Familiar Grounds, Unfamiliar Faces

Posted on Tue Feb 21st, 2023 @ 7:57am by Colonel Jason "Jack" Frost

1,337 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Ethics, Morals & The Prime Directive.
Location: Arrivial Via Shuttle
Timeline: MD1: 07:51hrs

It came as somewhat of a surprise to Jack as he was gazing out of his office window at the training grounds where rows upon rows of young, fresh-faced marines eager to serve were training. He didn't particularly enjoy this desk-based assignment figuring it to be some punishment measure from his Father after their last meeting. He expected some lash back from it so when it came, it was just another stone for Jack to walk on in his career.

Looking down at those recruits reminded him of his younger years many, many years ago when he sought to 'make a difference' or 'serve' as his Father put it. He wondered if he had the chance would he have done things differently and if he had, where would that put him compared to now?

His assistant walked into the office carrying some reports on recruit progress and evaluations, including a medical list or 'Sick Parade' as it was called, those that felt sick but were medically fine, just wanting some time off. "Just on the desk, thank you Corporal." Jack spoke seeing her reflection from the window.

"You have new orders also Colonel." She spoke, her voice soft with an edge of firmed confidence about it.

"New orders?" Jack was not expecting any new orders so he turned to look at her. "From who, to where?" Wondering if his Father had not yet had enough of his punishment dispensing.

"A U.S.S. Dreadnought, it's in orbit currently. To take over the marine detachment there." She answered. "A Captain De Havilland requested, General Dockart approved it."

Back to the Dreadnought Jack pondered as he rubbed his chin. After the huge investigation following the last mission, he was sure he'd never see that ship again. "When?" He asked as he wondered how much time he had to pack up and arrive to report in.

"ASAP, she's already in pre-launch prep and sent to depart in 48."

Always on the go, always moving about. Never a dull moment as Jack walked to his desk. "Hand these reports to the T-Exec, make sure they are aware of the changes. Also make sure whoever replaces me is aware of the current disciplinary actions in place and such." Jack didn't want to leave whoever took over from him in the dark, unlike the one he replaced did. He took his new orders from the Corporal and gave them a quick glance over. "I'd like a transport to Starfleet Command." He planned to take a shuttle from there to the new ship.

"Yes sir." The Corporal left the Colonel to make the arrangements knowing now that she'd have a lot to do before his replacement arrived for a smooth and orderly transition.

Jack leaned against the end of his desk wondering, thinking. He was going back to a command he actually enjoyed, where he felt like a marine, useful, giving drive and purpose. Not like now where all he did was oversee training. Orders were however orders and before long his thinking had lasted minutes to the point the Corporal had called him twice to get his attention.

"Sir. Transit arrangements have been made. A shuttle will be ready on Pad 8 in 5 for take off to SFC."

"Thanks. I'll leave shortly." Jack replied watching the Corporal leave once again. he was pretty organized when it came to his duties and so when a move order came in he needed but a few moments to pack things and go. Leaving the office and heading to the officer's barracks he then packed what little he had, which didn't take very long at all, and headed for Pad 8. With bag in hand Jack boarded the shuttle finding himself as the only passenger bar the pilot.

"Welcome aboard sir, take a seat and we can be on our way. Flight time will be 37 minutes." The Pilot spoke as he closed the rear hatch and completed his pre-flight list.

Jack read over his orders again, going back to the Dreadnought left him wondering what was going on. He'd seen it plastered all over the news as a recruitment tool to boost enlistments but that was as close as he got to it or saw it. He never expected to be going back to it and taking up his old post again.

*** U.S.S. Dreadnought Hanger Bay 2 ***

From Starfleet Command to the Dreadnought the trip was uneventful, just as the previous one had been which was fine for Jack because it gave him some time to his thoughts. When the hatch opened and immediately that familiar feel came to him, of knowing the place, feeling a little more at home. With bag in hand, he checked in and to his surprise, he didn't notice a single marine around, not even in the boarding lines which made him stick out with the green collar from all the rest. Once he was checked in a Sargeant greeted him at the large double doors.

"Sir, welcome aboard. Sargeant Iro Nuri, demolitions 3rd squad." Iro was the kind of man that was born to be a marine, from his physical appearance, short hair cut, straight talker and presence of being all would guide him to this one profession.

"Sargeant Iro Nuri." Jack spoke. "Colonel Jack Frost, Marine Commander."

"Yes sir, we have been expecting you." Iro spoke with an arm outstretched to guide the Colonel to the nearest Turbolift.

"So what's the situation Sargeant?" Jack asked wondering if he'd get the low down of what was going on.

"All the marines have arrived on board, the Quartermaster is checking in gear and firearms. Billets have been assigned, officers quartered. The Command Element with you now on board is complete. Major Snyder is your Exec will be arriving shortly, Captain Barad is Operations and Logistics, Captain Emmy is Training, 1st Lieutenant Cord is Personnel, 1st Lieutenant Omarsito is Support Operations."

"Major Snyder, Samantha Snyder?" Jack asked.

"Aye sir." Iro spoke as he pressed the button to call a Turbolift.

Jack smiled, working with Sam again. The two had developed a good working relationship over the years prior so it was good that it was not going to waste now that they were back on board. "I'd like a meeting with the Command Staff, meet and greet." Jack would need to get to know those working for him if he was going to be able to properly and effectively work with them.

"Understood sir." Iro answered letting the Colonel enter and then flanking the man as they rode to the Marine deck.

"What do we know about the ship's Captain?" Jack asked.

"Captain Ethan De Havilland, 43, one previous command. Word is he's capable, a shrewd diplomat and out of the box thinker." Iro answered.

"How reliable is the word?" Jack asked.

"Several former crew, one assistant and previous assignment aide." Iro answered, glad that he'd done some digging around since finding out he'd be meeting the Colonel when he got on board.

Strong word then it seemed. Jack knew he'd have to meet the Captain sooner rather than later, respects and dues had to be paid and he knew that. He could only hope for a similar working relationship like the one he had before, of mutual respect and equality regardless of the colour worn.

"I'll meet with the Captain first then, I'd like a staff meeting with the command authority and squad leaders in 2 hours as well as a report on current affairs and recent taskings." Jack spoke hoping that after meeting the Captain he'd be able to get the low down of these new marines he'd be commanding."

"Of course, may I?" Iro spoke with his hand out to take the Colonel's bag for stowing in the office until later.

Jack looked down to see the Sargeant's hand out, handing over the bag he stayed in the Turbolift when it came to a stop. "Thank you Sargeant." He watched the man step off the lift and the doors close behind him. "Main Bridge."

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