STF

New Acquaintances: Come All, Come Meet The Marines in the Crew Lounge

Posted Feb. 23, 2023, 12:45 p.m. by Lieutenant LeKeitah Naisyr (Counselor) (Mika Jackson)

Posted by Lieutenant Colonel Krin “Hannibal” Lardel (Commander, Air Group (CAG)) in New Acquaintances: Come All, Come Meet The Marines in the Crew Lounge

Posted by Mar. Captain Siraa ‘IRIS’ sh’Rharror (Squadron Leader, Air Group) in New Acquaintances: Come All, Come Meet The Marines in the Crew Lounge

Posted by Lieutenant Colonel Krin “Hannibal” Lardel (Commander, Air Group (CAG)) in New Acquaintances: Come All, Come Meet The Marines in the Crew Lounge
Posted by… suppressed (18) by the Post Ghost! 👻
SNIP

He smiled a little and downed a beer. “I guess but that is not like me. I do not know why I just lost it. Maybe it was the straw that broke the camels backs or something. I have been keeping or holding a lot of stuff in lately. She didn’t deserve any of that. No one did.” He opened the second one and took a drink.

“You list it because she is more worried about her own ego than letting people be people. This is a battle for her that she intends to win by making it a success. These things never go well.” Siraa couldn’t belive Lardel agreed to this.

Ruthie followed sh’Rharror to where Oni had gone–she’d been kinda froze in all the action of the moment and just had to remind herself–she was a nurse, she was a Starfleet officer–these were just new people and breathe.

She took a chair and nudged Oni. “You mind if I take one of those beers after all, soldier? Sorry about that earlier. I guess i can put on more chapstick later. I kinda have a thing about people watching me eat sometimes.”

-Ensign Ruthie Rutherford, RN

He looked up and saw Ruthie and put his head down then raised it back up handing her the last beer. “Good timing. I’m almost done with this one.” He chuckled. “Look Ruthie. I am sorry for my outburst. I am better than that but that lady really got under my skin just then. That is no excuse though. I will sit here for a moment and apologize to her later. And the thing about people watching you eat…I get that. I should’ve left you alone. I am sorry.”

Ruthie took the beer and, taking her hand to cover her mouth, discreetly drank from the bottle, managing not to smudge her lips.

“You put a bunch of people in a kettle drum, get them hot, and things happen,” she said. “I appreciate the apology. I had to take a minute and get straightened up. So, how long you been on board?” she asked.

Siraa liked this woman. No nonsense, but that was her impression of most doctors she knew, no matter where they served. “We arrived less than a week ago. Still getting settled, or we were trying to.”

NE Harper strolled up beside Keitah and said, “Sheesh!” He snickered, “You definitely didn’t deserve all that.” He held a small plate of food in one and fed himself with the other. He shook his head. “It’s a party, he…they all need to calm down. Also he took the last three beers.” His face had a frown on it.

Oni looked over at NE Harper. That son of a…

Iris knew where this was going. Everyine else heard it too. And the vibrations from the ripple of disgust that took the room made her antenna itch. Great…just great…

“Oh, I will go get more! Be right back.” Said Deidre, as she rushed off.
Harper grinned and said, “That’s my girl! Always on task.” He looked at Keitah and said, “You okay Keke? There is always one that ruins the party. Trust me. Don’t matter what kind either. I have been to many parties. I know. That Betazoid stuff, he said, was out of line too.”

NE Harper

“Yeah, maybe. I decided to be the bigger person and apologize for making him feel uncomfortable. Anyway I am already over it. Hopefully he gets over soon, too.” She said with a smile. “So when you hitting the stage? It’s time for music. We are anxious to hear you play.”

Naisyr, Counselor

Shinzo looked over at IRIS. “Back me up or film me if something goes as planned.”

“Oni…” she sighed and got up following him.

He got up and went over to get more beers. He looked NE Harper dead in the eye with his thousand yard stare and grabbed four beers by the bottle neck with each hand and got up real close to him and whispered in a flat tone. “I would suggest the next time you say something about someone, is to whisper it. You are lucky that I am a seasoned veteran because I could kill you with my hand to hand fighting, but since you are not a threat and wouldn’t pose a threat to me in combat, I will let you go with this warning. But next time, I will not. And know that I am not bluffing.” Then he smiled and in a normal tone; “So have fun my dude. See you around the ship.”

Harper looked at him then at Keitah and said, “Oh he emerged from his crying corner only to come over here and threaten me.”
Then he looked at Honda again and said, “I don’t care who you are. You can be the Captain of this ship, but don’t come over here threatening me with violence. I can say what I want and there is nothing you can do about it. I am not her.” He pointed to Keitah, “and I am not going to apologize to make you feel better. You lucky I am going on stage…dude.”

NE Harper

Shinzo turned up a wicked grin and clenched his fists then saw Ruthie sitting there…then relaxed and continued to walk away.

“Harper!” Said Keitah.
“Harper?” Said Harper, “Did you not hear what this....what he said to me?”

“Everybody need to calm down.” Although they weren’t that close, Keitah moved in between the two men. “Major Honda, I am sorry I made you feel uncomfortable. I am sincerely sorry. Now, can we put this behind us and enjoy the party?”

She bit her fingers and her eyes widened.

Shinzo stopped and walked all the up to them both and put his hand out to shake. “You both are quite right. I was in the wrong. I sincerely apologize to you Mr. Harper? Is it? I will not make excuses for my actions other than that they were wrong. Please forgive me?”

Oh thank God! “Y..yes of course.” She was shaky. She elbowed Harper hard, indicating he needed to accept the peace offering.
Harper was shocked in the change in the man’s demeanor. He reluctantly, almost in an untrusting way put his hand out. “Me too. Sorry..man. It must be the alcohol. I was in the wrong also.” He looked at Keitah.
“Okay,” Keitah said in a nervous high pitch voice. “See we can all get along.” She hurried and pulled Harper out of Honda’s reach. She had no doubt the Marine could take Harper in a fight and she didnt want to find out either, “Don’t antagonize him.” She whispered to Harper. Both her hands were up, palms facing him. “Just go. Go on up there.” She pushed him toward the stage.

Naisyr, Counselor

The man, Harper and the counselor were really lucky Shinzo was the real bigger person. An all out brawl was avoided because of him. And just where had Lardel and his speeches about Marine culture got to. She swore if he snuck off and left then here he wouldn’t even see decaf coffee for a year.

Harper sighed, “There you go. Alright..Alright.” He handed her his empty plate and made his way to the stage. “Ladies, gentlemen, and all other species and genders. Tonight I will be playing my Oboe d’amore. It has been a tradition, in my family, to play this instrument. My great, great, great, great......” he looked at Keitah who was urging him to hurry along with her hand, “Anyway, my family hail from Louisiana and I would often hear my father and grandmother play. It use to bring me joy. I hope it does the same for you.” He cleared his throat then continued, “Typically I do not play solo but as a favor to my friend, Keitah, I am making an exception and because she asked me so nicely and she wanted to impress the Colonel,” he said with a chuckle as Keitah’s mouth dropped open. Then she laughed. A taste of her own medicine, she took it in a lighthearted manner. “I will be playing three renditions tonight starting with What A Wonderful World, Fly Me to the Moon and finally, Mas Que Nada.”

NE Harper

Ewwww the counselor was trying to ‘impress’ the Colonel? A party wasn’t gonna do it.

At the end of each performance, Ruthie clapped and whistled, a lover of those old Earth classics. She sipped her beer and started to relax, enjoying the company.

-Ensign Ruthie Rutherford, RN

Shinzo rolled his eyes at first while on his 5th beer, but soon it got to him and he started to enjoy the music.

Shinzo Oni Honda Bravo Squadron Leader

Shinzo Oni Honda Bravo Squadron Leader

Siraa reached over and grabbed his 5th beer before he finished it and gave him a water that she’d ordered from the replicator. “You need to hydrate a bit.” She downed her own water, wishing it was hot. “How long do you think we have to stay? I’ve already stopped Grumpy and his group from trying to sneak out.”

Mar Cpt sh’Rharror, Delta SQLD

Lardel stayed very quiet during the entire exchange, simply watching with a small smile here and there between scowls. When Harper finished playing, he clapped in a polite manner. He then went over to the Ensign and said very quietly “You play very well. And please don’t ever address a higher ranking officer like that again, Ensign. Right or wrong, you have to watch how you say some things in addition to what you are saying.” He nodded once and then walked away..

Ensign Harper nodded. “Yes, sir....I am sorry.” He knew the boundaries, and for the Colonel to approach him with a reprimand, he knew he had messed up.

Lardel moved to Oni. He leaned in and whispered “Major, drink that water and then I think you should retire to your quarters. You were way outta line. And it reflects on the entire unit. Make your apologies again and excuse yourself. And tomorrow you make your appointment with the Counselor. Understood?” He didn’t wait for an answer, he knew the man knew an order when he heard it.

Oni nodded and took the water that IRIS gave him and drank it.

Lardel walked over to the Counselor and said “A word, if I may?” and moved to a relatively quiet spot and spoke softly. “I believe I may call it a night, Lieutenant. I might suggest we all do the same before anymore ‘discussions’ occur.”

Lardel, CAG

“I think that is a good idea. I have socialized enough to night.” She was tired and there was no way she was going to ever doing this again. “Also…Colonel Lardel. I don’t think Major Honda should be reprimanded. The way he reacted is actually very normal. He was in a new environment and placed in an uncomfortable situation. It is my intention to make an apology to him. I will have to remember I am not dealing with your standard Starfleet crew.” Keitah was determined to right the wrongs that happened tonight. She wouldn’t be able to sleep if things were not set right.

After finishing the water Oni stood up and bowed to Ruthie. “Goodnight madam and again, I am sorry for my display of bad conduct. I need to go to my quarters. I’ll be up for a very long time.” Turning to IRIS. “Goodnight my faithful WingLady! Again. I’ll be up for a long time if you need me.”

“Good night, and thank you for the beer and company,” Ruth said, tipping her bottle at the man. “It’ll be a new day in the morning for all of us.”

Walking over to Harper and the Counselor. “Well goodnight everyone and again, I want to apologize for my bad conduct.” Facing the CNS. “Counselor. I will be seeing you tomorrow. Good evening.” With that Oni left and went straight to his quarters.

“No need to apologize Mr. Honda. Ensign Harper has something importantto say to you.” She pushed Harper closer to him. Harper stumbled forward. “M..Major Honda. I want to apologize again.” He looked at Keitah, “For antagonizing you. You are technically a higher ranking officer and I was out of line.”

Shinzo Oni Honda Bravo Squadron Leader

Ruth stretched her arms, suddenly full of adrenaline.

“Is everyone going to bed? I’ve had approximately one beer and I still feel like I’m learning everyone’s names!” she muttered at the table.

With the electric energy in the room, she felt as though she could stay up all night–maybe go to Sickbay and see if some sheets needed folded or something.

She glanced around the room to see if anyone looked interested in a little conversation.

-Ensign Ruth Rutherford

It was at that moment that everything went very, very poorly… or very well, depending on your point of view.

The Marines arrived.

Dozens of green-clad figures filed in and smiled and waved. It was the flight deck crew. Lardel looked over and said softly “Oh shit.” and he looked at IRIS. Of all the things that Marine aviators knew… it was that you never tried to ‘party’ with the flight deck crew. They breathed engine exhaust and bled plasma burst discharge. And they drank. Lardel tapped his comms and said =/\= Hannibal to Oni. Get back here. Flight deck just showed up. =/\=

Lardel, CAG

Oni was three fourths the way done with his whiskey bottle when the call came in. =/\= Huh? Oh. It will be a few minutes but Ima comming! =/\=

Keitah looked at the Colonel. “What is happening?” She asked.

Naisyr, Counselor

Lardel’s eyes stayed locked on the new arrivals, even though he appeared calm and relaxed. “These Marines are the ones responsible for maintaining our fighters and the operation of the flight deck. It is a long, tasking, repetitive, and extremely dangerous job. And they rarely get a break. But with flight operations canceled for this party, I can see they took it upon themselves to make an appearance.” He looked at the Counselor and said “Well Lieutenant… you wanted your people to meet the Marines.” and he took a large drink from his glass.

As the crowd of crewmen filed in, Ruth tried to find Keitah’s eyes as if to say, “Help me.” She took one last try at her beer bottle and was dismayed to find it empty.

-Ensign Ruthie Rutherford

Iris’ eyes lit up. “Now it’s a party.” IRIS did not party with the flight deck crew. Well not in the conventional sense. Siraa was not allowed to drink at parties that weren’t strictly all marine. It lowered the risk of trouble. Also after a few misunderstandings she had kind of become the ‘little sister’ (despite being taller than most) to the entire flight deck. Bubba spotted her right away, she was hard to miss with blue skin and white hair, and grabbed her in a gigantic bear hug, lifted her off her feet and then dragged her into the midst of the new arrivals. “IRIS!!!”

Mar Cpt sh’Rharror, Delta SQLD

Oni came staggering into the room without his shirt on trying to maintain balance when he saw the flight crew. His eyes got wide and he let out a battle yell that could be heard throughout the room! “Woooo! Hey team! Come over here and help me to a chair and get me some beers!”

Shinzo Oni Honda Bravo Squadron Leader

MARINES!” boomed a voice over the din. Lardel had set his glass down and stood by the Counselor, hands at his side and the look they all knew too well… they were about to get ‘The Warning’. The Marines stopped mid-sentences (and mid- drink) and locked eyes on their CO. “Listen up. We are here at the invitation of the Ship’s Counselor, Lieutenant Naisyr. We are guests, and we will conduct ourselves accordingly. One of us has already made a scene. I won’t tolerate another. Bubba! Put the Captain down, dammit! Oni, make yourself presentable. IRIS… well… just.. no fires this time. Rover, no drinking at all. You know what happened last time. Behave, Devil Dogs. We are Marines. Set the example. Now… carry on.”

Bubba looked at IRIS and gave her a perplexed look. He was loyal, brace, massive, and a simple soul. “Hey Siraa I didn’t offend you did I?” he asked as he ser her down. “I was just…” Siraa put a hand on his shoulder, “No Bubba. You can give me a hug anytime. Colonel’s right though. We gotta set the example even when others try to make us look foolish.” Phantom lowered his beer and set a wrist to her forehead. “IRIS you sick? You advocating for peaceful relations? We need a medic.” He called slightly louder and thennlaughed when she punched him. “I do when Oni is the one startin’ things.”

The crowd cheered softly, but they were certainly much more subdued than before. Lardel looked at Naisyr and said “Well, that should buy us about an hour. After that… it’s going to be an absolute disaster.”

Lardel, CAG

Oni stopped and nodded. He didn’t know how to make himself presentable since he didn’t have any clothes here, so he went to the nearest table and tried to take the cloth out from under the dishes like in Ghostbusters and failed, then used a knife to cut a hole in the middle and put it one like a poncho. There he was looking presentable in his new clothes. Then he went staggering towards the beer cart.

Shinzo Oni Honda Bravo Squadron Leader (For now)

Keitah was glad that she didn’t have to clean that up. She’d enlisted a couple of Cadets to do it for hours of service to contribute to their next promotion level.”

Lardel watched Honda obliterate the table setting and mumbled “Hm. Maybe an hour was too optomistic.” and he took another drink.

Lardel, CAG

They all turned to look at Oni and blinked. What was going on? Iris was chill and Oni was drunk wearing a table cloth…and not even a toga…

Pyro grabbed her and dragged her into the center of the flight deck group. Luckily he didn’t have his lighter for once or Siraa would have been in trouble.

The one beer she had drank was wearing very thin, and Ruthie Rutherford closed her eyes and listened to the voices of the crewmen buzz and echo around her.

In Sickbay, one on one, the crew were generally easy to get along with and in her domain, trying to weasel out of a prolonged stint in a biobed.

To be honest, she did prefer that sort of control in the environment–being able to have a hypospray with a tranq at hand when a crewman deserved it.

She made a beeline toward one of the walls nearest the door from the table and stood against it, watching. Maybe if there was an opportunity, she could slip out unnoticed before someone could spot her…

-Ensign Ruthie Rutherford RN

Keitah saw Ruthie tuck herself into the corner, however, she couldn’t make her way over to her just yet.

A few noticed Ruthie and smirked at her trying to sneak out. “No,” Siraa snapped. “You be nice to her. She’s a nurse and a nice lady.” They all nodded and those that did speak to her as they passed were very polite and friendly.

Things weren’t too bad until T-Bar looked at Oni and said, “So what happened, Major?”

Mar Cpt sh’Rharror, Delta SQLD

Keitah nodded in admiration, it was clear she had serious pull with her colleagues.

Oni looked up. “T-Bar! I don’t know. I was minding my own business, trying to be a nice guy to that very pretty nurse over there and the counselor kept berating me like I was a five year old, then the counselors assistant, Harper, said some mean things about me where people could hear and then ai said some mean things back, then I got sent to my roomwhere I got drunk and then got called back here! I WAS JUST TRYING TO MEET RUTHIE AND HAVE A NICE TIME! AND THEY!!!!!”.....he pointed to the Counselor and Harper....”RUINED IT!”

Shinzo “Oni” Honda Bravo Squadron Leader (For now)

Harper wasn’t paying attention to Honda. He had turned his attention to some female Ensign and was too enthralled in their conversation....or at least he pretended to be. Lardel had already told him what would happen if he got into a spat with Honda again and he wasn’t about to defend himself against some dude who was clearly intoxicated and couldn’t control his emotions.

Lardel took a deep breath and shook his head. “Annnnnnd he’s done. Goat! Banjo! Pick up the Major and go pour him back into his room.” Two of the larger Marines stepped forward and grabbed Oni, a hand under each of his arm’s and lifted him off the deck and began walking.

Lardel looked at the Counselor and just shrugged. “I have to say, his level of intoxication is impressive for the short time he was gone.”

Lardel, CAG

A flight deck crew member picked up an empty bottle and handed it to the Colonel. “That’s why sir. He has some contraband slash illegal whiskey with an extremely high alcohol content. I am surprised he even walked this far after drinking 64ozs of this.”

Siraa reached over and snagged the beer out of Shinzo’s hand. She didn’t have to wonder how he got it, Flight Deck. She looked at Goat and Banjo, “Do him a favor, take the booze outta his room.” Banjo grinned, “We get to drink it, Major?” Siraa just turned and looked at him. Goat punched him, “You wanna explain to the Demon why he’s booze is not just removed but gone? Not me.”

“hey guys! Me amigos, my samurai. We can just all hang out and drink in my room! Party with the Demon! Yay!” Then he puked a lot on the carpet. “Gomenisai!”

Keitah laughed at how the two Marines lifted him under his arms off the floor, “I was told that you are the most honest when you are intoxicated. I am sure he won’t remember any of this tomorrow.”

“Oh, I’m going to make certain he does, Counselor.” Lardel said in a voice that said he was definitely not joking.

Ruthie peeled herself off the wall and shook her head.

Seems like at least half a bottle in to me, she thought.

She’d seen enough men sleeping it off in Sickbay or–worse–the brig on the Audacious.

-Rutherford, Medical

Keitah waved at Ruthie, “Ruthie, come over here with the Colonel and me! You can’t stay in that corner by yourself. I won’t let you.”

Naisyr, Counselor

Ruth made her way over to the two gingerly at first, but steadied herself more confidently.

“So. Many. New. People,” she said. “Did I mention? I have a little… crowd thing.”

Lardel said nothing, but put himself between her and the crowd of increasingly intoxicated Chimera crew and Marines.

She’d never really liked to be in the middle of things, had always been better one on one than at parties and such. Part of the reason she usually stuck to Sickbay, but she didn’t want to come across as rude.

“I was about to slide out while nobody was watching,” she admitted. “Slip onto the holodeck for a smoke. I only do it on the holodeck. As a nurse, I know, it sounds ridiculous, but a hologram’s not going to kill me.”

She blinked her big eyes afraid she’d said too much again.

-Ensign Ruthie Rutherford

Lardel shrugged. “Ensign, that isn’t even the tenth most ridiculous thing I have heard today. I actually think its quite an intelligent way of going about it.”

Lardel, CAG

“I picked up the habit from a Vulcan med tech named Fytox, way back in Medical School,” Ruthie explained. “He liked to play these hard-boiled 1930s holonovels, and everybody smoked. Eventually, it kinda… grew on me.”

She shook her head.

“It’s strange. The things we do when we’re stressed and trying to have a good time,” she gestured at the room around them and laughed a little. “Maybe next time, we should do this on a holodeck so I can have something to do with my hands.”

Ruthie spotted a couple NEs from Medical mingling with the Marines and flight crew.

“Wonder what they’re talking about?”

-Ensign Ruthie Rutherford

It had turned into a contest of scars by that point. Showing off for the medical staff, it never ever failed. Rolled up sleeves, pulled down collars, yanked up pants legs, and the like. “You’re all pansies!” Bubba yelled with a laugh. He elbowed Sirra, “Show ‘em IRIS.”

“No, I am not getting into a scar contest with Phantom,” and she laughed. Besides they had all already gone that round many many times. There was no point in rehashing what they all already knew. One of the medics, human male, looked her up and down, “Pretty thing like you? That would be shame to leave scars on you.”

Another medical officer gave the first a weird look. “You know that’s kind of hard to do given she’s Andorian, their exoskeleton and their cartilage to bone ratio means they heal slower. Even with dermal regenerators it’s impossible for them not to scar. Don’t be an idiot.” The woman looked at Siraa, “Sorry Cpt. I promise he’s really smarter than he sounds.”

“No worries, Lt. At least now I know to go see in medical,” she raised her bottle to the woman. There was sound of laughter at Siraa’s on point comment.

The first medic leaned against the table, “So how bad was it? I mean if everyone is wanting you to show off…” Siraa sighed and rolled her eyes, her antene laying back slightly. She unzipped her jacket and shrugged it off her left shoulder, where webbing of scars showed out both sides of the tank strap. She pulled up her right sleeve and help up her fore arm that had an old but white scar diagonally from elbow to wrist. “And I’m not takin’ my shirt off to show you how they are connected.”

“Aawww” A crewman said.

The Lt whistled, “How did that happen?”

Siraa shrugged as she shrugged her jacket back into place. “Happened when my fighter crashed.”

The first medic snorted, “Must not be a very good pilot then if your fighter crashed.” And the whole table went deadly silent and Bubba looked like his head might explode he got so red.

Keitah’s mouth dropped open.

Two of Oni’s crew scooted their chairs away from the table when that happened and five more got up and walked over to the guys chair. They were not as fast as IRIS’s troops though, but almost.

“Umm…” she said, eyes wide again, “Remember this is a non-violent gathering.” However she was sure no one had heard a word she said.

Mar Cpt sh’Rharror, Delta SQLD
Siraa was up and had both hands on Bubba’s shoulders, firmly keeping the big burly man in his seat - physically. She was much stronger than she looked. Her gaze turned hard where before it had been friendly and jovial.

“Tell you what, Doc… since you are such an expert on fighters…” a voice said loudly. It was Lardel who had walked over when the words were still hanging in the air. “We have four Templar-class trainers with us. Unlike our typical birds, these have room for two, pilot and coach. I will make you a bet. I will bet you… say, six… no let’s say ten. Ten cases of tequila, Terran, Don Julio Reserva. Ten cases that you wouldn’t last five minutes in the side seat with IRIS flying before you throw up and wet your pants. Not one or the other… both. You do just one, you still win. But you do both, you lose. Whaddya say? You think she’s so bad… back it up. Otherwise I would say apologize and leave; but with what you just said I don’t think that’ll be an option. Pretty much your only chance of walking out of her with your knees and teeth in working order is to take the bet. So what will it be? Bet? Or beating?” and he crossed his arms on his chest and looked at the young medic expectantly.

Lardel, CAG

Lardel started talking and IRIS had a moment to think, Oh good the Colonel is here. before her attention was focused in keeping Bubba inbhis seat.

Bubba slammed a fist into his meaty hand and several others cracked their knuckles. But Lardel offered a choice Bubba’s outrage turned into sputtered disbelief, “B…b…bu…but Colonel! He called her a pilot!” Bubba protested and nods of agreement all around. “He called her inept” Grumpy reminded them. Siraa patted Bubba’s shoulder. “I know Bubba. But you can’t be insulted by the words of the ignorant. They don’t know that calling a marine aviator a pilot is the same as calling a surgeon a first aid volunteer, 50x worse.” Couldn’t she just go a round with this guy and settle it? That was easier and more straight forward.

Ruthie stood up and raised her hands out like a referee.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Medic!” She pointed at the man. “You’re way out of line. What would Lieutenant Hall think if she heard about this? We may banter but we treat our crewmen and Marines will some respect here.”

“Colonel,” she said cooly, “Perhaps let’s take the beating off the table for now, please. Bet on a write up or something instead. After all, we’re still Starfleet officers and we don’t need you court martialed and that fool taking up space in Sickbay.”

-Ensign Ruthie Rutherford

Lardel turned and looked at the Ensign cooly. “But we are not all Star Fleet officers, Ensign. Some of us are Marines. And that title comes with a certain pride and tradition… and level of expectation that that pride and tradition will be defended when necessary. And while I am very impressed by your efforts to deescalate the situation, I feel I must tell you that what that… ahem… ‘individual’… just said to my Aviator is akin to someone walking up and spitting on your uniform and then calling your ship a garbage skow. So again, while I commend your actions…” and he turned and looked at the medic, “… there is a line that simply cannot be crossed without serious repercussions.” He clenched and unclenched his jaw for a moment and then said “But the Ensign is correct about one thing. The Brig is too good for you. So I will ensure that you leave here intact, physically that is. But you still need to make a choice. So… fly with IRIS? Or play me in a game of chess. Now, before you decide, know that we will play chess under the Black Sheep rules. For every piece I take, you have to remove an article of clothing which I get to keep as a token of our battle. And we will play on the flight deck. In front of the entire Marine contingent and anyone form the Star Fleet side that wants to watch. And you will agree to walk back to your quarters once we are done. Now… decide.”

Lardel, CAG

Keitah cupped her hands over her mouth to stifle a laugh. It didn’t seem right to her as she ships Counselor to burst out laughing so she did her best to contain it. She wondered what choice the medic would make.

Oni and NE Crewmembers.

“Yes, I understand Colonel. Obviously, I didn’t plan for these types of interactions. I feel the crew of the Chimera can be better trained on interaction with your crew.

Bump

Awww man she did NOT want to go up in a bird with that…guy. He would puke so early in the flight she’d have to smell it the whole time. Not to mention the wet seat. Then she would have to clean the bird. Why was she being punished; she wasn’t causing trouble this time.

The medic looked from Lardel to Siraa with an amused expression. “Sure, I will play you Colonel. As long as the captain there has a front row seat and walks me home.”

It took 4 more Marines to keep Bubba in his seat. Siraa patted Bubba’s shoulder. “No thanks,” she said at the medic, “Not my type.”

Mar Cpt sh’Rharror, Delta SQLD

Lardel looked at IRIS and Bubba and Grumpy. “You heard the man. He wants to play chess with me.” and Lardel grinned. And I am quite sure the Captain will be close by an watching.”

The squadron knew, of course. As did most people with any kind of knowledge of xeno-sociology. Lardel was a Zakdorn. The entire Zakdorn species was biologically and socially geared to tactics and war games. Their species had never lost a war… not even an internal one. Those were always a draw. Zakdorn military schools were the pinnacle of war game theory. In fact, the species was banned from all chess tournaments in the Federation because of ‘inherent biological advantage’. And the squadron knew that what the Colonel had proposed was his form of humiliation and punishment. When someone in the unit really, really screwed up? Out came the chess pieces and off went rhe clothes. It was utterly humiliating. And the CO had never lost. Not once. In fact, the most anyone had seen of his clothes coming off was his shirt and undershirt and boots.

There was no way the medic was going to beat the Colonel. She wondered if the medic was aware of the odds stacked against them. “Hey, you just might win.” She said to the medic as her lips fixed into a quivering smile, still trying not to burst out laughing.

Lardel looked around and said “Anyone is welcome. One time invite. Come with us to the flight deck. We’ll see if I have bitten off more than I can chew.” and the Marines all stood (some brining along a new ‘acquaintance’) and began to move out of the room.

Lardel, CAG

“I’m there!” said Keitah

Naisyr, Counselor


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