Old Dog, New Tricks

Posted on 01 Feb 2013 @ 2:26pm by Marine Captain Ray Fernandez (Ret.) & Rear Admiral Lirha Saalm & Chief Warrant Officer 4 Cyrus Kiwosk & Captain Jonathan Holliday

2,993 words; about a 15 minute read

Mission: Episode 03 - Frontier
Location: USS Galileo - Various
Timeline: MD 01 1400

[ON]

[Starbase 185]

He looked around before sipping his water. He check his watch, an antique and all that reminded of his family. Finding the batteries to keep the old thing working were never easy, and the replicated ones never lasted. It was almost time for the Galileo to dock. Almost time for him to join up with another ship, for a time, see what made them tick.

He had been fighting for so long, retirement felt odd. The odd part was that he was finally grateful to no longer be on the front lines. It was an odd feeling, but he knew that him and his team had done their part in saving the Federation during the Wars. Now he was content in serving in small, but pivotal roles.

Once Colonel, now acting Captain of the SFMC. Ray Fernandez sat waiting in one of the Starbases many small cafes, waiting for the time that he would be request to board the USS Galileo . Normally he would have refused the request to train a special operations team, but it was an unusual.

Cyrus Kiwosk, the name never failed to bring a smile to Ray's weathered face. Smiling made his scars itch, though it seemed that he smiled a lot. He scaratched at the base of his large scar, the one that reached across his left eye. Kiwosk was the son he never got to raise, the only thing close to family he had after his wife had left. A small rage was still present when Starfleet ordered his recuperation fast forwarded so he could be back on duty. He remembered it like it was yesterday, Frank and him standing on Earth in front of the Admiralty questioning why the mission be stricken into the SFI as classified and 'it never happened.'

The old man heaved a sigh with broad shoulders, and shook his head. "Things happen for a reason, don't know why....hell, never know why." He said to himself.

[CAPTAIN FERNANDEZ, REPORT TO DOCKING BAY 7 ]

He snatched up his cane, a solid oak stick he had found on a walk a couple of years ago. He had carved it, polished it and now it supported the weight on his leg. He was still capable of walking normally, but it looked 'wise' and 'sophisticated'. He chuckled at Sturmgeist's words. He downed the rest of his water and stood up, walking calmly over to the the Docking bay.

As he walked, the veterans' footsteps were calm and methodical. Everything he walked by was analyzed for potential threats, his hands though relaxed were constantly at the ready. Years of fighting had honed his body into a pure fighting force, but it had cost him. He wasn't the nimble freedom fighter he once had been. The years had stripped him of his once handsome features, replacing him with nothing but a mess of scars and salt and pepper hair. His face bore the creases of stress and pain, crows feet crinkled around his eyes, but it was still a handsome face. He was 59 years old, which was old for a marine in active duty, he had served faithfully to the best of his ability. Now it was time for another generation of heroes to take the place of the veterans of that horrible war.

As he came upon the docking bay he smiled, a duffle slung over one shoulder, his cane, crudely carved in one hand, he decided to forego walking aboard with his slight limp. He would go aboard strong, as he always did.

[USS Galileo ]

==^==Lieutenant Stone, that dignitary you wanted to know about? He's currently at the docking port, requesting permission to come aboard.==^==

"Acknowledged," Jeremy said, scowling. 'Dignitary?' What dignitary was he waiting for? He flicked his wrist and scrolled through screens. He sighed. "Alert Chief Kiwoski to meet me at the docking port. Also inform Captain Saalm and Commander Holliday that Kiwoski's guest has arrived earlier than planned."

==^==Affirm. Alerting Chief Kiwosk now.==^==

Jeremy was confused. As far as he knew, the TRT hadn't yet even tested to narrow down the applicants for the team, why was a guest instructor coming aboard already? "Sorry, boy, seems we may have to wait longer to go see about those squirrels."

Sidi whined as he looked up at Jeremy. Sighing again, Jeremy figured this 'meeting' shouldn't take long. Then he'd already be at the docking port. He could just pop over to the station and arboretum there for a short period. Sidi could play while Jeremy worked on a few matters of research.

Cyrus was lucky, he still had an hour before time was going on shift, so he was wondering why he was being called. Tapping his badge he replied. "This is Kiwoski...Kiwosk." Damn it it's getting to me now.... "I'm on my way."

Cyrus jogged his way to the lift, it wasn't long before he was standing beside his Chief. "What's the fire, boss?"

Jeremy scowled. "I was unaware you had already held the testing qualifications for the TRT?" he said. "Which leads me to wonder why your old CO is coming aboard already?"

"He was in the area, The Fitzgerald was transferring him to Earth, but took a detour and dropped him off. It was a logical choice rather than putting it off." Cyrus frowned. "You didn't get my memo, I thought i had sent it, my mistake, sir."

Jeremy merely nodded at that. "I have not received a memo, that I'm aware of. Are you receiving many applications for the team?" he asked, wondering about Petrov. He also heard that Mister Darwisch had expressed interest in testing for a spot on the team.

"I got your memo on Petrov, and I have spoken with Ensign Peers about an engineering candidate. Other than that, it's on my to do list for the day. Results have been promising. " He grinned. "I'm glad that you thought of this team, I think it will mountains of good for the ship. "

Engineering candidate? Jeremy asked, scowling at that. "Keep me updated. I'd like to observe the testing process. Merely observe. I don't want to overly interfering."

Cyrus scrunched his face and pshhhh'd. "Sir, You're the one that organized the whole thing and got it legitimized, you wouldn't be interfering if you were come in and teach something. I was hoping you would." Cyrus suggested. "I'm not the only one that needs a basic crash course in Security, they all will need it too."

Jeremy thought about that for a moment. "I'm not..." he let out a breath. "I'm not a good teacher. I'll be the one to take blame if this program fails, but it needs to be seen that the success is due to you. Which will not happen if I'm seen to be interfering too much."

"That's not true, sir..I..." He figured he was pushing to much, but let the matter drop. "Understood sir." Cyrus finally said after a moment's hesitation. "So Col... Captain Fernandez is going to be here soon?"

Jeremy frowned. "Chief, you are aware that Starfleet operates under Naval tradition, correct?"

"That's true, but the marines do not, and in marine rankings, a Captain is the Federation naval equivalent of a Lieutenant." Cyrus explained.

"And the Galileo is not a Marine ship, but a Starfleet ship, so tradition applies." he sighed as he shook his head. There was something to be said about not promoting people too quickly. "In naval tradition, anyone who is in command of a starship is given the courtesy title of 'Captain' aboard ship, despite rank. Aboard a ship, 'Captain' is what you refer to the person in charge. Therefore, any other service who comes aboard as 'captain' is given the courtesy bump to Major, because demotion requires judicial action."

"Yes, sir." Was all Cyrus said, though inwardly is laughed. If anything Ray would take offense to that considering...

"He did comm permission to come aboard, so he should be ready to come by."

Rounding the corner in one of Deck Two's corridors, Lirha quickly made her way from the observation lounge to the starboard docking port. As she approached the airlock, she could see two men and a dog in the distance who she quickly identified as Stone and Sidious, as well as Chief Kiwosk. Clasping her hands behind her her back, she slowed to casual walk until she was standing next to her fellow crewmen. She had received the memo from Stone regarding the incoming newcomer, and was interested to meet the man face-to-face. It wasn't often that he ship received retired VIPs, much less retired Starfleet Marine Corps VIPs.

"Hello, gentleman." she said in greeting, looking between the two men. "Is our guest ready to be received?"

At the approach of Captain Saalm, Jeremy stiffened, his body language reflecting the discomfort he felt having her around. He made sure Sidi was situated. "There appears to be some holdup dockside, sir," he muttered. "I'm not sure what it is. Major Fernandez should have been on his way over already."

******

Starbase 185

After several mentions of his reasoning to come aboard and one subtle threat to teach a 'whipper-snapper' a thing or two about a cane. Fernandez finally set foot into the room. He studied the room carefully. Green Skinned....she's Orion, must be the Captain...that's a new one. Ray thought, a smirk creased his face. His eyes lingered slightly on the Captain Not bad...always liked Orions. He chuckled. If only he was twenty years younger and not full of scars. His eyes left her and traveled to the grim faced man. Must be the head of Security, not impressed I'm taking him away from some... He stopped in mid-thought as he spotted the dog... Ship dog...haven't seen them in a while.... Finally he turned to looked at Cyrus and he another smile broke out and a small nod. "See you're still alive, meathead...catch any more grenades with your mouth this time?" He chuckled.

Cyrus couldn't help but grin, but stayed at ease. "No sir, still recovering from last time. "

Ray nodded, a sudden sadness broke over his good eye. "I know boy, me too. Stories for another time, we'll catch up later. For the moment. " He walked over to the Green skinned, red-suited woman and extended a hand. "Captain Ray Fernandez, you must be Captain Lirha Saalm. A pleasure."

Lirha watched the green-collared Marine make his way through the airlock and step foot onto her ship with some slight help from his cane. As she had expected, he was a large and well-built man who appeared to be in his late 50s. His facial features and scars gave him a rugged attractiveness, and she smiled up at him as she clasped his large hand and shook it. "Thank you, captain. It is a pleasure to meet you as well." she replied in a friendly voice. "Welcome aboard Galileo, Starfleet's newest Nova Class." she added, then stepped aside and motioned towards Stone and Kiwosk.

"This is my Chief of Security, Lieutenant Stone, and his MWD, Sidious." she said as she formally introduced her crew to the man, "And I believe you are already acquainted with Chief Kiwosk."

" Always like the look of a Nova, but I was never needed on them for obvious reasons." He returned courtesy. He nodded in Stone's direction. "Well met Lieutenant, and to you as well MWD." Cyrus knelt down to the dogs level. "Good breed, wonder if he likes sticks..." He chuckled as tapped his stick to the hard floor."

"Major," Jeremy said simply, scowling at him waving his cane as if it were a toy. He was also unimpressed with the man's leering at his Captain as if she were nothing more than a pretty face.

Sidi focused on the stick and licked his chops. It was a TOY! And now HIS! He bent forward, sniffing toward it only to feel the slight tug from Alpha calling him back. He sat as he huffed. It was his now, it was given to him. He wanted to play!

Chuckling he pushed himself out of his kneeling position and grunted. " Well if the 'lock' is any comparison to the rest of the ship, consider me impressed Captain. The CWO contacted me about a bit of training and as much as I enjoy shuffleboard at the Academy, I couldn't turn an old colleague down. " He winked at Cyrus. He resisted the urge to scratch his scar, instead comfortably resting both hands on his cane. " I trust Vega IX treated you all fair enough."

"Oh yes." the Orion captain answered with a smile. "It's done wonders for crew morale and gave us a chance to perform some system upgrades." she explained, "I quite enjoy Vega Colony and I don't get to visit there often, sadly."

Bursting from the turbolift, John quickly strode along the corridor towards the image of his captain and several other officers gathered in front of the docking port. Embarrassingly enough, the XO had unfortunately managed to oversleep and had been late for the start of his working day in time to clear his own responsibilities before meeting his captain at the docking port as requested.

Covering his own feeling of shame, the Commander pulled up to the group and snapped to attention ahead of his CO.

"Ma'am. I apologise for my tardiness."

Ray raised an eyebrow. "The XO I presume?" Fernandez asked smirking slightly. "Marine Captain Fernandez, Commander. Glad you could make it."

Being caught with his pants down wasn't something that John ever enjoyed, particularly where other visiting dignitaries or officers might have been concerned. Marines aboard the Galileo was certainly an interesting sight, and not an organisation that the Commander had been given much experience with.

"Commander Jonathan Holliday, welcome aboard Captain Fernandez."

"Thank you Commander, I'll try not to be too much trouble. " he chuckled. He proceeded to look at the Captain. "Now that I've kept you for a good fifteen minutes, I guess I should let you all get back to doing the important duties, instead of standing around, I for one would love a tour of the ship and a cozy spot to drop off all this crap." He hefted the duffle on his shoulder. "Besides, I don't want to be keeping you any longer than necessary. I know you all have jobs to do."

"Commander," Jeremy asked, "How much longer will we be docked? I promised Sidi some ... training ... opportunity on the station. If we have about an hour? I also want to use the Station's criminal database for some research into a criminal matter affecting a member of the crew."

Ray raised an eyebrow and scratched his scar slightly, but said nothing.

"This is very much a flying visit Lieutenant. If we are still hard docked any longer than the next thirty minutes I shall be rather surprised." John replied, thinking back to their scheduling report upon arrival at the Starbase to confirm he was indeed getting his figures correct.

Jeremy sighed as he made eye contact with Sidi. "Yes, sir," he said, disappointed because he had promised Sidi the chance to chase squirrels. "Perhaps when we return." He should still be able to connect with their database from the ship. Hopefully half an hour would be enough time to get what he was looking for - or to deny that the information existed. "Thank you, sir. If you'll excuse me, I have some work to see to." He turned then and left for his office, glad to be away from the admin team.

Lirha nodded at her security chief as he dismissed himself, then turned towards her Marine Corps guest. "I'm afraid my XO is correct, we won't be staying for much longer. We have some final survey equipment to load and then we will be departing for the Rojar system." she explained, then tilted her head at the tall man with curiosity. "You are going to accompany us on our survey, yes?"

"Can't see what I shouldn't, I mean I'll be on board training some of your crew for this special squad, so...what the hell?" He grinned and change the shoulder that the duffle was on. "It'll be good to see how a ship runs without the Marine Corps. It's a a while since I've seen that." He smiled inwardly and coughed. "Well, don't let me stop you Captain, Commander. Let me know if I can be of any assistance while I'm here, I hate being treated like a valued commodity. "

"Well, you did mention a ship tour...I'm sure we could spare fifteen minutes if you like?" she offered with a deliberate glance to her XO. She knew both Ray and John were tactical men, and although Fleet and Marines did not traditionally get along, the two of them probably had much in common. In her opinion they were cut from the same cloth, just with different colors.

"Yes ma'am. I would be honoured to show our recent improvements to a visiting member of the Marines. If you have the time of course Captain Fernandez?"

"Time...son, after I lost my eye and they put me in training the new kids at the Academy...time is something I have in abundance. Lead the way Commander, I'll keep up."

[OFF]

--

CAPT Lirha Saalm
Commanding Officer
USS Galileo

Cmdr Jonathan Holliday
Executive Officer
USS Galileo

Marine Captain Ray Fernandez (ret)
Former Marine CO/ VIP
TRT Instructor
USS Galileo
NPC'd by Cyrus Kiwosk

LTjg Jeremy Stone
Chief Security/Tactical Officer/K9
USS Galileo

CWO Cyrus Kiwosk
Security/ Tactical Officer
Master-at-Arms, TRT Squad Leader
USS Galileo

Sidious MWD 7223
Security Canine unit
USS Galileo

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