Life on a Training Cruise - Part II
Posted on Fri Mar 17th, 2023 @ 7:14am by Lieutenant JG Damien Blackford
Mission:
MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: USS Vanguard
Timeline: 2395
591 words - 1.2 OF Standard Post Measure
Damien and his squad were on an unidentified planet, searching for some collegues. Trapped in what seems like an endless thunderstorm, they stop for a quick break, when they suddenly find themselves surrounded by the locals. After trying to resolve things peacefully, things quickly fall apart when one of the squad decide to open fire. Before he can react, he finds himself knocked out... And the simulation ends, revealing them to be onboard a training cruise. The squad are given some time to compose themselves, before being called in for a debrief.
Damien rounded on the team, eyes flying towards Jenkins, who was watching the door where the Security Officer had just left. “What the hell happened there?!” He demanded, running a hand through his hair.
Jenkins turned towards Damien, rolling his eyes as he spoke. “Oh puh-lease. In case it had escaped your notice, they weren’t exactly in a talking mood. They were planning on killing us!” He shook his head, turning away. “I don’t know about you, but I don’t plan on letting myself go out without a fight.”
“We didn’t need to attack them!” Damien retorted back. “Jesus Jenkins. There are first contact protocals in place for exactly this kind of situation. If you actually paid attention to your rulebook for once, you might have known that!”
Jenkins spun back around, striding towards Damien. “Oh. I’m fully aware of the rules and protocols. I’m also aware of the fact that sometimes, following the rules blindly isn’t in everyone’s best interests.” As he closed the gap between them, Korta quickly stepped between them, pushing them apart.
“Enough. The pair of you. What happened has happened, and arguing with each other will only make things worse. Commander Arleth is expecting us in 30 minutes. It will not do for us to be squabbling like children when we see him.” Jenkins pushed off of the Klingon, shaking his head.
“The real world isn’t like its laid out in rulebooks and protocal guides. The sooner you learn that lesson, the better.” He said, before turning on his heel, stalking out of the room. Damien turned to the other two, running a hand nervously through his hair. “What do you guys think?” He asked. “Is he right? Did I react incorrectly.” The other two glanced at each other, before Eilís sighed.
“You both make good points.” She said quietly. “I mean, yes, there are protocals put in place by Starfleet for these kind of situations.”
“Exactly!” Damien started, before Eilís held a hand up, cutting him off.
“But, equally, Jenkins is right as well. There are going to be times when it’s not going to be possible to stick to those protocals, and you’ll need to think on your feet.”
Damien sighed, running a hand through his hair once again. “Do you think Commander Arleth will see it that way?” He asked. They both shrugged at him.
“Who knows.” Eilís eventually said. “He’s been in Starfleet for most of his life. He probably knows the rulebook back to front.”
“However,” Korta cut in with, “He also served in the war. I expect he had to break those protocals sometimes. Perhaps not willingly, but... War makes men do things they wouldn’t normally do.”
Damien nodded, not saying anything as he looked down at his watch. “Come on.” He said. “It’s nearly two. He’ll be expecting us.”
