones, each member had unique traits and talents, supportive of the group yet unique from the other squads in a way. Close support, assault, recon, marksman, battlefield intelligence, medical, demolitions. Even if the Commodore yielded the doubt for the need of it, better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it.

Fortune favoured the prepared.

With his selections finalised after an additional hour of considerations he walked out of his office to hand the lists to his assistant. She would then formalise them for him into a proper proposal to the command authority while at the same time he'd make his own preparations.

He was getting used to his new vision, the implants held a variety of features and abilities that as a marine he could find a fond appreciation for. At a distance each individual was bracketed to highlight them for him, he found that with a little effort he could switch vision modes from thermal, zoom in or out, analyse materials and if he focused on something or someone he could scan it or for a person call up a personnel file. A feature he particularly enjoyed in more social settings where names were never again forgotten.

Since Kasia had become his Mate there had been noticed a slightly more fluid motion in his movements, his features softer in appearance instead of more predatory, steeled or the like. She had become a significant element in his life and though he would not freely explain all the implications to outsiders other than her, a lot was placed upon her shoulders.

The last time S'er'in'e walked through the Barracks area he was in combat with a hologram of himself. Tossing each other around toppling table, chair and locker to the floor as the fight raged. Most smiled at him, others verbally greeted him but it seemed everyone appeared to approve of his mingling with the rank and file. He'd known Commanding Officers that kept a distance establishing a clear divide between Officer and Rating. He'd known others that would stand shoulder to shoulder with the next man regardless of rank when a challenge befell them and it was this kind of officer S'er'in'e tried to become and be even now later in his career.

These were the men and women he was leading and in some cases putting them in harms way, with being a leader came responsibility and with that an expectation. He always believed that knowing someone helps the whole, he knew Major Petrova and her abilities, what she could do and was capable of. Had he not then he would be doing a disservice not just to her but the unit. The best people for the situation at hand.

As he walked between the gathered groups he could see what they were doing. Some were looking after gear, some tending to uniforms, others were sparring, two groups in the corner were doing PT while others huddled around the monitors to check scores on certifications and testing. He walked to the board himself to see how the troops were doing but his arrival was noticed and a hole made for him. "It is alright, continue." His hand up to wave off any formality his presence may have sparked. He was pleased to see the high marks from those testing, especially those in marksmanship.

After a few moments he walked off to look around some more, speak to some, observe others. He walked to the group sparring since it held a measure of importance for him considering what he was. A predator had to keep his skills sharp, finely honed and ever ready. "Care to join us Colonel?" A spry young Corporal asked with boxing gloves and head gear.

"Perhaps another time." S'er'in'e replied. His eyes told him the marine was Corporal Cholster Ducky. Recently joined the ship on transfer, speciality in covert recon. The service jacket appeared, confident, strong willed, determined but inexperienced. Good scores and aptitude tests and noted to be a bit of a ladies man. "But please, continue."

For some minutes he watched three bouts between different combatants. He noted in particular the female fighters even against male opponents were not afraid to use more female traits such as flexibility to gain an advantage. One in particular was almost Caitian in her flexible ability which impressed S'er'in'e.

"Sir." He heard and turning he saw the assistant handing him the typed up and prepared documentation as well as the list of marines he'd selected back to him.

"Thank you." S'er'in'e looked at her work and was not surprised by the as usual professional, immaculate presentation, worded and paragraphed appearance. Lieutenant Gage's name was on the list, as was Major Petrovas. Just because she was his Mate when it came to the marines and duties she asked for no special treatment and he would yield none.

He walked into the Quartermaster's office and there was nothing quiet like seeing a fully stocked, prepared and ready armoury ripe for use. "Can I help you sir?"

"I'd like a mission loudout prepared for four teams. Mission perimeters are unknown but no high yield ordnance. Include other heavy weaponry, standard equipment, rations, wet weather, shelter and digging tools." S'er'in'e spoke as he could see the QM mull over the request.

"Duration of mission?" He asked to fill in some blanks and tick off available options.

"Unknown to me as yet, assume prolonged. The Victorious will be with them but plan for the worst, hope for the best I believe is a fond saying." S'er'in'e replied. "I was told to account for almost every situation."

"I see, shouldn't be a problem. Send me a list and I'll tailor to each member of the teams."

S'er'in'e looked at the other PADD he was holding, the one with the list of names and forwarded a list to the QM. "Done."

"I'll get to work straight away."

S'er'in'e nodded and then walked out of the QM's office and returned to his own where now that the document was ready he forwarded a copy of it to the Commodore, First Officer, his own XO and Lt. Gage. The latter pair since they had been picked and needed to know what was on the cards.