Why We’re Here
Posted on Thu Feb 27th, 2020 @ 10:07pm by Ensign Michael Sloan
Edited on on Thu Feb 27th, 2020 @ 10:13pm
Mission:
Mission 2 - Fallout
Timeline: Backpost, prior to launch
755 words - 1.5 OF Standard Post Measure
The three privates and one corporal all stood on the firing line next to Minna, who was the range NCOIC (non-commissioned officer in charge), and something of a legend in sniper circles. The lanes were all set up at the maximum distance of 2000 meters, while on the platforms in front of them were standard phaser rifles, MACO pulse rifles, a new weapon nicknamed HEPeR, short for High Energy Plasma Rifle, and the ancient, but still in service .50 caliber Barret sniper rifles. The first four being standard issue items, and the one at Minna’s lane a custom-fitted model with heavy Mahogany stocks, which she purchased herself before reporting to the Enterprise for it’s mission into the Expanse.
“Shooters, lock and load one five-round .50 caliber magazine” Minna shouted and in unison all five of them picked up their rifles and made them ready.
“Shooters, watch, your lanes” she announced and then waited with the four younger soldiers for the targets to start popping up.
After hearing that MACOs would be aboard the Atlantis, Michael Sloan decided to give the ship's compliment a look. Years ago, he was set to join the MACO program after beginning his career in the United Earth Military. However, a shuttle accident during a training exercise sent his career toward the newer Starfleet. That did not mean that he did not enjoy seeing the MACOs in action.
The targets started popping and the five MACOs all fired at them with varying speed and accuracy. The fastest, SGT Minna Chang, fired five shots in three seconds, while the others ranged from eight to fifteen seconds. The scores popped up as soon as the last shot fired. A perfect 50 for Minna, a 49 for the skinny girl from Nebraska, a 43 for the short, though muscular man from Equador, a 38 for the young man from New York and a 36 for the Russian boy who couldn’t be 18-years-old yet.
“Good shooting Tammy. The rest of you, remedial in 30 minutes.”
As the group began stepping away from firing range, the Starfleet Armory Officer stopped the one called Mina and said, "That was some good shooting out there." For someone as new to the MACOs as Chang, and as seasoned when they first joined.
"There was a lot to shoot at out in the expanse, and even more on the Xindi weapon" Minna replied as she cleared her rifle with the effortless precision of someone who'd done so many thousands upon thousands of times. "Some of the troops are fresh from training, but I'll have them fast and accurate when you need them, Sir."
"Good to hear," Sloan nodded. Glancing at the Barrett 50-caliber, Michael ran a hand over the gun. "I see things haven't changed much with the MACOs. Technology three years ahead of Starfleet, yet still use a hundred year old relic," his voice did not hint that he was making fun, more of a nostalgia trip from his time in the United Earth Military.
“The new high-energy plasma rifles are very good, but not much Use beyond 1500 meters. I took out a Xindi reptilian at 3150 with this rifle.”
"3150 is a nice shot," Sloan nodded. "I was part of the defense force over Earth aboard the Valiant for both the superweapon and the probe attack," he added, something about his voice suggested that those memories were still raw in his mind.
Minna was quiet for a moment as the memories flooded her. "I lost my husband and son when the probe attacked. I joined the MACOs with an age waiver the next day. I was assigned to the Enterprise detachment under Major Hayes. Almost lost my leg on board the super weapon."
"You all did a hell of a thing," Michael replied, a degree of admiration in his voice. He then stuck out his hand and said, "Happy to have you aboard. Hopefully this trip to the Xindi ends better than the last one."
She shook the preferred hand as she replied “I’d imagine that you’re here to make sure it does, and I’m here in case it doesn’t.”
"That's the idea," Michale nodded. If things went bad, the Marines would be invaluable in their on the ground skills. His armory personnel was better suited for light guard duty and ship-to-ship combat. "You good with that?"
“I follow my orders and protect those under my care, within or beyond 3150 meters.”
Lt. Commander Michael Sloan
Chief Armory Officer
NX Atlantis
Sergeant Minna Chang
First Sergeant
NX Atlantis
