Posted by Ensign Skye Shepherd (Scientist) in Inside The Barracks

Posted by Colonel Jaxon “Hawk” Hammond (Commander, Air Group (CAG)) in Inside The Barracks

Posted by Ensign Skye Shepherd (Scientist) in Inside The Barracks
Posted by… suppressed (5) by the Post Ghost! 👻
The corridor outside the Marine deck carried a different rhythm than the rest of the ship.

Heavier.

More deliberate.

Bootsteps echoed with purpose. Voices were lower, sharper. The air itself seemed tighter—disciplined.

Into that space—

Nytha’rae walked.

Barefoot.

The contrast was immediate.

Her steps made no sound against the deck, her weight distributed with quiet precision, as if she were walking across living ground rather than reinforced starship plating. Her Starfleet uniform—blue and black—sat correctly on her frame, but still looked… slightly foreign on her, like structure placed over something that preferred to move freely.

Her tail moved slowly behind her, a controlled sway, adjusting balance as she navigated the corridor.

On her shoulder, Nytha’kae rode comfortably, wings folded, his glow dim but steady. His head turned constantly, observing everything—the Marines, the movement, the energy of the place.

As they walked, Nytha’rae lifted her PADD.

She paused.

Then sent a message.

LT.JG Nytha’rae

Right next to the Lieutenant stood a 23 year old young woman with golden blonde colored hair and blue gray eyes. Gray-ish beige Trill markings ran down from both temples and into the uniform’s collar. Diluted markings showing she was a hybrid, no doubt. A single pip had been pinned down when called back into duty by the Chimera’s Commanding Officer after resigning her last commission.

Anxiety flowed through the ensign’s veins as they walked at a slightly quicker pace than she had grown used to on her father’s vessel. There had been a tight grip upon a Mark VII tricorder enclosed between light colored fingers. Though the area in which the pair were about to set foot was different from anything Skye had ever seen before on a Federation issued vessel. Different squadron emblems hanging on their surrounding walls. They almost seemed to resemble military barracks.

Most men had been dressed in camo, which was unusual for any Starfleet officer to be wearing such an attire. There were three different divisions coexisting throughout their studies at Starfleet Academy. Gold for Operations, Red for Command and Blue/Teal for Scientific and Medical divisions. Causing confusion as information came. From what Skye could observe, there were at least twelve men sitting in what appeared to be rather rustic looking chairs. Uncomfortable, the Trian (Trill/Human) could only assume.

From the crowd, with every soldier standing, emerged a man with graying hair and light colored eyes. The ensign’s gaze followed as he came to approach Nytha’rae. Inducing a deeper anxiety feeling that shot through every vein and capillary located beneath her skin. Close behind him had padded a canine that resembled a Belgian Malinois. His collar unusual, military, most likely. She set the scientific relic in her hand to a holster located over the ensign’s hip which closed with a single snap. Posture immediately straightening.

Shepherd’s attention was grabbed by the s reptile perched on the lieutenant’s shoulder. If only Zephram had arrived already… What’s the worst thing that could possibly happen with the general had yet to be seen. Though she had already allowed the brown and black canid in a dark green harness to approach, letting him sniff her before being permitted to crouch to the shepherd’s level. Letting a light colored hand stroke through his slick yet short coat, a smile making itself known to her lips.

[[Ensign]] [[Skye Shepherd]]
[[Science Officer]] [[U.S.S. Chimera NCC-98730]]

NP sims stopped and looked at the two individuals moving through the barracks, “Can I help you, Mam, Sir” he challenged his hand on a stun rod, officers or no they had no general reason to be in the enlisted barracks, and he had no record of guest today.

Nameless Private
Commander 7th Marine Expeditionary Unit “Iron Valkyries” (CAG)

Skye took one glance at the private standing before them. Though Nytha’rae had mentioned they were here looking after a certain Colonel Hammond. Stepping back, her smile immediately faded. This was a military unit they were dealing with. But the one thing that could set their bodies at risk was the stun rod held on his right hand.

Science blues gleamed beneath artificial lights, which also brought into view those leopard looking markings that framed the ensign’s face. One of her hands balled to a fist as she gathered the courage to speak up. This was a higher ranked officer, but not a face to be met with such aggression. “We’re looking for Colonel Hammond.” Finally, the words left her mouth. Every square inch of Shepherd’s facial features indicating seriousness with regard to the situation. Though her hand had been fast approaching towards a phaser gun strapped around her hip. There wouldn’t be an aggressive display if he were to back down. An unnecessary call for aggression.

((OOC: Could you guys change the title when you post instead of using mine? It becomes confusing to know whether I replied to a thread or not. Thanks.))

[[Ensign]] [[Skye Shepherd]]
[[Science Officer]] [[U.S.S. Chimera NCC-98730]]
OOC:
Titles always stay the same in a given thread, people should sign their responses with their signature to help with the confusion.

Just a couple small nitpicks , there was not mention of hammond in your previous post in this thread :), and Science offers to not walk around with phasers on their hips all weapon are stored in the armory and general personnel are not allowed to carry them.. Since you posted it , i’ll work with it just no that weapons are not normally carried unless your security or MP and or there is an emergency going on.

IC:

“You just missed him, I can get someone to escort your to his office if you like but first i’m going to need that phaser, weapons must be stored in the armory unless you are authorised security personnel.” he not.

Private sims smiled, “No need to apologize Sir, and you can address me as Private or Private sim, im enlisted.” he noted. “Is this a personal weapon?” he asked, he would need to get it back to her if it was.

Private (Nameless Enlisted)
Commander 7th Marine Expeditionary Unit “Iron Valkyries” (CAG)

Skye offered a shake of her head. This was a Starfleet issued phaser with which she had trained throughout her years spent at Starfleet Academy. That weapon had never been reported as stolen, merely remaining within her locker all four years. Turning it to one side, the engraving became visible upon the red and gold casing.

Sure, it had some scratches and some of the paint had started falling off after two assignments across the galaxy. But being called a higher ranking made the ensign laugh nervously. “I’m just an ensign… there’s no need to’Sir’ me around.” Glancing back at the young man, she pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. Then removing some dust off her shoulder. “I’m Skye Shepherd.” the Trill hybrid continued.

Ensign Skye Shepherd
Science Officer (Exozoologist)
U.S.S. Chimera - 98730 (Mjolnir Class)

Nytha’rae did not interrupt the exchange between Skye and the Marine.

She remained still, just behind it—present without inserting herself.

Her bare feet were planted lightly against the deck, her weight balanced with quiet precision. Her tail rested in a slow curve, the dark tuft brushing the floor once before becoming still again.

On her shoulder, Nytha’kae remained where he had been from the beginning.

Calm.

Watching.

His jewel-toned eyes tracked the Marine with interest, his glow faint but steady—neither alarmed nor playful.

Nytha’rae waited until Skye had finished speaking.

Then she moved.

Not abruptly.

Not in a way that would trigger a defensive reaction.

Just enough to step into the conversation.

Her hand slipped behind her uniform—beneath the line of her back.

When it returned, she held the obsidian-like blade.

Dark.

Matte.

Almost absorbing the light rather than reflecting it.

She did not grip it like a weapon.

Instead—

She turned it flat and laid it across both of her open palms.

An offering.

A sign of trust.

Her posture remained open, shoulders relaxed, head slightly inclined—not submissive, but respectful of the space she was entering.

“This blade is more… cultural than a weapon.”

Her voice was soft, but clear.

Measured.

She lifted her eyes to the Marine.

“But I understand your protocols.”

A small pause.

Then, simply:

“Would this also need to be placed in your armory?”

The care in her hands made it obvious—

This was not something she carried for violence.

It was something she carried for identity.

For memory.

For meaning.

Her tail shifted once behind her, slow and controlled.

“I do not draw it unless there is no other path.”

Her gaze did not waver.

“And if I must…”

A brief pause.

“…then something has already gone very wrong.”

On her shoulder, Nytha’kae tilted his head slightly, studying the Marine’s reaction. His glow flickered once—curious, attentive, but not tense.

Nytha’rae remained still.

Grounded.

Offering the choice—

while making it very clear that what she held was not just a blade…

but a piece of who she was.

LT. JG Nyrha’rae