The Ivy Grows Part II
Posted on 09/11/2023 @ 10:23pm by Colonel Jack Patton & 2nd Lieutenant Erin Inferson & Master Sergeant Robert Schiano & Staff Sergeant Brian Cancielleri & Sergeant Alicia Reilly & Lance Corporal Brian Zapata & 1st Lieutenant Baaru Ixalia & Sergeant Audie Fitch & Captain Brina Tracy-Hall & 1st Lieutenant Anthony Hill
5,096 words; about a 25 minute read
Mission:
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Location: The Throneroom - Command Tier Deck 19 - Poseidon Station
Timeline: Immediately Following The Ivy Grows Part I
Before she could say anything Jack tucked the small wooden box that he held into a cargo pocket in his uniform then tapped his comm badge. "All Senior Kingsmen report to the Throneroom. There is someone who needs proving."
The channel closed and Jack motioned for the door. "Now Lieutenant let us to that roundtable. That is if you are willing to proceed. I will let you think on it." With that Jack left her in his office and made his way to the briefing room. He knew she would be along, they all came to the briefing room after a time.
Standing in the room for a few moments longer, Ixalia took a long deep breath in, held it for a moment before releasing it. She could tell this assignment was going to be a rather special one.
Jack walked into the empty room. There was always a calm stillness about the room before a new member of the Kingsmen would be brought in. He placed the wooden box at his customary seat at the table, and lit the torches that were mounted to the walls. They were holograms but Jack was nothing if not theatrical and he liked the mood that they set. As soon as he had finished Ixalia walked in. He smiled and chuckled inwardly. They always choose to come to this step. he thought.
Looking around the room, Ixalia was becoming more and more curious about earths past. The way Jack had chosen to decorate these rooms were not that dissimilar to some of the older temples on Bajor. Maybe she could ask him about it later, for now she simply stood off to one side of the room to await this proving.
The first to arrive was Robert Schiano, the man they called Meatball. "Oh, BlackJacko we got a newb to induct. Well if that just doesn't tickle the hairs on the back of my neck." He made his way to his seat which as First Sergeant was to Jack's left. Robert gave Baaru a subtle wink as he walked passed. He had already seen action with the Bajoran and she had more than earned her spot at the table in his opinion. He sat down and tossed his feet up n the large round stone table.
Anthony arrived with a bit of a dirt uniform. Not exactly pristine marine standard but he'd been under a shuttle he'd been working on when the call came in and he didn't have time to change. Truth is he'd been avoiding Erin since their kiss in the palace. They'd not talked about it, nor his refusal to leave her, or their time in general in the palace. He'd just threw himself into his work and didn't come up for air.
The call to gather had been a relief to Audie, who was stuck taking inventory of the medical supplies, checking expiration dates, and whatnot, a mind-numbing job if ever there was one! She'd set aside her PADD and headed to the Throne Room, where she plopped into a seat, hoping this would be entertaining, and take a decent amount of time!
Brina arrived coming back from being out of the Throneroom. She had a slight somber expression in her eyes, having come from talking with Cara and two others. She took her place at the table. She paused to look at Schiano and his feet on the table, raising an eyebrow at him." Meatball, feet down." It was the mother side of Brina as she didn't allow her kids to put their feet on the table.
"Yes ma..." Schiano said with a smirk. His banter at the moment may have been out of place with what was to come. However, he wanted to show Baaru that when at the round table everyone was equal, within reason of course.
Brian Cancielleri and Alicia Reilly were the next to arrive and they came together. It seemed that they were just finishing up a conversation as they entered. "Sticks I am tellin ya no one can hide from me and my rifle." Alicia's brogue garbled some of the words. The Irish woman seemed to be in very high spirits with a smile on her face. "But what if someone had a personal cloaking device?" Brian queried. "I am sure you can be evaded" he continued. "If I have ye in me scope. Ye as good as dead." Alicia quipped back as they both took their respective seats at the table. Both of them looked in Ixalia's direction. Alicia's eyes seemed to linger longer than Brian's as she tried to measure up the other woman without words.
Within short order all the requested Marines had been gathered around the large round table. There was one empty seat at the table, and a wooden box which had the seal of the Kingmen emblazoned upon it sat on the table in front of Jack. Jack banged his fist on the table and everyone rose to their feet. "Whose men are we?" he asked and everyone replied in unison. "We are the Kingsmen..."
Standing over to one side of the room, Ixalia was fascinated by what she was seeing. The last time she saw a group of marines this united was when a squad of marines were tasked with raiding a local bottle shop for a general's birthday. Hopefully this event will result in fewer broken bottles everywhere, but she wouldn't count it out just yet.
"You're damn right we are. And now we find ourselves faced with someone who wants the honor to call themselves that which we fought hard for. This woman claims that she has earned the right to be in this family, this brotherhood. As he who you allow to lead you. I have tested her and found her worthy to be a Kingsmen, worthy of your loyalty. However, as is our way the time has come for you to test her mettle." Jack had been walking around the table and as he spoke he would tap various people on the shoulder. It was a sign of fellowship. When he got back to his seat he continued. "Now let us begin. Everyone be seated. Not you Meatball. First Sergeant has the honor."
Robert Meatball Schiano not only remained standing but he made his way toward Baaru. He could see that she did not know what to expect. Those that knew Schiano knew that in these situations he tried to get the new comer to back down due to his size. "Show what it means to be a Kingsman Sarge." Zapata could be heard as the overbearing Schiano approached. In short order he stood eye to eye with Baaru. "What a pair we make, huh? Both tryin to keep a level head in this insanity, both unable to do so. You lead from da front. If I knew nuttin else bout youze, dat would be enough. But youze also make sure your team comes back in one piece... and dat is worthy of anything." Schiano could sense the surprise from the rest of the team as this was a departure from his usual confrontational approach in the ceremony. He took a step back from Ixalia and punched his chest with his right hand. Then he placed his right hand on her right shoulder. "I of my own free will accept you as one of my own family. Brother to brother, yours in life and death."
Giving a slight head bow in response, Ixalia looked directly into Schiano's eyes, "Frater Fratrem In Mortem Et Vitam Vobis" she said, repeating the words Jack had told her earlier. To be honest she was making it up as she went, but it seemed appropriate.
Schiano took his seat as Jack spoke. His role in this has always been a facilitator. "Alright Spitfire front and center. You have the floor." Jack sat back down at his place to watch the proceedings.
Anthony stepped forward out of the line of amassed marines and stared at the Bajoran that stood before him. "In this job we come across dangerous situations, life threatening or otherwise." he began rolling his sleeve up to bare his right arm. From the back of his hand up to his shoulder there was extensive burns from an old mission on Gamel V (see bio).
"Aw he's showing his arm again!" came a cry from Erin as she gave Hill a wink. Truth was she loved the scar and the story that came with it. The rest of the team rumbled with laughter. This made Anthony chuckle as well before continuing to look at Baaru.
"I don't care where you've come from, but I respect Bajorans for how they live and survive in life, and for what they've gone through. A never give up attitude always sits well with me." he commented. "As marines we put our lives on the line each time we go out, not just for each other but those we protect in the Federation so my question really is about courage, about sacrifice. I didn't get this from a barbeque." he gestured to his arm.
"I've seen you cook!" came a shout this time it was Meatball who added a sir afterward, after all he had to respect the gravitas of the induction. The room rumbled.
"You join the Knights... chivalrous, brave and honourable. Ready to fight for what's right and lay down their life if necessary to protect their kingdom. If you swear to me this is who you are then I accept you as my sister without question and promise you that as a Knight the Castle will always have a place for you to rest your head."
After listening to his words, Ixalia smiled, “there’s a code I live by and it goes like this; If they stand behind you, give them protection. If they stand beside you, give them respect. If they stand against you, give them no mercy”
Anthony smiled and took a step back from Ixalia and punched his chest with his right hand. Then he placed his right hand on her right shoulder. "I of my own free will accept you as one of my own family. Brother to brother, yours in life and death."
Again, Ixalia simply repeated the Unit’s motto, “Frater Fratrem In Mortem Et Vitam Vobis" as she seemed to pass each persons test, her feelings of concern were gradually diminishing.
Audie stepped up next, facing the new recruit. Questions had already been asked, and answered thoroughly and well, so she only had one observation. Placing her right hand on Ixalia's right shoulder, she grinned. "Brothers in arms, so long as you don't put pineapple on pizza while I'm around! Oh, and you like cats!"
Jack smiled ear to ear as he watched everything that played out. As formal as this was he was overjoyed to see everyone ribbing each other. He sipped his ever present cup of coffee and almost made a spit take when Audie made her requests of Ixalia. All he could think was that's our Magic Hands.
Giving Audie a half smile, Ixalia patted her shoulder, "don't worry about that my sister, I don't like pineapple either, whether on or off of pizza" she said, thinking over her second condition, "As for cats, I haven't had a great deal of experience with them, so I'm not sure"
"We'll have to fix that some time...I'm sure Buster would be happy to give you some cat-lessons!" Leaning in close, she whispered, "He's the real commander here!" Then she laughed.
"Alright, Alright..." Jack laughed as he spoke. "Sparks you have the floor. Show them what you got."
Erin stood and with determination walked over to Baaru. She circled the Bajoran as she contemplated what she wanted to say. Thus far this woman had proven that she could laugh and could be a part of the family but that was not all that was needed. She stopped circling on her third time around, and she was nose to nose with Baaru. It was time someone got a little confrontational with this newcomer. "So, Meatball says you lead from the front and that is fine and well. But for me I want to know something more, something that is more important. Our beloved Corps says that we leave no one behind. But in my line of work sometimes being left behind is what is needed to get the job done. So tell me if I had to detonate by hand and stay to see it done. What do you do?"
As she spoke a small amount of emotion could be heard and then pushed back in Erin's voice. This of course was the memory of the recent mission and the near miss that she and Hill had.
Anthony looked away and down at the floor a little at the mention of this. True as the scenario may be it was never an easy question to be asked unless faced with the scenario but its answer would also show character and the measure of the Lieutenant before them. Circumstances of their relationship and situation made him stay, but also he was a man who'd never leave anyone to the detriment of himself as previous actions had shown.
Noticing the emotions playing across Erin's face, Ixalia took a deep breath in before giving her reply, "Sometime those damn Vulcans have a point. The needs of the many and all that. It's never an easy choice to make and I hope I never have to make that choice, but I'm always prepared to make it" she answered before placing a hand onto Erin's shoulder, "Being a Recon Marine, I'm used to being left behind on a planet with no known way out."
"Then the best we can hope for is to die together with a smile on our face and a great view for the end of the universe." Erin said with a rather solemn looking smile on her face. She punched herself in the chest and placed her right hand on Baaru's right shoulder. "I of my own free will accept you as one of my family. Brother to brother yours in life and death."
And Again, Ixalia simply repeated the Unit’s motto, “Frater Fratrem In Mortem Et Vitam Vobis"
Brian Cancielleri stood and attempted to break the tension with a smile. Fact was he found the new Lieutenant hopelessly attractive however, this was neither the time nor the place and he knew it. "I am a simple Corpsman, I may be the lead Corpsman but a simple one I remain. That said, I need to see to the health and well being of the people gathered here. So, it is within my authority as it is within any Corpsman's authority..." He pointed toward Audie as he spoke. "...To relieve any member of this unit of their duties if it is for their health, or the safety and well being of the unit. So, Miss fancy silver bar the question is can you follow an order from a simple Corpsman? Can you give up on your pride for the success of the mission and the health of your family?"
Brian stood his ground this was a point of pride for him and for the entire unit of Corpsman. He especially did not want to argue with this officer while under fire. Nor did he want anyone else to have to argue with her.
Brina was quite curious as to how Baaru would be answering this one, remembering her own initiation into this family.
Giving her answer a moment of thought, Ixalia looked directly into Brian's eyes, "that would depend on the situation. While I am happy to respect your medical authority most of the time, there are times when I'm going to need everyone holding a weapon and pointing it at someone or something. That may not be what you want to hear, but there are times when your authority simply gets superseded"
It was a good answer, and one that Brian not only knew but expected. It was also not exactly the answer he sought. "I believe that you misunderstand. My question did not have to do with others. It had to do with you. If I or any Corpsman here found you to be medically unfit to lead, and took steps to remove you from command. Would you go willingly to get the help you would need and allow the mission to succeed, or would you allow your pride to get in the way. This is the answer I seek." He maintained eye contact while he spoke. Anyone in the room could tell that this meant perhaps the world to him. When he finished speaking the silence and the tension in the Throneroom was thick enough to be cut with a knife.
Staring straight into Brian’s eyes, Ixalia tried to get a better feel for this man. She could tell that he wasn’t going to budge until he got an answer that satisfied him. “Like I said earlier, sometimes the Vulcans have a point. If it won’t negatively effect the mission, then I would be more then happy to allow your corpsmen to boss me around”
"The only bad officer is one who does not realize when they are no longer fit to command. We have to rely and lean on those who lead us, and they in turn should rely and lean on those who they lead." Cancielleri began his words filled with emotion. Jack interjected with a small amount of applause. "Here... Here." The CO of the Kingsmen could be heard saying in agreement.
"I can see that you understand that oldest of lessons." Briand finished and punched himself in the chest with his right hand and placed it on her right shoulder. "I of my own free will and accord accept you as family. Brother to brother yours in life and death."
Placing her hand onto her shoulder, Ixalia simply gave her a reassuring nod. She wasn't sure what else there was to say.
When Brian took his seat Alicia Reilly the short yet vicious sniper stood at her seat. Her Irish lilted voice made what she had to say sound all the more poignant. "I am a sniper, trained to kill. I like to believe I am good, and I mean really good at my job. There is just something thrilling and exciting to look through that scope and know that what you see is about to die by your hands." There was a smile of enjoyment on her face. Her voice had a tone that was almost sexual as she spoke. "It is the kind of excitement that you feel everywhere. So, I must ask you is there anything wrong with a Marine loving their job. Especially if it is killing..."
Gaving her a half smile, Ixalia found this marine a little more intense but still interesting. "A marine loving their job, not at all. I can appreciate a good shot like anyone one else, And if I remember correctly Red, you've got a head for weapon modifications as well. How did you like that interchangeable barrel system we put together."
There was a moment where Alicia had forgotten about the refit that she did with Ixalia. "They are working fine. Been testing them on the range. Have not had a chance to see them in real action since the Breen, so we will see then." Alicia smiled and answered the question as if they were fast friends. She almost forgot why they were there. She walked toward Baaru as she spoke. "The Fleet leaves the killing to us and we leave the exploring to them. Ain't that right El T."
“Damn straight Sergeant. Fleeties don’t have the stomach for it” Ixalia replied as she started to get a good feel for this marine who was to be her second. While she was impressed by her ambition, her aggression could be curbed a little.
"Any girl that enjoys the sight of blood almost as much as me is a girl that I will follow into battle and to the end of the galaxy and back." Alicia punched her chest with her right hand and placed it on Ixalia's right shoulder. "I of my own free will and accord accept you as family. Brother to brother yours in life and death."
Ixalia gave Red an evil grin, “I may be an officer Red, but I’m as down and dirty as anyone” she said as she grabbed hold of Alicia’s shoulder.
As Alicia sat down satisfied with her answer the man they called The Reaper stood and walked over to where Ixalia stood. He knew that as most Bajorans this woman would show no fear, so intimidation would not work. Nevertheless a snarl was across his lips. Lance Corporal Brian "The Reaper" Zapata was a mountain of a man. He stood at well over six feet and sort of snarled at Baaru as he looked down at her. "I am The Reaper, so named because I truly believe that one reaps what they sow. The other name that I am known as is the Door Kicker. So named because I am the one that is usually sent to kick in the doors and charge up the hills. With that said I will ask you the same thing that I have asked all the new members of The Kingsmen, the only piece of information that I need to know to call you brother." Zapata paused for a moment and stared into Baaru's eyes, possibly into her very soul. "I have little to no fear, hence why I do what I do. Tell me what should be done with a marine who is afraid?"
Jack knew that Zapata asked this of everyone. He asked Jack this question when they first met. For his part this was actually Jack's favorite part of the ceremony. How someone dealt with fear was perhaps the most important thing to know about them. He tilted his head and watched the scene unfold. Subconsciously Jack began to finger the small wooden box he had in his pocket.
Looking up at this ‘Reaper’, Ixalia took in the enormity of the man before her before answering, “a Marine who doesn’t know fear is of no use to me. Fear is our natural warning system and is our greatest obstacle to overcome. A marine who has never faced fear hasn’t truly been tested. However, A Marine frozen in fear in the field will be treated as a casualty and given to another marine to carry, that is if extraction is not available”
Brian tilted his head and thought about what she had just said. One could tell that he had never been given that answer before. He usually got the standard Marines show no fear answer. So this threw the man for a loop. However, after about two minutes of silence Brian nodded sagely. "You reap what you sow... If you sow fear you will reap fear. However, but fighting through your dear is needed as well. It is said that you cannot teach an old dog new tricks and yet you have taught me something this day." Brian punched himself in the chest with his right hand and placed it on her right shoulder. "I of my own free will and accord accept you as family. Brother to brother yours in life and death." He spoke solemnly.
Giving Brian a bow, Ixalia could tell that this marine had been through a few things. This darker attitude wasn't being put on for effect, but had a deep seated source. "You never stop learning Reaper, there's always something more to learn"
Jack stepped forward and took the floor. "Well Lieutenant it seems that you have handled this Motley Bunch pretty well. However, there is one final person you have to get through. Her voice weighs just as heavily as everyone else's if not more so because she has already earned the right to lead this group. The Kingsmen's XO Brina, the floor is yours." Jack took a step back into the shadows to see how this final hand would play out.
Brina had watched things being played out, remembering her own intiation into the realms of the Kingsmen. There was one person she wished was still here. That was Gaagii, he had gotten a transfer to the Pioneer and she actually missed him as he had such insights.
Brina stepped from the wall where she had been standing sort of in the shadows. She liked the answer that Ixalia had given to Brian, and liked the fact that the woman had given Zapata pause.
However there was something else that Brina sought, thinking of the feather that Gaagii had given to her to welcome her to the family. Giving Brina an idea to further take the measure of the woman before her.
"Lieutenant, tell me, who you are. Who is your family. Where do you hail from? I shall tell you who I am, I am Captain Brina Tracy-Hall, coming from a long line of marines much like Colonel Patton does. I have the blood of a warrior running through my veins, and yet that blood is also tinted with the gentleness of a summer rain or appreciation of an azure blue sky. Do you, Lieutenant take time when not in battle to appreciate a moment of beauty. a quiet moment to balance out the spirit? "
This question, or rather series of questions, made Ixalia pause to think. Compared to Brina’s family, hers seemed quite pathetic. However, even if she didn’t come from a long line of warriors, she was proud of her family and her people. Though she could always use a touch up on Bajoran history.
Taking a deep breath in, Ixalia chose to copy Brina’s answer, “Who am I? I am Baaru Ixalia of Bajor, descended from a line of artists, farmers and craftsmen. I carry the blood soaked history of my people. A people who’s past was ripped from them by those who sought to conquer us. A people whose spark kept alive the fires of rebellion and who now use that same spark to drive us forward towards a brighter future. I am 1st Lieutenant Baaru, Starfleet Marine Corp, formerly A Recon Marine of the 2nd scouting unit under the 212th Marine Battalion. And now I am the Commander and leader of RECONN Platoon known as the Knights. I may be from humble origins, but my peoples spark burns bright within me”
Brina gazed at Baaru for a few long moments as the echo of Ixalia's words died down. A smile broke forth, and Brina answered. "Well answered, Lieutenant, a very good answer indeed. Be proud of your lineage as it is a good one. Artisans, Craftsmen as well as farmers are what form the strong basis of life. And the spark you have within you is very strong." She struck her chest with closed fist, and placed her hand upon Baaru's right shoulder "I of my own free will and accord, accept you as family. Brother to brother yours in life and death."
Brina stepped back and looked towards Patton giving him a nod.
Jack allowed the silence to hang for a moment. So that all could absorb and process all that had happened. When he felt enough time had passed Jack whispered in Brina's ear. "Raven would be proud that you keep his tradition alive.
Jack smiled to all who were present. "It seems that our family and this table is filled more and more with each passing day. This is something we should be proud of. It is not an honor to serve with you all or in this unit, it is a privilege. One that is granted each and every time we do this."
When he finished speaking Jack stood in front of Baaru. "First Lieutenant Baaru Ixalia. Attention!" All of the Kingsmen came to attention as Baaru did. He handed her a wooden box that contained the seal of the Kingsmen. When Ixalia opened it she found the official patch of the Kingsman, and a patch that bore a single word 'Ivy.' "Men, I present to you the new Commanding Officer of The Knights. One that you have accepted and swore your oath to. She has her place at the round table, First Lieutenant Ixalia Baaru code named Ivy. Three cheers..."
Jack took a step back and allowed the rest of the team to congratulate the new comer. Alicia walked over to Baaru. "Well it seems that we are going to be working closely. I say we make sure that either no one sees us or if they do they don't live to tell anyone."
Placing a hand onto Alicia’s shoulder, Baaru gave her a grin, “If they do see us Red, we aren’t doing our jobs properly”
"The whole game is to not get caught, right?" Audie laughed and nodded. "Welcome! It's always good to have more mischief makers!"
“Oh speaking of which…” Ixalia said, holding out her hand, “you want your combadge back?” She asked as she showed her the four combadges she’d managed to snatch from a few of the other Kingsmen as they came up to test her.
Brina stepped back as well, allowing the others to congratulate Baaru. She gave a satisfied sigh of contentment, Baaru was going to be fitting in with the Kingsmen just right.
Lieutenant Colonel Jack 'BlackJack' Patton
Commanding Officer, The Kingsmen
Poseidon Station
Second Lieutenant Erin 'Sparks' Inferson
Commanding Officer, The Swords
The Kingsmen
Poseidon Station
Master Sergeant Robert 'Meatball' Schiano
First Sergeant, The Kingsmen
Poseidon Station
Staff Sergeant Brian 'Sticks' Cancielleri
Corpsman, The Kingsmen
Poseidon Station
Sergeant Alicia 'Big Red' Reilly
Platoon Sergeant, The Knights
The Kingsmen
Poseidon Station
Lance Corporal Brian 'Reaper' Zapata
Rifleman, The Swords
The Kingsmen
Poseidon Station
Captain Brina "Songbird" Tracy-Hall
Executive Officer, The Kingsmen
Poseidon Station
1st Lieutenant Baaru 'Ivy' Ixalia
Platoon CO, The Knights
The Kingsmen
Poseidon Station
Sgt. Audie 'Magic Hands' Fitch
Medic, The Kingsmen
Poseidon Station
First Lieutenant Anthony "Spitfire" Hill
Platoon CO, The Castle
The Kingsmen
Poseidon Station
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