Leggo My MACO

Posted on Wed Oct 23rd, 2019 @ 3:27pm by Captain Bethsabée Leroux & Ensign Michael Sloan & Major Samuel King

Mission: Mission 1 - One Step forward
Location: MACO Training Room, Deck F
Timeline: Five hours after reverlation about ships location
1556 words - 3.1 OF Standard Post Measure

"You know, I was accepted into the MACO program," Michael stated as the two made their way toward the MACO Training Room. "Instead, I transferred to Starfleet after the shuttle accident, thinking that Humanity's future was in the stars, little did I know," the Chief Armory Officer finished with a hand motion that suggested that they were all in the stars now. It was something that was readily available on his personnel record, but he felt the need to say it. He had yet to make his way into the MACO areas of the ship. It just gave him an odd what if feeling.

"I did know that." The woman admitted as they walked in semi-quiet conversation. Beth had joined Starfleet to do something different and possibly get out in the stars. How little had she known then how far she would go out into the stars. "I joined after I lost my husband." The woman said knowing she wouldn't have to explain anymore as they were nearly where they needed to be.

"Well, here we are," Michael said as their conversation was cut short. The proximity sensors opened the door to the training area for them. A quick glance around showed him a few people training with a few people scattered cleaning their phase-rifles, an item that he wished Starfleet would quickly adopt. "There he is, Major Samuel King," Michael nodded toward Beth to indicate the commanding officer of the MACOs. The man was taller than Michael and a bit more seasoned.

Some of his teams were doing some final minute checks on weapons and training techniques used for Search and Rescue operations as the doors near the other side of the room swooshed open to reveal two Starfleet officers enter. They were in fact the two most senior ranking on board and after what happened with the Captain he knew they would both be stepping up into new roles. Sam gave some last minute reassurance to a private he was talking too and with a slap on the back, almost knocking the man over, he set off to greet his visitors.

"Commanders, what can I do for you?" he asked respectfully, his London accent clear as day.

Beth smiled softly up at the man. "We came to see how you and your teams are," Beth said simply as if that should be obvious after the news that had been shared. Beth would have prefered to have a big crew meeting but there just wasn't time until things calmed down and some things were realised. They just needed to rely on department heads to be able to control and lead departments.

Sam nodded and looked as some of his teams left the room, his First Sergeant barking away at them to get a move on. "Reacting as we do ma'am. They know the situation and we will have time to grieve for those we have lost once we have stabilised the situation here. Unfortunately, my XO, Lieutenant Delaney, is missing but the rest are accounted for and on search and rescue duties. I have teams of 3 on each deck as we are a limited number but have told them to liase with your staff Commander Sloan." he said giving the man a respectful nod. "How are you two holding up?" he asked.

"Where was your XO located to when things went wrong? Sickbay or Rec Room?" The woman asked pulling out a small piece of paper with three names on it that were also missing. It wasn't could that people were missing but it was expected in a situation like this. Some people just snapped, they would need to be found and brought back into the fold eventually. "We are fine. Thank you." Beth added to his question. No one needed to know that the woman was wondering about her leadership abilities right then and there with everyone defaulting to the Armoury Officer.

Not really able to add much, Michael offered, "I can have teams search the ship if you'd like. Our two shuttlepods are accounted for, so your XO has to be aboard." Shrugging slightly, Michael added, "As far as how I am, I think we are all in the same boat. Trying to grasp what happened but moving forward." And scared silly, he left off his response. As the two departments that were trained in weapons usage, they needed to be on the same page. "We'll be happy to work with you, but we should probably talk about our roles more fully at your convenience, Major."

"Rec room ma'am." Sam replied after she had spoken her piece. It was good that they were alright. At a time like this strong leadership was needed, even in the face of uncertainty the crew needed the appearance of stability and strength. This he knew well from his years in the SEALS.

He turned to Michael and nodded. "My teams would welcome the assist Commander, the offer is appreciated. My teams are experienced in search and rescue so I wanted to get them out right away." Sam added as Sloan mentioned the defining of roles. "Yes sir. Once we have secured the ship and done a headcount I am at your disposal." He added. Sam knew his role, it was clear. On the ship, he had no real authority apart from that of his MACOs, of course if he was needed for counsel or something that required their skills he was happy to help. On the ground, he had operational control as his teams were trained for such.

"I think we'll need to look at the traditional roles a little due to our predicament," Michael started with a nod to the major. "If you can send us where you've already looked, we can start on the other end of the ship and meet in the middle. Hopefully, your XO will be found soon," the Chief Armory Officer stated.

My teams are on each deck, starting from the fore sections and working aft. They are checking all available travel routes as well as compartments, lockers and such just in case. People can panic and hide for unnecessary reasons." Sam said as he nodded to his Sergeant as he left the room before looking back at the two in front of him. "I hope so as well but I do fear that if he hasn't reported in that he may not have made it. He always did think he knew best and I would hate for that to have gotten the better of him."

"I am sure he will be found." Dead or alive Beth was sure on a ship that size that he would turn up eventually. Beth would hate to know that ego had gotten the better of someone herself. "But Major you do not have enough men to do this search alone and if your XO is missing, time might be of the essence now. The Commander is offering men. Did you start from the top or the bottom?" The woman said calculating just how many MACO's would be onboard.

"I know this ma'am," Sam replied earnestly in comment that he had limited men. "That is why I said for my teams to liaise with the Armoury staff on board. As we have 7 decks, I have discounted Deck A in this, I have sent teams of 3 to each deck to assist in finding any souls that are missing. I only have 18 MACOs, not including my XO." he paused for a moment. In his heart he knew his XO was most likely dead, this saddened him but he was a seasoned SEAL, a military man. He knew there was a time for remorse, now was not it.

"How many Armoury personals can you spare right now Commander?" The woman asked looking at Sloan. Three people per deck in their current predicament were likely to miss something due to the stress.

"If I leave a single guard at strategic locations, I can give you ten," Michael replied. With only 80 people aboard, his whole department stood at fifteen plus himself.

"Major how does that sound?" Beth asked calculating how many extra that would allow. Her two comms operators not on the bridge were already in sickbay helping triage the injured, she had no one to spare herself.

"Better than nothing ma'am, sir," he said with a typical nod to superiors. "Anything that helps us find lost souls quicker is a bonus."

"Is there anything else you need from either of us Major?" Beth asked glancing at Michael silently asking if he had anything else to say before they moved onto another area of the ship.

"I think we are good until we learn something," Michael shook his head. Looking to King, the Chief Armory Officer added, "I'll coordinate my people with yours so we can make sure we cover as much ship as we can as quickly as possible."

"Very good sirs." King said with a quick snap salute and stand at attention. "Now I will join in the search. If you will excuse me." he added before disappearing off through the doors and out to search.

OFF:

Commander Bethsabee Leroux
Officer In Charge/Chief Communications Officer
NX Atlantis

Lt. Commander Michael Sloan
Acting First Officer/Chief Armory Officer
NX Atlantis

Major Samuel King
MACO Commanding Officer
NX Atlantis