Talk About An Upgrade.

Posted on Wed May 15th, 2019 @ 6:21am by Colonel Jason "Jack" Frost

1,320 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: What Stalks The Night
Location: Valkyrie's Barracks / Ready Room

Jack and Acacia had both reported on board together, considering they were staying together that made most sense and was easier. A quick kiss and the two parted ways since Sickbay was in the other direction out of the transporter room door. Security was tight Jack had noticed, considering this was a new ship and the were in Earth he couldn't exactly blame anyone for it. Armed with his duffel bag filled with the few things that he'd taken home from the Dreadnought he walked the halls, many halls to try and find his way. He tried his level best not to appear the clueless lost type by walking with focus in his eyes but sooner or later he had to ask the computer to guide him. The only information he had to him was the order to report to the ship by Captain Hood. Aside from that, nothing.

When Jack had finally reached the Barracks there was a sea of green, from wall to wall. Marines stowing gear, others setting up equipment, some eating. It reminded him of Officer's College, which brought a small smile to his face. He could tell straight off the bat he was one of the 'older' members in the room but he let that slide as fast as it came up. Most didn't take notice, to them he was just another of the mass of green that was in the large room. From out of nowhere, like some recon scout a young woman stepped up beside him, standing sharply at attention.

"Sargeant Belinda Zhu, Administrative Aide."

Jack had to fight the flight reflex, she came out of nowhere. "Colonel Jack Frost."

"I know Sir, our new CO. I have everything ready for you, dossiers of officers and senior ratings are waiting for you in your office."

"Is Major Snyder on board yet?" Jack asked still looking around.

"Not yet Colonel." Belinda replied. "If you will follow me I will show you your office and give you a tour of the department."

"Lead on." Jack spoke, following the marine where she went.

"We have a contingent of 800 marines on board with supportive equipment of various types. Specialities are covered by several teams from recon, marksman, infiltration, assault and general fire teams. Heavy armour units are stored in the hangers along with transports for them and our troop transports. We work closely with CAG in deployments." Belinda spealed off information like she was a walking marvel of information.

When they walked into his office it was nearly three times the size of the one on the Dreadnought. He should have guessed with a ship this size there was space to spare and he was just glad to get some of it.

"Holographic display, wall mounted consoles and displays all linked to every marine sub department. Direct link to the Quartermaster, Exec and myself. Camera feeds to the various areas." Belinda touched and activated each item bringing it to life and ready for use. "How do you like your Coffee?"

Jack was impressed, Belinda was out to help and she was scoring the marks. "Black, strong and plentiful. But don't tell the Mrs."

"Name?"

"Acacia Thomas, shes part of the medical team. Can't miss her, her hair is hard to miss." Jack spoke. "Any messages for me?"

"You have 3 from marine command, 1 from the Quartermaster and one from the new Captain, a Captain William Hood."

"Captain Hood, he's commanding this ship?" Jack spoke with obvious surprise as he dumped his bag on the large sofa in his office.

"Took command recently. He would like to see you once on board." Belinda spoke.

"You read my messages?" Jack asked.

"All messages come through my desk unless marked otherwise. I will handle your day to day administrative tasks and documentation. The Exec has her own assistant too. Together we are behind the scenes to help the operational smoothness of the department." Belinda answered.

"But wouldn't that be better suited to a security cleared civilian, you are a marine, shouldn't you be out there with the others?" Jack asked.

"I do, I'm one of a number of staff on the administration team but I'm your EA specifically. I'm trained in recon myself, handy for someone my size."

Jack sighed. "Well I suppose I best see the Captain. When the Exec gets on board can you make sure she gets settled fast, she's much like you." Jack rubbed his brow as he looked around taking all of it in. "Ok, I'll meet the Captain and then I'll address the troops, probably by visual from my office piped to all the monitors in the department for ease."

"I'll have the system read for you when you return Colonel."

"Thanks." Jack then left his office, Belinda in tow until the main doors.

*** Ready Room ***

Will was looking at the large console on his desk that was showing him information about the ship. He didn't have time to study the specs like most Captains would have so it was now or never. From a tactical standpoint the ship was incredibly capable, her weapon systems were now, top of the line. Not even the Sovereign classes had this kind of weaponry. The interesting feature was the PDT's or Point Defence Turrets. The ship had 66 of them but the hidden feature was the pair of Defiant class escorts in the stern of the ship. Each with its own hanger, a crew compliment was assigned from the ships company but all it needed was a Captain and senior staff.

Then his door chime sounded, leaving Will to wonder who would be first. "Come."

Jack heard the word and the doors opened to show Captain Hood behind his new desk. "Sir. Nice upgrade." Taking a few steps in hearing the doors close behind him until he stopped to stand on the other side of the desk.

"Take a seat Jack." William spoke. "Find the marine deck?"

"Sure did, got a sprite of the EA too, she keeps that up and there wont be much for me to do." Jack joked as he tucked himself into one of the chairs. "So whats going on Sir, where is the Dreadnought?"

"Right now, with a broken back. What ever that thing was did more damage than we thought, so shes laid up and we have this instead." Will explained.

"This a permanent change?" Jack asked with a puzzled look on his face.

"Looking like it." Will answered. "What do you think of the marines, I read you have a couple more than before?"

"Yeah just a few, not too many." Jack laughed. "800, a step up from our previous bunch." Jack couldn't help but wonder what that would mean in terms of workload with these many marines. "But if my EA is anything to go by, she will help keep things smooth sailing."

"I'd like you and the Major squared away as quickly as possible, we may be waiting for orders but waiting means people get restless and I could do with somewhat of a clean slate right now after everything." Will spoke.

"Consider it done." Jack paused for a moment. "If I may, how's Vash?"

"Understandably vengeful." Will replied after taking a moment to consider his answer. "It's going to be a rough time for her in the future."

There was not much Jack could say to that, he understood, while he didn't know all the details he knew that if he was a prisoner and tortured, he'd want some payback. Jack let the silence linger a moment before speaking. "Well, I better get back down there, keep the troops in line. Also need to present myself to them, not even introduced myself yet." Jack smiled.

"Alright, keep me informed if anything changes." Will sensed that the Colonel was keen to get stuck in and he wasn't about to waste that energy in keeping him in the Ready Room any longer.

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