STF

Shooting to Make An Impression

Posted May 22, 2023, 12:43 p.m. by Lieutenant Tandra Mika (Counselor) (Lucas Foxley)

Posted by Civilian Kodek Vonn (Colonial Intelligence Agent) in Shooting to Make An Impression

Posted by Lieutenant Tandra Mika (Counselor) in Shooting to Make An Impression

Posted by Civilian Kodek Vonn (Colonial Intelligence Agent) in Shooting to Make An Impression
Posted by… suppressed (41) by the Post Ghost! 👻
It had taken three days for Mika to find the courage to contact her date from the charity auction. She had settled on a Saturday, two weekends after the event, and suggested that as the date. The whole thing had her unbearably nervous, and she kept reminding herself how polite the person had seemed in each of their interactions thus far.

Work allowed her the chance to keep her mind off the impending meet-up, for she was far too busy to worry about her personal affairs. At last the day before the event came and no longer could she hide from her nerves. She could at least find comfort in that it wasn’t going to be anything overly formal and outside her comfort zone. She was no expert marksman but she’d much rather make a fool of herself on a shooting range than suffer through a stuffy dinner at some black tie formal joint.

The day came and dressed in the outfit Sharah had suggested, Mika made her way to the square near the hospital with the food trucks, the place she had agreed to meet up with her “date”. She wore a form fitting athletic top and a pair of long athletic pants, made of a stretchy material, complete with sporty shoes. Dressed nicely, but for the activity planned for the day. Her brown hair was pulled back out of the way into a clip.

She found a bench to sit down on and waited patiently. It was most likely easier to look for them than for the Breen to look for her, he was seven foot tall and stood out in a crowd without question compared to her short stature of just five foot three and nondescript brown hair. It was easy for Mika to blend into a crowd, not that the square was too busy that day. There were enough people they wouldn’t be the only ones around, but few enough it seemed to be a nice, relaxing day. She pulled a book out to read while she waited - a book on historical medical practices throughout the Federation.

~ Mika

“Good afternoon, Doctor. I trust you are well.” a synthesized voice said from behind her. The Breen, as always encased in the armored suit that was their trademark, walked into view and stood in front of her. “I trust you are ready for our excursion? I have to admit, I have been looking forward to the outing. It will be a good change of pace from my day-to-day activities.”

Kashir Gran

Mika stood and looked up at them, smiling brightly as the book disappeared into her bag. “Of course. I thought we’d start with lunch from the food trucks and then head over to the range.” Gran was really tall. She was craning her neck to look up at the visor that covered their face. She stuck her hands behind her back, hoping to exude a confidence she did not yet feel. “What do you think?”

~ Mika

The helmet said “I am willing to accompany you for lunch, but I will not be partaking. My species has a very specific diet, I am afraid. But please, eat. I am more than willing to talk while you have lunch.” The voice was emotionless and wholly artificial, but somehow managed to sound sincere. The Breen raised their arm and gestured to the waiting food trucks. “After you.”

Gran

“Oh yeah… Of course.” Mika felt weirdly insensitive to not have already known that. She turned and headed to toward the food trucks, trying to dispell the awkwardness she was now keenly aware of. She chose a light pasta dish and a sweet tea and then chose a quieter spot to have a seat. “So what would you like to talk about?” She asked, keeping her tone friendly and curious.

~ Mika

Gran sat opposite her and said “Why don’t we help you feel less awkward?” they asked flatly. “I am keenly aware of both my species and my own reputation. Allow me the courtesy of answering whatever questions you have, Doctor. I would like you to be able to be comfortable today. Marksmanship requires a level of relaxation, after all.”

Gran

“I’m mostly unaware of any reputation you may have. I’ve only arrived about a month ago and well…” She chuckled nervously, “I haven’t exactly made it a priority to go exploring the planet.” She took a big bite of her food, swallowed it, and then looked at them defiantly as if attempting to prove their observation false. “Your species on the other hand… They have a pretty vague reputation based almost entirely on stereotypes. So honestly, I have to say I really have no idea what to expect today.”

~ Mika

The helmet remained motionless, but the voice said “Then allow me to ask you what you would expect if I was not who or what I am? If I were, perhaps, Human? Or Vulcan? Would that change your expectations? I am not trying to insinuate that you are species-ist. I am simply trying to find common ground to work with. As you said, the stereotypes of my people are… vague, at best. Frightening at worst.”

Gran

Mika considered the question thoughtfully. “I suppose my expectations would be different if you had been a human or a betazoid, or even a vulcan. People think they don’t have emotions but the truth is every one of them is different, often they differ in what they’ve decided is ‘logical’.” She stared into her bowl of food as she thought another moment. “But with any of those three, or trill or andorians or near anything else I could think of we know more about them, have more experience interacting with them.”

~ Mika

The helmet finally moved slightly, up and down as if agreeing. “Too true. Most sentient beings tend to be uncomfortable with new or unfamiliar species. That is not necessarily a bad thing… it is a protective measure, after all. So, in this setting, I wish to put you at ease with me.” There was a pause, and then a gauntleted glove reached down to the wide belt that surrounded the Breen’s waist which held many small pouches and containers. They opened one and a small cloud of frigid air wafted up and they pulled out a small, gray cube. “Algae. From my home world. You eat, and I will join you.” A small hatch slid back on the helmet revealing an opening the size of the cube. Gran lifted the cube, slid it into the opening, and it slid closed. “It may not be the sharing of a meal that you are used to, Doctor… but at least it is something familiar to expound upon.”

Gran

It was an odd looking cube they referred to as “algae” but Mika was slightly reminded of Kelmao, an alien world intended to be a colony she had once visited on a mission to give medical care to the new colonists on the planet. The experience had overall been positive, despite the illness she had contracted while there. She offered a friendly, slightly more relaxed and natural smile, and said, “Tandra, please. This is an informal occasion, anyway.” She took another bite of her own food. “Is the food we eat bad for you in some way?” She asked, curious both in general, and as a doctor.

~ Mika

“We can eat your food, but only very sparingly.” the voice said. “We cannot extract enough nutrients to survive on your food regardless of the quantity we consume. The algae is the only thing we can survive on. It is also difficult for us to eat your food because you serve it hot. We are acclimatized to the severe cold of our planet.” There was another pause and the voice said “And you may call me Gran… Tandra.”

Gran

Mika nodded. “There are things we eat cold… Ice cream, mostly.” She was nearly finished with her pasta bowl. There were only a few bites left. And her sweet tea was nearly gone as well. She supposed the environment also explained the need for the suit which did sorta look like an EVA suit. In a way. “Alright, Gran… If you don’t spend any time deciding what to eat, what do you do?” It was a joke within a question. She couldn’t imagine always eating the same thing, never having to decide between pasta, salad, or a sandwich.

~ Mika

The response was direct and said matter-of-factly. “I am mostly retired now, but I was a mercenary. Sometimes an enforcer for those with the means to pay for my services. I have been a bounty hunter and a debt collector. I sold weapons and related material, as well.” and they paused and the visor, without moving, seemed to focus on her. “I am also aware that such occupations tend to illicit strong emotions in individuals. I hope that that knowledge does not make you uncomfortable, but I will understand if it does. But I do not lie. Nor am I ashamed of my past.”

Gran

Mika paused. They were a what? No, it was okay, Gran was retired, right? Wait. Didn’t that mean they’d led an entire LIFE as a criminal?? Uh. Now Mika felt really uneasy. She… she had a personal experience with violent crime. Her mother had been killed, nine years ago now. Where was her usual separation? The game face she used as a counselor? Not here, that’s where. “I uhhhhhm… I’m sorry, I, uh, I don’t know what to say.” She said quickly, nearly knocking the pasta bowl over. Thankfully it did not spill, but she suddenly seemed unable to bring her gaze up to the visor of the helmet Gran wore.

~ Mika

The voice said “Nothing is needed to be said. Again, I am not ashamed of my past. And I understand it’s effects on those who are less familiar with that segment of our galactic society. If you would like to cancel our outing, I will not be offended. But I will say this: my experience will be of great help to you on the range. I can confidently say that you would be hard pressed to find a more capable shooting partner than I. And I am also happy to teach you, if you would so desire.”

Gran

“No, I can’t cancel on you. That would be impolite.” She sighed and stirred her pasta. Then she dropped her plastic fork into her bowl. The thought then I could shoot people like you crossed her mind, but just thinking that made her feel bad. Their past shouldn’t define who they were now, she’d told several officers the same thing in session. She had to apply that here. “It wouldn’t be very smart to turn down such training, now would it?”

~ Mika

The Breen said simply “Intellect has little to do with it. It is a simple matter of desire. Do you want to shoot a weapon? Or do you want to learn to shoot well?”

Gran

The answer should have been an immediate ‘yes’. Mika knew how to shoot. She had to. She was a Starfleet officer. But unlike her hand to hand skills, her shooting… Left a lot to be desired. And though their skills likely came from their.... Less than stellar background, she had no doubt they had the skill they said they did.

She found herself hesitating for a long moment anyway. She fidgeted with the plastic fork uncomfortably. Her mouth suddenly felt dry. “My mom… Sh-she was killed in a store robbery nine years ago.” No, she was not going to cry here. Not here. She couldn’t keep her eyes from watering up and she fought the urge to wipe them. “That’s why your background shocked me a little bit.” She was spending a lot of time finding the right words.

There was a shuttle shift in the… presence… of the the Breen. Almost like a acknowledgement of her pain. “That is most unfortunate. But this I can tell you without any hesitation. I have never killed an innocent. Not even as collateral damage. That is… unprofessional. And it causes damage outside of the job. I cannot abide by that.” they said.

Then, at last, she looked at the helmet’s visor with a stubborn determination, “Yes, I do want to learn to shoot well. I want you to teach me.”

~ Mika

“Fine.” they said. “Finish your lunch and we can depart. I have transport waiting for us, but if you would feel more comfortable 8n your own conveyance, I will not object.”

Gran

How nice, criminals following a code of honour, Mika thought bitterly. Again, she focused herself and put her thoughts to the side. “Your transport will be okay.” She finished off her lunch and threw away the rubbish in a nearby bin, returning to the bench afterwards. “I’m ready.”

~ Mika

Gran stood and began walking. The walk was short, just a few minutes, and they arrived at a sleek and very well appointed personal shuttle. Gran opend the hatch and gestured inside. “After you.”

The hatch closed behind them and Gran took a seat in the pilot’s chair. They began powering up the engines and the voice said “Where to, Tandra?”

Gran

Mika wasn’t familiar with anything on Oed that wasn’t either in the Fleet complex or the Sacred Heart hospital. But in preparation for today, she’d searched around online for a place to do this at. After everything else it took her a moment to remember the name as she climbed into the transport. “Uhhhhm, Torbin’s… Target Range?”

~ Mika

The gauntleted fingers rapped the console and the shuttle lifted of the ground in a smooth and practiced arc, and in moments they were settled into the traffic pattern of Oed’s city. The helmet stayed faced forward, but Gran said “Tell me, Tandra… why do you want to learn marksmanship?”

Gran

Mika considered the question with the same careful thoughtfulness of before. “Well, honestly, out of the activities I could think to offer for the auction, it was the most appealing. I’d rather this than some fancy-schmancy thing or the… What was it? Book reading? That someone else offered. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I do like to read, but…” She shrugged. “And I’m already an expert in martial arts. I guess I’m rambling a bit, though.” There was a silence, and then she added, “And I am a Starfleet officer. The ability to shoot well comes in handy in more than one way. To protect my friends, most importantly.”

~ Mika

There was a pause before Gran spoke. “Many believe, erroneously, that being able to fire a weapon means that they possess the ability to do so in any situation. Anyone can thumb a firing stud on a disruptor. Few know how to determine the appropriate way to apply directed force in a given situation.” There was another pause. “You say you are a student of hand-to-hand combat. What style do you prefer?” they asked.

Gran

Mika nodded. “I was Chief Medical Officer on an Academy ship. Lots of Cadets freeze up when they’re placed in a real situation with real danger despite the years of training we all receive beforehand.” She answered their next question, “Judo in sport, but when you’re in a real fight, the rules go out the window. I’m also trained in Starfleet’s hand to hand combat.”

~ Mika

“Then you understand that every style has a weakness. Another style it is not as effective against.” Gran said. “The same is true of shooting. You do not send a sniper to stop a full on assault. And you do not use crew-served weapons and torpedoes to eliminate a single target.”

Gran

Mika was listening intently, she had always been a studious and focused student. That was something she already knew, but it never hurt to restate. “Either way, it would be terribly inefficient. Ineffective entirely, or a waste of resources.”

~ Mika

“Typically both.” Gran said. “So when one practices shooting, the practitioner must do so while keeping foremost in their mind what their shooting purpose is. Is it to defend? To attack? To destroy? To suppress? All of these and more must be in the mind if the shootist prior to activating their weapon.” They spun in their seat as the craft banked sharply and made for a large rectangle of green on the far outskirts of the city. “Shooting is more than hitting your target. It is philosophy made into action.”

Gran

Mika nodded her acknowledgement of the statement. They were nearly there. Once the craft evened out again, she could see where they were headed. “So I want to think about why I’m shooting before I actually shoot.” She clarified, looking at Gran.

~ Mika

“Every. Single. Time. Clarity of purpose will translate to clarity of your targeting.” Gran said as the shuttle settled on to a pad. The Breen looked at Tandra and said “Renting or should I bring our own?”

Gran

“I was going to rent. I can’t really borrow one from the fleet complex for just anything.” Mika said with a shrug, “and I don’t own one personally.” She climbed out of the transport and once outside of it, stretched. Then she walked around the side of it and stood next to Gran. “Ready?”

~ Mika

Gran moved to the back of the shuttle and opened a large security closet. From it, they pulled a large case with some very severe looking security devices on it. Grabbing it by the handle, they lifted it and turned to leave. “Ready.” they said and followed her towards the office of the range to check in with the staff.

Gran

Mika lifted a brow, “Weapons storage?” Then she headed inside the office of the range to check in. It only took a few minutes, and then they were taken out to one of the shooting lanes with a target that could change distances.

~ Mika, CNS

Gran lifted and set the case onto a table and went through a very impressive set of security protocols before the case opened with a hiss. Inside was a small arsenal of weapons form all over the known galaxy… and more than a few Mika had never seen. “Close quarters and concealed are on top.” Gran said. “The further down you go, the further away your target can be.”

Gran

Mika considered asking what something was, but then she peeked further and spotted several more things she’d never seen, so instead she chuckled nervously and commented, “Quite the… um, arsenal for a casual meetup, huh?”

~ Mika

The helmet swiveled to look down at her. “This is my standard kit. The arsenal is kept eleswhere.” the monotone, artificial voice said. A gauntleted hand reached into the case and came away with a standard issue Star Fleet Type II phaser… which was a crime for non-Star Fleet personnel to possess. “Try this first, as you are accustomed to it. The targets will be five, ten, and twenty meters and stationary. Blue ring means a near miss on a standard humanoid-size target. White is a non-direct hit. Yellow is a confirmed hit. Red is a lethal hit. Please, proceed.”

“This is your standard.... You know what, nevermind. I don’t think I want to know,” Mika said, shaking her head. Then she focused in on which weapon in particular they were pulling out. Her eyes went wide. It was a type II Starfleet standard issue! It was a crime for anyone outside starfleet to possess that. They.. they were technically committing a crime by owning it!

Okay, okay, play it cool, she didn’t need to make a scene. She couldn’t say nothing though. That was illegal! Finally something made its way out her mouth as she took the weapon, “You know I have to confiscate this now, right? I can’t return this to you, it’s illegal.”

Gran said nothing other than “You are welcome to try.”

Mika gave them a look and scowled but said nothing else.

The table the weapons were on sat at a ninety degree angle to a the firing bench; a long, high platform designed for shooters and marksman to rest arms and weapons on as they practiced their craft. The lane the two of them were on was long and wide, and had a fully automated targeting system set up. Looking out over the bench, the targets were visible. Circles of tri-colored rings stood on poles at the designated distances; each an outer blue ring with an inner white and yellow ring inside. At the very center was a red circle the size of a small plate.

Gran

Mika stepped towards the platform where one was intended to rest their arms or weapons, and then looked at Gran. “Me first? Or you first?”

~ Mika

An armored arm extended towards the targets and the helmet said “After you. I would like to see where your ability lies.”

Gran

Mika stepped the rest of the way up towards the bench and took aim at the targets. She hit each target twice: white and yellow on the closest, blue and yellow on the middle one, and two on the blue ring on the farthest away target. Not one of her shots missed the targets entirely, but she didn’t hit the red spot with any of them either.

~ Mika

Gran watched her fire and then was silent a moment after she finished. “You are anticipating the shot. Not too much of an issue with energy based weapons, but with projectile it is a severe handicap. Try this.” and they reached into the crate and came up with a small device which they affixed to the side of her phaser. “Aim, but do not fire. Just aim.”

Mika aimed for the target and held her position, waiting to fire as instructed.

They waited as she took her position and for a moment nothing happened… and then the phaser simply fired on its own. It hit the line between yellow and red on the nearest target. “Good. You see… when you anticipate the shot, your body tenses up and that in turn causes your muscles to constrict ever so slightly. In humans, that causes your shot to go more towards your center line. So even if you have a perfect picture of your target, you will miss a clean shot most of the time. When you didn’t know the shot was coming, you were much closer.”

Gran

Mika flinched slightly when the phaser fired unexpectedly. But when she looked at the target, the shot was much more accurate. “So how do you stop yourself from anticipating the shot?” She asked, looking back to Gran questioningly.

~ Mika

“Firing studs are not as delicate a thing as most think. That is by design. Randomly firing weapons because someone brushed an icon on a screen would be problematic at best, yes? Firing studs require a deliberate application of pressure. So, to not anticipate a shot, you press the stud very slowly, gradually applying more and more pressure until it finally goes off. If you are engaging the enemy, every shot should be a surprise. Now if you are laying down suppressing fire? You beat that firing stud like it owes you money.”

Gran

Mika chuckled as if the thought made her nervous. “Let’s hope I’m never in that situation.” She set the phaser down gently, just to be sure it wouldn’t accidently go off. “Should we take this thing off so I can try it without it or do you think I should do a few more with it on there?” She asked, meaning the device they had attached to the phaser.

~ Mika


Posts on Oed V

In topic

Posted since


© 1991-2024 STF. Terms of Service

Version 1.15.9