The Edge of Freedom #48"
By: Ryan-Steven ‘Rusty Ryan’ Madriani, Marine CO, [PST]
Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]
Stardate: 58204.14 1510
"Enter" said Hunter, standing as the MCO walked in.
He walked in slowly. He stopped and clicked his heels and saluted. "Commanding officer Marine detachment USS Zion: Major Ryan-Steven Madriani. Reporting for duty, SIR!" He straitened his back he brought his hand down. he hated this ritual.
Hunter smiled, he always admired the discipline of the marines. "You can save the formalities for admirals and commodores" he said extending his hand in welcome.
"Thank you sir." He loosened up. "Its good to be here, sir."
"We're glad to have your company on board, please, have a seat Major."
Hunter sat back down and leaned back in his chair. "It will be interesting to see how everyone gets along."
"Yes I am curious to that as well sir" Ryan sad taking the offered seat. "I have ordered them to gather in the main hall on deck 10, I'll speechify them there." Ryan said with a smile.
"Of course..." said Hunter with a wry smile.
"I agree, it is important that we cooperate with star ship crew, we need to work in symbiosis, if either party starts feeling competitive we'll need to short-circuit that right away. And well marine's have a natural tendency to compete amongst each other, and as long as its amongst themselves it's fine. Wouldn't you agree?"
"I do Major," Hunter "We'll keep lines of communications open between us, hopefully discipline won't be a problem. We need to remember the enemy is out there, not in here."
"Indeed, sir" Ryan agreed. "We need to be very cautions that things like posturing is kept to a minim, especially by the marines, I mean we are a bit stuck with defectors that have defected to us just because they thought they would get a lot more 'kicks' and 'action' than with the federation. When they discover they don't they may take it out on the crew." Ryan carefully explained his fears to the captain.
"Have you been briefed on this mission Major?" asked Hunter leaning forward inquisitively.
"Not to that great an extend, only that, a ship with refugees from the federation, containing several top scientist are being chased by the federation to stop them from seeking safety with the Maquis. Why I don't know"
Ryan looked to see if this was a bit accurate. "Do we know what kind of ships are casing them sir?"
Hunter nodded handing Ryan a PADD with all the data. "We understand 2 federation ships and a cardassian.
"Ok," Ryan paused a moment as he thought how to phrase the question "is there any chance of marine involvement, based on the information at this time?" He had to ask.
"Let's hope not," sighed Hunter, "but I expect based on the account of Cardassians with the Kittyhawk, there could be boarding parties. In any confrontation with the federation, I wouldn't be surprised if they hostiles take captives back to their ships. There could certainly be hostage situations. I would expect a messy fight."
"Very well sir. I will tell them" Ryan prepared to stand up. "If there is nothing else sir?" he asked.
Hunter stood up, "No major, familiarize yourself with the Zion also and coordinate with our tactical officer. We could find intruders on board too during this confrontation.
Ryan stood up and nodded. "Until soon captain" He saluted again and turned around. "lets inspect the troops" He thought to himself as he left the Captain's ready room.