A Fresh Beginning

Posted on Tue Jul 21st, 2020 @ 5:13am by Lieutenant Colonel Azhul Naxea & Senior Chief Petty Officer Fernando De La Rosa [Taylor]

Mission: Season 3: Episode 4: Cause and Effect
Location: Firing Range
Timeline: Current
1250 words - 2.5 OF Standard Post Measure

Fernando was on the Elysium firing range. He was alone with his beloved M1 Garand, mounted with it's telescopic scope. He
liked to fire it every once in awhile to keep the it sighted in. He had targets set up at different yardage markers to make sure
the sights were adjusted properly.

He liked being on the range alone, it was peaceful, relaxing. No other noises or people to distract him. He got into a prone
position, checked to make sure everything was in order. Satisfied all was as it should be, he began to fire at the closest target in a methodical manner. The Garand making a sharp retort each time he fired. No whine from a phaser filling his ears. Just a clean, sharp sound.

Naxea jumped at the loud, sharp sound as she entered the firing range. She looked immediately in the direction of the noise and frowned at the person that was the cause of the noise. 'Only Chief De La Rosa would be using projectile weapons--archaic ones at that by the looks of the thing,' she thought as she continued to walk. "Chief, why are you practicing with that museum piece?"

Fernando stopped firing at the sound of a voice asking him a question. Placing his rifle to the side making sure the safety was on. He turned to look at the questioner. He sighed inwardly as he saw Major Azhul Naxea standing there. " Quite simply, I like it Major and it helps keep my eye in better than a phaser rifle." He answered honestly. "Not to mention it feels like a real weapon and...'' He added "There may be a time and a place where the phasers don't work and all you have is this museum piece and others like it. I believe in being prepared."

"And such is why we keep 116s on hand in the Armory should we ever need projectile weapons," Naxea said. "More effective too since they can penetrate walls and other obstacles. But to each their own," she shrugged as she stepped closer to Fernando and looked over the rifle. 'Ugh, it even has wood for guards and the stock--certainly a museum piece,' she thought.

"Major." Fernando said patiently and politely, "I am well aware of the 116s in the Armory. As to being more effective that is debatable. They are definitely more powerful but if you have to take out one person. Nothing beats this." He picked up the M1. "It is efficient and deadly accurate in the hands of someone who know how to use it."

"Well let's hope the next time you're on an Away Mission, you choose more modern weapons...as well as listen to the orders of a superior officer," she commented off handedly, still looking over the rifle. She had to admit that the longer she looked at it, the thing did begin to appeal to her. The wood though archaic in design was rather beautifully made.

Ah, there it was! Why the Major disliked him. He stiffened at the rebuke. He noticed how the Major looked at his M1. "Would you like to shoot it Major? and I always listen to any order from any superior officer." He countered politely yet firmly.

Naxea raised an eyebrow, turning to look at the man. "Is that right? Because I distinctively recall you arguing a order that I gave for then Gunnery Sergeant Rhodes to take a shot at an enemy and then disobeying me by taking the said shot on the mission to rescue the captain," she said sternly. "You should know that an Away Mission is the last place an order should be disobeyed and argued against."

"Major." Fernando began, "What you see as arguing I see as giving you facts you were not aware of. I am a better shot then Gunnery Sergeant Rhodes. That isn't brag or conceit just fact. By me taking the shot even with my so called arguing. We saved time and rescued the captain. I resent the fact that you would think I would endanger any member of the crew especially the captain." He took a breath, "I do apologize for giving you the impression I was arguing." He held the rifle before him. "Would you like to try it out?" He repeated.

"Sure," she said simply, grabbing the ancient weapon and was a bit surprised by the weight. "A bit heavy," she commented.

"Yes Major." Fernando agreed. "You'll need to adjust for the weight." He added, "I have various targets set out at different yardage marks. Please give it a try."

Naxea shouldered the weapon and peered down the telescopic sights of the weapon at the closest target. 'Another outdated mechanism,' she thought as she adjusted her position and squeezed the trigger. The recoil and loud report of the rifle again caused her to jerk, sending the round low and to the right of the center. "Certainly has more of a bark," she commented.

Fernando hid the smile he so wanted to show at the rather pitiful attempt the Major had just produced so he instead replied with a diplomatic "Yes Major. It takes some getting use to. However now that you have heard and felt the recoil. You know what to expect. Give it another try." He suggested. Then waited to see what the Major produced next with next attempt.

Naxea again took aim, peering though the sights, she focused on the target, squeezing the trigger until the rifle again barked and recoiled. This time the round hit just off center. "Not too bad but definitely not my preference," she said lowering the weapon from her shoulder.

"Not bad Major not bad at all." Fernando commented honestly. "No, I imagine not. It takes some getting use to. However to each their own I suppose. I like it and it's never let me down when I've needed it."

Setting the rifle down, she turned to Fernando. "True enough." She let out a sigh. "Look Chief De La Rosa, call me soft but I'm going to give you another chance. Your wife has impressed me and if she sees something in you enough to marry you, then you can't be too bad," a grin now formed in the corner of her mouth.

Fernando was silent for a moment before he finally spoke. "You know it's funny. Heather likes you, so if she likes you even though you are an officer. You can't be be all bad yourself." A smile appeared on his face. "I'd like us to start fresh if you are willing. What do you say Major?" As he stuck out his hand in friendship.

Naxea grasped the man's hand and shook it. "I would like that," she answered. "I should let you get back to your shooting."

"As you wish Major." Fernando replied. "If you ever want to fire it again or a lesson. Let me know. One can never have enough experience with weapons."

Naxea smiled. "True, but I think I'll stick with the 116s."

"As you wish Major. To each their own as the saying goes." Fernando replied with a smile. "If you ever change your mind just let me know."

"Will do. Have a good day, chief." Naxea said before turning to exit the range.

"You as well Major." Fernando replied as he picked up his rifle and resumed shooting.

Major Azhul Naxea
Marine Detachment Commander
USS Elysium

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Fernando De La Rosa
USS Elysium