Meeting The Colonel

Posted on Sat Mar 11th, 2023 @ 7:35pm by Colonel Jason "Jack" Frost & Captain Ethan De Havilland

952 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Ethics, Morals & The Prime Directive.
Location: Bridge

Long after the taste of Ethan's latte had faded he decided to return to the bridge to catch up on any reports or status updates that has many departments with no doubt have for him in preparation for departure he had however also received a notification Colonel Jack Frost, the ships Marine Commanding Officer, requesting to meet with him. It was unusual for Ethan to have Marines on board given how different the two services were but he welcomed any addition to the crew regardless of the colour they wore.

Having read the Colonel's service record he could tell a few things about the man that he felt would help in his interactions with him. Firstly the Colonel at least in words on a screen was a no fuss individual, straight to the point, acted when required to but deadly when force was to be applied. His various commendations and awards spoke to his bravery and dedication but Ethan couldn't help but get the feeling that Jack was not a man to be trifled with.

Remembering that Acacia had asked him not to inform the Colonel she was present on board he would naturally abide by her request. The most puzzling thing that Ethan had discovered was that the Colonel preferred to be called Jack even though his actual name was Jason Frost. He knew that at some point Ethan would have to make sure that he got the name correct in his dealings with the Colonel to make sure he didn't frustrate the man. Ethan hoped to get on with all his staff and crew, but annoying the team in the first encounter prevented a favorable first impression.

When his door chime sounded, he knew the Colonel had arrived. "Enter."

Colonel Jack Frost walked through the doors once they opened and stepped in to the Ready Room. He knew next to nothing about this Captain De Havilland but was experienced enough to not let first impressions sum up what lay ahead. "Captain, Sir. Colonel Jack Frost, I'm to command your marine contingent on board."

"Colonel, yes, thank you. Please, take a seat." Ethan spoke, his hand out to the marine. "Captain Ethan De Havilland."

Jack shook the man's hand noting the firm hold in the handshake as he sat down in the offered chair in front of the Captain's desk.

"I understand you were assigned to the ship before, any reservations on returning?" Ethan asked as he sat in his own chair opposite the Colonel.

"None Sir, I'm a Marine, locations change all the time." Jack answered. Marines were taught not to get attached to a deployment or a given location because it could prove a distraction or worse, become an emotional counterweight to the operational capability of a marine.

"I've never served with marines before, shipside or planetside." Ethan got that out of the way, felt that he had to before expectations were made.

"Treat us like any other department and we will get along just fine Sir." Jack answered, inwardly hoping that Captain De Havilland was not the sort to see a split between Fleet and Marine.

"I'm aware that being marines your trained differently, that said though I think given that training the marines might also be potentially used for ship to ship engagements, boarding actions or repelling such actions. I'd like to avoid not using the marines if at all possible especially in a situation that would be better suited to the training marines have obtained."

"I understand Commander Bawden is the Chief Security Officer, he and I have worked well in the past. He used to be my Commanding Officer before his service transition. If a situation comes up I am confident that our two departments can work together." Jack spoke as he remembered those times on a few Dreadnought's prior.

"Good, excellent. Makes things a lot easier then." Ethan began. "I've yet to be read into any official brief on your position here, are marine permanently assigned to the ship or are we taking you somewhere?"

"Permanant assignment Sir." Jack answered, short and to the point.

"I understand you have an entire deck assigned to the marines, I trust it's up to expectations?" Ethan probed.

"I've yet to go there, when I boarded I was greeted by one of my Sergeants and I came straight here to report in." Jack replied. "However once I do, if anything is amiss or requires attention I shall submit a requisition to Engineering."

Ethan liked the Colonel's direct nature. "Are all your marines on board, I am hoping to depart ASAP."

"Last prep is underway, equipment and last-minute personnel additions are arriving as we speak." Jack answered knowing soon he'd be briefed on the situation himself from his command element in his office.

"Good, well in that case Colonel I won't keep you. We both have plenty to do before we leave and little time in which to do it in." Ethan remarked knowing that even now as he talked with the Colonel a glance to his computer told him another 4 reports had come in.

"Aye sir." Jack stood up. "Am I dismissed?"

"Of course Colonel." Ethan was surprised, there was direct, and 'anymore direct and a ruler would calibrate itself against the man' direct. Ethan watched the Colonel leave, knowing full well that Marines were an entirely different type of individual so it would take some time for them to warm up to each other as a proper and effective working team.

Jack made his way to the marine deck, a familiar route and location where he hoped to get the briefing he'd asked for to bring him and the Major, if she was on board, upto speed.

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