Meeting the Hound

Posted on 22 Aug 2016 @ 12:47pm by Rear Admiral Azura Ashcart & Major Edward (Dragon) Cagney

888 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Errand of Mercy
Location: Marine XO'S Office
Timeline: ED 4

ON:

Azura had been made aware that the influx of new marines also carried with them the new CAG. That in and of itself was enough to warrant a meeting in Azura's mind but to add to that the new CAG was also the marine XO and Azura had to meet the man. From what he had read from the major's jacket he was competent, intelligent and good at his job. Azura moved through marine country to the XO's office he paused at the door as the chime did it's work.

"Come," Eddie said. He looked up from the fitreps he had been perusing. As the door opened and he saw who was at it, Eddie stood at attention and rendered a proper military salute. "Captain Ashcart! This is an unexpected honor. What brings you to Marine Country?"

Azura returned the salute and motioned for the Major to resume his seat.
"I came down to meet the new CAG and it dosent hurt that man is also the marine XO." It was refreshing to watch the marines they followed protocol and ceremony far more than the fleet did. There was comfort in that he thought.

"You are aware of the situation with Major Blackburn? "

"I know some of the general facts, but none of the specifics. She must have had it pretty rough on Thorias III. I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. Suffice to say that I am concerned." He wasn't sure how much he should say, as the major was his commanding officer. But he could not afford the Esprit de Corps of these new Marines to be compromised. Hell, he thought, Go big or go home. "With all due respect to the Major, My new boots don't need that kind of baggage on their first tour, Captain."

Azura snorted "I understand, I do hope she finds peace but I don't know if that will happen in the halls of this ship." He paused and moved to a chair to sit. "That is partially why I'm here. I know that the Major will likely be taking her leave after the mission is over which means you will likelt be the new CO. If that is the case I want to make sure there is a smooth transition. I also want to let you know that should you require anything my doof is open... may I be blunt with you Major?"

"Please do, Skipper. I can't fix what I don't know is broken." Eddie leaned forward, giving the captain his full attention.

"I tasked the Sergeant Major with looking after her while she's here and not her old self. Now that your here I'd like you to do the same. If it seems like she's going to crack let me know." Azura leaned back in the chair he was sitting in and released the fists he hadn't known he had balled his hands into.

Eddie nodded. "Roger that, sir. I'll do my best, Shall I keep the Ship's Counselor in the loop, too? If the Major goes off the deep end, regs specify that only yourself or the M.O. can relieve her of duty."

He shook his head. "No I'm hoping she will go see the general. I know her counciing sessions have been less than helpful. If she goes off the deep end I'll relieve her. I owe her that much."

"Aye-Aye, Sir. Anything else?" Eddie felt that he would get along fine with this captain.

Azura leaned forward and took back up his customary tine of command. "I want you to prepare your flight for round the clock CAPs if we're not at warp I want air support. Also please work with engineering to see if they can upgrade the fighters sensors. I want to try setting up a sensor net using the fighters and PALLAS. She is designed to assist with such things. I think it may give the fighters and the ship an edge."

Eddie grinned. "I like the way you think, skipper. I'll set up rotations and training schedules to ensure the pilots are up to date, and contact Engineering about increasing sensor efficiency in the birds, as long as it doesn't effect their performance. "

Azura almost grinned at the compliment and a slight tightening around his eyes was the only sign that he remembered why he had wanted the marines in the air. "When the wars over I hope I can put your pilots out of a job. However the only constant in the universe is strife so I doubt you fighter jockeys will ever be out of a job. Let me know if you need anything Major and please keep me abreast of any developments with the fighters. I know your people are still getting settled in but I want the company ready for anything. I've been getting some unsettling reports from HQ. I think we may see Sarah again and I don't want to be caught with our pants down."

"Roger that, sir. We'll get it done." Eddie stated, matter-of-factly. "Was there anything else, Captain?"

Azura shook his head "Negative Major, do you have anything for me?"

"If anything comes to mind, Skipper, you'll be the first to know." Cagney grinned.


Azura Ashcart
Captain
Commanding Officer
USS Redemption

&

Edward (Dragon) Cagney
Major
Marine XO/CAG
USS Redemption

 

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