Nature of the Beasts

Posted on 20 Oct 2013 @ 2:45pm by Commander Luke Wyatt & Lieutenant Theron Rhodes & Lieutenant Aria Rice

1,890 words; about a 9 minute read

Mission: Episode 04 - Exodus
Location: USS Galileo - Deck 3, Brig
Timeline: MD 05 - 1430 hrs

ON:

Luke walked with a purpose towards the brig, he still wore his Marine green uniform proudly even though it had several rips, burn marks and his left sleeve was still burnt to a crisp from the destruction of his previous ship the Venture. He hadn't regarded the use for replicators as a top priority and since there was no Marine detachment aboard the Galileo there wasn't any spares just laying around.

Passing several crew members none of which he recognized from the venture he continued down the corridor dodging debris that had yet to be cleared. The person who he was seeking out was a Lieutenant Rhodes in charge of security aboard the ship. Putting things into perspective Luke was prepared to do something crazy and put his morality on the line and ask for a transfer. His palms were already sweaty mostly from clenching them so tightly. Ever since the attack he was starting to show signs of cracking even his toughness had its limits and when it came to fighting the Borg, a foe he had faced before, even the toughest men needed to just take a break.

Walking through the set of doors into the brig he acquired his target and walked briskly towards the man stopping short and noticing that he had already attracted the attention from some of the other security officers. He proceeded to speak "Lieutenant Rhodes?" He questioned his voice was still hoarse, he wondered if it would actually ever get better.

Lt. Rhodes had been sitting at the main security console in the security office with Lt. Rice standing at his side. They had just checked the repair logs to the phaser arrays. They were about to run computer simulation on the phaser array system. With the current state of 'truce', they could do anything except activate an array. 'That action' would cross the line.

The test was interrupted by a scruffy looking Marine standing before them. Theron looked up. He sized up the individual at a glance, as he had been trained to do. Since Theron did not recognize this Marine, he assumed that the marine had come from the Venture. He saw confidence in his eyes He wants something from me . . . or do something to me. That would be unlikely, since one of his security personnel behind the marine had already pulled a phaser and had it at the ready. An intense situation to say the least, Theron thought.

Aria looked at the man, studying him for a moment before looking at the security person with the weapon. She had been on the bridge, just helping out with some repairs...and also, just felt like she needed to be there. But this was her station now. "Stand down," she snapped at the Security crewman. "We don't pull weapons on our own. Not unless they are shooting at us."

Theron leaned back in the chair with his hands spread, resting on the console before him, "I am Lieutenant Rhodes. What can I do for you soldier?"

Luke could sense the tension in the room had gone to an all new level. He actually found it slightly humorous how an entire room filled with security officers felt threatened by his mere presence. "I've come to see if I can lend a hand towards any efforts you and your - " He looked around and smiled "team have been working towards. I think that together we can increase the likelihood of our survival if the Borg decide to finish us off.

Rhodes relaxed just a little and crossed his arms. His lips came to a thin line as he listened with interest and caution.

"Have you had dealings with Borg before?" Luke asked the question was mostly directed towards Lieutenant Rhodes however he looked around opening up the question as a free forum.

Theron did not want to give anything away as to there lack of experience. Nor did he want to glance up at Anne, who had dealt with the last assault. Still looking directly at the soldier, the Chief replied cautiously, "Some of us more than others."

Aria looked at Luke, watching him for a moment before smiling weakly. Now this was a new atmosphere. It was as if they were both trying to just...show off. Men.

Luke nodded, That's not much of an answer he thought to himself. "Then a little help could go a long way no?" This time he tried to sound a little more reasoning but his horse voice didn't seem to push much past that of an irritated old man. "I have a few ideas and I have fought the Borg..." He looked over his shoulder "And I doubt that we're going to be leaving your captured crew members to the mercy of the Borg, I know I wouldn't."

Theron was feeling much better about this character. He knew that experience is exactly what they needed in dealing with the Borg. He gave the marine a slight smile, "Alright . . . I think we could all appreciate your experience." Rhodes took on a more authoritive tone, "Name and rank, soldier."

"Luke Wyatt, Gunnery Sergeant USS Vent..." He stopped himself mid flow chocking on the words"...USS Venture" He finally said painfully for two reason, one he was taking orders from a security officer and two and most importantly half of the Venture didn't exists any more.

"Lt. Aria Rice, Assistant Chief of Security," Aria stepped forward and moved to Luke, offering her hand to him. "I am sorry for your loss, Marine. But we need men. So until we get out of here, I need you calm and collected, Gunny."

'Young and Inexperienced' were the two things that sprang to mind when the the lieutenant introduced herself, though she was at least kind enough to do so. "I am anything but Lieutenant" Luke shook her hand sternly and bowing his head. The traditional ways of Marine and Starfleet security 'banter' wasn't something he planned on pursuing this day. After all he of all people knew what it was like after a battle and even the most disciplined men feel victim. "But if I may alliterate most of the people on the ship are absent experience in combat let a known with the Borg and if they decide to attack again."

"Baptism by fire. All personnel standing have survived the first wave of the Borg," she said firmly, holding his eyes. "I think we've all figured it out by now. Besides, realistically, we would never withstand another attack." She glanced at Rhodes before taking a breath. "Sir, with your leave, I will do a quick patrol and check in on Mormont and Stark."

Rhodes very much appreciated the words from Lt. Rice. "Carry on, Lieutenant. I will touch base with you later."

As she left security, the Gunny's words went through the Chief's mind again. He began to nod his head slightly to the positive. Rhodes stood and extended a hand to the Sergeant, "Welcome aboard Gunny. I think we can really use your skills."

With the current situation Luke gladly took the security chief hands "The let us get straight to it shall we? Do we know of the Borg's intention or what exactly we are heading into?" he question realizing the man's hand before the hand shake become uncomfortable for the both.

Rhodes continued, "We do not know yet what we are in for. I definitely would like some options to tell the Commander, to fight these un-moral creatures."

Luke nodded in agreement "I can imagine that the Borg have already adapted to our weapons and with the assimilation of both crews they must have an understanding that this ship is not capable of fighting a Borg drone especially a Tactical cube! However they have given us the opportunity to gather our thoughts so we should use it wisely, though it does bother me much that they done this."

Rhodes liked the Sergeant's outlook, "Any attempt with our current energy weapons would be a lost cause or worse fatal."

"I would agree. An attack on the Borg ship in our current state would be fatal and an attempted rescue would likely result in the loss of life. However, I am at an understanding, your executive officer was taken during the boarding of the ship? And you Captain struck down?"

"That is correct," Rhodes replied, "Unfortunately."

"The Borg are not stupid, but they don't see us as a threat."

I like the way this guy thinks. Rhodes thought.

"We could use this ignorance as an incentive and a small group could infiltrate the cube and acquire information of the planet we are heading and maybe why we are not already a part of their collective. And of course if we happen to stumble across your XO free him either from the Borg or from this world. The only main problem is getting over to the cube they would detect a shuttle and any attempt of using a transporter would be met unkind."

"This is true." Rhodes agreed. "We need to get some ideas together and have them ready for the Commander's review." Rhodes then pulled a sword from his left side, "And we need to replicate some old fashion contact weapons, such as this." Theron held his Romulan officer's sword horizontal in front of him for Wyatt to see. "Be creative Gunny." Theron said as he set the blade down on the console before him. We may only have a day to train the troops before we arrive at our destination.

"Actually, I already have an idea" Luke gave Theron a worried look before continuing "If I asked you how many Environmental suits we have available to us how would you respond?"

The possibilities and implications of the question caused Theron to look hesitant at the Gunny, but finally said, "I know we have 20 at lockers about the ship near docking ports and in the hanger." He began to shake his head to the negative, anticipating Wyatt's next comment. "Traversing through space in just an EVA suit is not for the unskilled."

"As I said it's just an idea, but there is several ways of making things easier. However before we act too hastily, I would see that more ideas are brought to the table. We don't even know what this planet has in store for us. For all we know, we could be heading straight for a Borg nexus!" The very thought sent a freezing tingling sensation running up Luke's spine.

Theron considered the extreme possibility and definitely hoped it would not be the case. "Gunny, I suggest you put thoughts to words and submit your strike proposal to me. I will make sure the Commander sees it."

"Of course I'll set it down as soon as possible" He replied curling his lips into an upward crescent.

The Chief again faced the Marine and said with sincerity, "Until I can make this more official." Rhodes extended his hand once again, "Welcome to the team and to Galileo."

OFF:



LT Theron Rhodes
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Galileo

Gunnery Sergeant Luke Wyatt
Marine Liaison
USS Galileo

Lt. Aria Rice
Assistant Chief Security Officer
USS Galileo

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