How To Build Respect

Posted on 03 Dec 2017 @ 9:24pm by Major Terrance West & Lieutenant Nimh Ahressa (Dec-Jan 2389 - TRNSFR, Bre'el Dip. Msn.)

Mission: He ho'omaka hou 'ana - A New Beginning
Location: CIC - Deck 2
Timeline: 26 Dec 2388

ON:

West felt out of his comfort zone. This was not marine country anymore. He also didn't realize how junior this crew was. He felt back on a training base with how many 'sirs' he received getting up to Deck 2.

He peered his head into CIC and found his target: Nimh. He had promised he would get with OPS to coordinate training as much as possible, and he was going to make good on that promise.

The tall Major strode up to Nimh who was watching one of the myriad of viewscreens on the wall.

"Excuse me, Lieutenant?" West interrupted Nimh's concentration.

Twice in one day? That's a record. Or we have very different Marines. Ahressa wondered as she turned to West with a smile and a nod, "Major?"

"I know we have not formally met, I'm Major Terry West, 3d Marine Raider Battalion Commander," West introduced himself. "Do you have somewhere private we can speak?"

West didn't feel like their conversation should be heard by the OPS and Tactical controllers in the CIC. Based on his rank, and probably cause he was wearing a marine uniform, he could feel the multiple pairs of eyes peering at him.

Ahressa nodded, "of course, my office is right behind that door," she motioned towards the door on the opposite side of CiC. Please tell me you don't need me to secure another non-regulation, lethal weapon that shouldn't be in existence let alone use?

West noted the additional office Nimh was using. He knew the likely locations of Nimh, yet according to the deck listing, the Chief OPS Office was on Deck 10. It would be important to secure the Chief OPS during a boarding action to prevent her being taken hostage. Plus, it was good to know where the Chief OPS was when you wanted to file supply requisitions.

"No, no," West chuckled, thinking it must have been one of the Marines from earlier. The two passed through the doorway and West closed it.

LT Nimh's Office in CIC

"I am actually here to see what sort of training opportunities you'd like to run with our marines," West explained.

The 'office' was a small table with two chairs in a small room, no consoles or additional equipment to speak of. It had been commandeered by Ahressa as a private space if she needed to attend to matters and hadn't had time to travel all the way down to Deck 10. She could bring a PADD here and tap away in silence.

"Well, considering we're entering what is hostile territory, any type of response drills, combat, securing or otherwise." Ahressa said as she motioned to the two chairs, "I can bring us a drink?"

"Black tea works. That's what my Captains had in mind. I just wanted to make sure we weren't going to put a damper on your schedule, especially considering the number of vacancies we have aboard," West said. "We'd like to coordinate with Tactical & Security as well to ensure everyone is on the same page."

"Schedule is worthless if we can't perform under stress, Major. We need to be ready, all of us, techs, scientists and doctors alike. Not just rely on Security and Marines to keep us safe and alive." Ahressa nodded, raising a finger, "I'll be right back."

West nodded his head as the Bajoran stepped out momentarily and dashed over to the nearest replicator, ordering a mug of black tea and a mug of ginger and lemon tea.

She entered the room moments later, "sorry about that, Major." Ahressa said as she handed him his mug, "I'd also like to run containment drills with your people. In case none of us are on hand so your people can contain the situation until a qualified officer arrives?"

"No apologies needed," West said as he sipped the tea. "I think that would be appropriate," West replied. "It is not my intent to take over Security's function aboard the ship. We're just your firepower in boarding actions and sometimes Starfleet has missions for us elsewhere. Do you have experience from the War?" West asked referring to the Dominion War.

"I understand all that, I gather that sometimes, as well, non Security personnel will be sent with the Marines elsewehere, while Security has their own assignment, hence my prior words." She said as she took a sip of her tea before continuing. "I've...had some experience from the war, though not nearly as intense as the Starfleet crews had. I was marginally involved with the Resistance before I joined the Militia after the Cardassian withdrawal. I was stationed on DS9 under the Ops division for years, through the Klingon attack and the initial days of the war, before Starfleet withdrew. Then it was just us and the Dominion Occupationary forces. So, you could say we had a first hand experience, but not nearly as much fighting. You?"

West sensed he may have offended the experienced officer.

"Not many people do understand marines so I am glad you do," West replied. "As for the War, I was just a platoon leader in a RECON Battalion. We didn't see much action and you certainly saw more being at ground zero."

West had a newfound respect for Ahressa.

"So I'll let my Captains know to contact you to sort details, or how did you want to initiate the training?" West asked.

"I'll be happy to talk to the Captains, Major. Discuss schedules and set something up. Now that the Sec/Tac Chief is aboard would also be a good time to talk to them as well." Ahressa offered.

"Sounds like a plan," West grinned. He was glad the ship finally had a Tactical & Security Chief. The fact that critical position was missing during the Senior Staff Brief was disconcerting for the Marine, yet he figured things would work out eventually. "I appreciate your willingness to work with us," West said as he stood up.

Ahressa stood up too, "the feeling is mutual, Major. I am glad to have met you, as well as your Captain, Kage. Breathes new confidence and trust in our future."

OFF:

Terrance "Terry" West, Maj, SFMC
Commanding Officer
3d Marine Raider Battalion

Nimh Ahressa, LT, SF
Chief Operations Officer, USS Hawaii