Hypothetically Speaking

Posted on Sat Sep 12th, 2020 @ 1:04pm by Commander Ryan Blake
Edited on on Sat Sep 12th, 2020 @ 8:55pm

Mission: The Thorion Conundrum Mission Brief
Location: Marine Corps Deck
Timeline: SD 39409.12 / 1010 hours

Ryan made his way through the ship on his walkabout. He still couldn't believe his luck at securing a starship assignment. He did, however considered himself fortunate in the fact that he probably had an idea of what their first mission might be. He stepped aboard a turbolift and pondered where to start his walkabout tour of the ship. "Marine Country."

The turbolift went into motion and less than a minute later deposited him at the requested deck. He stepped of to find a sentry posted. "Pardon me, but could you direct me to the Detachment Commander's office."

The guard gave Ryan a once-over and pointed down the corridor. "Second door. You will find the First Sergeant's orderly room, next office is the DCs. Check in with First Sergeant before proceeding."

Ryan nodded and headed in the direction indicated. He went in the first door to find a short hallway with one door on the left and another at the end of the hall. He approached the door on the left and activated the chime.

At first all that could be heard from outside the door was a man's voice BOOMING like the door was not even there.

" I DON'T GIVE A RAT'S BEHIND WHAT YOU THINK PVT. I SAID....GET IT DONE!!!!!"

And with that, the door opened.

"Yeah, who the HELL do you think YOU are?" Snarled the older Marine to Ryan

Ryan kept a neutral expression on his face as the Marine snarled at him. His first instinct was to lock the man's heels and read the riot act at him. Thankfully he immediately remembered advise that Senior Chief Keitel had given him. 'When dealing with a senior non-compete in a foul mood, as they get louder, you speak sorter. It'll show us crusty old bastards you were taught the correct way to deal with us'. Ryan answered softly. "Lieutenant Blake. I am here to introduce myself to your CO First Sergeant. Would you please let him know that I am here?"

Tovin Hex stared at the man for a second. Almost like how a lion would size up it's prey before an attack. "The new CO ain't here Sir. but, you are more then welcome to wait in my office for him, if you wish." Said the Marine with just a slightly more respectful tone then last time he spoke.

Ryan pondered the First Sergeant's offer for a moment before stepping inside with a nod. "Thank you First Sergeant." He gestured to the replicator along the wall between two desks. "Mind if I get a cup of coffee?"

"I really don't care either way Sir." Tovin said letting the officer into his sacred Marine country. Tovin Hex walked on as Ryan got his coffee. Just then, a young Marine walked up to the First Sargent.

"Good day to you First Sgt." Said the Marine.

"Who the HELL do you think you are, some kind of weatherman? How the HELL do you know what kinda day it is?" Snarled the Top Shirt to his man. "You know what you are supposed to be doing, Why are you NOT doing it?????"

Then he looked at Ryan. "You done?" He asked the officer getting his coffee at the replicator.

Ryan took a sip and nodded. He hoisted the mug. "Not as good as freshly brewed, but it will do." He hid his amused grin from the First Sergeant behind the raised coffee mug. He took another sip to regain control of his expression before bringing the mug down to his side.

"I'm used to coffee that eats the spoon." Said Tovin Hex. "If it don't slap you in the face it's just hot dark water." He said escorting the officer to the CO's office. Just then he noticed a Marine checking himself out in a mirror. "Excuse me for a second Sir." He told Ryan.

"YOU." He said to the young Marine. "What the HELL you think you are doing??? You are so ugly, you could be a modern Klingon art masterpiece. Now GET BACK TO WORK!!!!!" He bellowed.

Then he went back to Ryan. "Sorry Sir, follow me." and the 2 men continued.

Ryan followed behind Tovin. The tough as nails Marine reminded him of the Gunny who had lead morning PT during his first year at the Academy. This guy and Senior Chief Keitel are going to hit it off really well, he thought.

The 2 men walked to the back of the barracks. Then, at the very back was a door with a sign that read CO. "This is where our CO will be soon Sir." He said opening the door.

Ryan stepped passed To in into the office. He turned to the crusty NCO and nodded his appreciation. "Thank you First Sergeant."

"Call if you need anything Sir." He said closing the door.

Ryan stood for a moment, looking about the office as he sipped his coffee. He gathered that the Marine Commander was a relatively recent arrival as there seemed to be only a few personal touches in place. It could also mean the man had a Spartan attitude when it came to his work space. For all he knew, the Marine Commander's quarters was littered with knick knacks and memorabilia.

After about 10 minutes a loud bang could be heard. Like the thunderous sound of over 100 Marine boots come crashing to attention at once. Then, about 4 minutes later the door opened. A green man, an Orion, stood came halfway in. "Thanks Top, you are the best." He said to his First Sgt walking through the door.

He looked at Ryan coming around to the business side of his desk. "Hello. I hope your wait was not to long. Sorry. I had business elsewhere. I'm Captain Thrix. And you are?" He asked extending his hand.

Ryan took Orin's hand and gave a firm hand shake. He felt a bit dwarfed by the tall Marine officer. "Lieutenant Blake, Chief Strategic Operations Officer. Pleasure and honor to meet you. Just reported aboard this morning and wanted to introduce myself as I completed my in-processing and did an informal walkabout."

"I just recently arrived myself, Welcome aboard." Said the Marine. "We just might be working closely together."

Ryan nodded his head as he released the handshake. He flexed the hand slightly. Man's got one helluva grip, he thought to himself. "More than likely, along with the Diplomatic and Intelligence Departments too."

"So, this is just a social call then Lt, no business?" Orin asked. "I know everything seems a little chaotic out there. I just arrived myself. My men are prepping their area for my big inspection tonight. I told my Top to make Marine country perfect. And it's going to be in full dress uniform. I'm kind of hoping that the Captain, XO, and COB might be interested in joining me. I'm always looking for an opportunity to show off my troops. AND, I want to throw them off a little. I plan to let my Top know about this right after our meeting." But, that is just my hopes. Depends on their schedules, of course."

Ryan gave Orin a wry smile and light chuckle. "You intend to put your unit through a command inspection on your first day. Top and the marine detachment are going to love you." His face grew more serious. "Actually though, this is more than a social call. I wanted to talk to you about the plan for establishing the Embassy on Thorion IV, specifically the stand up for the Marine Guard Detachment. Ambassador Langley will be coming aboard at a rendezvous with the Bellephoron about 24 hours of reaching the planet."

"Well, I want the CO and XO to see where they are now. So they can be impressed when I show them what I can do in a week." Said Orin. "My Marines will be ready. I assure you. They may not look pretty now. But they will be ready. I also have the go ahead from the Captain to put a few Marines in the Honor Guard. But, what details for the detachment would you like to go over? Will the new Embassy be keeping any Marines permanently? Not a bad idea." Said Orin.

Ryan nodded at Orin's last question. "I'm pretty sure that you'll be leaving a squad as part of the embassy security unit. I'm not sure how many though. A great deal depends on an assessment of the potential threat level to the embassy staff."

"To be honest, I'd feel better leaving a full platoon. Especially IF there is any possibility of anything going wrong on the planet after the Leto is gone." Said Orin. "That is 30 Marines as opposed to 10."

Ryan shrugged. "I suppose it will be up to Captain Sterling and Ambassador Langley. I am sure they will take any advice or recommendations into consideration though."

"Of course. Thank you. I'll make sure my recommendations are prepared." Orin said.

Ryan got to his feet and deposited the now empty mug in the replicator slot and hit the recycle button. He turned back to Orin. "I still have a few things to do before the end of watch. It's been a pleasure." He struck out his right hand once again.

Orin rose to his feet and took the man's hand. "Thank you for this friendly little chat. I hope we will get to know each other better." Said Orin.

Ryan briefly shook Orin's hand. Somewhat less painful as he was prepared for the powerful grip. "Good luck with your inspection tonight." Ryan then took his leave.

===

Captain Orin Thrix
USS Leto, Marine Detachment Commander

&

Lieutenant Ryan Blake
USS Leto, Chief Strategic Operations Officer

&

First Sergeant Tovin Hex
USS Leto, Marine Detachment First Sergeant