Bustling Barracks

Posted on Tue Jun 10th, 2025 @ 11:22am by Commander Calvin 'Cal' Maraj & 1st Lieutenant Kes Th’relnal

1,624 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Year One: Strange Bedfellows
Location: Marine Barracks, Deck 12
Timeline: MD032 - 1520 hours

An unannounced visit often gave a better glimpse into how a department really ran. Cal hated the pomp and circumstance that came with higher rank and position and often felt people put on a different face when interacting with him. If you have time to prepare then you have time to shine the boots that are usually left to the wayside.

Marines weren't like that however, and Cal had great respect for them. During the Dominion War he fought alongside many of them, even a few from the Andorian Imperial Guard that had temporarily transferred over which it seemed his current marine CO had done, left and even came back too.

Walking through doors he watched enlisted and officers alike going about their business. He didn't announce himself but instead watched them go about their duties as if they had all the time in the world to complete them.

Kes walked around the corridor toward the barracks and saw the back of a Starfleet personnel standing just inside the door. He raised an eyebrow and continued into the barracks. Starfleet usually stayed away unless they were invited or there for an appointment. Nothing was on his calendar.

He walked in and put his hand on the man's broad shoulder as he walked past. It was as he turned around to address the man that he noticed the pips and raised grinned. "I don't know you, but if you're replacing Greco I think we can be friends."

Cal glanced at the hand before hearing the words. It being blue he had assumed it to be 1st Lieutenant Th'relnal and he turned to greet the man properly. "Lieutenant Th'relnal sadly I have come to ruin your day and admit that I'm not replacing the ships golden child." he chuckled and extended his hand, "Commander Calvin Maraj, I've been given command of the ship due to the unfortunate loss of Captain Stryvek and Lt. Mpongo. You have my sympathies." he added solemnly.

"Yes," Kes said quietly. "It was a great loss." He frowned at the thought of an officer lost in such a manner, hardly a fair fight.

Quickly recomposing himself, Kes stood a little straighter as he took in the new CO of the ship. "Welcome to the barracks Commander. To what do we owe this visit?"

"Two reasons really." Cal admitted. "One being I like to tour any new ship I board, more so now I am in a command position. Helps me get a feel for the crew, how they function and means they can come up to me and chat informally if they want." he looked around the room at the marines who had squared up slightly now noticing his presence but not being totally sure who he was.

"Secondly, I wanted to meet you, Lieutenant Th'relnal. I have the utmost respect for Andorian's, especially the Imperial Guard. I fought during the Dominion War and know you did as well. So..." he stuck out his hand, a very human gesture, implying a handshake. "Thank you for your service."

Kes had worked with humans more than the usual Andorian so while some would have been off put or confused by the gesture, he accepted the hand shake as soon as it was offered. "Your thanks is appreciated. We all had to do our part."

He looked back to the marines who were trying hard not to be obvious about listening before looking back at Cal as his antenna curled back. "You want this to be formal or informal?"

Cal nodded. The war was a troubling time for a lot of the Federation, for Starfleet and there would be scars for many years to come from that. Maybe even decades.

Their handshake was firm, as expected, and once released the Andorian Cal spoke with candour. "I think we can manage informal lieutenant. I like to keep things pretty casual unless the situation warrants otherwise."

Kes nodded and and turned, stepping easily into place next to Cal as they initially surveyed the barracks.

The marines that had been watching and listening had gathered enough to start standing somewhat in a state of readiness. They'd caught enough to know that Cal was someone important and were prepared to impress.

Kes raised his hand slightly. "This is Commander Maraj, the newly minted Commanding Officer of this fine ship. Here for a visit, but not an inspection. As you were."

There seemed to be a collective exhale as the marines visibly relaxed and went back to their duties and off hours prep before heading to the DMZ.

"Yeah, take it easy guys. I'll surprise you guys later with an inspection and see how long you can hold your breath." Cal smirked and turned to the marine CO, "Is there anything you feel your department needs? Some requisition officers owe me a few favours." he said more quietly than when speaking to the room as they began to move.

"Honestly," Kes said with a similar hushed tone. "They're stressed. They need a way to release their tension and relax. You can only run an engine at full steam for so long before it seizes solid. While our previous ship CO was a good man, he didn't allow for much wiggle room. And neither does the golden boy."

Cal nodded as he listened to Kes. "Well, this is my ship now and I am open to a discussion to see if there is wiggle room." he said honestly as his mind ran wild with ideas. "I know in the old Earth armed forces they used to hold boxing matches to blow off some steam, clear stress and resolve any grudges that may be festering amongst those serving together. I did hear you were possibly setting one of those up?" he asked tilting his head towards the other man indicating he had already heard rumours around the ship of this event, and many others.

"Trying and getting push back from certain parties who don't understand the need." Kes replied. "But I'm thinking that won't be a problem going forward."

"Hey Sir!" Private Aumento called out to the pair with a grin. "Ask if we can start getting some of the good stuff from the Orions or not."

Kes' antenna flicked forward and he sighed. "Not the time Aumento."

Cal turned to face the young private, "What good stuff are you talking about, private?" he asked as his eyes focussed on them.

Aumento looked back and forth between Cal and Kes and she noticed the slight smirk on the corner of Kes' mouth. She gulped. "Well sir, not that we'd do anything while on duty... but they're saying they have drink that'll put more hair on my chest than stars in the sky. Something that has that much kick... I'll risk the shave."

Kes raised an eyebrow and his antenna leaned forward as Aumento used her colourful metaphor.

Cal smirked. "I have heard of it. This ship isn't as large as people think it is." he chuckled. "I plan on meeting with the ships captain and I tell you what private." he beckoned them a little closer. "I'll see if I can snag you a small bottle... but if you don't show up for duty and I hear reports of someone chasing Bigfoot through my ship I'll be leaving you in your CO's capable hands for disciplinary." he joked.

A broad smile instantly came across Aumento's face as a fiendish sparkle came to her eye. She glanced at Kes and back at Cal. "Deal!" She quickly rushed off before either men could change their minds on the issue.

"You're encouraging them" Kes whispered. "Thank you, they need it. This life is hard for a lot of them and they need the release or they'll snap."

He looked at Cal and nodded. "I'll keep them in line, but it'll be nice to give them options to blow off steam."

"Speaking of blowing off steam, are you going to add your name to the list for boxing?" The Andorian grinned and his antenna stood straight up, taking in what they could of Cal's posture and mannerisms.

Cal couldn't help but chuckle and smile at the private's response. Turning to Kes he kept some of that positivity. "Life on a ship is hard for most that have family connections, or even home connections." he sighed. "There is nothing like a Caribbean beach I can tell you that..." he digressed.

"But, keeping morale high is important and letting off steam in moderation is necessary. As for the boxing match, my name is already down. Hoping I get a nice bout with our XO." he smirked devilishly. "Even I like a good fight..."

"I think there's a line forming for that honour." Kes sighed. A part of him felt bad for Greco. A small part. Barely more than a whisper really.

"My name is on the list, but I decided to let it be a surprise. I haven't had a regulation boxing match since the academy so this will be interesting."

"Oh, I've said officially I'm in, but not to put my name down." Cal corrected himself. "I can't have people lining up to take on the new captain all at once." he smirked. "Thank you for letting me take up your time lieutenant. I'll get out of your antennae and go annoy someone else.."

"If you're aiming to annoy, I recommend the pilot; Stewart. Got a chip on her shoulder big enough she walks with a limp." Kes commented with a grin before Cal turned to leave. "See you possibly in the ring sir."

"Oh I know Evie well enough." Cal chuckled. "I'll see you around Lieutenant." he shot him a quick wink before leaving.

 

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