Meeting PT 1

Posted on Sat May 29th, 2021 @ 6:07am by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Captain Mattias Richardson [Reece]

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Various on the USS Montgomery Scott
Timeline: 2389
1292 words - 2.6 OF Standard Post Measure

The shuttle with new crew to the Montgomery Scott landed with a very graceless thump. The crew in the back winced, among them, the only Erisian in Starfleet. They disembarked slowly, and eventually, Ensign Phoenix Lalor exited the shuttle.

As the group moved towards a lieutenant who was handing out crew assignments, several Marines, who were picking up equipment spotted the newly minted young ensigns and several comments about fresh meat were made.

Where the others bristled, Phoenix merely ignored them, she had long known how to ignore such people. She stood in line as comments were made about how the fresh meat were going to enjoy being on the Scott.

And several of the male Marines made comments about the females in the group.

Finally one of the female ensigns broke ranks to storm over and unleash at these Marines. Phoenix sighed and made to grab her arm. "Ah come on Ensign Morris, let it go. They are trying to get under your skin."

One of the marines scoffed "Seems that this freshie has a brain."

Phoenix sneered, it was the only word for it. "More than you do." She replied coldly. She had just spent four long years on earth, learning a new language, how to read and write in that new language, as well as learning how to fly shuttles and other craft. She had a brain and she used it.

Suddenly, a voice from her past shouted an angry message. “Hopkins! Ramierez! K’toul! LOCK IT UP!” The three offending Marines quickly stopped and spanned to attention, a look of worry in their eyes.

The Ensigns all turned to look. Phoenix however froze as well. She knew that voice.

Another Marine, his back to Phoenix, stormed over to the the three Marie’s that were now standing perfectly still. “Who the FUCK do you think you are talking, not only to your shipmates, not only to women, but to OFFICERS like that?! You are Marines! Not fucking high school jocks trying to get their rocks off with the damn cheerleaders! First Sergeant!”

Yes, she thought, Its him. She could not see his face but she could hear his voice. A voice she knew well from her time recovering in a starfleet medical bay as a 16 year old.

A new Marine, clearly the unit’s first sergeant, had just entered the shuttlebay, having been informed of the situation. “Yes, Captain!” She snapped to attention and saluted. The Marine she had called Captain returned the salute.

“First Sergeant, I want these three jackasses down cleaning the head with their fucking toothbrushes! I will NOT tolerate the disrespect and behavior in the Marines under my command! Get em outta my fuckin sight!” He growled the last bit and returned the salutes from the four enlisted as they quickly left the shuttlebay. Turning to face the new arrivals, he took a breath and spoke. “Ladies and gentleman, I apologize for the behavior of my Marines.” His eyes scanning the new arrivals as he spoke, until they looked on eyes that he would never forget. “Please be assured, they will be dealt with in the appropriate manner.” His eyes seemed to sparkle when they locked with Phoenix’s

As the other Ensigns seemed to be petrified, Phoenix spoke. "Thank you Captain." She said, choosing not to say his name.

Picking up the cue, Mattias said, “My pleasure, Ensign.” He extended his right hand in greeting.

She knew the protocol and shook his hand.

“On behave of those under me that are civilized, allow me to be the first to welcome you aboard, Ensign....”

"Lalor, Phoenix Lalor. " she supplied her name with a smile.

Mattias nearly held his surprise in check, only his eyes shifted slightly. “Well, Ensign Lalor, if you ever see or hear of any of my Marines acting in an unprofessional way, please let me know.” He gave her a polite smile, yet his eyes were very happy.

Mattias finally broke eye contact, released Phoenix’s hand and gave a polite smile to the rest of the new arrivals. He then turned and moved off in the direction that his Marines went.

Phoenix watched him go a smile on her lips before she returned to the line and took her place.

===A FEW HOURS LATER===

Mattias was walking through the ship, following a senior staff meeting up top. He was busy reading a new batch of reports on his PADD, as he reached the turbo lift and pressed the call button.

The lift opened and two male ensigns left the lift talking and joking. The other occupant was Ensign Lalor and she had not even noticed, as she was reading a PADD.

As the engineers moved to the side, out of respect of Mattias's rank and position, he stepped into the lift. It wasthen, after the doors slid shut, that he caught a whiff of a sweetness that knew from only one location. Breaking his eyes from his PADD, he looked over and smiled. "Hey, you."

Her head came up. "Oh hello" she smiled. "How have you been?"

"I've been okay, mostly." Mattias chuckled. "Life of a Marine. Go where I'm ordered and fight who I'm ordered." He smiled warmly again. "How about you? I've not seen you since I was pulled from Erisia."

Phoenix gave a slight smile. "I left shortly after you. They released me back to my parents, but I could not stay there. Not after that. So i packed and left. I am a political refugee, and in 2 years I have a chance at Federation Citizenry."

The news suprised Mattias. "Oh, Phoenix. I'm sorry about your parents and family. I am glad, though, that you're safe now. If it will help your case, please feel free to use me as a character witness for the background investigations and final hearing. I'll always do what I can to help."

"They do not miss me. My father has put a price on my head." She shrugged not caring. "And I will keep you in mind Mattias... or should I call you Captain?"

Hearing that Phoenix was potentially in danger, Mattias fet a sudden urge to protect her. "If anyone comes for you, they'll have to deal with me." Then he smiled softly. "You xan call me Mattias, Phoenix." He paused breifly then added. "It suites you. Don't get me wrong, Penelope is a pretty name but, I think Phoenix is much prettier. And stronger as well."

"Its my middle name" She admitted. "And when I read that Earth book you gave me it had its earth mythology reference."

Mattias nodded. "Yes! The mythical Phoenix that always rises anew from its ashes. Very appropriate for you, remaking yourself following you past." Suddenly, the turbolift reached the destination that Phoenix had originallt requested. Seeing that it wasn't his destination Mattias asked, "Would you care to have dinner with me tonight? I'd really like to learn who Phoenix Lalor is."

"Sure," She said brightly. "I am free. I start tomorrow on Shuttle Duty."

Smiling warmly, Mattias responded. "Oksy, ill see you in the officer's mess, say, 1800?"

"Sure.. what deck is that on?" she asked bringing up the ship schematics on the PADD.

"Deck six, section D." He said, helpfully.

"Ah there it is." She found it. "Thanks. I will meet you then Mattias!" She added brightly.

Mattias nodded, smiling brightly as Phoenix stepped out of the turbolift. "Until then, your highness." He bowed and gave her a roguish lopsided grin.

She waved a hand and gave a graceful curtsey. "See you!" And the doors closed.

===

Ensign Phoenix Lalor
Flight Control officer
USS Montgomery Scott

&

Captain Mattias Richardson
Commanding Officer
Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Ranger Regiment “Death Dealers”
USS Montgomery Scott