That probably could've gone better.

Posted on Tue Oct 7th, 2014 @ 2:56am by Lieutenant Commander Aryll LeStrat & Master Chief Petty Officer Allison Wilshire

Mission: Let the Games Begin

As Aryll followed the woman out she pondered just what to say, to the woman. The steady tingling discomfort in her leg was next helping. Normally she granted her leg longer reprieves, but the tension with the Executive Officer was beginning to get a bit thick.

"I suppose gratitude would be in order, Master Chief." She said, quietly. Perhaps the first time she had spoken quietly since...

She cut that thought off, quickly, instead focusing on not losing her balance.

"No problem, doc. I have a history of extracting people from sticky situations. This way..." Allison indicated the needed lift. As the door closed, she held out her hand to Aryll. "Allison Wilshire, formerly of the Starfleet Marines, Search and Rescue Division."

"Aryll Fr-" she paused. Cleared her throat. "LeStrat. Formerly of Starfleet Marines combat medic division." She said. She shook her head, at the extended hand. "Sorry. Doctor's phobia of germ transfer. It's a long story."

Allison smiled and lowered her hand. "No offense taken, ma'am. So, welcome to our little corner of the universe. What it lacks in aesthetics, it makes up for in charm and culture. There are quite a few former Marines serving here as fleeters, especially department heads. Kathy likes it that way." She saw the quisical look that Aryll gave her at the mention of Kathleen's name." Sorry...I mean, Commodore O'Shea prefers it that way. We have been friends for a long time. All the way back to the 16th Airwing."

Aryll shook her head. "That wasn't the reason behind my quisical look. I've seen some ugly starbases. This one. The time. The effort. The design. It's quite lovely."

"Having a Corps of Engineers division at your beck and call doesn't hurt. When we took over the station it was a disaster. Scavangers did more damage than the war did. It was estimated a year before it would be usable at all...they did it in three months. Then they really got down to work." The lift opened on Deck 55, and Allison indicated the proper direction. "Your shop is a perfect example. They took the original Starfleet plans for the Celestial Class Station and tossed them into the shreader, then pulled out the blueprints form the Antiona IV Regional Medical Center and modified them to work on the station. What we ended up with is a facility that rivals any in the Federation. And being the only major medical facility in the Frontier...we need it. There is also a hospital and clinic on the surface in Meurdin that we run. Right on the ocean along with our planetary complex. It is absolutely beautiful."

"When you serve on a 77 year old miranda class starship that's been refitted more times than it's been in service, you learn to appreciate things that are built to last, and then improved upon, throughout it's lifespan." Aryll said, with a nod. "That much I did get a chance to read up on. Though the planet's surface is on my 'to read' list. I'm not overly fond of oceanscapes, anymore. Not like I used to be." She tapped her leg brace. "Can't exactly swim with one working leg, and the brace's protection system doesn't allow it to operate as a brace, and protect it from the elements at the same time. I'm usually the one who gets laughed at for having to wear flotation devices." She paused. "Odd. It's been... quite some time, since I've actually felt like talking to someone. Just casual discussion."

"Well, we try not to be to hard to get to know here. Most folks are fairly easy going. A few hard heads in the mix, though...you will soon figure them out. Like the XO...joined us here at the Station when we took it over." Allison paused for a moment, trying to be diplomatic but deciding it wasn't in the cards. "Kathy had her kinda shoved into the position by fleet...didn't have a say in the matter, which was odd enough. My overall opinion of the woman is...well, I just do not trust her. Every time I talk to her I just get a strong feeling that she is hiding something big. I tried an olive branch one...no joy." A mischievous smile crept across Allison's face. "I'd hate to be in her shoes at the moment, though. I'll bet that Kathleen is ripping her pretty good after that little show in the briefing."

"Unexpected." Aryll said, surprised by this. "She seemed quite content to leave the Executive Officer speaking for my job. Even going so far as to defend their actions."

Allison stopped walking. "Except in extreme circumstances, she will not dress down anybody in front of those under them...actually she won't do it in public at all as a rule. If she does...she is really pissed. Nobody want's that. Notice that everybody else went silent?" Even as one of her best friends, Allison knew when Kathleen was that mad you didn't mess with her. Period.

Aryll shrugged. "I really did not notice." She said, impassively. "I was more focused on dealing with the actually discussion." She paused. "There is a lot of walking on this starbase. How much further?"

"Actually, the office complex...including your office, is right behind that door." Allison motioned toward a door about 10 feet from where they stood. "After you."

"Lovely." Aryll said, with a nod. She turned, and walked towards it. As the doors opened, she paused. "Woah." She said, shocked. "Your description was nowhere near awesome."

Allison stood quietly, a smile on her face, as she watched Aryll start to explore her new home. The Corps had not only copied the functionality of the Antiona complex, but the aestetics and pure beauty of it as well. They were a race of artisans, and it showed in everything that they built or created. "I take it that, so far, this is satisfactory?"

Aryll looked about, absolutely shocked. "This is absolutely breath-taking. You could fit a 75 year old miranda class in here." She said, shaking her head. "Satisfactory? This is heaven. Am I dead?"

Allison moved to stand next to Aryll. "I could pinch you if you want to make sure. And this is just the Administrative Complex and ancillary services area. The real magic...well, let's just say that you will have quite a bit of exploring to do. Your office..." Allison pointed toward a set of intricate leaded glass doors. "...is right through there."

"Lovely." Aryll said. "It's better than anything I've ever seen."

"Construction is set to begin on a second facility dedicated to mass casualty response and operations soon. In fact, Kathleen may have the team start early given the current situation." Allison turned serious for a moment. "This situation on Taranok IV...we don't know where this is going. The action may be isolated to that one planet, or it could just be the start of something. You will want to think about your long-term needs and start planning for various scenarios. We can get you what you need...you have but to ask." A sly smile. "We have become quite adept at creative logistics solutions here."

"I think the fabrication teams are going to regret you saying that." Aryll said, with an equally sly smile.

Allison laughed. "It wouldn't be the first time, trust me. But that is yet another advantage to having a Corps division here...they love to work and push the boundaries of...well, pretty much everything they touch."

"Good. They're going to need it. If we can't let the personnel we need to mount a planet wide medical mission, I'll need all the technical capability they can put forward." Aryll said nodding. "Anyway. I should start major planning."

Allison nodded in agreement. "I'll leave you to your exploration then. If you need anything at all, just feel free to shout." Allison turned and headed for the exit, already late for a meeting in Damage Control.

"Alright." Aryll said. "Thanks for the help, Master Chief." She added, turning away from the retreating woman.

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Lieutenant Aryll Lestrat
Chief Medical Officer

MCPO Allison Wilshire
Chief of the Boat