The First Meeting

Posted on Tue Dec 5, 2017 @ 5:13pm by

Mission: https://www.triumphant.anurasims.com/index.php/sim/missions/id/7
Location: Ready Room
Timeline: MD 01 || 1430 Hours

As James stood inside of the Turbolift, James looked at the PADD, once more, and made sure the information was accurate as the turbolift arrived at it's destination. Stepping out, he saw the Bridge for the first time. Looking around, he saw the woman he was looking for, Commander Harper. Walking over, he stood at attention. "Commander Harper, I'm Major James Racktor. I'd like to speak with you, if I might?" He asked.

Kennedy turned her attention to the gentleman that just approached her and nodded her head, gesturing toward her ready room. "Of course, Major. If you'd like to follow me to my ready room, we can speak in there," she said. Without waiting, she made her way toward it and through the door.

James nodded, and followed her. "It's a pleasure to meet you ma'am." He said, once they were in the ready room. "I came to report in about my men, and also to introduce myself."

"I trust that everyone is on board?" Kennedy asked.

"Yes ma'am. That was one of the reasons I came up, to give you an update. My people are settled in, and we've got some fresh meat as well. So far, a good group. I've also met with the Security Chief, a good man." James said.

"I haven't had the honor of meeting everyone just yet, but that's something I plan to rectify as soon as I'm able to. It might have to wait until we're already underway, though, and that should be happening sooner rather than later as long as all system checks come back clear," she said.

"Of course. I've also got a request, if I may. I've spoken to Lieutenant Wallace, as I mentioned. I know this is a fleet ship, but I'd like to place some protection at secure locations; The Bridge, Main Engineering, places like that. If you agree, it'll be two guards; one Marine, one Security." He said. "I know it isn't exactly standard procedure, but it's just something I like to do on assignment. Makes sure the men are always active, and that there's protection, no matter what. We never know what we'll be facing out there." He said, with a small smile. "Frankly, I'd feel more comfortable knowing you've got the best looking out for you."

Kennedy listened as he spoke, but didn't think those measures were necessary. Now, it was time to explain why. "While I can appreciate you wanting to do that, Major, it isn't something that needs to happen, and here's why," she began. "While the Ragnarok isn't exactly a small ship, I cannot afford to have my personnel on guard of critical areas twenty-four hours a day when nothing is going on. When situations are dangerous, that's one thing, but we won't require them round the clock."

James nodded. "Understood ma'am." He replied. "I've planned a series of training sessions with Security. I intend to make sure this ship is always safe, and protected. It's dangerous out there. This scar reminds me of that every day." He said, pointing to his face. "Oh, I can be made pretty, don't get me wrong, but I like being reminded that it's a dangerous universe out there."

"There are dangers everywhere, Major. I'm former Security, so I know of those first hand, and being a member of Starfleet for the last thirty-nine years has taught me a thing or two," she said. Despite her being active in Starfleet for thirty-nine years, Kennedy didn't look a day over thirty... possibly even younger.

James was shocked briefly, but then recalled the file he had read. He had forgotten she was an El Aurian. "I can imagine it would, ma'am." James said. "It also shows the dedication you have. I've been in the corps for thirty-seven years, including boot camp. Wouldn't have it any other way. What I wouldn't give for some of those El-Aurian genes though, keep me going. I'll be in the corps until they carry me out personally." James said. "But I do envy you. Like I said, wouldn't change the Corps, but you've got to have seen some incredible stuff out there."

"I've seen things, yes," the El Aurian woman confirmed. "Good and bad... things I wouldn't want anyone else to see, but that comes with the territory of being in Starfleet. Not everything can be wine and roses all the time no matter how much we wish that to be the case."

"Tell me about it." James agreed. "Expect the worst, plan for the worst, be pleasantly surprised when the best happens. My wife doesn't like me thinking so negatively, but she and I always disagree on lots of things. I love her to bits, and she's the best thing that happened to me. Well, her and the kids. Do you have kids, ma'am?" He asked.

"I do. A son and a daughter. I'm a grandmother as well," Kennedy replied. "I come from a long line of Starfleet. How about yourself?"

James smiled. "My old man was a marine, so were both of his parents, and their parents. There's also Starfleet thrown in as well, so the Racktor's, well, we go way back, since the start of the service. Hell, there were Racktor's serving in the military before we even left Earth. I guess it's sort of a standing tradition. Oh, not everyone serves, but we all do our part. My brother, Ed, he commands the USS Justice. Good man, damned good Captain. He used to be Security as well. Then there's my sister, she run's a restaurant back on Earth, Racktor's House of Munch. She's sort of the heart of the family, giving us a home when we're on leave, or if we're injured and need patching up properly. Plus, she makes a damned good steak." James said.

"Only one place came close to making a steak as good as hers, and that was a fleet ship. The Triumphant. I dropped off some Marines there, but a miscommunication meant I wasn't meant to be posted there, although I thought I was. Paperwork, the one thing I hate." He said. He opened a pocket on his uniform, and removed a photo. "Here's my clan; three of my kids, two of them in the corps, one at the restaurant. The other three will be aboard, with me and my wife." He explained, holding out the photo showing the kids, with James and Lucy, all of whom were at a picnic.

Kennedy looked at the photo and smiled when she saw his family. Of course, it made her miss her own, but she'd be able to see them all again someday. It was all just a matter of timing. "Good looking family. I'm looking forward to meeting them in the future."

"I'll make sure you get the chance. Lucy, my wife, she's the mother of the unit. She used to be a marine, until she fell pregnant. Left the corps to raise our kids, but she's always around, looking after me and my people. She makes sure I eat, and that I take care of myself." He said. "And the kids...you'll adore them." He said. "I found out I'm going to be a grandpappy myself. My daughter is expecting her first child. Makes me feel a little old, but I'm excited."

"Then, congratulations are definitely in order. There's nothing like being a grandparent. It's so different from being a parent," she said with a smile. "I've loved being a mother, but being a grandmother is an amazing experience."

James smiled. "Thank you, ma'am." He said. "I tell you, life can be good. It's why I've been in the corps so long though. I intend to keep going to make sure my family, and every family, will be safe. Couldn't live with myself if I didn't do my best. And this ship will always get my best. I don't have a B game, just an A game, and I demand the best from all my people."

"As do I," Kennedy stated. "Do you have any questions for me?"

"Not at this moment, ma'am." James replied. "I'll keep you apprised as to our training schedules, we've got everything we need and, frankly, I'm looking forward to serving with you. I've read your record, and I'm confident in your skills, and in you. I can't tell you how many people don't appreciate the Marine Corps, because they see us as bullies or overkill. But if there is anything I can help with, outside of my regular duties, I'm always on hand to do so." He said.

"Most people don't see a need for Marines, but I am not one of them. I trust that you and your personnel will do everything in their power to keep the proverbial guns blazing unless it's absolutely necessary," she said, leaning back in her chair. "I see the Marines as a valuable asset, and between you and Security, the Ragnarok will be incredibly secure."

"That it will be." James agreed. "I always expect the best of my men, and I give the best. I'll make sure our training sessions don't disrupt ship operations, and when you need us, we'll be here to hold the line. You need anything, you have but to ask." He said. "If you'll excuse me, my kids should be coming aboard shortly, I should go and greet them."

"Thank you, Major," the Commander said with the nod of her head. "Go welcome your family aboard, and we'll be speaking soon." After offering him a smile, she turned her attention back to the reports that were steadily pouring in. It was time to get some work done, and that's what she planned to focus on until the next person come to introduce themselves.