Post 20

Posted on Tue Feb 3rd, 2015 @ 5:03pm by 1st Lieutenant Dalton Wakefield

Mission: Begin with a Bang
Location: Barracks Accommodation, Andorian Imperial Guard Vessel Docona, At Warp
Timeline: May 13th, 2155 - 1300 hours

Fumbling in the dark, reaching for the vital component, his fingers numb from the unrelenting cold. It was vital he got the piece into place, so much depended on this. He could feel his breath misting before him even in his blinded state. He clicked the power cell into place, a satisfying click. Almost there, he could feel his enemy getting closer. He thumbed the power button and heard the rifle charge up.

Taking off his blind fold in a rush 1st Lieutenant Dalton Wakefield placed the rifle on the table, "Done!" He yelled, raising his fists in the air in victory. His 'enemy', an Andorian Imperial Lieutenant was still fumbling with his power cell. Sitting opposite each other with a table in between, the two were surrounded by several MACO and Andorians.

"Final function test, gentlemen," The Andorian Guard Commander ordered, gesturing to the Andorian across from Wakefield, who had now just assembled his weapon. The two stood, raised the weapons and aimed at two holographic target balls. One shot rang out, a look of amazement on the gathered audience. Wakefield lowered the weapon having successfully hit his target. The other contestant still having issues with an upside down power cell.

"Lieutenant Wakefield, winner," the Guard Commander announced, causing a round of cheers and high-fives with the MACOs, and looks of embarrassment with the Andorians.

"Well thanks for the souvenir gentlemen," Wakefield said, looking at the Andorian Phaser rifle he held in his hands. Powering it down he passed it to his First Sergeant, Staff Sergeant Thorbjorn Ragnar, a large grin on the Scandinavian's face.

Wakefield took in his surroundings, the barracks aboard the Andorian ship Docona were just above freezing, the MACOs all donning their winter gear, all being warmed up by their steaming home brewed coffee. The Andorians mixing with their guests, wearing just their normal duty wear, not affected. After the successful training between the two groups the camaraderie was high, as well as morale.

Traveling on board the alien vessel had been a unique experience for Dalton and his MACOs, and he could imagine each one of them wanted a hot shower. The training area on Andoria being below freezing, and the Docona running well below the norm for humans, it had been uncomfortable for the duration. With the training now over it was time for some relaxation, a little friendly competition and something to pass the time before reaching the Discovery.

Taking a seat on his bunk, Dalton grabbed a brew and warmed his hands. Another round of suggestions for competitions rang out from the groups of soldiers. One such competition said in jest was an Ushaan duel, ending with first blood from the torso. Wakefield smiled watching the back and forth. Joined by his right hand man, Staff Sergeant Ragnar, Dalton passed him the brew.

"Were you going to tell them?" Thorbjorn asked knowingly.

"Tell them what?" Dalton said beaming. He knew full well.

"That you.." He changed his tone lower, "That you've field stripped one of those before?"

Dalton put a finger up to his lips, "Got a spare space on my wall ok."

Thorbjorn laughed, a big laugh from his belly.

"Go on, bugger off Staff," Dalton joked, pushing the large Viking off his bunk, before laying down, his rucksack forming a pillow for him to lay against. Pulling out a PADD, he wanted to go through his information packet on the Discovery once again. Familiarization was key to working with Starfleet, on a Starfleet vessel. Dalton wanted as much of an upper hand as he could, not to prove anything, but to make a good impression, as he was representing the MACOs to this newly formed crew.

After an hour, he took a glance at his chronometer, 2 days to rendezvous. His orders had changed since the Discovery's launch timetable had been brought up by 2 weeks. A slight shock for he and his group, as well as diverting from a trip home to straight redeployment. He was used to it. Switching off his PADD he looked up to the still lively barracks.

"Might as well get some more souvenirs," he muttered, "What's an Ushaan?" he said to no one in particular.