"Parley"

Posted on Sun Feb 12th, 2023 @ 4:08am by Captain Samuel Woolheater & Crewman Adelaide Kirkby
Edited on on Mon Feb 13th, 2023 @ 9:46am

Mission: Season 6 : Episode 1: Circinus
Location: DECK THIRTY-TWO - MARINE COUNTRY
Timeline: MD3 - 0800
3957 words - 7.9 OF Standard Post Measure

[ON:]


DECK THIRTY-TWO – MARINE COUNTRY


Crewman Adelaide Kirkby silently watched with compassion and concern as Captain Woolheater stood just inside the doorway to the Marine Communications Center. The chatter of COMM traffic, though largely now handled my the Elysium was still working and still relaying messages. A marine technician was about to hand Sam his commbadge when Adele asked, “May I do that for you?”

“Sure. Upper left on the chest plat, there is a spot. You’ll see” and he handed her the badge. Adele went over to him and looked out onto the training facility open area. It was filled with people, beds, kids…everybody and anybody. She looked at Samuel as he looked out into the crowd. There was sorrow worn on his face. And Adele wished that she could help in some way.

“Captain? Here is the microphone?” she said.

Turning his head to look at her and then taking the COMM badge he said, “Oh. Thanks. This will come in handy.” Sam affixed the modified COMM badge to his combat armor. There wasn’t time to change into something else. He had taken off the upper portion but his undershirt, a dark marine green had large white, powdery bands. He had sweat out salt from his body and it was telling of how he and everyone here had exerted themselves over that past twelve hours. So, he put the combat armor back on to cover that.

“Are you nervous?” she asked him.

He shook his head, “Not really. This is….y’know….just a chat anyway. People and the crew want to know what’s going on. There’s lots of loose talk and….y’know…..we can do something about that. Help people out a bit. It’s my job. When in command; to solve more problems than we create.” He affixed the comm badge and tested it. The marine COMM center gave him a thumb’s up.

“What are you going to tell them?” Adele asked.

“The truth. As best as I can with what I know” he said.

“Do you even know all of what’s happened? They’re going to have some tough questions. People are angry. They might take out that anger against you and the Marines or the Commodore. The Colonel or the MXO should be here. Why do you have to do this?” she asked him.

“I know enough to help them. If the Colonel were here, the XO…yeah, they’d probably do a better job than I am going to do. But they aren’t here…I believe that the Colonel would do this. This is a smart crew. They deserve to hear from somebody. Right now. That’s me. Wish me luck?” Sam said.

“Yeah. Of course! Good luck Sam” Adele offered.

He smiled back, “It’ll be alright.”


TRAINING FACILITY – OPEN AREA

There were a few other marines from the platoons already waiting in front of the large crowd that had gathered in the training facility. Sam walked over to the middle front and stood in front of the group. The assembly was crew and their families. Nurses and doctors, Security and marine. Anyone that had found refuge in Marine Country and wanted some answers. In his hand he carried only a single PaDD. His combat armor was singed and dented. Sam had managed to splash some water on his face and he cleaned up just well enough. He tested the modified COMM badge, “Can everyone hear me?” he asked over the COMM system here in the Training Facility. His voice was loud and clear. Sam has a pleasant baritone speaking voice and it carried well. His accent, mildly Pacifican, was present but not distracting. He said,

“I have several announcements to make. The first is at the request my staff, my fellow Marines and the medical staff and all those responsible for your protection. Since this disaster began and the start of our mutually shared experience of this catastrophe, I am pleased to share with you that there have been zero security incidents. No one has reported any kind of theft or brawl or disobedience or willful negligence when any marine or security officer, medical professional or otherwise has asked someone to comply with a request or an order. And as you can see, there are many persons here, coming from all over the ship, in the middle of the night for most and in a state of confusion, fright and loss of family and friends. The trauma we have suffered cannot be understated. It would have been impossible to manage all of these catastrophic events and the desire of every person to seek out their loved ones even when a member of our staff is asking them to do otherwise. To stay put and to comply with our advice and requests. You all are to be commended. And I will make a full-report to Commodore Richardson, to Captain Taylor and the department heads of how well ordered and helpful everyone has been. Therefore, I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for making our job of search and rescue, of rendering medical aid and securing the ship easier and more efficient. Despite all of your tremendous loss, on behalf of the Marine Corps, of the Marine Executive Officer Captain David Tonelly and the Marine Commanding Officer Colonel Azhul Naxea, I want to thank you all for your remaining calm and orderly, your kindness and generosity towards one another as we collectively pull together to help and comfort each other in this current situation.”

Sam looked out into the crowd and made eye contact with people as he spoke from his heart. “The second announcement is that about twenty-minutes ago, marines returned from a search and rescue operation where forty-four persons were rescued from the last of the remaining decks that we could not access. Decks thirty-three to thirty-seven. Many of the rescued are from the ship’s air wing. A pilot, engineers and supporting staff for air support. With this announcement, we have now been able to account for all of the decks and we can access every deck, but not every space on every deck. Some areas of the ship are either too damaged…or no longer exist having been damaged or ripped away when the ship foundered on the cosmic string.”

“Next, as many of you already know, most communications have been restored throughout the ship. We acknowledge that the system isn’t perfect. It has been heavily damaged, and it will take a good deal of time to repair it to its former responsiveness. Furthermore, the ship’s main computer remains off-line. The ship’s AI, however, is online and every hour gains more awareness and access to ship’s systems. Avalon is making every effort to provide as much information to the command teams as possible. And it’s contribution to the rescue efforts cannot be ignored.

Next, I have an update that Commodore Richardson has sustained serious injuries and has been moved to a medical shuttle where she is receiving medical care. Captain Taylor has assumed command of the ship on the main bridge. Lieutenant Rin, as many of you know, is our Chief Intelligence Officer and is leading several different major efforts to shore up the ship. Those include, Search and Rescue efforts, Damage Control, Repairs, Communications and many other essential and critical functions that are keeping us alive. The Elysium is now, back under control. The status of the ship will be updated as new information comes to us.

My last announcement is regarding the rumors and talk of evacuating the ship. And then I’ll open the floor up to questions. Captain Taylor is in command of the ship and an evacuation of Elysium has been so ordered. Presently, members of the crew are scouting the area for a suitable place for the crew to take refuge. As the Elysium is no longer able to support all of us on life support. Nor can she defend herself with weapons or with shields. A planet may have been identified already. But, all parties have not yet checked back in, it would irresponsible and premature to tell you that we are going to one place or another. As soon as Captain Taylor has settled on a place of refuge, that information will be shared with the crew by myself or a member of the Marine staff. Those who are deemed by the medical staff as critical or urgent cases. Those who have life-threatening injuries or injuries so severe that they need special handling and care, will be moved to special shuttles equipped with medical tools and staffed by trained medical professionals that can care for them during transportation to our new home for the time being. Those moves will happen very soon. I would request that crew and their families do not attempt to recover their personal possessions or attempt to go back into any part of the ship to retrieve anything. And with that…I will take your questions.”

A few more of the platoon commanders arrived and stood behind Sam to help answer questions should they be needed but also to stand with him in solidarity.

A flurry of voices and hands went up. Sam indicated to a crewman who stood up and asked, “

“Three hours ago, I heard that a marine gave an order that some sections of marine country are reserved for Andorians, some sections are reserved for Vulcans, some for Humans and so on. I heard that some marines and security officers are using intimidation to segregate out the crew not only by species but also by rank. What do you know of this and is it true?”

Sam shook his head, “It is most certainly not true. No such order was given, we wouldn’t even think of saying something so…so…incredibly stupid and short-sighted. And if anyone knows who gave such a ridiculous order, I would appreciate them letting me know so I can have a word with this individual or set of individuals. Let me be clear…Iit is the position of the marines on this ship, of the marine commanders and I know it to be true of the command team of the entire ship that all crew, regardless and without preference to their species or their culture that all are to be treated equally and fairly. That’s in accordance with the Federation Charter and every marine ought to know and is required to know that the Uniform Code of Military Justice or the UCMJ forbids such segregation and discrimination. And I believe, personally, that no one here would tolerate that kind of discrimination. Every member of this crew will be treated with respect and dignity by every marine and every person, every individual of every color or creed and species, every living being in all their wonderful diversity will be given every opportunity for rescue and every opportunity for equal treatment under the most beneficial circumstance. And if that is not happening then I want to know about it and those individuals will have to answer for their prejudice.”

Hands went up and Sam selected another individual. This time, they were given a COMM badge so that they could be heard. “Mister. It seems to me that you are spending a lot more time helping marines and marine pilots than you are helping out in other areas of the ship. Engineering and Damage Control teams need all the help that they can get to save the ship. Why aren’t you dedicating more resources to those areas?”

Sam answered, “We are spending a good deal of time and expenditure of resources on marines and marine pilots. We needed to do that to get the emergency resources we use in play. Pilots are essential if we plan to use any of the air wing now or in the future. I think it is not true to say that we’re spending more time on our own people and not on the rest of the crew. May I say this…we are not Engineers. We are not Security people, or Scientists, Damage Control Technicians or Botanists. You mention Engineering. OK, let’s talk about that. Engineering, three hours ago, was nearly impossible for us to get to. It is not because we didn’t try. Communications were off-line and the routes that were open to the SAR teams were few and were dangerous and difficult to traverse. The best people to help with Engineering issues are the Engineers. The best thing that we can do as marines to is to make sure that they have what they need be it supplies, people, access, and the like….so that they can do what they are good at. And the same goes for every other department on the ship. When I reported into Colonel Azhul and then later to XO Tonelly, I made them aware of our progress and the challenges we were up against. Their orders to me were to continue on with our best efforts to help in every way possible. I will also add this. When this disaster first unfolded, we did not know whether we were under attack by an outside force or if the ship had some internal damage or if we had hit something. There was and to some extent still is some elements of confusion. And, you know…we are Marines. We responded in accordance with our training the best way we knew how and as the events of the disaster unfolded, we responded accordingly. I am also aware of the criticism that we aren’t spending enough time on our own resources. Standing up marine medical for example, in a faster way. Getting secondary power to this deck restored faster. Opening up private marine staff quarters to all of the crew as a place to rest and gather. Distributing marine emergency rations and supplies to the crew faster. And I understand that people are angry and distressed. On the one hand we’re not spending enough time helping other departments and on the other hand we’re not spending enough time standing up our own disaster recovery resources for others to use. And, I think that those who are most critical and vocal about all of this ought to coordinate their criticism of us while they uh…help themselves to the resources we have shared openly and freely for all. Otherwise, it may appear that those critical of our response to the disaster may be floundering.” The man sat back down as he was laughed off. And while Sam hadn’t intended that to be funny, he did smile and laugh a little himself.

When the laughter had subsided a little, Sam selected another person who wanted to ask a question. “What is the status now of the evacuation order? And who is deciding where we are going to go?”

Sam answered, “Captain Taylor is in command and so, ultimately, it will be his decision on where we go from here. As the responsible officer for the ship and the crew, I’m sure that he is using all available personnel and resources that are available to him as they search for a place for us to go. Obviously, when that final decision is made, there will be some people who will agree with it and there will be some who won’t. But I think that it is important for us, if we’re going to maintain order and adhere to the standards and the regulations that most of us have sworn to uphold, protect and defend, that we support the Commanding Officer. Whoever that person is…. even if we may not agree with them on their choice. Captain Taylor and those people searching for a place for us to live have a tremendous weight on their shoulders. We should be supportive of them. And we all have a very easy remedy that is available to us. And that is to take charge of ourselves and help our fellow crewmates. To be kind and compassionate towards one another as we face this new unknown challenge together. And I think that this is a welcome reminder, to every member of the crew, that we can calm ourselves, regulate our own feelings and not lay blame for this circumstance onto others. We can attend to our own house as it were….with a great deal more fidelity and look to taking care of ourselves and our neighbors. This power is very much open to all of us now. We will need to depend on each other. Whether the repairs to the ship are short or if they take a good deal of time.”

Another person, a woman, stood up and asked, “Private Woolheater, earlier you mentioned that you are spending time equally trying to help as many people as you can regardless of whether or not they are civilian or Starfleet. Now, you have made efforts and progress to getting a lot of the crew rescued on behalf of others. But what have you done recently to keep your promise that you and the marines are doing everything you possibly can to rescue as many of the crew as possible?”

Sam paused a moment and thoughtfully answered, “Well, I’m sure we haven’t done enough and uh….”. A great wave of laughter broke out in the room. The tension had been building and it felt so good to laugh at Sam’s remark. It was like a collective sigh. Everyone moved and started breathing again. Laughing felt good and Sam waited as he smiled and chuckled at his unintentional joke. He continued, “…uh….I must say that we are doing everything we can as quickly as we can to help as many as we can. Is there room to improve, yes, and I think that we ought to be doing better than we’re doing now that more of the ship is open to us. And I’m glad that you reminded me of it. Thank you.” She smiled and laughed as well. Sam unintentionally disarmed that question with humor. And the crewman had not intended it to be critical. She was grateful and worried.

Another person stood up, a Vulcan and asked, “Captain Woolheater, many of us have witnessed junior officers and even non-commissioned officers at the level of Sergeant being put in charge of very important and critical operations. I am referring sir to your decision to put Sergeant Luxa Gami together with Sergeant Moses Henderson in charge of the response SAR team sent to get to Engineering? An operation, sir, that I remind you failed. In light of the dire circumstance, don’t you think that more experienced persons under your authority should have been dispatched? Perhaps they would have been more successful?”

Woolheater found his footing now. He felt more comfortable to talk and more confident in the meeting.

Sam looked over at Gami and Moses. He gave them a quick, mischievous wink, and then turned his attention back to the question and answered, “I know that there are always some people who feel that NCO’s are always young and inexperienced and that officers are always able, knowledgeable, tough and make the best decisions at every turn. And that they would make the same decisions that an officer would have. But, the two sergeants you refer to, their main job on that operation you reference was to make me look good and increase my chances of promotion in later polls after the disaster. Having done that…” And there was more laughter. Sam grinned broadly and looked over to the two Sergeants and gave them a grateful and thankful nod. When the laughter subsided, he said, “…Gunnery Sergeants Gami and Henderson did not fail. The operation was a success. They rescued a crewman and a lost dog and I understand that the dog and a young marine sapper….that’s an explosives expert…have bonded and so our platoon may be a plus one now.”

Moving on to the next question, “Mister Woolly, thank you for all that you and your staff are doing. But, the kitchen, I think you call it the gallery, is in a terrible state and many of the food replicators are preset for junk food. Food that is poor nutritional value. As you know, there are now a good number of young people here, youngsters, children and mothers with young ones and even babies. They do not have adequate food choices on the replicators. Could you, would you inquire into that and make sure that there are better food choices programmed into the replicators for the benefit of the children?”

Sam listened, nodding, and smiling said, “Yes I will.” Which simply delighted the lady asking the question and a smattering of applause went up from the crowd from all of the concerned mothers and fathers.

A marine came up alongside Captain Woolheater and handed him a PaDD which Samuel skimmed and then read to the assembly. “I have just been handed this important information. One of the shuttles has been restored into service and has been designated as an animal and pet transportation unit. All lost pets and unattended animals have been loaded onto it. This includes dogs, cats, birds, fish, and all manner of lost pets that were rescued. The pilot has just checked in and reports that they took off at 1008 hours and reports that everything is perfect, and all the lost pets are safely aboard and the shuttle is working well.” Sam smiled and grinned as people laughed and applauded the pilot and the thoughtfulness of someone on the ship.

“OK, last question for now. We can do this again as time permits. I’ll take one more question and then I need to get back to work. Yes?” Sam indicated to a last question and a man stood up and asked, “Corporal Sam, you have indicated before, not in this talk but before to individuals that lower-level security officers do not and can not make policies for marines also at their level or lower. In other words, the complaint is that Security and Marine departments are at loggerheads when it comes to jurisdiction and territory about who does what. It has also been overhead that you are going to have eat those words, the ones where you said Security cannot make marine policy as soon as you meet with the Chief of Security or the Captain meaning Captain Taylor. What I want to know is are you going to back down and let Security, who is rightfully in charge of the overall security of the entire ship, start giving your marines orders?”

Sam thought about what he could say about at and decided to take the better part of valor. He said, “Well, I’m going to have a dinner when we get to wherever we’re going. (…Laughter erupts…) I’ll invite the Chief of Security over for dinner…(laughter)…and we’ll see who eats what.”

As people stood up and started moving about and the laughter ended,, Samuel closed the meeting with, “Thank you everyone. We have a job to do. We’re doing it. As more information comes available, we can do this again. Thank you.”

And Sam stepped back from the center and faced the assembled platoon commanders.


[OFF:]

Captain Samuel Woolheater
“Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas”
Division VI, MARDET 62nd Company "Spartans", 1st Platoon CO
=/\= USS ELYSIUM - NCC-89000 =/\=

 

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