Vale Meets the MCO

Posted on Sun Nov 17th, 2024 @ 6:43am by 1st Lieutenant Torian Vale & Lieutenant Colonel Azhul Naxea

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Marine Country; USS Elysium
Timeline: Just before the Elysium launched
1301 words - 2.6 OF Standard Post Measure

Naxea leaned back in her chair, letting out a tired sigh. Being pregnant sucked. She was half wondering if all of it was worth it. She was tired of her feet and back hurting and and she sure as hell was tired of being restricted to light duty. A part of her wanted to be off the ship and have the baby on Bajor but she couldn't leave her Marines as they were about to deploy.

Torian Vale approached Lieutenant Colonel Naxea’s office in Marine Country, his footsteps steady and deliberate. The hum of the ship's systems and the low murmur of the passing Marines provided a comforting rhythm that kept his thoughts focused. He had been summoned to meet with his commanding officer, and though he was no stranger to these kinds of meetings.

He straightened his uniform before he stood in front of the door. It slid open with a soft hiss, and revealed Naxea sitting behind her desk, her posture relaxed but her expression sharp and attentive.

Naxea sat forward, letting out a small grunt as she did so as the doors opened. Ever the professional, she pushed herself to her feet, placing her hands on the edge of the desk as she did so to aid her in steadying herself. "Lieutenant Vale, I presume?"

Torian entered the office and gave a respectful nod, his sharp blue eyes briefly scanning the room before settling on his commanding officer. He stepped forward with crisp military precision, his boots making a soft thud on the polished floor.

“Yes, ma’am,” he replied, his voice steady and formal. “First Lieutenant Torian Vale, reporting as ordered.”

Naxea returned the salute. "Welcome aboard the Elysium, Lieutenant Vale Have a seat," she gestured to a chair off to the right side of her desk as she sat back down in her chair. How was your trip?" she asked as she pulled up his record onto her computer terminal.

Torian nodded and took the offered seat with the same precise movement that defined him. He kept his posture straight, his hands resting on his knees as he met Naxea’s gaze.

"The trip was... uneventful, ma'am," he replied, carefully choosing his words. He wasn’t going to mention the strange, unsettling dream he’d had on the shuttle en route to Elysium. It wasn’t the first time he'd experienced such dreams, and it probably wouldn’t be the last. These weren’t just random occurrences; something deliberate seemed to be happening, but he couldn’t speak about it until he understood it better and had proof of whatever it was. He silently hoped she wouldn’t bring up the standard medical and mental health clearance he still had to complete—especially the counseling session. Counselors had a habit of prying into areas they shouldn’t. Maybe, just maybe, it would slip her mind.

Naxea looked from the monitor to Vale. 'The pause was odd,' she thought before looking back over the file. She noticed his check in still wasn't complete. That wasn't odd however. Her office was the first stop for every Marine that was assigned to the Sixty-Second Marine Detachment. "Well, that's good to hear," she said, looking back at him. *I see you're our newest scout-sniper. We've had good luck with that field. The current Detachment XO is also a scout-sniper. So tell me about yourself, Lieutenant. I like to know the Marines in my command."

Torian shifted slightly in his chair, his posture still rigid but with a bit more ease now that the formalities were over. He wasn’t a man of many words when it came to personal matters, but he knew this was part of the process—building trust with the CO.

“Yes, ma’am,” he started, his voice calm but steady. “I’ve been a scout for the last several years. Served primarily in reconnaissance operations. I came from a small ranch in Montana, so I guess you could say I’ve always been good at tracking and staying unseen. Starbase 115 was my last posting, where I was part of a Special Recon Unit focusing on smuggling operations and black market activities.”

He paused for a moment, considering how much to share. “I keep things simple. I follow orders, get the job done, and I make sure myself and anyone with me comes back in one piece. That’s my priority.”

"Those are good priorities, Lieutenant," Naxea agreed with a nod as she leaned back in the chair some, clasping her hands together on her stomach. "I also realize situations change and I need officers and NCOs that can think quickly on their feet, even if it contradicts any given orders, I'll always back your actions in those instances. It's also good to hear that you have combat experience and I can promise you'll get your fill of it on the Elysium--we seem to always run into trouble."

Torian nodded at Naxea’s words, a faint hint of approval crossing his features. “Understood, ma’am, and of course. I’m used to thinking on my feet. If the situation calls for improvisation, I’ll make sure the job gets done without compromising the mission.”

Torian hated the sometimes bureaucratic nature of orders and approvals, especially when you’re in the field. Waiting for approval could mean the difference between taking out a black cell leader or seeing a that leader’s trafficked victim disappear into the underground. He appreciated the fact that there was an avenue to make necessary choices without seeking approval.

Naxea looked to the monitor again to ensure his checklist for coming aboard and then back at Vale. And before you can report for active duty, you'll need to get cleared by medical. Doctor Sthilg is quick about such things and a good friend. Just a heads up though, he is Gone but don't worry, he doesn't bite--too often," she chuckled.

Torian allowed himself a small, appreciative smile at Naxea’s attempt at humor, though his thoughts were already focused on the next step. He had expected the medical clearance to come up, but it still gnawed at him. Another hurdle. Another opportunity for someone to dig a little too deep.

“I’ll head to medical right after this, ma’am,” Torian replied, his tone steady as ever, though there was a flicker of reluctance behind his eyes.

Naxea nodded curtly. "That's good to hear. Gunnery Sergeant Gami will show you to your quarters.

"What am I? The maid?!" came Gami's voice teasingly from the hallway as she walked by.

Naxea grinned and shook her head. "Any questions, Lieutenant?"

Torian chuckled at the playful banter from the hallway. He appreciated the camaraderie that seemed to exist among the Marines here, but his focus remained razor-sharp. He didn’t let his guard down easily, not even in moments of lightheartedness.

“No, ma’am. No questions at this time,” Torian responded, his voice still calm and measured. “I’ll get started with medical and get settled in.”

"Glad to hear it," she took an effort to stand. 'This damn baby better be born soon,' she thought as she extended her hand. "Welcome to the sixty Second Marine Detachment aboard the USS Elysium, Lieutenant."

Torian rose from his seat with the same precision he had exhibited throughout the meeting. He grasped Naxea’s hand firmly, giving a respectful nod as he replied, “Thank you, ma’am. I’m looking forward to serving aboard.”

As the door slid open with a soft hiss, Gunnery Sergeant Gami was standing just outside, ready to get him settled in.

Torian smiled slightly. He grabbed his pack and fell in step beside her as they began the walk down the bustling corridors of the USS Elysium toward his quarters.