Setting
The Barracks is subdivided into individual dormitories for each marine, and training grounds. The individual dormitories have a bed, shower, and work area which includes a control panel with holograms and telescreens that are connected into the ship's data network. The training grounds are equipped with 3D simulated battlefield situations, a rotating and ever-changing battlefield, workout centers, and automated gun turrets with paint rounds to live ammunition.
Minimap
northwest |
north |
northeast |
west |
You are here. |
east |
southwest |
south |
southeast |
Barracks is a part of 
F.S.S. Salient.
1 Characters Here
Atomsk Dunaway [19] "Rules only apply when there are people around to enforce them."
Start Character Here »
Although exhausted, Eli remembered to salute before addressing the Commander, it was his duty to do so as a soldier, but Eli did it out of respect. Although as of late, the only people he could salute without feeling disgusted or distraught was the admiral. Perhaps because he felt cheated, and he felt he had cheated. His former squad mates returned to his thoughts. Their faces had battle scars, gruff beards, and piercing eyes. Some were smirking, others looked composed, while others still looked hardened from war. However, he didn't want to return to those feelings or those moments again. Leaving them behind to waste away was the best option.
The intercom soon went on, and the admiral's voice was projected.
āAttention all crew members on board the Salient. This is your Admiral speaking. I just wanted to say that we are departing now. Prepare for atmospheric ascent. I also want to wish everyone onboard good luck and a safe journey, let us hope that weāll return in one piece.ā
The last part, Eli could only sigh and wonder if that was merely wishful thinking, but at least they were finally departing. Eli for one was departing from his past, from the memories he would leave behind. He would shed away his old skin and find a new way out there in space. He was almost lost in his thoughts had it not been for the commander's inquiry. He conditioned his breathing until it returned to resting rate, and then he addressed Commander Dunaway.
"I'm good sir. What was it you wanted me for?" Eli asked, unsure about the commander's intentions.
The intercom soon went on, and the admiral's voice was projected.
āAttention all crew members on board the Salient. This is your Admiral speaking. I just wanted to say that we are departing now. Prepare for atmospheric ascent. I also want to wish everyone onboard good luck and a safe journey, let us hope that weāll return in one piece.ā
The last part, Eli could only sigh and wonder if that was merely wishful thinking, but at least they were finally departing. Eli for one was departing from his past, from the memories he would leave behind. He would shed away his old skin and find a new way out there in space. He was almost lost in his thoughts had it not been for the commander's inquiry. He conditioned his breathing until it returned to resting rate, and then he addressed Commander Dunaway.
"I'm good sir. What was it you wanted me for?" Eli asked, unsure about the commander's intentions.
Eli relaxed his stance, the commander was trying to comb him, and he was perfectly fine with it. He had nothing to hide; after all, he had passed the first step which was denial.
He looked away from the commander a bit, scratching his head, which had become uncharacteristically common for Eli to do ever since the Mars incident. The Mars incident, it was an odd name; it was better dubbed the Mars disaster, or Mars failure, or even Mars fiasco. No matter what name was given to it, it was all the same to Eli.
āUhā¦ā he sighed a bit.
āYes sir, an incident on Mars. One Iām not very proud of,ā that was perhaps the only part Eli would ever be frank about regarding that operation.
āThe docs said I had PTSD,ā he chuckled to himself as he looked on.
āI really doubt themā¦Iām still here and Iām still ready to go. There arenāt any monsters swimming inside of me," he reassured the commander, but mainly tried to reassure himself.
That was a lie, Eli did his best to cover it, most of the time he succeeded in doing so. The only people who knew otherwise were the Admiral, he himself, and his maker. In between that, the ghosts of fellow squad mates would come up every so often, not to haunt him, but to console him for his actions that day. He didnāt trust them, he had eyes, he saw what happened, and what he saw was exactly what happened. The bomb exploded right by Sanders, Richter, Ellsworth, Minigan, and Ferrar. Sanders, Ellsworth, and Minigan were blown to smithereens. Scraps of their body armor that was covered in mud were their only remains. Richter and Ferrar were lucky, or at least Eli had thought so.
He looked away from the commander a bit, scratching his head, which had become uncharacteristically common for Eli to do ever since the Mars incident. The Mars incident, it was an odd name; it was better dubbed the Mars disaster, or Mars failure, or even Mars fiasco. No matter what name was given to it, it was all the same to Eli.
āUhā¦ā he sighed a bit.
āYes sir, an incident on Mars. One Iām not very proud of,ā that was perhaps the only part Eli would ever be frank about regarding that operation.
āThe docs said I had PTSD,ā he chuckled to himself as he looked on.
āI really doubt themā¦Iām still here and Iām still ready to go. There arenāt any monsters swimming inside of me," he reassured the commander, but mainly tried to reassure himself.
That was a lie, Eli did his best to cover it, most of the time he succeeded in doing so. The only people who knew otherwise were the Admiral, he himself, and his maker. In between that, the ghosts of fellow squad mates would come up every so often, not to haunt him, but to console him for his actions that day. He didnāt trust them, he had eyes, he saw what happened, and what he saw was exactly what happened. The bomb exploded right by Sanders, Richter, Ellsworth, Minigan, and Ferrar. Sanders, Ellsworth, and Minigan were blown to smithereens. Scraps of their body armor that was covered in mud were their only remains. Richter and Ferrar were lucky, or at least Eli had thought so.
The captain chuckled a bit. His brows were raised, for he felt like the Commander was leading him somewhere, but the path was always littered with left turns. He didn't know what to expect, but he knew he had to stay on his toes. The way Atomsk had called it a "game" was unanticipated by Eli, and almost amusing. At this point, a lady in a white lab coat appeared in the Barracks. Eli thought she was a science corps personnel, and if that was the case, she didn't have any business in the Barracks.
"Well, sir...I'm gonna be frank, you're a pretty odd character yourself," Eli paused, trying not to overstep the boundaries.
"You got as many praises as criticisms from fellow marines. I mean, the court martials, the counts of insubordination, yet through all those active deploys and missions, you're at the top with all those decorations. I've argued with a higher up or two every now and then, but that pales in comparison with the beef you have with Lieutenant General Conway. I won't be surprised if they write a story on that." Eli grinned enthusiastically.
"All those scars on your face only speaks to the experience that you have in the field, but...I'll be damned for sure if I don't serve with you on this mission." Eli ended the grin with a straight face, one that he would use often when playing poker. Though he was using that face to cover his expressions when playing, this time he meant business with the commander.
"Well, sir...I'm gonna be frank, you're a pretty odd character yourself," Eli paused, trying not to overstep the boundaries.
"You got as many praises as criticisms from fellow marines. I mean, the court martials, the counts of insubordination, yet through all those active deploys and missions, you're at the top with all those decorations. I've argued with a higher up or two every now and then, but that pales in comparison with the beef you have with Lieutenant General Conway. I won't be surprised if they write a story on that." Eli grinned enthusiastically.
"All those scars on your face only speaks to the experience that you have in the field, but...I'll be damned for sure if I don't serve with you on this mission." Eli ended the grin with a straight face, one that he would use often when playing poker. Though he was using that face to cover his expressions when playing, this time he meant business with the commander.
He listened very intently to Eli. He was still tense but he was loosening up, which pleased Atomsk. He expected to be called odd. He usually was. He loved the comment about Lieutenant General Conway. He disliked the man and thought the comments made by Eli were amusing.
After Eli ended mentioning the scars he laughed very loudly. He grinned and decided to loosen up himself.
"Some of these scars are from battle. But to be honest most of them come from when superiors took punishments into their own hands."
He smiled from ear to ear at this point. He had grown to love his scars. He liked the way they looked and thought they gave him some character.
"You understand then that i take some liberties when it comes to command. I understand that it will seem hypocritical of me to ask you to listen to me when I myself don't listen to my superiors. My tactics will seem strange. Insane. Suicidal. But I value everyone of you. Remember that."
He pulled out his cigar box and put one in his mouth, after which he offered one to Eli, unsure if Eli liked cigars.
After Eli ended mentioning the scars he laughed very loudly. He grinned and decided to loosen up himself.
"Some of these scars are from battle. But to be honest most of them come from when superiors took punishments into their own hands."
He smiled from ear to ear at this point. He had grown to love his scars. He liked the way they looked and thought they gave him some character.
"You understand then that i take some liberties when it comes to command. I understand that it will seem hypocritical of me to ask you to listen to me when I myself don't listen to my superiors. My tactics will seem strange. Insane. Suicidal. But I value everyone of you. Remember that."
He pulled out his cigar box and put one in his mouth, after which he offered one to Eli, unsure if Eli liked cigars.
Yet another fateful aspect that had fled from Eli ever since Mars. Smoking cigars were a past time for Eli, lost long ago a midst fields of rust. Maybe he could accept the offer from the commander, after all it was given to him out of respect or perhaps casually. Since it came from the commander though, he could politely accept it and hopefully make amends with himself. As with all steps, he would take them in stride, with his head up and facing forward not looking backward.
"Thank you, sir, I'll save this for later," he took the offered cigar and stashed it away in one of his suit's compartments. He decided that the first day they would hit planet side, he would pull out that cigar and smoke it. He made a mental note to remember that.
"Sir, I've never commanded any more than a handful of marines, so I wouldn't know anything about being a commander at your level. The fact that you're in charge here speaks volumes in itself," Eli continued.
"Although I've never seen you command first hand, I trust in your abilities and leadership, and I will make a note of that sir." he paused.
"I can only hope though, that no one will be left behind."
Eli began to feel a certain respect for Atomsk, who was not unlike himself. He would admit that few could command his respect, but that was only boastfulness coming from Eli. Even if it was true though, Atomsk would be one of a few, and that made him stand apart from the many commanders that Eli had been rotated around through.
"Thank you, sir, I'll save this for later," he took the offered cigar and stashed it away in one of his suit's compartments. He decided that the first day they would hit planet side, he would pull out that cigar and smoke it. He made a mental note to remember that.
"Sir, I've never commanded any more than a handful of marines, so I wouldn't know anything about being a commander at your level. The fact that you're in charge here speaks volumes in itself," Eli continued.
"Although I've never seen you command first hand, I trust in your abilities and leadership, and I will make a note of that sir." he paused.
"I can only hope though, that no one will be left behind."
Eli began to feel a certain respect for Atomsk, who was not unlike himself. He would admit that few could command his respect, but that was only boastfulness coming from Eli. Even if it was true though, Atomsk would be one of a few, and that made him stand apart from the many commanders that Eli had been rotated around through.
He lit his own cigar after he gave one to Eli. He was being flattered which he didn't dislike, but he didn't like the uprightness of the military. He walked to a nearby wall at this point and leaned up against it, enjoying the cigar.
"I'd prefer a more casual relationship. I find it hard to get to know someone when your as uptight as the military requires you to be. No sirs, especially considering your older then me. Atomsk if you would. Dunaway even. Just not sir or Commander."
He smirked at his own cliche. Casual in the military. He'd seen it in movies and countless books. It still always gave him a chuckle.
"You'd better not smoke that without me." He said, referring to the cigar Eli had stowed away. "First chance we get i expect us to enjoy that together." He got a grin so big he had to pull his cigar out.
Now it was time to get to the point.
"Eli, I like you. You ain't no stick in the mud. I need an imaginative Second. We've got a lot of people here and I'm not going to be on the ground with you most of the time. I like having a man on the ground i can trust. Normally i would have named my brother, Jon, my second the moment we got here. But he's a military dog. Normally I wouldn't mind it but he's on someones leash this time. I'm not sure who's either. Your someone I liked right off the bat. And someone i can tell I can trust in the future." He paused. Unsure if Eli even wanted the position.
"If I'm unavailable, communications can't reach me, or something happens too fast that puts you in charge. I won't force this on you but I'd enjoy you greatly as someone to work with." He hoped he would.
"I'd prefer a more casual relationship. I find it hard to get to know someone when your as uptight as the military requires you to be. No sirs, especially considering your older then me. Atomsk if you would. Dunaway even. Just not sir or Commander."
He smirked at his own cliche. Casual in the military. He'd seen it in movies and countless books. It still always gave him a chuckle.
"You'd better not smoke that without me." He said, referring to the cigar Eli had stowed away. "First chance we get i expect us to enjoy that together." He got a grin so big he had to pull his cigar out.
Now it was time to get to the point.
"Eli, I like you. You ain't no stick in the mud. I need an imaginative Second. We've got a lot of people here and I'm not going to be on the ground with you most of the time. I like having a man on the ground i can trust. Normally i would have named my brother, Jon, my second the moment we got here. But he's a military dog. Normally I wouldn't mind it but he's on someones leash this time. I'm not sure who's either. Your someone I liked right off the bat. And someone i can tell I can trust in the future." He paused. Unsure if Eli even wanted the position.
"If I'm unavailable, communications can't reach me, or something happens too fast that puts you in charge. I won't force this on you but I'd enjoy you greatly as someone to work with." He hoped he would.
Paulina paused outside the barracks. Soldiers and the commanding officers were the ones she was most expecting to deal with, they generally had most psychological instability, she thought as she bit the end of her pipe. And they also tended to be the most stubborn. It was her job to be known, to be open to all. People were always more open to their friends. After quickly cracking her knuckles Paulina opened the door and entered the barracks, where a trio of what she could only assume were security were gathered, most likely getting to know each other. "Hello all, I just thought I'd drop by..." Paulina called out, pausing her words to look over them. They were all soldiers, military, and they looked it. Gruff, muscular, hardened like a rock. And in contrast, with her makeup and colored hair, she looked like a lollipop.
"My names Paulina Allard, I'm the ship's counselor," She continued with a large smile as she played with the pipe in her hand. "My office is just a floor down for anyone who wants to visit. I'm going around and acquainting myself with the crew."
"My names Paulina Allard, I'm the ship's counselor," She continued with a large smile as she played with the pipe in her hand. "My office is just a floor down for anyone who wants to visit. I'm going around and acquainting myself with the crew."
Adriana
Adriana looked up from her musings at the colorful character at the door. She then immediately looked down again.
These were the only notable actions she had taken for the past thirty minutes. She had sat quietly through the officer's talking waiting for the meeting to start. She wasn't listening very carefully but she did gather that Captain Colter would be the second in command. When the talking lollipop introduced herself, Adriana resolved never to go to the counselor. She would never find any help there.
Adriana looked up from her musings at the colorful character at the door. She then immediately looked down again.
These were the only notable actions she had taken for the past thirty minutes. She had sat quietly through the officer's talking waiting for the meeting to start. She wasn't listening very carefully but she did gather that Captain Colter would be the second in command. When the talking lollipop introduced herself, Adriana resolved never to go to the counselor. She would never find any help there.
Eli took in all Atomsk had to say, and he doubted his capabilities. A stick in the mud, that was fairly accurate, Eli had always enjoyed being a ground
"pounder". He didn't know whether he would be able to answer Atomsk's call, he hadn't been in charge for awhile now. If anything, he'd be pretty rusty. The matter regarding his brother, Jon, was interesting though. He mentioned a leash of sorts, referring to some sort of secret conspiracy, but Eli didn't really care. He would deal with the problem when it arose, but not now though. There was a decision to be made at hand, one that Eli had never been asked ever since the incident.
"I agree with you sir, er..." he stopped himself.
"Atomsk," Eli resumed on a more casual note.
"But um, can you keep a secret, uh Atomsk? My profile may say 34, but I lied about that to get into the Marine Corps early. I'm actually only 30, not much of a secret, but...still."
He felt he had let go of some weight, but barely any though. Eli still wondered why he kept such a secret so long and waited until now to let go of it. Maybe because he was going somewhere far now, perhaps he was going to leave everything behind and never come back. He still had his duties as a Marine though, although technically he was already discharged in Federation records. There was still a part of him though that felt as if he owed something to his fellow marines.
"But um, Atomsk, I'd be honored be your second," he said this as he lit up the very cigar Atomsk had given him out of good intention. The tip began to glow orange as the ember burned away softly. He took a puff, as they waited for the rest of the marines to come to the Barracks. Hopefully they had not wandered off to the mess hall, despite the fact that it was already lunch time.
"pounder". He didn't know whether he would be able to answer Atomsk's call, he hadn't been in charge for awhile now. If anything, he'd be pretty rusty. The matter regarding his brother, Jon, was interesting though. He mentioned a leash of sorts, referring to some sort of secret conspiracy, but Eli didn't really care. He would deal with the problem when it arose, but not now though. There was a decision to be made at hand, one that Eli had never been asked ever since the incident.
"I agree with you sir, er..." he stopped himself.
"Atomsk," Eli resumed on a more casual note.
"But um, can you keep a secret, uh Atomsk? My profile may say 34, but I lied about that to get into the Marine Corps early. I'm actually only 30, not much of a secret, but...still."
He felt he had let go of some weight, but barely any though. Eli still wondered why he kept such a secret so long and waited until now to let go of it. Maybe because he was going somewhere far now, perhaps he was going to leave everything behind and never come back. He still had his duties as a Marine though, although technically he was already discharged in Federation records. There was still a part of him though that felt as if he owed something to his fellow marines.
"But um, Atomsk, I'd be honored be your second," he said this as he lit up the very cigar Atomsk had given him out of good intention. The tip began to glow orange as the ember burned away softly. He took a puff, as they waited for the rest of the marines to come to the Barracks. Hopefully they had not wandered off to the mess hall, despite the fact that it was already lunch time.
Garrison ran down the hall; boots thudding as he stopped and slid across the floor a couple feet and nearly fell over. Barely balancing himself he stood and collected himself before walking in at attention with a salute. "Sergeant Major Carter reporting ." He snapped off and stood at attention. Arms placed neatly behind his back as he waited. He was panting still, he had ran half the way when he heard the call. He hoped he hadn't broken any protocol by doing. He was in his full uniform, unstained and clean, he didn't get the chance to make it to the mess hall before called up. So he stood at attention.
Hmm.... I wonder what this is all about. Please.... Nothing bad. He thought over and over, mind running ninety to nothing due to the ADHD. He really needed to ask the suits down in the medical bay about something to help calm him down a bit.
Hmm.... I wonder what this is all about. Please.... Nothing bad. He thought over and over, mind running ninety to nothing due to the ADHD. He really needed to ask the suits down in the medical bay about something to help calm him down a bit.
Adriana gave a mental sigh. The freak show had come to talk to her.
She gave the compulsory smile and hand shake, and answered the counselor. "I'm Adriana Stark. I like to blow things up." At this point, she patted the strange looking rifle strapped across her back. "If you're looking for a group, you should probably stay away from me. I'm not good with people." After the smile that didn't reach her eyes, the words were delivered with no expression and a voice with little variance. Adriana wasn't here to make small talk and showed it- the Commander had summoned the fighters. She would hear his lecture and then get back to work. It was her way.
She gave the compulsory smile and hand shake, and answered the counselor. "I'm Adriana Stark. I like to blow things up." At this point, she patted the strange looking rifle strapped across her back. "If you're looking for a group, you should probably stay away from me. I'm not good with people." After the smile that didn't reach her eyes, the words were delivered with no expression and a voice with little variance. Adriana wasn't here to make small talk and showed it- the Commander had summoned the fighters. She would hear his lecture and then get back to work. It was her way.
"I'm assuming you're not very eager to make friends on board then? Have you ever had many friends?" Paulina asked. She would of added that Adriana was a bit hostile but that wasn't the best way to make a positive impression, no the best way was smile and agree with things. Paulina fiddled with her pipe again as she glanced around and noticed the other fighters. "Are you waiting for something?" She added as she turned back to Adriana. "Or are you just relaxing?"
"So that's why you have no friends," Paulina muttered as she stuck her pipe back in her mouth. "You're a bitch." Paulina glanced down at her pipe at the smoke that rose from it. She didn't like this, not so much not befriending this horrible woman but rather her techniques failing as miserably as they did. "I was going to make you normal but oh fucking well," She commented on, not wanting to leave in defeat but not really being brave enough to fight either. "I guess some people are just lost causes..."
Now Adriana was having fun. The counselor broke so easily. What a poor counselor, to lose hope and give up in nothing more than two minutes. "So this is what a bad counselor looks like." Adriana smiled genuinely, for the first time in several days. "I don't want to be normal, Ms. Allard. You should let some things lie as they are."
Realizing he was dismissed, Jon suited up again, a task that was simplified by having both arms but still annoying due to the armors weight. Still he got it on, helmet and all and walked off, casually waving to the doctor as he left, "Call me if you wanna see me again doc," he said through the suits speakers. Realizing he was already late and not wanting to be more so he took off down the hall, running full tilt towards the barracks. Faith had said don't strain it too much, but he recognized the statement was more a procedure than genuine fact, with today's medicine that kind of damage was as if it never happened after fixing up. The trick though was how to get her interested, in advancing the project to stage 2; he sent her a message: Have a classified project the Brass wants done that involves medical expertise...interested?
By the time he hit send, he was in the barracks looking around, there were quite a few people here. "Hey everyone Jon Dunaway reporting for duty, sorry bout the wait, suit broke my arm and doc took her sweet time patching it up."
"By the way, does anyone here know a way to get in contact with Admiral Weston quickly, I have some files he really should see."
By the time he hit send, he was in the barracks looking around, there were quite a few people here. "Hey everyone Jon Dunaway reporting for duty, sorry bout the wait, suit broke my arm and doc took her sweet time patching it up."
"By the way, does anyone here know a way to get in contact with Admiral Weston quickly, I have some files he really should see."
Adriana looked up at the sound of a new voice addressing her. "Parts"? Parts for what? She appraised the android with a glance. It appeared to be in working order. What possible use could it have for new parts? Building itself a friend? It probably needed one if it got so badly lost it wound up in the barracks. But it wasn't Adriana's job to work with the robots.
"... Nope."
"... Nope."
"Engineering would have these vague parts you speak of. I could escort you there, I was just leaving," Paulina commented as she stood, brushing her lap off as though sitting near Adriana had gotten her filthy. "Is something malfunctioning?" She asked the android as she made a quick glance down to the ship map that lay in a wide pocket of her dress...
Eon looked at the woman whom stood up, "systems are all functional" He said, "Map, and parts for space work is optimal." The robot looked at the map, he scanned it. Text appeared in his vision: Download commencing... Complete. Applying map. The robot looked at the woman whom seemed a bit mean from her face and body movements. Diagnosis : Irritability due to stress. The robot opened up with a statement: "If you are stressed Ma'am then you should rest for a bit. Optimal relaxation: sleeping." The bot said with a "kind" demeanor. He turned to the woman whom he got the map from without her knowing, "Thank you for your assistance, and good luck with the overstressed homo-sapian." He walked away before hopefully he could hear the woman whom he insulted respond.
The timekeeper on Eli's wrist paced away slowly, the seconds were ever-changing, it was time for the briefing to start. Yet Commander Dunaway was still holding his thoughts as a few more personnel shuffled into the Barracks. The Barracks was a very large area with multiple zones set apart for different types of training. The mock battle area was an enclosed arena with a raised ceiling and a sky box viewing area from which officers or higher ups would observe the trainees in a simulated battlefield situation. The interesting part was the very floor itself which was drawn into a grid, each of the grid squares were actually automated concrete rectangular prism monoliths that would raise up to provide simulated battlefield geography which included barricades and cover. The monoliths however rose up in varying formations each time when activated.
The other training center was a large open arena containing circular rings and automated machine gun turrets that were either buried in the ground or covered in the ceiling. The rings provided an improved combat dynamic as gun turrets located on them could shift to varying angles and degrees and fire at trainees from those positions. This arena, like the grid arena, had a sky box for superiors to observe, analyze, and report, as well as holographic projectors that spawned artificial hostiles to send against personnel. Unlike the grid arena however, this arena had a zero gravity system to simulate space borne operations. As for aquatic training sessions, another chamber was set aside with size-able fluid content to simulate underwater combat.
All in all, the arenas were high end equipment that weren't found on many other ships. Back in the meeting area of the Barracks, Eli gave his timekeeper another look.
"Atomsk, er sir," Eli had to speak in formal tongue before other marines otherwise they'd think he had a sort of special relationship with the Commander. He was only following proper protocols, but when they were not on duty he would refer to his commander in that manner.
"We should probably get the briefing underway," Eli glanced at the timekeeper. Forty-five minutes had passed since Commander Dunaway gave the call for military personnel.
He noted the marines in the area; their haircuts were bordering on banality, but they weren't expected to look good. He also spotted the lady sitting on one of the metallic cubic containers. She didn't seem like military personnel given her lab coat, yet she had an interesting armament strapped to her back. It was a rifle of sorts, personal design from what he assumed, seeing as how he'd never seen that weapon before. He was going off of his own knowledge of standard marine equipment, maybe it was a civilian model but he could only guess. At this time, Dunaway the younger arrived in the barracks fully geared for an operation, alongside his compatriot in similar equipment, Thaddeus. Eli wondered why two soldiers of their caliber were among the last of military personnel to arrive in the Barracks, but it didn't matter, he wanted to get this briefing under way.
The other training center was a large open arena containing circular rings and automated machine gun turrets that were either buried in the ground or covered in the ceiling. The rings provided an improved combat dynamic as gun turrets located on them could shift to varying angles and degrees and fire at trainees from those positions. This arena, like the grid arena, had a sky box for superiors to observe, analyze, and report, as well as holographic projectors that spawned artificial hostiles to send against personnel. Unlike the grid arena however, this arena had a zero gravity system to simulate space borne operations. As for aquatic training sessions, another chamber was set aside with size-able fluid content to simulate underwater combat.
All in all, the arenas were high end equipment that weren't found on many other ships. Back in the meeting area of the Barracks, Eli gave his timekeeper another look.
"Atomsk, er sir," Eli had to speak in formal tongue before other marines otherwise they'd think he had a sort of special relationship with the Commander. He was only following proper protocols, but when they were not on duty he would refer to his commander in that manner.
"We should probably get the briefing underway," Eli glanced at the timekeeper. Forty-five minutes had passed since Commander Dunaway gave the call for military personnel.
He noted the marines in the area; their haircuts were bordering on banality, but they weren't expected to look good. He also spotted the lady sitting on one of the metallic cubic containers. She didn't seem like military personnel given her lab coat, yet she had an interesting armament strapped to her back. It was a rifle of sorts, personal design from what he assumed, seeing as how he'd never seen that weapon before. He was going off of his own knowledge of standard marine equipment, maybe it was a civilian model but he could only guess. At this time, Dunaway the younger arrived in the barracks fully geared for an operation, alongside his compatriot in similar equipment, Thaddeus. Eli wondered why two soldiers of their caliber were among the last of military personnel to arrive in the Barracks, but it didn't matter, he wanted to get this briefing under way.
Some didn't care about his previous record; they were just worried about what would happen now. Others weren't so slow to forget however, they even wondered why in hell they were stuck with this guy. He could barely listen to the guy above him, and he expected them to listen to him. Those thoughts only circled among the gritty veterans though.
Eli noted the different expressions coming from them, some stood straight faced with a firm stance. A few gave darting glances of hesitation, and a couple glimpsed at the ground for a millisecond before returning eye contact with the commander. He couldn't see a thing beyond the visor of Jon's or Thaddeus's suits, others kept it better hidden, Carter for one gulped slightly. The very idea of having āinsaneā and "tactics" in the same sentence didnāt seem to mix well among the personnel.
āI do it to keep as many of you from dying as possible,ā that statement echoed vaguely among the marines. Somehow, those two statements would need a hell of a time to make sense. Eli chuckled inside slightly; he thought that the commander perhaps couldāve touched on the matter more smoothly.
As his name was mentioned, Eli stepped forth and looked at the marines. He was careful not to smile lest he come off as an arrogant bastard. He nodded and returned to his position among the ranks of servicemen. The marines stood there, some tense, others relaxed. They weren't sure what else to expect from a man like Atomsk, the very statements he made were on the edge of bullshit to most of them.
The recruits, always the inverse of the experienced, were confused and were immediately asking questions. One of Eliās earlier acquaintances, P.F.C. Gary Reynolds, reluctantly raised his hand before the Commander. In the Marine Corps, initiative was a commended trait, and each marine was expected to do his duty above and beyond the call. Hence Reynoldsā swift inquiry,
āSir, do you know what weāre doing here?ā any average officer might have been infuriated by such a question. Luckily for Reynolds though, this ship was entirely different, and the people on board could be deemed as such. Eli turned to Commander Dunaway, awaiting his response, but even Eli guessed that Atomsk had no idea. Even he himself was clueless regarding the matter, and he had been aboard the ship since Mars, Mars the planet. Heād remind himself to distinguish between the planet and incident that occurred on the planet.
Other marines had eyed the recruit, but even they didnāt know. They didn't have much ground to be staring.
Eli noted the different expressions coming from them, some stood straight faced with a firm stance. A few gave darting glances of hesitation, and a couple glimpsed at the ground for a millisecond before returning eye contact with the commander. He couldn't see a thing beyond the visor of Jon's or Thaddeus's suits, others kept it better hidden, Carter for one gulped slightly. The very idea of having āinsaneā and "tactics" in the same sentence didnāt seem to mix well among the personnel.
āI do it to keep as many of you from dying as possible,ā that statement echoed vaguely among the marines. Somehow, those two statements would need a hell of a time to make sense. Eli chuckled inside slightly; he thought that the commander perhaps couldāve touched on the matter more smoothly.
As his name was mentioned, Eli stepped forth and looked at the marines. He was careful not to smile lest he come off as an arrogant bastard. He nodded and returned to his position among the ranks of servicemen. The marines stood there, some tense, others relaxed. They weren't sure what else to expect from a man like Atomsk, the very statements he made were on the edge of bullshit to most of them.
The recruits, always the inverse of the experienced, were confused and were immediately asking questions. One of Eliās earlier acquaintances, P.F.C. Gary Reynolds, reluctantly raised his hand before the Commander. In the Marine Corps, initiative was a commended trait, and each marine was expected to do his duty above and beyond the call. Hence Reynoldsā swift inquiry,
āSir, do you know what weāre doing here?ā any average officer might have been infuriated by such a question. Luckily for Reynolds though, this ship was entirely different, and the people on board could be deemed as such. Eli turned to Commander Dunaway, awaiting his response, but even Eli guessed that Atomsk had no idea. Even he himself was clueless regarding the matter, and he had been aboard the ship since Mars, Mars the planet. Heād remind himself to distinguish between the planet and incident that occurred on the planet.
Other marines had eyed the recruit, but even they didnāt know. They didn't have much ground to be staring.
Carter looked like he was about to go off but then took a deep breath and looked back at the Commander. He was flustered that he just had a scientist threaten him in front of the entire platoon. With a grunt he responded since he was spoken to. "No, I am not afraid to fight, no I do not have trouble following orders, and my current service is satisfactory. And if I am committing insubordination it is because I am advocating for the safety of my fellow marines in this room." After that he clenched his jaw and remained silent, waiting for the Commander to speak again.
You may have got yourself in deep shit over this buddy. He told himself in his mind, though he could care less at this point. He had a moral code he stuck to when orders seemed to cross the line, considering they were suddenly in the dark about what this mission was those moral codes kicked in to make sure orders were right and wrong. He considered pulling a ploy of pegging premeditation to murder on the woman in the back because she did technically threaten to shoot him, Need to be more careful with what you say. He mused to himself. However he decided it was an inappropriate time to bring any such thing up and it would be better to keep his trap shut since he said what needed to be said. He took another long breathe and closed his eyes looking back toward the Commander. A slightly nervous and look now adorning his face since he just threw himself out there into unknown territory within the chain of command.
You may have got yourself in deep shit over this buddy. He told himself in his mind, though he could care less at this point. He had a moral code he stuck to when orders seemed to cross the line, considering they were suddenly in the dark about what this mission was those moral codes kicked in to make sure orders were right and wrong. He considered pulling a ploy of pegging premeditation to murder on the woman in the back because she did technically threaten to shoot him, Need to be more careful with what you say. He mused to himself. However he decided it was an inappropriate time to bring any such thing up and it would be better to keep his trap shut since he said what needed to be said. He took another long breathe and closed his eyes looking back toward the Commander. A slightly nervous and look now adorning his face since he just threw himself out there into unknown territory within the chain of command.
Carter was now angered, flustered and stepped back among the common soldiers. A scowl on his face, he had spoke up for the soldiers in this room, he had perfectly legitimate concern and now he was being punished for it. Typical chain of command bull.... He wasn't done though, he was already preparing a nice little speech but he was going to wait until after this little meeting was adjourned to bring it up. He looked back at Adriana for a second and scowled wider, she clearly had undermined him and she was nothing but a Corporal where was the justice there, he wondered. Then the Commander clearly challenged him. Though that was normal. Though the chain of command worked both ways, leaders were there to keep followers in check, but followers kept their leaders in check and he thought this had gone way to far.
He simply nodded. "Yes Sir... Will we be discussing further detail of my punishment after this?" The now disgraced and angered Sergeant Major asked in more curt, restrained, but completely unapologetic tone. Letting the look of anger slide cleanly from his face. Either way he would ask the Commander to talk after, and one way or another would redeem himself. That was just his way. And the Commander had made this incredibly personal by calling him selfish. Aside from that, part of him liked Commander Dunaway for his authoritative manner in settling the dispute. A man after his own heart, was the saying that fit. But that made it all the more important he spoke his mind when he could.
He simply nodded. "Yes Sir... Will we be discussing further detail of my punishment after this?" The now disgraced and angered Sergeant Major asked in more curt, restrained, but completely unapologetic tone. Letting the look of anger slide cleanly from his face. Either way he would ask the Commander to talk after, and one way or another would redeem himself. That was just his way. And the Commander had made this incredibly personal by calling him selfish. Aside from that, part of him liked Commander Dunaway for his authoritative manner in settling the dispute. A man after his own heart, was the saying that fit. But that made it all the more important he spoke his mind when he could.
The Barracks had become a furnace thanks in part to the concerns of several marines. Carterās anger had slipped from his face and the Sergeant Major remained composed after the harsh beat down received by the Commander. Several Marines flinched at Atomskās burst, while others were shocked and gaping at Carter. It was here that Eli decided to intervene on the beleaguered Sergeant Majorās behalf.
āSir, before we dismiss for lunch, and let Captain Dunaway and Staff Sergeant Jackson meet with the Admiral. I just wanted to say that Sergeant Major Carter here only spoke up on behalf of his fellow soldiers, as he said. We canāt assume that heās read up on your previous combat record. Carter had his reasons to be skeptical,ā he looked at Carter whose scowl was aimed directly at the Commander. Carter was obviously irked by the whipping he had received in front of his fellow marines.
āMay I suggest a proposition though? If Sergeant Major Carter here can redeem himself, will you reinstate his position as a squad leader?ā At least he tried, Eli thought, heād be lucky if the Commander was willing to let this go and give Carter a chance at redemption. Many of his previous squad members knew that Eli was the kind of person who stuck up for fellow marines if he felt that they had been wronged in some way.
āSir, before we dismiss for lunch, and let Captain Dunaway and Staff Sergeant Jackson meet with the Admiral. I just wanted to say that Sergeant Major Carter here only spoke up on behalf of his fellow soldiers, as he said. We canāt assume that heās read up on your previous combat record. Carter had his reasons to be skeptical,ā he looked at Carter whose scowl was aimed directly at the Commander. Carter was obviously irked by the whipping he had received in front of his fellow marines.
āMay I suggest a proposition though? If Sergeant Major Carter here can redeem himself, will you reinstate his position as a squad leader?ā At least he tried, Eli thought, heād be lucky if the Commander was willing to let this go and give Carter a chance at redemption. Many of his previous squad members knew that Eli was the kind of person who stuck up for fellow marines if he felt that they had been wronged in some way.
Jon
" I agree with Colter sir, we have have acted a little rashly here but on all counts Sergeant Major Carter was making valid points of concern. If it'd alley his concerns I'll gladly work him for the duration of the journey or until he is satisfied with myself and Staff Sergeant Jackson, whichever comes first." Jon wasn't going to let another Marine take a hit for him, or let people say he hid behind his brother in a pinch.
"Besides sir, I've seen Carter's record and I must say it's interesting; more than twenty years of service and he hasn't stepped on anyone's toes, hasn't been astounding but you must admit to be in the service for twenty years without making enemies is a feat. I'm betting that if we trained to to black ops book his results would outstrip just about anyone here, Carter's tip-toeing and I wanna see him strut." Jon wasn't offering any flattery or trying to make friends, and his brother would know that, here Jon's being straight business.
" I agree with Colter sir, we have have acted a little rashly here but on all counts Sergeant Major Carter was making valid points of concern. If it'd alley his concerns I'll gladly work him for the duration of the journey or until he is satisfied with myself and Staff Sergeant Jackson, whichever comes first." Jon wasn't going to let another Marine take a hit for him, or let people say he hid behind his brother in a pinch.
"Besides sir, I've seen Carter's record and I must say it's interesting; more than twenty years of service and he hasn't stepped on anyone's toes, hasn't been astounding but you must admit to be in the service for twenty years without making enemies is a feat. I'm betting that if we trained to to black ops book his results would outstrip just about anyone here, Carter's tip-toeing and I wanna see him strut." Jon wasn't offering any flattery or trying to make friends, and his brother would know that, here Jon's being straight business.
"Do we know how many corpses we are going to make?" A corporal in the rear of the ranks blurted before them. Attention shifted from Carter's earlier insubordination to the corporal.
Reterec Smithy, early twenties, and from what Eli could tell, a soon-to-be wise-cracker in the field. Most rookies were like that, making jokes was their way of coping with the everyday reality that they or one of their comrades may soon vanish off the face of the universe. That was the life for most marines, and each chose different ways to deal with loss or escape reality. Some smoked, some drank, others gambled, others joked, it was all the same, and it was all very human. For their forefathers who were put in the fray had dealt with reality in these same manners.
"No, we don't know how many corpses we're going to make. As they always said in boot camp, keep your eyes peeled and stay frosty," Eli grinned, as chuckles came forth from the Marines. At least the tension had shifted if it hadn't died down yet.
Then a call streamed through the speakers, it was the admiral.
"Commander Dunaway, and Lieutenant Commander Chen, report to my quarters in thirty minutes."
Eli looked over to Atomsk who masked his face with a scowl, he was still aggravated due to Sergeant Major Carter.
"Sir, I suppose we can dismiss for lunch now? I'm standing here, and I can hear several of their stomachs growling beneath their thick layer of armor," Eli turned to the rest of the soldiers.
"Captain Dunaway, Staff Sergeant Jackson, and you need to meet with Admiral Weston. It'd be best if you didn't keep the man waiting."
Reterec Smithy, early twenties, and from what Eli could tell, a soon-to-be wise-cracker in the field. Most rookies were like that, making jokes was their way of coping with the everyday reality that they or one of their comrades may soon vanish off the face of the universe. That was the life for most marines, and each chose different ways to deal with loss or escape reality. Some smoked, some drank, others gambled, others joked, it was all the same, and it was all very human. For their forefathers who were put in the fray had dealt with reality in these same manners.
"No, we don't know how many corpses we're going to make. As they always said in boot camp, keep your eyes peeled and stay frosty," Eli grinned, as chuckles came forth from the Marines. At least the tension had shifted if it hadn't died down yet.
Then a call streamed through the speakers, it was the admiral.
"Commander Dunaway, and Lieutenant Commander Chen, report to my quarters in thirty minutes."
Eli looked over to Atomsk who masked his face with a scowl, he was still aggravated due to Sergeant Major Carter.
"Sir, I suppose we can dismiss for lunch now? I'm standing here, and I can hear several of their stomachs growling beneath their thick layer of armor," Eli turned to the rest of the soldiers.
"Captain Dunaway, Staff Sergeant Jackson, and you need to meet with Admiral Weston. It'd be best if you didn't keep the man waiting."
The prisoner sat in silence, her wrists and ankles bound by electro braces as she sat in her seat alone in one of the empty crew quarters, converted into an ad hoc interrogation room. She glanced at her surroundings while Commander Atomsk stood outside behind a transparent plexi-glass strip. The strip was only transparent to those outside looking in. Therefore, Courtney had no idea that her movements were being observed, save her intuition.
She knew that she was being watched in some form or fashion, which was always the case with prisoners being interrogated. She was the prisoner, and she was being interrogated.
An aide-de-camp approached Atomsk from the side and handed him a transparent tablet. The aide was a short yet slender brunette with flashing black eyes. She, like the Commander, was in her form fitting crew suit which composed of a jacket and pants. The image of a woman in red hair, and a long list of details and facts about said woman, was presented on the screen. Atomsk looked at the woman the same way as he looked at Courtney, for they were one and the same.
āThereās no important personal detail listed on here except the fact that she has a sibling,ā Atomsk turned to his aide.
āPerhaps you should try the biological relations section,ā the aide suggested.
Atomsk replied by pressing the link, highlighting the siblings section. It opened up a new screen, showing a pair of DNA strands, and then a new window took its place. The new window displayed the head of a young man, shaven, of Federation caliber. He was a private in the Marine Corps, and was currently serving aboard the Salient.
Atomskās eyes narrowed in on the manās name, Reynolds, which sounded quite familiar. He stopped to think, where had he seen that name?
"Sir, should we resume interrogation?" inquired the aide.
"No," Atosmk handed him the tablet, "Not yet. We'll resume interrogation once Lieutenant Commander Chen gets here to interrogate the prisoner herself."
She knew that she was being watched in some form or fashion, which was always the case with prisoners being interrogated. She was the prisoner, and she was being interrogated.
An aide-de-camp approached Atomsk from the side and handed him a transparent tablet. The aide was a short yet slender brunette with flashing black eyes. She, like the Commander, was in her form fitting crew suit which composed of a jacket and pants. The image of a woman in red hair, and a long list of details and facts about said woman, was presented on the screen. Atomsk looked at the woman the same way as he looked at Courtney, for they were one and the same.
Federation Records
Name: N/A
Age: N/A
Date of Birth: N/A
Place of Birth: N/A
Father: N/A
Mother: N/A
Siblings: One brother
āThereās no important personal detail listed on here except the fact that she has a sibling,ā Atomsk turned to his aide.
āPerhaps you should try the biological relations section,ā the aide suggested.
Atomsk replied by pressing the link, highlighting the siblings section. It opened up a new screen, showing a pair of DNA strands, and then a new window took its place. The new window displayed the head of a young man, shaven, of Federation caliber. He was a private in the Marine Corps, and was currently serving aboard the Salient.
Atomskās eyes narrowed in on the manās name, Reynolds, which sounded quite familiar. He stopped to think, where had he seen that name?
"Sir, should we resume interrogation?" inquired the aide.
"No," Atosmk handed him the tablet, "Not yet. We'll resume interrogation once Lieutenant Commander Chen gets here to interrogate the prisoner herself."
- 26 posts here • Page 1 of 1