Posted by Mar. Captain River Styxx (OIC Marine) in Back on the Atlantis…Styxx and Lethe Blue…when the past does not match the present or the future on USS Atlantis

Posted by Mar. Captain River Styxx (OIC Marine) in Back on the Atlantis…Styxx and Lethe Blue…when the past does not match the present or the future on USS Atlantis

Posted by Captain Kelly Bordeaux (Commanding Officer) in Back on the Atlantis…Styxx and Lethe Blue…when the past does not match the present or the future on USS Atlantis
Posted by… suppressed (9) by the Post Ghost! 👻
OOC: I created a “counterpart” of sorts for each person. This is yours. I have no real drive in this thread other than for you to take it where you choose. I will follow your lead. ~ Kate

IC:
One by one a person was called forward to be introduced to what was essentially the counterpart of the Atlantis in the Galactic Union. “Marine Captain I am Sarvan Lethe Blue.” He nodded a crispy head bob in greeting. The woman before him seemed pensive or maybe was just pissed off. Either way it was his job to try and be cordial. The main issue with this was his career path did not lean towards polite banter and funny humor. He was a soldier just like the woman before him. Aside from the basic visual differences between them, both he and Styxx had the characteristic posture and demeanor of a soldier. Lethe was shorter than most soldiers at just an inch under six foot. His red hair was cropped close to his head in the classic buzz cut. His fatigues were a mottled pattern of grays that let him blend in slightly with the colors and shadows of the hangar. The man could not disappear into the walls however if postured in the correct spot among the corners or shadows, it would take a trained soldier to immediately notice him.

“How shall I address you. I can assume you and I are of similar rank in our respective organisation. Otherwise it wouldn’t make much sense to assign you to me.” she said simply.

River nodded to Lethe “Captain is sufficient. Marine captain is only used to distinguish myself form the captain. But seeing as you will be surrounded by Marines. Captain will do” she said simply slightly emphasising the word surrounded.

The ride back to the Atlantis felt more like a hostage situation than friendly ride over to another ship. The banter was limited and very few people spoke outside their ship clique. Lethe dismembarked with the rest of the group into the hangar of the Atlantis and waited for Styxx to take point in wherever the woman chose to take him. Pellan and Captain Bordeaux had stated this was a time to get to know one another and apparently gave her crew orders to take their Union counterpart anywhere they deemed fit. Lethe was slightly curious where Styxx would bring him.

Sarvan Lethe Blue of the Galactic Union

River had opted to sit in the cockpit of the shuttle. So she could contact her marines and set her plans in motion. River didn’t trust Lethe or the galactic union. She also knew they where planning to cross them and she wanted to make sure that she controlled the situation for as long as she could.

Once the Shuttle landed River came over to Lethe “Come on. Time to get down to business. If you have any question feel free to ask me” she said as the ramp lowered. Three marines stood in the hanger and snapped to attention as River approached them. All three wore their armour but each was slightly different. The first marine was fully helmeted his new armour shiny and immaculate obscuring his face but his name ‘A Swarmer’ was stencilled on the right of his chest. The next marine was tall and muscular even under her heavy weapons variant armor it was clear that she was indeed a mountain of a women towering over the others. the reinforced panels doing little to minimise her stature, her name read ‘S Rydon’.

Finally Freya stood in the centre of the two her helmet maglocked to the side of her CQB stripped back armour. She looked at River then drifted to Lethe “This him boss?” She asked her tail swishing swiftly behind her. River wondered how Lethe would react to Freya, not many people even in the federation had seen Ferasans and their sabertoothed, rugged, fur covered faces and bright yellow slit eyes tended to intimidate most people. Ferasan’s coveted scars so Freya’s face was sprinkled with them. She walked forward and sniffed the air around Lethe.

“He don’t look like much” she said “But his scent tells me he’s handy in a fight. He’d be well fun prey” she added stopping the moment River raised her hand.

“As in on your knees pray or the sporting kind,” Lethe shot back. In Styxx’s position, Lethe’s troops would be doing the same thing. The had taken a hard hit and were aching for payback. They were also loyal and devoted warriors. Lethe could respect that if not all of them individually right now.

“Thank you Sargent Freya. Who knows, when and if they turn on us. You might get your chance to hunt him. Especially now you’ve got his scent ” River said simply. She had asked Freya to lay on the hunter schtick heavily. to gage and see what Lethe would do. His reaction would tell her a great deal about his character.

Lethe remained quiet watching how effortlessly and naturally this woman controlled her troops. It spoke volumes about how they would fight. This small interactions showed that not only would they follow this Captain into the pit of Hell but hold the line with nothing more than a glance. Instead of a a sarcastic quip to rile Styxx’s men, Lethe tried a more humorous approach. “I will be sure to bathe and go heavy on the deodorant.”

“Now I believe you have a report for me” River said as she gestured for the group to move on. River stud at the front Freya at her side while the other two marines where behind Lethe, their weapons ready, giving him no choice but to be in the middle.

“Marine command has been informed of the invasion fleet and are on standby, the Klingons and Romulans have also put their fleets on alert. general Marchuk wanted me to tell you that if you give the word he’ll come in guns blazing and give no quarter .” Freya said her tone respectful, well respectful for Freya.

“Good. I see Marchuk is living up to every Klingon stereotype as always” River said her tone amused.

Freya nodded and looked at Lethe “Our forces are on yellow war alert and will maintain the shift patterns accordingly. Regimental Sargent Major Qrow wanted me to let you know he’s been tinkering and may have found a way for our weapons to be more effective against those union clangers.” she continued as the group reached a turbo lift.

Once they entered River looked at Lethe and gave a fake sympathetic look “I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to neglect you so. There’s a lot going on, Since you parked a fleet on my door step” she said dismissingly as if making a comment about the weather not war.

“Apology not needed,” Lethe said in a neutral but understanding tone. He knew the sorry was more a general statement than actual apology. “No one likes uninvited guests popping in. “

“I have a tour and a demonstration setup for you. Which one would you like to do first?” she asked her tone formal but not unfriendly.

Mar. Capt Styxx (Marine OIC) & Sargent Freya

“Tour,” Lethe stated immediately. “That way we can get to know each other a bit more before the demonstration. I have been authorized to answer any questions you have and give you a demonstration of any of the weapons on me if you choose see them.” In the few minutes Lethe had known Styxx, he made one assumption. The Marine Captain was no fool. There was no point in lying about things. While the Federation soldiers could overwhelm him and kill him, the Union Fleet would destroy the Atlantis in mere seconds. It was a stalemate of sorts for both sides. Lethe, just like Styxx would lay down his life for their people but Lethe hoped it would not be today that price would be asked for either side.

Lethe Sarvan of the Galactic Union

OOC: oops Sorry i got carried away. If you want me break this up let me know.
Nathan

OOC: It’s perfect. I love your posts ~ Kate.

River nodded “You and I both know that’s not 100% true. There are some answers I want but I know you won’t give them to me.” she said simply “Not willingly at least. Not that I don’t have my ways, should things escalate” she said after a short pause.

“And you know about our armor that makes me pretty damn invincible,” Lethe nodded his head to one side indicating the small metal disk at his neck. Lethe was pretty positive Styxx and his crew had seen the armor in action or at least its defensive characteristics. “You are correct though about the transparency of my answers however I will promise you that if I can’t answer it I will just tell you to triff off.” The language between soldiers was more raw than the fancy ten cent words diplomats used however it served the same purpose. Lethe was told to reconnoiter and reply. He had zero doubts Styxx was going to give him a tour that they would give preschoolers on a take your kid to work day. It didn’t matter though. This was more trying to feel out the crew more than find their secrets.

River chuckled softly and shook her head “If I had a bar of latinum for every time I’ve heard someone call themselves invincible I could buy ferenginar.” she said amusement clear in her voice “Nothing is invincible, not even gods” she added her amusement subsiding slightly.

=^= Marine country =^= River said as the turbo lift moved and began it’s decent. The trip was short but all could hear the distinct whomp of passing through some sort of field as the lift stopped at marine country.

Marine country felt different to any other part of the ship it hummed and pulse with the feelings of pre battle perpetrations. Marine milled about some in armour and other not. Those that weren’t had their sidearms attached to their belts and carried what looked like dinner trays. The deck as dim but not dark and yellow strip lights pulsed along the floor adding a slight yellow hue to the air as if a fire had started in the distance. one couldn’t help but she it as metaphor for the purpose of the Marine to wade into the fire of war and bring victory. A purpose all who served under River pledged to.

As the group got off the elevator they where confronted with a room sealed at one end with a security shield and checkpoint. Two marines stood either sided of the turbo lift their weapons ready. They where mirrored by two more standing at the opposite end either side of the security shield. As River walked towards the check point two ceiling mounted turrets swivelled and pointed that the group scanning friend and foe. They settled and locked onto Lethe tracking his every move.

“Is there a bee on me?” The joke was bland but also served the point of indicating Lethe knew he was in the cross hairs of the weapons.

It didn’t take long for the group to reach the checkpoint as they did an Andorian Marine stood up from behind her desk and looked at the group. She snapped to attention, along with the other marines, and saluted River “Ma’am. Is this our guest?” she asked her tone professional and masking any other emotion. As she spoke she handed River her side arm and holster. River clipped it to her belt.

River returned the salute “At ease Gunnery Sargent She’ann. He is. Give him guest access Omega.” She said simply but not unkindly. It was the lowest guest access it also marked the access for tracking and recording. Though unless Lethe had access to the way River ran Marine country he wouldn’t know that.

The Andorian nodded “Yes Ma’am.” she said before looking at lethe “Please step up to the counter and fill out you Name, rank and organisation” she said as she turned a Padd round and offered Lethe a stylist all the while the turrets and the marines watched him closely. “Once done deposit all weapons and equipment into the lockers they will be given back to you when necessary” she added indicating the the large Silver locks on the right wall. there was twelve in total and two and opened ready for Lethe’s items.

Mar. Capt Styxx (Marine OIC) and her marines.

Lethe looked at the strange symbols on the PaDD. He had no idea what the PaDD was asking since he could not read the language. If they were going to play games, so would he. Picking up the stylus, Lethe began to write down words and phrases on the lines provided as if he was intently filling out the form only it was in the alphabet of the Union. Styxx and his crew would instantly recognize the ornate script from Jessa’s journal but since no one could read it, what Lethe wrote would be indecipherable to the marines. The computer however had deciphered about ten percent of the alien writing. If Styxx ran it through the computer several words would be interpreted. The words were seriously, welcome, puppy, ale, and the phrase have a triffing good day.. These words were spaced out throughout the PaDD and not necessarily all part of one sentence.

After writing down all he wanted to say, Lethe spun the PaDD back towards the Marine across the counter.

“I am armed but you will have to kill me to take my weapons.” Lethe’s tone was neutral and informative.” Pointing to the small metal disc at his neck, Lethe explained. “When we join the Galactic Corp they surgically implant our armor to our central nervous system. If you promise not so shoot me I can demonstrate.” Lethe was about as thrilled as Styxx was that he was standing on the Atlantis but orders were orders. He waited to see what Styxx would request. They both were soldiers and both of them knew that their superiors had ordered them to play nice for now. Even though Lethe did not trust Styxx, he did respect the way her soldiers responded to her. One could make out a lot just from observations. All of these Marines would follow her into hell and not expect a return trip. Lethe could understand and respect that. There was no need to be difficult since Styxx had not given him a reason to be.

Lethe Blue GU officer

River hadn’t been playing games, well not entirely, she wanted to see if Lethe could read federation standard or not. Seeing hat eh couldn’t River realised that, that might be an exploit. If they can’t read their language then maybe passing orders the old fashion way, would be a good way of stumping the union should armed conflict begin. River also deduced that, that meant there was a hole in their intel. If the union couldn’t read federation standard then their intel would be limited.

“No need to see a demonstration. I’ve seen your armour in action and seeing as I don’t have a can opener. I guess I’ll have to let you through. But don’t try any funny business” River said as she passed through the check point and motioned for lethe to do the same.

“Unless I am given a reason to not be nice you have nothing to worry about. My word is my bond,” Lethe made a fist and slammed it into his breast bone. He was sure that Styxx would see it for what it was. Not defiance but a code between warriors. That did not mean either of them were going to be best friends but each one of them would abide by a detente until told otherwise by their superiors.

“You’re now in Marine country, a couple things to note first. here I am god, my word is law and what I say goes. The marines have sole jurisdiction over this part of the ship and as a result marine punishments are given out. As the commanding officer, on this deck there is no word higher then mine.” She said simply as the group walked further into marine country. At first it looked like any part of the ship but as the group moved further in it was clear that all of the identifying Markings had been removed or covered up. This Had been on River’s orders, A fail safe just in case Lethe was playing dumb with the language. He wouldn’t be able to tell what room was what unless he was shown, making drawing a mental map a bit harder.

“So your Captain allows you unfettered control over this part of the ship and your troops.” Lethe nodded. “Supreme Commanding General Vyce keeps the bureaucrats at bay for us also. Half the time they don’t know their Drak from their elbow but they sure like to talk like they do. Having a strong General at your back is better than a full charged armored suit.” Lethe did feel a certain pang of comradery with these soldiers seeing the tight ship and well trained troops. “Tell me about your Marines.”

River nodded “I couldn’t agree more.” she said pausing for a moment “And I have two” she added.

“Well that sucks for you,” Lethe commented with small smirk. “Our forces are divided into three main tiers of command with the Vyce controlling all of it. We have water, space, and land units. One needs to be prepared for all environments.”

“The Star Fleet Marine corps is a relatively new addition to the many organisations of the federation. We where brought out of retirement during a conflict known as the dominion war. Star fleet realised they needed an organisation that could compete with and defeat the genetically bred for war soldiers of the dominion. A task which the Marine corps rose to and triumphed over. Not that star fleet didn’t give a good accounting of themselves though.” River said as the group passed by a memorial wall. Seven names where clearly new additions and it wouldn’t take a genius to figure out they where the marines that fell fighting the union.

“Before we where retired we where know as the MACOs and we existed even before the federation, then we fought an alliance of species called the Xindi as well as other threats and there we too where victorious. But the idea of Marines goes even further back. Since humans sailed in wooden ships on earths oceans, centuries ago Marines existed. Many of our ranks, tactics and doctrines stem from that time and we uphold that legacy with pride.” River said as she stopped in front of the memorial wall and looked to Lethe. “Any questions so far?” sha sked her tone more respectful. River could switch her attitude on a moments notice. It was skill she had learned over the years and one that had come in handy more times then she could count. It was very good at throwing people off.

As she waited for Lethe response River grabbed a candle and lit it before placing it on a rack under the memorial.

Mar. Capt Styxx (Marine OIC)

“Many but I don’t want you to accuse me of interrogating you.” His tone was serious but had the hint of humor only a battle hardered soldier would recognize. “What is with the candle for starters.”

Lethe Blue

River chuckled softly “It’s a beyond ancient earth tradition.” she said simply as she placed the lighter down “For eons humanity has lit candles to remember the dead and the lost. Ancient Terrans used to believe that the lighting a candle and leaving it in a window would one day lead the lost loved ones back to them.” she said as she moved back, snapped to attention and saluted the memorial board. Freya and the other Marines close enough did the same.

After a coupe of second River turned to Lethe “The staggering thing is. Out of the 120 species in the federation almost all of them have a similar practice. whether it be lighting a candle, using a lamp or even a bioluminescent plant, Almost al of them do it to remember the dead. Not matter what god they do or do not believe in, no matter their background or their idea of the universe. Many have this one common thing” River said shrugging her shoulders.

“Does the union not have a similar ritual for your dead. I find it hard to believe that such an alleged religious people wouldn’t have a way to remember?” she asked her tone wasn’t mocking or snide. It was simply curious.

Mar. Capt Styxx (Marine OIC)

“Our religion requires we burn our dead. A small portion remains with the family but the vast majority it returned to the universe. While everyone embraces the same religion there is some leeway among planets as to how they implement the teachings. Its a lot like school. The Holy Scripture is the only book but the practices in implementation can vary based on whether you are a water world, desert world, etcetera etcetera. Officially this is not allowed however the Union is so large one can not police every city and town. It also helps with integration of planets. The fire symbolism seems to be as strong a link in our culture are your own. For us it is not so much about remembrance but rebirth. Our religion promises that through fire one is cleansed and reborn into a better version of what you were. Fire also lights the way in the darkness.” Lethe shared the lore and purpose but did not have the same sing song scripture quoting as other Union citizens that had been on the Atlantis. “Ātarvazda, let the sacred flame consume the darkness of death, and kindle the light of eternal return.”

Lethe Blue