Another new MCO

Posted on 24 Jul 2020 @ 3:46pm by Lieutenant Karyn Somers & Captain Patrick Jackson
Edited on on 22 Nov 2021 @ 9:57pm

2,813 words; about a 14 minute read

Mission: Orientation Posts
Location: Starbase 51

[ON]

Karyn had extracted herself from the meeting between the new Security Officer and the Security Chief, both knew that the new MCO would be arriving this day, so as the new arrival was technically her boss, she would decide to meet him, she checked the schedule and her eyes widened the ship had already docked, cursing in Gaelic quietly she picked up speed for the Arrivals Lounge. It did not take her long, she had just entered the lounge and spotted the new officer, making sure she was presentable and her white stripe uncluttered with dust, she tidied her hair as best as she could, although it did not need it, as he red hair was gently draped over her one shoulder and her Security armband straight she advanced and came to attention in front of the Officer and saluted, he seemed a little startled.

"Chief Warrant Officer Karyn Lynne Somers, Sir, it is Lieutenant Patrick Jackson, yes?" She asked.

He slowed down to the Chief and set one of his bags down and returned her salute. "Yes, it is Chief."

"Welcome to Starbase 51 Sir and to the 95th Rifles, I will be your orientation guide, we will try to get you out to the Tomcat as soon as it is possible, you will have to meet with the Captain of course to get the latest," she said lowering her salute.

"I appreciate the warm welcome Chief." He said reaching back down and picking up his bag. "Lead the way."

As she led the way "First off to Security, then a short tour of the station and your own Starbase-side quarters for when you are not on the ship, all the crew have them here, that way only essential belongings will be on the ship and the more sentimental here on the Starbase. Okay, what questions do you have Sir?" Karyn asked.

"No questions yet Chief. Pretty much everything I have in here is essential. A couple of little odds and ends I could leave here, but it is all pretty much basics." He mentioned lifting up the bags in each hand. "Never know though, I might be stationed here long enough to develop some."

*she looks at him* "I can understand that Sir, but as you have no questions I will brief you on what I know" Karyn started as they approached the turbo lift. "The Tomcat has 462 Marines or Riflemen on her, out of that number only 12 are not under your direct command, they are the Captain's guard and all are Chosen Men, they all wear this band," Karyn said pointing to the white band around her shoulders "to date there is only 3 Fleet Officers with this band, the Captain, First Officer and Chief Engineer, earning this is hard and as far as I know unique to the Tomcat" she paused as they stepped in the lift "Security," she said when the doors are closed then turns her head to look at the Lieutenant. "450 Rifles will be under your direct control I do not know how far the last MCO got with organising his command, but that is something you will need to bring up with the Captain, I would ask some questions now Sir, as you will be expected to ask some when you meet the Captain, she will expect it, so ask," Karyn said as the lift began to move.

"Does raise a question as to what the Tomcat is doing that requires it's Captain to need a dozen Marines for bodyguards. I thought that was usually a job for ship security." He mused. "When was the last crew rotation for the Marines?"

"The bodyguards have been there since day one and the ship is primarily a Marine detachment ship and it deals with events out here in the Mira Sector and the nearest Starbase with a dedicated Diplomatic detachment is Starbase 332. *pause* The Captain was originally a Marine herself, as for marine rotation, all those marines are new to the Tomcat, prior to their current mission the Tomcat had 125 marines in total, more were assigned when we got our last MCO, now those rifles will be yours to organise and command, more questions El-tee?" Karyn asked. The doors finally opened out onto the Security level Karyn stepped outside and waited for the Lieutenant to do so.

He followed the Chief out as they made their way down the halls. "How soon can I get a PADD of all 450 files. Medical, psychological, and service records? Also, if the Captain's guard rotates out of my Rifles, I'd like those dozen added as well. If the Captain makes all selection and from outside the 95th, then I'll just take the 450."

*Karyn Smiles* oO Finally questions Oo she thought to herself she collated her thoughts before responding "The Padd with all relevant data on will be handed to you when you have your Security clearances, your standard ones will not suffice for everything, especially on the Tomcat. The Captain's guard while Rifles, do not rotate they are permanent, you may get one or two wanting to go on a mission with you or be assigned by the Captain, but for the most part, the 450 Rifles are yours to command. *pause* the ship has a Demolitions or the bomb disposal guy, Sergeant Major Christopher Kildare is also a chosen Man, but he is attached to the Security detail on the ship, due to his skillset. Now the acting MCO at present is only here on detached duty for a short time, you will have to do the handover with her, I will say this she is a Lieutenant Colonel and a combat vet, as I understand it her duty is so the crew can get used to her as she will be taking command of the Tomcat at some point in the future but mostly because the ship needed a short-term replacement MCO, all the finer details will be given by the Colonel" Karyn said wondering how far his curiosity went, they finally made it to Security and Karyn entered first still waiting for more questions to be asked.

"Understood Chief, I'll get the details when I see the Colonel. Obviously subject to change but what is the Tomcats mission parameters? Also, does the armoury carry full type 2 body armour for all 450 rifles?"

*Looks at him* "I believe so Sir, plus Security personnel, currently it is to show the flag in the Mira Sector and do the occasional diplomatic mission, but since the last Borg attack and the Galaxy still feeling the effects of the Dominion War, even now in 2394 Starfleet is stretched thin in the Sector and even combat orientated ships has been pressed into diplomatic duties. That is the general Parameters, sir, currently, they are out at Galen IV investigating a Bluegill infection of the planet, they should be back soon, *pauses*, in general, it is a Fleet Mission Parameter and the Rifles are for want of a better term the hammer, as this area is rough the Captain wanted initially Marines then Rifles on her ship and this Starbase to combat the serious threats out here, more details will be available from the Lieutenant Colonel and Captain" Karyn said as they arrived at her desk "if you could take a seat, Sir, I will start on your security clearances" she added.

Patrick took a seat and set his bags down. He made a note to look up daily duty records once he got to the ship. It sounded like mostly diplomatic and science-based missions for the last little while. Not that it was a bad thing, it means the galaxy was calming down some, but it also means that practice and training would need to be much more regular to keep his Marines sharp. If they were to be a hammer in some wild space, he would see to it that they would be a sledgehammer.

Karyn logged into the system and tapped away furiously lightly cursing at two points, but finally, she finished and the computer deployed an Isoliniear chip and a piece of paper, Karyn took them and looked at Jackson. "Okay you are logged and registered with the Starbase and yes Paper is a little old-fashioned, but it is not meant to be kept. *pauses* Okay this chip has your ship security clearances on it, after you have reported to the Captain and then to your office plug this into the system and it will officially register you as MCO on the Tomcat, then speaking with Colonel Somers for a formality hand-over is just that a formality, do not be afraid to ask questions of both the Colonel and the Captain, you will be in command of 450 Marines you are going to want to know all you can about your Department" Karyn paused as she handed him the chip.

"Understood Chief. I've got my homework to do. What's with the paper strip?" He asked a little confused.

"Okay, this here is a one-time emergency use code, memorize it then destroy the paper, that will give you as a Department head the ability to retake the ship or take command should all other qualified officers be dead or unconscious, it is to be used in an emergency, so make sure you remember it" Karyn added handing him the strip of paper.

"Hopefully it will never get used." He said looking over the code and then putting the paper in a secured pocket for memorization. "Do I eat it after I'm done like in the old holos?" He asked jokingly.

*Gives him her dirtiest look* "Sir I appreciate that you have a sense of humour and it will be needed on the Tomcat, but when it comes to security matters I do not joke, how you dispose of the paper after you have memorized the code is up to you as long as it is final and permanent, should you get captured while on duty your Starfleet and Tomcat security clearances will be voided and you will have to go through the entire process again should you be rescued successfully" Karyn said a smile appearing on her face, it was not a joking smile.

"I'm glad you appreciate humour Chief, and I appreciate that you take your duties of security clearance seriously." He said as the smile dropped from his face. "Let me make this abundantly clear though. I'm no butter bar fresh out of the boot and I'm not a basic leatherneck grunt. You have already listed off multiple irregularities to processes on the Tomcat, including now an L.T. leading a battalion worth of Rifles. I'm under no illusion. I recognize I am expendable, and the most likely scenario in your example will be a denial of existence."

*studies him emotionlessly, then a big friendly smile appeared on her face* "Do you know Sir how many new MCOs have sat in that chair from me and failed the test?! Congratulations, by the way, you have what it takes and are able to be an officer, you will I think do very well on the Tomcat. *pauses* You see I am also the Regimental Drill Master for the Rifles on this base and I would be remiss if I did not check the spine of the new MCO I am pleased to say you know how to be an officer and there is only so much a person jacket says about them" she finished. Secretly he was the first she tried this test on, she had assessed the MCOs that came before as she dealt with their security clearances and those came up short so she did not bother. This officer though she had a feeling so she put him to the test and he passed now she wondered how he would respond now that her ruse was revealed.

Patrick raised an eyebrow just a fraction at the notice that this was all an elaborate test. He was not sure what that test was, what it was really for, or if it was some made-up excuse from the Chief because he was catching on that things are out of sorts with the Tomcat. He had no way of knowing for sure, although at the moment, to his knowledge, there was no reason for the Chief to be making any of this up. If it was indeed a test, it made him questions the calibre of MCO's they have received.

"I'm glad I'm the first to pass your test Chief, but no, I do not know how many came before me. For my own curiosity, how many have and what was their average duration?" He asked with a lighter smile. Visibly relaxing but keeping his mind alert status up.

She looked at him "those that came before you since I have been stationed here, which I have been their orientation guide for I can count two, there were others before I got here, so the first one I met came here with the same rank as you and had just started to organise his 101 Rifles *pauses* back then the Tomcat only had 125 Rifles in total, 24 are the Captain's Personal guard the 101 was his to command, he did not get past orientation before he was recalled to earth. The second one almost the same thing, we got 450 extra Rifles as the initial 101 were reassigned to earth for further training, he had begun to set up the regiment how he wanted after speaking to the Captain, then he was recalled, this is why I tested you, Sir! Those Rifles need a solid CO, one that they can rely on as from what reports I have read, the next stage has been marked as hardcore and ultra dangerous to the lives of those who may be assigned to teams" she paused as she checked things "right I have given you your extra security clearances and the like, do you have any final questions to ask before I release you to your own devices?" Karyn asked.

"Well Chief, as long as Starfleet lets my orders stay, I'll be here and it will be one less regular orientation you need to do. One question though. You're pretty much in the know. Out of my Rifles. Any troublemakers I need to deal with or they all fairly straight shooters? And I'm not talking drunk and disorderly, Marines can be Marines. I'm more concerned about the insubordinate or outright danger to others." The Lieutenant asked as he stood up.

*checks the files* "Nothing Sir, the new batch of Rifles have not had much time to get any, they set out on their current mission shortly after boarding the ship. So every single one as far as I know and the records says all are straight shooters, but you know how rowdy Rifles or Marines get, but show them respect and honesty and show that you are not a desk jockey and you should be fine" Karyn answered looking up at the officer with a friendly smile. "Anything else you need to know Lieutenant before your instructions are confirmed and you are left to your own devices?" She asked.

"No Chief, I think you pretty well have me situated. I'll get the rifles worked up into a solid fighting unit the Captain will be proud to have on her ship. The only question I think I have left that wouldn't be for the Captain is what is the Tomcat's ETA?" He asked, trying to remember even what day it was.

She looked at him "I honestly do not know, they are dark out of operational requirements as for the moment this Starbase is secret, but if the Captain is anything to go by I would say you have about two weeks, just a rough guess, but until then Lieutenant, you are free to explore this station and enjoy the lengthy rest period, feel free to visit the Marine facilities here on the Starbase, as it is confirmed you are on downtime until the Tomcat returns when she does you are to report to the Captain and she will take things from there. Now if there is nothing further I will let you go about your own business?" Karyn said.

"No Chief, I think I'm good for the moment. I'll hold the rest of my questions for the Captain." He offered her his hand. "Hope to see ya around." He turned and made his way out with his bags and made his way to his new quarters.

She stood up and shook his hand "most likely will Sir" she said and watched him leave, she finalized the data, she must have gotten engrossed as when she looked up Sam and the new Ensign was entering the Security Office.

[OFF]

1st Lieutenant Patrick Jackson
MCO
USS Tomcat

CWO1 Karyn Somers [P: Somers]
Station Warrant Officer 95th Rifles
Starbase 51

 

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