Nothing Simple is Ever Quite So

Posted on Sat Apr 29th, 2023 @ 2:14pm by Lieutenant Commander Felicie Rivero & Captain Brenda Sinclair

Mission: A Day in the Life
Location: Starbase 332 | Security Office
Timeline: Prior to Everything Current

ON

The journey from Taurus III was mercifully over. They were still waiting on one of the cargo haulers for delivery of essential gear, but the Company had 'finally' arrived... mostly. A couple dozen people were still en route, but at least the command staff - Company CO, XO, Company's Gunnery Sergeant, Platoon Lieutenants, and Sergeants were getting settled in.

With that Brenda Sinclair, Captain of the Starfleet Marine Corps made her way through the Starbase's corridors. It was immense. Far beyond anything she had ever seen, or served on. Not even Boot Camp had come close to a place this big. She had a destination in mind. A person to see, and speak to.

Stopping at an intersection, Brenda looked left, right, and frowned. The Chief of Security was certainly a hard woman to locate. Was that intentional? Or just the nature of the Starbase? Picking a direction, Brenda almost doubled back before she spotted a small sign next to a door.

Lt. Commander F. Rivero
Chief of Security

With a sigh of relief, Brenda tapped the door alarm, and stood, hands behind her back, waiting.

Felicie had been staring at the impressively sized vase of deep purple Midnight Orchids, turning the card over in her hand, a curious smile on her face as she leaned back in her chair. At the sound of the door, she took one last look at the card before setting it down on her desk, turning her attention to the door. "Enter!" she called, standing up as the door entered.

The face that entered was immediately familiar, despite the fact that they hadn't met. "Captain Sinclair," Felicie stated warmly in acknowledgement. "Welcome to Security, what can I do for you?"

Brenda paused for a half-step, but then continued into the room. Security was this woman's bailiwick, and so knowing everyone would indeed be part of the job. "I just wanted to stop by, get acquainted. With Foxtrot Company augmenting the station's Battalion, it seemed appropriate to make myself known in person."

Her eyes were drawn to the vase, admiring the shade of purple. "That's an impressive bouquet, you have there." She had some amount of familiarity with orchids, and these were indeed, to be commended.

Felicie laughed. "I'm not sure who they're from so I dare not get too excited. It's just as likely to be a bribe as it is a gift," she said with a shake of her head. "Comes with the territory. So how are you finding 332 so far?" she asked, motioning for the Marine Captain to take a seat across the desk. "Can I get you something from the replicator? I don't know about you but I'd kill for a coffee right now!"

Brenda's grin was genuine as she sat down. "Commander, coffee will get you far when dealing with Marines. We live on the stuff. As for getting on with the Station... it's an adjustment. My Company got hailed off a planetary base, part and parcel, and ferried out here. Whoever came up with the idea needs their ass kicked, but mine is not to reason why."

With another laugh the redhead replicated two mugs of coffee and carried them back to her desk, sliding one across to the other woman. "It's only replicated, but if you want real coffee I suggest you check out Katie's down on the promenade. Her cupcakes are divine as well!" She sank back into her seat and picked up the mug, holding it to her lips for a moment and blowing across the hot liquid. "I mean, as far as reassignments go, there are definitely worse places you could end up."

"This is indeed true." Brenda agreed, holding the mug with both hands. "Though I do worry about the state of the Battalion. Having a full one-third of it's manpower and equipment carved out... it feels rather like cutting out a vital organ, and expecting the body to still live."

"That's..." Felicie paused, taking a sip of her coffee. "That's a rather graphic comparison," she shook her head. "I am somewhat unsure of why it is that you were all reassigned here, I have to admit, I can't help but wonder if Starfleet knows something they aren't telling us,' the red head mused. "I guess we'll find out soon enough."

Brenda winced. She had spent far long in the exclusive company of Marines. "Sorry, sometimes my mouth says things before the brain has time to think - need to unlearn the rougher side of being a Marine."

Felicie shook her head and laughed, brushing red hair back from her face. "Don't, trust me, it'll come in handy being here! It's an each way bet at the start of every day whether you'll accomplish more being meek and mild mannered or if you need to start threatening to throat punch people to get things done." She glanced at the chrono on the wall and then back to Brenda. "Tell you what, I'm off the clock. How about I show you around the promenade and we can grab a drink and keep talking?" She stood up as she finished speaking. "There's a decent little bar down there that's usually quiet."

Brenda's expression lit up. "I'm all yours for a new bar." She joked.

"In that case, shall we?" Felicie grinned. "My shout."