Posted by Captain Calvin Marius (Captain) in Main Sim At the Imperial Palace

Posted by Captain Calvin Marius (Captain) in Main Sim At the Imperial Palace

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Vanessa Slade (CNS) in Main Sim At the Imperial Palace
Posted by… suppressed (18) by the Post Ghost! 👻
(SNIP)
Vanessa hesitated for a second before extending her hand. She and Calvin had a closer relationship than most senior and junior officers given her role as counselor. They had had several meetings of a more casual nature discussing evaluations of the crew or ways to raise moral over beer and pizza in his ready room. He had taught her several ways of combat that were not in the academy textbooks. Calvin had not acted like a friend before now but only a superior.

Looking at it, Calvin could see the red blotches but other than that her hand looked fine. “Decent punch but you need to catch him under the jaw and not perpendicular to it. If the Beltran bone structure was less dense you might have fractured your hand the way your second and third knuckles caught the rim of his jaw.”

“Well I was so mad I wasn’t really thinking about technique,” she let out a small laugh. “I know I am supposed to be open and accepting but so far we dealt with the Lesscoo that wanted to exterminate the other people on the planet and the Beltran that are exterminating the people on the planet. They don’t cover this in the textbooks during counseling or diplomacy. I feel like a fish out of water. Any advice on what to do now?”

“I hope you shoot well with your left hand. We are going to need all the fire we can put on the line.”

Calvin Marius

Vanessa let out a small chuckle. She liked Calvin’s humor and could see under that tough as nails exterior, Calvin was a wealth of empathy and compassion.

Vanessa Slade CNS

“Sir,” a Beltran officer approached them. “I am not sure how to tell you but,” she hemmed and hawed a bit, “we have a confirmed report that a shuttle was shot down on the way to the science facility. It seems they left the palace after your first team arrived at the science center. We know they went down in a small city halfway between us and them. Your Lieutenant Dean is with them. We can not establish comms with your ship but we might be able to pinpoint his location in the city.”

GM Kate

Calvin gave the man a curt nod and wore a serious expression. He felt a knot in his stomach. The core mantra of the Marines was never leaving a man behind. He had not left anyone behind but not being able to help other officers had the same feeling. “I want a comm line up ninety seconds ago to my ship and your military instillation.” Nothing about his tone indicated he would take no for an answer.

Calvin Marius CO

“Um Sir.. I have already stated that your request is impossible,” the Beltran officer stated in the high pitch sing song-type voice indicative of their race. It made them sound far more condescending than they actually meant.

GM Kate

“Excuse me,” Calvin stated with a mildly stormy expression on his face. This was not his officer, but he was in command, and it had been many years since someone questioned his orders in a combat situation. “Mind repeating what you just said.”

“Um,” Vanessa held up a finger. “See I know you don’t know him like I know him,” she stepped in between the Beltran officer and her CO. It was not that Vanessa thought Calvin was going to deck the guy but dissension among the ranks was not something Marines or Commanding officers tended to take well. This was Vanessa’s first combat situation, and she felt like a fish out of water however, maybe she had just found her niche in this area. Maybe she was meant to translate her boss to those he was giving directions to in a method they would understand.

Calvin watched as his counselor deftly placed herself between him and the Beltran officer. Even with her stilt high shoes, Calvin could easily look over her head with a clear view of the Beltran officer. It was almost comical that Vanessa though her buck twenty five wet physical build would stop him from swiping her aside and yet she still did it.

“But he,” she jerked a thumb over her shoulder, “did not ask for your opinion on the situation nor waste his breath on a suggestion.”

Having a clear line of sight to the Beltran officer, Calvin nodded supporting her claim.

“The Captain has stated you need to restore communications so come hell or high water your job,” Vanessa reached over and guided the man to do an about face, “is to get anyone on that line you can. I don’t care if it is your mother, his mother, or your general. Just have another person on the other end of the comm line before you come back…’kay?” Giving the officer a nudge to continue his forward momentum, Vanessa waited until he took a few steps forward before turning to look back at Calvin.

Vanessa Slade CNS

“My mother,” he asked in a tone she would recognize as his dry humor. “Why are you bringing Momma Marius into this situation? Why not call your mother?”

Calvin Marius CO

“Don’t be stupid,” Vanessa pulled her hair up into a pony tail. “My Momma thinks I am on Vulcan. A comm call to her saying I am halfway across the galaxy and not on Vulcan would go over as well as a fart in church.” Looking around the room, Vanessa put her hands on her hips.

“Did you just say fart in church?” He couldn’t decide if he was more annoyed with the don’t be stupid comment, but he deciden to let it pass. The slang she used grabbed his attention far more than it should have. From his experience women would rather explode than admit that they perform that bodily function.

“Okay so maybe we should work on this good cop bad cop routine. I think you need to be a little more open and smiley with your good cop. I mean I am part of this team and I felt like you were steppin’ on my bad cop territory.”

Vanessa Slade CNS

People rarely surprised him. People tended to be predictable and the more you knew them the more predictable they became; however, his counselor tended to pique his curiosity more than not. “Why would anyone ever think you are the bad cop,” he let out a huff of breath that was his form of a chuckle.

Calvin Marius CO

“Because I am a woman, overly caffeinated, about five foot, gorgeous, and can get moody. How does that not make me the perfect bad cop or at least the female villain in any spy holomovie?” Vanessa pulled a bottle of the bubbly booze off a table and took a large swig. Pausing in the middle of her drink she gave Calvin a quizzical expression.

“Think this burns like normal booze?” It was a rhetorical question as Vanessa stuffed a wad of paper into the neck of the bottle. “I am not good with phasers but I am amazing with booze. Molotov cocktail?”

Vanessa Slade CNS

“Are you suggesting we Molotov cocktail the Volian with the imperial cache of booze? One the surface it seems like a waste of perfectly good booze. The reality is this stuff tastes like the crap I bought at the corner liquor store when I was thirteen.” A Phaser was a vastly superior weapon to anything that was based on alcohol and had the range of a middle age softball player’s arm (30-40 meters). “I’m not sure I want them within 20 or so meters, which is the effective range of a Molotov Cocktail.”

“Would you prefer I use harsh words because there is a better than not chance you are going to get both whether it is by phaser or booze?” Vanessa started making circling motions with her shoulder as if warming up to toss something. In the middle of her warm up, she stopped and got an eureka expression on her face.

“What are you doing? No scratch that,” Calvin stated. He had been working with his counselor long enough to start to predict some of the expressions and gestureswhich were the result of thoughts in her mind. “Your intramural attempts at softball on the Genesis are decent enough but I am not ready to put my faith in you lobbing a bottle far enough to get them out before they reach base.” She had a decent arm for a chick but only for in-field. That was why the men tended to play outfield. They could physically by design through longer and faster than their female teammates.

“Okay hear me out,” she already was holding up her hands as if to fend off the what the hell comments about to spill from her CO’ lips. “I have been watching this holoshow called Tournament of Monarchy on Sunday nights. Its about these families set back in middle ages Earth history with knights and dragons. You know typical guy stuff with people hacking people apart with swords. You would probably like it. It is on Sunday nights,”

“I’m already an old man Lieutenant,” Calvin began to make a rolling gesture with his hand for her to speed it up. RIght now was not the time to indulge her into a long winded story with a winding trail to the point.

“Okay, so in this show, they have catapults and trebuchets and things to lob into the throngs of attacking armies. What if we repurpose some of the stuff in here?” Extending her arm, she pointed at two pieces of art in the middle of the room. The sculptures had buckets on the end that allowed water to flow and tip them over when full. They were on a long pivoting arm that spun about. “I say we roll that thing to the window, fill it up with cocktails and launch the stuff off the balcony.”

“Vanessa, are you suggesting we deface priceless Beltran art and antiquities in defense of the sovereign ruler who is hiding like a rabbit somewhere within these walls?” The thought did tap into the more primal nature of just seeing if a thing could be done for the sake of it being done.

“Oh and,” she snapped her fingers getting another idea. Reaching out to steady herself on Calvin’s arm, Vanessa bent over and began hiking up the side of her dress and pulling off her pantyhose one leg at a time. the length of the dress protected her chastity but gave long glimpses of her legs under the dress.

“Lieutenant,” he glanced about as he spoke,”I am not sure we are in that desperate straits yet we need to succumb to one last romp before death,” he stated, watching her begin to strip down. How a woman’s brain worked would be the eternal mystery of the ages. In the prior breath, she seemed to be tapping into her need for death and destruction; however, the next thought appeared to be…well Calvin was not exactly sure where this thought was headed. Looking back at his officer clinging to him for balance, it was hard not to let his eyes drift down at the exposed thigh peeking out of her dress.

“I have nine brothers. Modesty was never a thing in my house growing up.” Pulling them completely off she held out a hand before asking for a knife.

“I don’t imagine you used them as a wall to lean on while you undressed.”

“No, but that did not mean someone didn’t barge in and why are you complaining? Would you prefer I grab some Beltran?”

“I’d prefer that you did do anything that would have me court marshaled for conduct unbecoming. On the off chance we both survive.”
Okay back to death and destruction, he thought feeling a slight frown pull at the sides of his lips. He might be the Captain but he was a man and the counselor was a rather attractive woman. Pushing the more civilian thoughts from his head he focused on the question. “Slade I am in a dress uniform. Why in God’s name would you think I am armed and with a knife? This is a diplomatic meeting to sign a treaty, not a shanking in prison.”

“A,” she began to list off her seasonings, “you are a Marine. When are you not armed? Isn’t that a rule somewhere that you are always prepared or is that the boy scouts?”

“B, a knife is small and easily concealed. It is also could be debated that it is a tool and not am implement of death. I mean it is not a Bowie knife or are you just happy to see me,” she winked at him.

“C goes back to A which is you are a Marine and never not armed. So are you ready to see what I plan to do with this,” she held up the silk stockings in a ball in her fist.

“We can tie it to two stationary objects and use it like a slingshot. Panty hose are surprisingly stretchy and much stronger than many men think.”

Again Calvin was at a loss for words. “Listening to the way your mind works is both confusing and insightful.”

“Calvin was not born as an honorable Star-Fleet Captain.” Calvin admitted, picking up the bottle and tossing it in his hand. The idea was ludicrous but so was the situation. Still the idea of less than proficient individuals firing wildly with phasers when the crap went down made Vanessa’s suggestion more than palatable. The reception was on the second story so there was a good chance that lobbing the cocktails over the balcony might stop some of them. The hard stone surfaces of the courtyard meant little would catch on fire and start a blaze.

Calvin Marius CO

Suddenly Calvin and Vanessa’s comm badges erupted in a message from the CSO but not directed to them.

=^= Thor, no exit confirmed. So find cover if you can. Stay out of sight until I can find a way out for you guys. I just need....a little time. I will use my tricorder to ping your comms and triangulate your position and then scan the area for any alternative routes, but I need you to hold your position.=^=

Vanessa Slade CNS

“Is that Surra? Why is she trying to comm Thor? Didn’t she leave on the shuttle with them?” Vanessa felt a pang of worry for her shipmates. She and Calvin were separated from the group but somehow it felt different. Maybe it was because she was with the Captain.

=^=This is Lieutenant Almikaz, calling the palace. We’re in a tight spot and need your help. Can you hear me?=^=
A crackle of static met her ears, followed by an eerie silence. She leaned closer to the console, her focus sharpening. She could almost hear the pounding of her heart echoing in her ears as she struggled to maintain her composure. =^=We have Thor and his team trapped underground. If you can assist us in…=^=
The static persisted, drowning out her words, and frustration began to bubble within her.

GM Kate

“Lt. This is the Captain. Sit rep on your position? Are you not with the science team?”

Calvin Marius

=/\= That is a negative Sir,=/\= Dean’s voice responded to the Captain. =/\=I missed the ride with the rest of the scientists. Got shot down by something. I am holed up with some Beltran’s in a village about 100 clicks from the Capitol. I am not sure I can hoof it back with them in tow and I am surrounded by non-friendlies. From what I can ascertain the security team and the science team got hit by the Volians. The science facility collapsed trapping our people underground. The security team is on route. How are you Sir? Is Slade with you?=/\=

Lt. Dean

Calvin attempted to hide his irritation with the Lieutenant. He was far more interested in dealing with Calvin’s counselor than focusing on the mission. Glancing at Vanessa he made a curt motion with his hand for her to respond and move it along.

Vanessa’s irritation with the situation was only exacerbated by Calvin’s irritation.

=/\=Yes I am here Zach,=/\= Vanessa replied. There was no hostility in her voice only concern.

=/\=You stay close to Calvin. Understand me,=/\= His voice was commanding and authoritarian. =/\=Do not leave his side. Do not try to think outside the box. =/\=

=/\=Thinking outside the box is not a bad thing and where am I gonna go?=/\=

=/\=No where. Not until you hear from me.=/\=

=/\=Agreed unless this place gets filled with fuzzy rodents that try to eat me. Then all bets are off.=/\= Vanessa stated.

He pursed his lips, ‘who the F is Calvin’, well that was a discussion for another time. “This is not a social call,” he snapped at Vanessa making a rolling motion with his hand. Later he would inquire as to why Dean seemed overly interested in Slade both at the reception and now when his focus should have been on the mission. For now he wanted information.

=/\=Okay=/\= Vanessa snapped back.

Cutting off the conversation, Calvin directed the questions back to the situation at hand. =/\=Can we now get back to the sit rep, Lieutenant Dean. I have not been able to contact either team. Have you?=/\=

Vanessa had spent the majority of her career in a less formal setting of Starfleet. Yapping about her private life on an open comm was far from professional however Calvin’s curt tone irked her. With Calvin tending to his Captain business, Vanessa walked away to count to ten. At times she debated about her choice in leaving Boston. Right now was one of those time. Moving over to a bar cart, she poured herself a stiffer drink than that weak champagne water they had been serving at the reception. Ignoring a glass, she carried the bottle to the open balcony and took a long sip staring out at the courtyard.

There was a long period of silence until Lt. Dean spoke again. =/\= Sir I have been in touch with the science team and the security team. They have met up. Sir we need to talk but I am not sure this is a secure line.=/\=.

GM Kate

=/\=Then be frank but judicious with expressing its comments. We do not have time for games.=/\= Calvin did not like the idea of public comms during a battle however, he didn’t like being deaf and blind either.

Calvin Marius CO

=/\=Sir I have been holed up with a group of Beltran civilians and learning more in my hour here than my year deployment. It seems the symbiotic relationship with the Volians extends to a third party. I am also in touch with the science teams. I can patch you in through me.=/\=

Vanessa Slade CNS

Calvin paused thinking about numerous factors including the addition of a third party, the ‘symbotic’ relationship, and the security issues, but since he couldn’t do anything with the information he, he had to take the risk with the implications.

=/\=Do it=/\=Calvin snapped in a tone that lead no one to think there should be further conversation.

Calvin Marius CO

“The situation is we are going to breach what we call the holding facilities of the Volians. No one has ever gone that far into their dens but it is time. We can no longer be the fodder for their civilization or the Gorn. We live by their leave like children who wake and sleep not worrying about their future from day to day. His excellency is happy with the way things are but the rest of us are tired of his lazy complacency.” What Lago was saying bordered on treason however he was no longer happy with the status quo. Too many of their people had died. It was time for it to end and with the help of the Federation, they might succeed at taking back their planet.

“Captain Marius can I count on the help of the Federation in this endeavor?”

GM Kate

Calvin was in a rock and a hard place. WIthout a connection to the Genesis, he could not pull his people out. Refusing Lago meant his people could be left stranded. “Commander Petursson you are in command,” Calvin snapped abruptly. Just as he was about to add more the connection between them was cut off.

Calvin Marius CO

As the comms clicked off Calvin was presented with a more immediate problem than his away team. “Captain. Captain,” Vanessa began yelling his name from across the room. By the time he would have turned to look for his counselor, Calvin would see her running at him full bore. Her complexion had paled and she had a panicked look in her eyes.

As the comm clicked off, Calvin heard what he would define as someone shrieking his name from across the room. The quiet lull of the room had exploded into chaos with Beltran’s running about chaotically. Most were screaming and shouting in panic however with their more unique physiology the sound was more like high-pitched whistles than words except for one voice that was clearly using his name.

There was only thought in Vanessa’s mind was run and hide. Reaching him, Vanessa grabbed the sleeve of his shirt and tried to pull him along with her.

Vanessa Slade CNS
\
Scanning the room, it took Calvin several sweeps of the space to lock in on the direction it was coming from. “Slade,” he belted out to ensure Vanessa could find him in the ensuing melee of bodies.

As the words left his mouth, he felt her nails dig into his forearm and tugging him in her forward direction. Panic killed as fast as weapon fire so Calvin planted his feet and grabbed Vanessa’s forearm tightly to not lose her in all the jostling bodies. “Vanessa,” he snapped out her first name hoping this would pull her back to reality.

The moment he gripped her arm, he could instantly feel resistance pulling back. She was not strong enough to move his large frame however the resistance was far more than just Vanessa trying to get free. Someone was pulling her away from him like she was a rope in a game of sentient tug of war.

Marius

Jerking hard, Vanessa pulled her arm away from the Beltran holding her. “We have to hide now,” she said looking more than nervous to Calvin. Panic edged her words and expression. “There are Gorn in the courtyard. I…I don’t know how or where they came from but we have got to hide.”

Vanessa Slade CNS

“Gorn,” Calvin repeated as if in disbelief. There was next to nothing known about the alien species except that they were ruthless, xenophobic to other races, and merciless. Those that came into contact with the Gorn never fared well. The Federation took the approach to give the species a wide berth. It was part of the reason Calvn suspected the Federation was even contemplating a treaty with the Beltran society. They were close enough to observe and learn about the Gorn but not be directly in their territory.

There was not much one could do when being attacked by the Gorn except hide and pray. Calvin did not like either of those two options. Scanning the room, he looked for a space they could not only hide but defend. Now he understood why the king took off as fast as he had.

Grabbing Vanessa’s arm, Calvin spotted a group of guards hovering around a large piece of floor-to-ceiling art. It was roughly in the area where the King disappeared from. It also would make sense that a secret entrance to an escape tunnel was not labeled exit. He and Vanessa reached the space just as the guards managed to get the secret door open. The space beyond it could hold about twenty people. There was not enough room to hold the few hundred running about in the main space.

Calvin Marius CO

“Stop,” one of the Beltran officers raised a weapon pointing it at Calvin and Vanessa. “There is no room here for you. You should have taken shelter with the sovereign. Why should we give you a second chance at survival when you squandered your first offer?” His words confirmed what Calvin has sized up several minutes ago. There was no way he could save anyone using just this space but there was a chance maybe if he got in, he could convince the King to open up the bunker he was in and increase the amount of people to potentially survive.

Vanessa Slade CNS and GM Kate

“Shut up and move,” Vanessa snapped. Turning to face Calvin, Vanessa looked desperate. “The King went down that door,” she pointed behind the man barring the entrance. “If you can get it open, we can make more room. If we don’t get in there we will die. No one survives the Gorn.” She did not want to die. It didn’t help anyone for everyone to die but leaving these people still made Vanessa feel sick.

Vanessa Slade CNS

“The Gorn could spend days, or even weeks here, but they will move on.” He looked about. “Wherever the ‘Sovereign’ went, I guarantee you he has the supplies to house several times more people than he’s got down there.” He turned his phaser back and forth in his hands. There was nothing wrong with the weapon, but it was the nervous habit of his and several of his fellow combat officer.

“You will open the door let as many people as that bunker can hold, then you will do your duty and join me on the line. I’m not going down without a fight, and neither will you.”

Marius

“Whatever,” the Beltran guard muttered under his breath. Reaching out he grabbed two people and yanked them in before shutting the door.

Almost as soon as the door shut behind Calvin and Vanessa, the room broke out in a series of high pitched screams as Volians and Gorn began to dart like shadows around the room. With each streak of dark light someone screamed and were brought to their knees.

GM Kate