A New Duty Part #3

Posted on 29 Sep 2025 @ 4:29pm by Captain Jasmine Somers FCapt
Edited on on 08 Oct 2025 @ 5:59pm

1,363 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Season 1: Archived Mission
Location: USS Tomcat Various
Timeline: Circa 2386 DS10 Enroute to Deep Space 6 Tarod System

[ON]

"Thanks for the welcome. I was just getting acquainted with some of the systems here. I certainly hope you don't mind having a fleeter on board, I noticed that the crew is almost entirely marines", Lt Sterling added.

"No, I do not mind, Fleeters Lieutenant. My 2XO/CEO is a Fleeter, Marines seldom make good engineers or Science Officers; the Rifles are a specialized unit so having some Fleet Personnel works out just fine, my CoS is also a Fleeter. I must apologize on the state of the Sciences lab, it was like this when I took command, up until now I have wanted to keep it Marines only, but reality dictates that Fleet Officers are also required, so feel free to pick your Science team to work with" Somers responded.

"I will do so Colonel, do you prefer to be called Ma'am, Sir, or Colonel in how you are addressed. Do you mind if I freelance some of the crew, I can teach them the sensors and how to do analysis, you will end up with better marines who will be able to improvise adapt and overcome in almost an situation, especially in the sciences, perhaps a sergeant and a few corporals, I'll start interviewing when I get better settled in, with your permission of course". Maia requested.

"Colonel, where warranted, Captain on the bridge or meeting someone i.e. Away missions, otherwise Boss. I would pick the Marines who work on the bridge as some work with Sensors and the Science station up there." Jasmine paused thinking. "You could ask First Lieutenant S'arila Donovan, she has a keen mind" Somers said.

"I'll keep that in mind, Colonel; however, I didn't want to use officers as they have other duties. I'll talk to her though", Maia said.

"Understandable, Lieutenant, but I must warn you, S'arila is half human; her Alien heritage is unknown, she is a very strong telepath, and sometimes her eyes can unnerve people."

"I'm used to both aliens and Marines, what does she look like"? Sterling asked. Looking up suddenly, "Oh! Her eyes are Red and she has a strange birthmark on her forehead and between her brows," Somers said then with a smile, "you have been warned."

Maia nodded. This was going to be an interesting assignment. "Will there be anything else, Colonel"? Sterling asked.

"No, that's about it, Lieutenant, I shall leave you to get settled in", Somers said, nodded once and left the room. As Jasmine left the Science level and entered the Turbolift. "Main engineering, she said.

- Main Engineering -

Exiting the turbolift in main engineering, she heads straight to the Warp core and spots her CEO. "Commander Tsmel, how are my engines looking? We are still about two days from Deep Space 6?" She asked.

"The engines are working fine right now. We should make it to DS6 if nothing happens before then." "Good to know Commander, when you have time Commander, I want to see if you can streamline the warp core operation, those techs at DS10 did something wrong when they repaired some damage we took, I feel a strange vibration when we got from Warp 2 to warp 3, its not a natural thing, so if you could look into it?" Somers said.

"Yes, ma'am."

"We will be docked at DS6 for about a day while things are sorted out, so you have time," Somers said with a smile.

"Yes, ma'am. Thank you."

Looking at her Chief Engineer "No problem, when we are docked at Deep Space 6 and after the engines are working properly I know we will be stationary, but I want you to do a stint on the bridge, familiarize yourself with Sensors/Comms and Tactical stations, as my Second Officer, you need to know a little bit more than just Engines" Jasmine said with a smile.

"Yes, ma'am, it may take me a bit to learn them." "That's understandable, Commander, I will let you get back to work now", Jasmine said, nodded once, then walked out of engineering and straight into the turbolift. "Bridge," she said when the doors had closed.

-Bridge-

Tony was inspecting the security console when, out of the corner of his eyes, he saw the doors open and heard the familiar swish of the starship doors slide open. They all sound nearly the same, he thought to himself as he watched the CO step onto the bridge. "Captain on the bridge", he barked as he snapped to attention and watched the Captain walk across the bridge. Just off to the side, Marctroy was getting his reports from the "Hounds", thinking ahead of what must be done and the cloud of doubt that loomed over him from UFP headquarters.

Marctroy didn't like it, but the fact was that the trial had happened, and even though he was acquitted, the court of public opinion was another matter.

=/\= Major Tommohawk...Johanson here, sir.....Alpha detachment reporting in ...We are ready, sir, upon your arrival. We have locked down everything to prepare for operations.=/\=

Marctroy then caught the eyes of Lt.Colonel Somers and responded with a nod. To with she nodded and asked a formidable question about the "Hounds" readiness.

"Troops' status Major Tommahawk?" She asked, taking her seat.

"Aye, Ma'am, we are ready at present, and we are prepared to do our part. Ground forces are standing by, and I have a mobile unit of Panthers spearheading the first wave." Marctroy said.

"Panthers?" She asked, her expression puzzled.

"Yes, Ma'am, the latest design from LaForge Dynamics. 360-degree turrets and multi-phasic shield plating. Crew comp is...." Marctroy said as he looked at his PADD, "...8 fully combat-ready marines, including crew."

"Interesting, I will try not to send them on a mission that will get them dented, but for the most part, Major Tommohawk, the Rifles are a Specialised Unit. We rely on small ground teams, so unless we have to extract a VIP in safety, these Panthers will not be used. I would suggest Major that you have your troops concentrate on Extraction and insertion mission styles, including the occasional Tactical Assault," She said, looking at Markov and slightly raising her eyebrow, before looking back to Tommohawk. "For now, Major, kindly take the Sensor Station; all my Senior Staff need to have a rudimentary knowledge of how a ship's Bridge works. Your stint starts now," she said.

Marctroy glanced at the station, tapped a few switches and moved to the sensor station. "I understand, Ma'am.." The marine commander noted to the Captain, " However, as I have made note to Major Markov, a great offence begins with a great defence. The Panthers are enhanced Troop carriers. I assure you, there will not be a Kithomer or Mogadishu here. " Marctroy then enhanced the long-range sensors on his console. "Sensors at the ready, Ma'am, augmented regulation strength of 35 meters both fore and aft, bow planes at level... dorsal and ventral at normal. Receiving signal from all weapons batteries and the main deflector is operational. Alert ready Valkyries at pre-launch mode signal and outer marker beacon has us in telementary final departure order," he paused.

"A good defence..Ma'am," Marctroy was the pride of the SFMC, and he knew it. But he remembered what his father told him before he shipped over to the Tomcat. He recalled what his father said.

"Son, remember that only Marines know the indignity you suffered and the lives you saved at Mac'LaiV II. You lost good men and the UFP politicians.... they railroaded you to save their own sorry carcasses. Just remember the real battle is always on the horizon of the next one and before your Mother and I cease to be, the UFP will give you what you have so richly earned..." At that, Marctroy settled his focus on the task at hand.

Looking at Marctroy Somers, she thought to herself oO and here I thought I was a little Gung Ho Oo She thought to herself with a little chuckle as she faced front again to watch the stars pass by.

To be continued.....

[OFF]

 

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