Inspection: Marines

Posted on Sun Dec 10, 2017 @ 2:19pm by Lieutenant Colonel S'er'in'e & Commodore Michael Aravan

Mission: Falling Star
Location: Marine Country
Timeline: MD 32 || 1030 Hours

Michael turned the bridge over to his Executive Officer and headed for the turbolift. He had a lot of stops to make while the ship and crew prepared to leave Deep Space Ten and he didn't want to take up much of his department head's time. "Deck Forty-Three," he requested as he entered the turbolift and it smoothly took off.

When it came to a halt, Commodore Aravan stepped out and was immediately greeted by a Marine Second Lieutenant who snapped to attention. "Commodore on deck!" he called out.

"Relax, Lieutenant," Michael said. "Is Colonel S'er'in'e in his office?"

"Sir, yes Sir," The anxious Marine replied. "Would you like me to escort you there, Sir?"

"I know the way," Michael said. "Keep up the good work," he told the young Marine as he headed for his Marine Commanding Officer's office and pressed the chime.

S'er'in'e was for the most part playing catch up on last minute things, the arrangements with security were coming alone well and so far patrols were regular and without incident. He rubbed his muzzle slightly, the eyes taking a little getting used to especially with all the functions that he now had access to. When the chime sounded he was curious as to who it might be he rose from his chair in case it was Kasia or another female to bow to and spoke. "Enter."

The Commodore entered and the first thing he noticed were the usual cybernetic eyes on the giant Caitian. "I'm surprised that you're back on active duty so soon, Colonel," he said. "What prompted this decision?"

"My Mate." S'er'in'e replied feeling a sense of pride at the new addition to his life, already noticing the freedom around his neck from the missing collar. "She has been very supportive since my injury, it has helped considerably towards my recovery."

"Mate?" Michael looked at the Caitian and noticed the collar he had always worn was gone. "Then congratulations are in order. Who is the lucky person?"

"Major Kasia Petrova." S'er'in'e replied with a smile, his fangs could be seen peeking from under his top lip. "May I ask what brings you do to the marine section Commodore?" S'er'in'e observed the man he'd only met but a handful of times.

The Marine Commander and the Marine Exec? went through his mind before he smiled. "I'm happy for you both," he said. "I wanted to stop by and check the status of the Marine and Security deployment and what measures you've taken in a joint effort. I also want four teams of Marines to be on the Victorious when we send it ahead with the fighter reconnaissance teams."

"Thank you." S'er'in'e replied. "The Lieutenant and I have discussed about splitting the ship in half and using our departments to secure them. Since the marine deck in on the lower half of the ship I have taken responsibility for it. Himself the upper." He gave a partial brief to the Commodore as to the plan of action. "Do you wish for the assigned marines on the ship to have a particular loadout or mission profile fitting?"

While Michael had wanted to have the Marines and Security work together, he wasn't displeased. Still, it nagged at him but he accepted what he could get. "I'll leave that to you," he said. "Just sent me or Captain Weisz the teams when you get the formalized."

A general fitting it seemed was probably for the best, cover most of the bases while not compromising effectiveness. "As you wish." He made a mental note to make sure that everyone assigned to the Victorious was up to date on certifications and ratings, just in case the Commodore checked. "Will you require heavy weaponry, explosives, large ordinance as part of the equipment package?"

"I doubt you'll need explosives, but I wouldn't rule the rest out," the Commodore said. "Make sure you have four diverse teams that can handle almost any situation."

"Understood." S'er'in'e answered already pulling names from his head that would make ideal general teams for the Commodore's needs. The equipment shouldn't take too long to make ready and supplies just as long once final selection had been made. "I should have that list within one half hour."

"Very good," Michael said. "How are you finding everything?" He asked, but wanted to asked how he was with his new eyes.

"Unique, the additional functions and capabilities will take some getting used to. I have yet to hear from the Homeworld and what the Overseer thinks about them. She can be very traditional and purist at times." That actually worried him slightly, her reaction but he'd wait to see what happens, when it happens.

"You're also a Starfleet Marine, Colonel," the Commodore said. "Which means you operate under the jurisdiction of the United Federation of Planets as the military arm of Starfleet. As such, your welfare is our responsibility and you had a choice to make. Cait, as a member planet, surely understands this, purist or not."

S'er'in'e was slightly annoyed by that remark, such an obvious thing to point out. Still however the Commodore was probably not aware of the more intricate matters and social acceptances of Caitian Society. "Indeed." Though he doubted the Overseeer would be so accommodating in the same assessment.

"I may not be entirely versed in your culture, and forgive me if I have this wrong, but doesn't females have a higher status than males there?" Michael asked.

"They do, even off the Homeworld. You may have noticed I bow to females, the same respects and allowances are afforded them." S'er'in'e answered. "Kasia is still learning about my ways, but she is keen to do so." However he doubted the Commodore came down all this way for a chat about his culture.

"In that case, would it not fall under the domain of Major Petrova?" the Commodore asked with a slight smile, knowing how savage his Marine Executive Officer could be.

"I am not sure I follow your meaning." S'er'in'e spoke confused. "Would what fall under her domain?"

"Dealing with the Overseer. She's your Mate now," Michael said. "And since females are accorded a higher social status than males in your society, would it not go to Major Petrova to handle such delicate matters in a manner befitting your Mate?"

"Under normal situations yes, however as my Mate is not Caitian and, while not frowned upon to be claimed by a non Caitian she will stand at a disadvantage to other Caitian females. She is still afforded the same luxuries, allowances and benefits but her voice will not carry as much weight as others." S'er'in'e explained. It was an unfortunate truth but one there was no avoiding or getting around.

"I think that the females in your society will find that despite Major Petrova not being Caitian that her claws and teeth are just as sharp and deadly," the human said. "You've seen her in action and what she's capable of and she chose you to be her Mate. She's a natural born Marine and she will fight for everything she cares about."

"It is true I have seen her in action and while I am bound to keep her safe with all that I am, unfortunately should another of my kind, from my Caste challenge her then it would be a quick but painful death for Kasia, females will make a gesture of the death as a warning to others." S'er'in'e rounded the desk to lean against its side. "Females of my Caste are permitted, should another female bring shame or dishonour to the Caste, challenge them to a Trial of Redemption. We are trained from a young age, as teenagers I believe Humans call it in fighting. To hone what we are, our senses, natural abilities, physical form."

S'er'in'e took a breath dreading the moment a female should ever challenge Kasia. "The rules of combat are simple, if challenged Kasia can accept the challenge herself and fight the challenger or appoint a champion, typically the Mate, in this case myself. If appointed I will fight on her behalf, if I fail then I am killed and so too is Kasia. If I am victorious Kasia is redeemed and I am executed for the death of a female."

"And if Kasia accepts the challenge and wins?" Michael asked. "She's a highly trained Marine and you've seen her fight. I have a feeling that a Caitian female would underestimate her and think she would be an easy kill, but would probably try to play with her a bit. That would be the downfall of whoever faced her. She is not to be underestimated."

"Should she win, the matter in question is dropped and she resumes life as if the transgression never happened." He still hoped never to encounter the situation, it was not something any Mate wanted.

"Then the matter will be dropped at that time," the Commodore said with complete confidence. "I highly doubt you would have chosen her if you did not see her as an equal despite the customs of your people."

"Very true." S'er'in'e replied as he thought about the exchange between them. He wondered if being Mated had set in for Kasia yet and also the reaction of his mother, when he told her the joyous news.

"Then that's settled," Michael told him. "Is there anything else Marine related that you'd like to cover?"

"Nothing that I can think of, however I will apprise you of when the teams are ready and equipment prepared. I will contact the Chief of Security and work on a update report for you." S'er'in'e replied looking at the Commodore.

"Very well, Colonel," Michael replied. "Then I'll leave you to it." With that, he turned and headed for his next point of inspection.

A nod of the head and S'er'in'e watched the Commodore leave, once he had he began working on the teams he had requested and the equipment to support them.