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Post by Lt Commander Marcus Aquila on Oct 22, 2018 0:40:44 GMT -5
Location October 2422 Rome, Italian peninsula Earth.
A pensive young man stood looking over the ruins of the Forum atop the Palatine hill in Rome. There were tourist wondering the grounds, but for this man this was not a pilgrimage of educational curiosity. He walked, looking at the marble remains of the ancient palaces. So here is where it began. He thought to himself. This is where legends stood in centuries gone. He moved his hand his collar, the fresh pips earned after graduation from his department head training still weighing. I have yet to see service, yet am rewarded. He pushed aside his thoughts. He had earned it but something always was there, wondering if it had not been given to him due to his father. “Telemachus, It warms heart to lay eyes on you.” The voice came from behind him, it was known all to well. That of teacher, dictator, superior and father. He turned. “Father, I was unaware you were on planet. I had thought to join you on the Mjolnir as ordered tomorrow.” Telemachus turned to face his father. The man stood before him a mirror aged with experience. The same black hair, the same piercing brown eyes. The same chiseled jaw. Though in his reflection he saw a future. The one he wished for himself. The one for which he would yet still be measured against. “ I am for Wisconsin and meal with John and his family. I had thought to find you at honored Headquarters, yet they told me you were here. I must admit, I have rarely found the time to visit this place” Telemachus’s father, Marcus Maximus Aquila moved closer to him. Aquila. That was his name, it wasn’t their name. His father had seen fit to strip himself of his birthright in an effort to please others. In doing so he had shed a noble name to take on one that would appear as common. A name that Telemachus bore now in deference to his father’s wishes. “It does not surprise me that you do not care for our history father. You still yet carry a name that is not ours.” The venom in his voice was not intended. And the wound was one never healed. He looked at his father as he said it and he could see that the words had pierced like spear. Before he could issue an apology his father responded. “ It the name I have chosen. We are no longer nobles, we are all citizens. Yet names still remind us of tarnished past. And yet still ours is doubly damned. My brother may choose to still where it, but I choose for us to be for the people and our family loyal to its symbol. Telemachus you carry my name first remember, and the name of our family. It is not tradition I abandon, but proper tradition I seek to make anew. Take heed for that is the Honor you must uphold now. That is our crest, Etiam sine nomine, Semper Honos.” His father’s eyes eased upon the speaking of the words as if they reminded him of a resolve son yet found lacking. Telemachus nodded. “ Apologies, I did not mean disrespect, only frustration. I stand yet the third of our people to graduate from Starfleet Academy, and my name carries with it tradition of a generation. A name which hides another that had begat Caesars. Both on our world and here.” Marcus Telemachus Aquila moved toward his father’s side as they walked the grounds to the entrance of the Colosseum. “And yet you still fail to see opportunity, my son. Your name is new, your deeds untarnished by history and tradition. You can yet make name far more than even I. In your own right, you can choose what type of man you wish to be, not what type you should be based on family. Your name represents the symbol of our people. Not any specific family. And that is the honor you should seek to hold.” Father and son walked together in silence for awhile in the home of their ancestors.
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Post by Lt Commander Marcus Aquila on Oct 25, 2018 17:05:47 GMT -5
Location USS Mjolnir in route to LMC transfer point The confinement beam of the transporter released Telemachus and he stepped off of the pad. A stunning blonde woman greeted him. “ Welcome aboard the Mjolnir, Lieutenant. I can show you to your billet for your journey. As you are a passenger on this voyage we have assigned you diplomatic quarters which will give you easier access to the ships Holodecks and junior officer lounge. The Captain has also extended you an invitation to his table tonight.” Telemachus nodded and followed the woman, she gave him a lay of the vessel as well as the location of any important systems he should know about before they boarded a turbolift and she blinked out of existence. A hologram, interesting. Telemachus wondered what other things this ship hid. He checked the chrono. Dinner was in three hours. He changed into his PT uniform and headed towards the gym. As he left the turbolift on deck 10 Delta and Hazard Operations. As he stepped off of the turbolift the holographic woman appeared. “ Are you lost lieutenant? Deck 10 is a restricted area.” The hologram was less welcoming a this time. Telemachus stopped, “ Apologies Lieutenant… I checked deck plan to find gymnasium it said one existed here.” The hologram quirked her head. “ I am called Sif, and why would a holographic gymnasium not serve your purpose?” Telemachus turned to walk away and the hologram moved in front of him. “ You are not dismissed.” Telemachus looked confused, “ I thought you a part of the ship.And to answer your question, I prefer reality to holographic fantasy.” “I am a part of this ship’s command structure. As such you should address me as Sir or Ma’am. As for your access to the gymnasium, you have been cleared. Carry on Lieutenant.” and just as she appeared she was gone. Telemachus shook his head and moved into the gym. Inside the room he saw several of the delta and security operatives lifting and sparring. A tall andorian woman was sparing with a smaller vulcan. Telemachus watched as the andorian swept her off of her feet then applied a knee-lock. He found himself smirking as he headed to the gravity treadmill. Turning the gravity to 1.3 earth gravity he bagan to jog. The Andorian began to speak. To a group of security officers that were watching the sparring. “ What did our friend from the republic do to meet her end?” republic it must have been a romulan, she lacked the normal brow ridges of her people. Her question went unanswered and Telemachus let himself speak. “ She shifted weight and telegraphed intent.” The andorian turned to him. Her eye cocked and she studied him a moment then her look turned to one of recognition. “ That is correct. Come here lieutenant” Telemachus stopped running. His PT uniform did not contain his rank, the andorian must have recognized him. He moved to the mat. “ Care to demonstrate lieutenant?” Telemachus nodded. “If demonstration is wanted.” He responded. The Andorian took position in front of him and he fell into a combat stance. They began to circle each other. He watched her waiting for her strike. The first punch was fast. He nearly was unable to move his head. The second strike, a kick, found home on his leg. It stung but was not disabling. He threw a looping strike in return that was easily dodged by the andorian woman. They reset to a game of foot position. That was when he triggered the trap. He appeared to leave the weight off of his front leg, The andorian woman went for the spinning leg sweep. As she did he charged with a bodylock takedown. Once on the ground he hooked a leg between hers and moved to her throw her arm in a wrist lock. The andorian turned her hip into his to create space and attempted to slide her arm away from his grip. In doing so she exposed her neck. Telemachus shifted his grip instead moving to apply a blood choke. She seemed to allow him to gain the choke to easily. “Right, redundant circulatory systems” he cursed his choice under his breath. The gap created by attempting to take her neck left him only able to surrender back position. She took the opening to fall in between his legs and he locked his ankles to hold her in place. The andorian attempted to punch him from the position. He weathered the blows and timed a catch hooking her arm to draw her head down, he released the arm, broke his legs and shifted his hips. His leg went over her shoulder and he shifted his hips to sit in on her arm. He torqued his hips, rotated his heel and blocked her roll with his ar. Then he rotated his hips. The andorian submitted and he released her arm. Telemachus stood up as did the andorian. The security officers stifled a laugh, the romulan spoke up. “Lt Commander, was that what you wanted demonstrated?” Her smile at Telemachus made him second guess playing to win. The andorian did not show anger. Simply turned to the romulan. “Centurion Lenara if you had the skill of this one, criticism would be warranted. I expected nothing less from Lieutenant Aquila., tell me Lieutenant, why did you abandon the choke?” “The choke proved fruitless, simply stopping one circulatory system is not enough to render andorian unconscious. It wasted energy. Knowledge of opponent is more important than favored technique.” Telemachus stood at parade rest. “A lesson learned early at teaching of honored father. If further demonstration is not needed, I must retire to bath in preparation for meal.” The andorian smiled at him then dismissed the officers as well. Telemachus moved to leave the gymnasium. He was stopped by the voice of the centurion. “Aquila, your father commands this ship?” She moved in front of him in the doorway in expectation of his answer. “ That is correct, he stand as Captain. I stand as guest for journey to assignment.” Telemachus went to move past her and she put her hand on his chest. “I’m just glad someone was here to put Commander Kala in her place, she’s been a little more than competitive since the new delta team came on board. And as humans might say a pain in my ass.” The romulan flashed a predatory smile at him. “ You said meal, have dinner plans I’d love pick the brain of the son of the captain.” Telemachus looked at her again, her stance had shifted if not for request of his father she might be an agreeable dining companion.” Apologies but I am to join my father’s table. Perhaps after I can meet you in officer’s lounge?” The romulan drew her hand from his chest slowly. “I get off shift at 2100 don’t be late.” She left the doorway and let him past. He headed for his quarters to shower and dress.
Telemachus entered the room that was designated the Captain’s Mess. His father and Commander Kingman were already present. His father stood to greet him. “Son, come join company and embrace.” He moved and shook his father’s arm. Then Commander Kingman. “ John informs me that little more than one hour on ship you have bested my Tactical officer in unarmed sport. Perhaps you would rather serve beside honored father?” “I merely took advantage of offered opportunity. I am sure it would not go as favorable if repeated.” Turning to Commander Kingman, “ It is agreeable to see you Commander, loving wife was an excellent instructor at the academy.” Commander Kingman smiled, “ I bet, though I’m sure she wasn’t too hard on you. Now let’s eat I’m starving.” The three men sat at the table and talked of starfleet, exploration and past battles. Both men gave him advice on his new position. When the meal had finished Telemachus followed his father to the ready room of the ship. The bridge was busy and in passing he walked near Commander Kala who nodded to him. Which elicited a chuckle from Centurion Lenara who stood guard near the turbolift. Inside the ready room his father moved toward the crossed Gladii. He removed one. “You understand what these stand?.” “Yes father, they stand our family’s weapons, dating back to the original empire.” Telemachus watches as his father removed the blade from its scabbard. “Generations of our family have carried these at the head of armies. Always a pair. Yet now, we stand each in service to the Federation. And you stand, as graduate of Starfleet Academy, a feat even I did not accomplish.” Telemachus opened his mouth to speak but his father continued. “You should not go into battle lacking in proper equipment.” He sheathed the gladius and turned it’s hilt to Telemachus. “ Take it and with it our family honor. We shall rejoin the pair when both our duties are complete.” Telemachus took the gladius, he wanted to reject the gift but knew it to be improper. He did not think himself worthy of carrying the weapon, especially not under their adopted name. “ Dismissed son, we will speak again tomorrow.” Telemachus saluted his father in the way of the Republic then left carrying the blade through the bridge and returned to his quarters. He replicated a cloth and wrapped the weapon. He checked the chrono then left to meet the centurion in the lounge.
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Post by Lt Commander Marcus Aquila on Nov 9, 2018 21:11:13 GMT -5
USS Mjolnir, Milky Way side of Artesia Gateway
Telemachus sat in his assigned quarters finalizing his packing as he listened to the ship primary comm. A small article of clothing remained unpacked as he grabbed it he smiled as he realized the undershirt did not belong to him by to Centurion Lenara. He would leave her note of where to find wayward garment. He put on his undershirt, pulling it over the still scarred left shoulder from a wound suffered a year prior. He then put on his uniform. The red division stripe indicative of his prior posting,department head training as an ensign at starfleet academy. The fresh pips of a Junior Lieutenant were put in place and he listened as Sif announced traversal of the Artesia Gateway. He felt a warmth inside him as the ship made its travel to the Large Magellanic Cloud. As after a few minutes the feeling subsided. He took his bag and headed toward the corridor and toward the transporter room to await disembarkation. As he walked the hologram appeared beside him. “Are you leaving without saying goodbye to your father?” The hologram seemed to actually harbor concern, strange. “We have already made feelings known. I would not wish to pull him from duty.” Marcus continued walking into the transporter room and nodded to the chief. The short tellarite returned a nod and they stood waiting. Sif blinked out of existence. “I can never get use to that, always gives me the creeps.” The transporter chief quipped as Marcus pulled out a PADD containing the ship specs and deck plan of the Pilgrim. After around thirty minutes he stepped onto the PADD and was teleported away to the Citadel.
USS Pilgrim LMC Artesia System Telemachus stepped down off the pad of the transporter. Another had joined him on his embarkation to the vessel. From the discourse between him and the Lieutenant that met them he discerned the man must be Junior Lieutenant Earl Grey who would be the new chief of security. Telemachus reported to the woman. “Marcus Telemachus Aquila, I stand to take chief tactical station. Where should I report to quarters?” Marcus shifted his bag and the gladius nearly fell from its bondage. The woman looked at him then spoke. “We are going to take you to see the captain first, seeing that you are new on the command staff, well you both are.” Marcus nodded. He had hoped that he would be able to see the quartermaster and change uniform into the operations uniform of his new post. He would have to do so after report. The man who came on board with him did not seem to have an issue directly reporting. As they road in the turbolift small talk about previous posting was made. When the turbolift came to a halt Marcus stepped onto the bridge of the Bellerophon class vessel. The bridge of the Pilgrim was larger than expected. Duty stations seemed to be logically laid out with operations and tactical flanking the command pit with eyelines following to the large central viewer. Marcus moved past Lt. Grey and moved to wait outside the Captain’s ready room. After Lt. Gayle entered he followed then stood at attention before the seated vulcan and a standing klingon woman carrying the rank of lieutenant commander. That must stand Lt. Commander Valkriss, he thought to himself. Lt. Grey was first to speak and made introduction. The act was not expected by Marcus. It was improper to address a superior out of turn. It did not seem to draw reprimand. Marcus stood silent as the captain laid out expectations. “You should keep in mind this is a science vessel, so you should probably forget any fantasies of heroic adventuring you may have. “ The vulcan finished her statement relaying orders that the Pilgrim stood to undergo readiness drills. “ So you will right off the bat get an opportunity to show us what you have got to offer.” She glanced at him then Grey. “ You do not mind getting thrown into the deep end right away do you?” Marcus spoke up to her challenge, “ I welcome it Sir.” Captain T’pang’s speech was full of earth idioms. It was strange to Marcus but even his own father had picked them up from time spent amongst terrans. His comment seemed to elicit a facial reaction from the klingon. The captain asked for anything from the woman and Marcus felt her gaze peirce over him. She spoke plainly in reponse to the captain’s query. “ None asside from after you leave here, report to the quartermaster for your quarters and gear requisitions. And Mister Aquila?” Marcus held in a sigh, first day and he was likely due a dressing down due to his uniform. He responded. “Aye Sir?” maintaining his rigid stance at attention. “The quartermaster will assist you in ensuring you report to your first alpha watch in the proper duty uniform. Tactical is an operations branch. See to it you make the necessary replicator adjustments.” Marcus dipped his head slightly and responded. “Apologies.” he should have changed on the Citadel station. But past mistakes need not impede future performance and excuses were not becoming. After asking for feedback the captain dismissed both officers. Lt. Grey exited in formal fashion. Marcus made voice to his. “I will see myself to proper attire, and report at the proper time.” He turned to leave but was stopped by the voice of Commander Valkriss. Marcus froze almost wondering if he had further place head in ass with mistake. “Mister Aquila, off the record, congratulations.” Marcus turned to face them again. He was unsure of what the woman spoke. His recent graduation from department head training was routine enough for most officers even if they did not do it so soon after graduating the academy. “Apologies,” he began. “ I do not know for what I have earned laurels. But Gratitude for the awarding of them.” The woman looked at him and smiled. “I was referring to being only the third one from your homeworld to graduate the academy. “ Marcus tensed slightly. The fact she spoke of while true did not seem like something worthy of praise. In his eyes he had done nothing other members of starfleet had not. However even his father had not graduated the academy. Earning first commission on appointment from Magna Roma military and later earning command threw merit of service. Of course it was the fact that so few had gone through starfleet academy that had drawn eyes to those who did from the senate at home. Lucia Cornelia Scopiona had graduated a year ahead of him and was someone he considered with friendly acquaintance. And off course There was the Light of Magna Roma. Marcus found himself wanting to set record straight. “Permission to speak absent mind for improper tongue?” the words left his lips faster than he could reform them into more standard speech. They seemed to be understood as the commander nodded. “ While gratitude is felt for acknowledgement of completion. I do not wish either past laurels or familiar acquaintance to have bearing on evaluation of performance. I seek merely to serve.: “And you will get none from me mister, “ the klingon woman shook her head, “ You earn your place here on your own merits or you will wish you were back home.” The smile belied the subtle threat in her voice, “ But the deed itself was worth noting.” Marcus liked this klingon. “Then I shall endeavor to heed command and perform duty with honor,” He looked at both of the women and then was dismissed by the commander. “I fall to command, sir. Captain”. Marcus left the office for the quartermaster. The Captain had not seemed to indicate familiarity with him or his name, though she was known to him. She had been instrumental in saving his father years ago, after they had retrieved her in the delta quadrant. Though most of the mission had been redacted behind classified files, the name T’pang had been in evening toasts for several meals during his fathers leave and his from his prior to his cadet cruise. It would be an honor to serve under her.
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Post by Lt Commander Marcus Aquila on Nov 18, 2018 19:44:38 GMT -5
Citadel Station LMC Artesia System.
Marcus left the docking ring. Rest was welcomed as it gave him time to think on addressing deficiencies in his department. Lieutenant Rhys provided the most problem. By all rights he was more qualified to hold position than Marcus, yet he had been passed over. Perhaps downtime would give chance to informally broach subject and see revelation to build relationships. While the crew evaluations were being ran Marcus had plans to turn to drink, though perhaps that would not be wise. Party had lead to him waking up on the adagio, improperly dressed and having to sneak to the transporter in jefferies tubes to beam back to the Pilgrim. Codpiece from costume must now rest in Sereya’s collection. The citadel was still a wonder for Marcus. He walked through the shops and saw the people peddling wares. So many new species combined with the federation and allied forces. It reminded him of the market in Magna Roma. He walked passed a group of romulans. As he did he noticed that Centurion Lenara. His gaze was met and she smiled. He nodded then continued on toward the bar where the crew of the Pilgrim congregated. The bar had patrons, Mr Grey was seated already at a table. Marcus approached the bartender and ordered a drink. A wine in the cestian style as was his preference. He took the wine and sat down at the table with Mr. Grey. The two conversed about the work, before discussion turned to celebration had previously on Citadel that Grey had been unable to attend. When Mr. Rhys showed up Marcus invited him. “Come Mr. Rhys, break bread.” Marcus notioned to the empty chair at the table with himself and Mr. Grey. The tactical officer seemed to reluctantly join them. Unfortunate, the man does not seem inclined to merriment. “Never been a fan of bread. “ The man said as he came to sit. “Perhaps tell stories of events before our arrival at perspective posts, if tongue prefers other activities.” Marcus took a sip of his wine and the men spoke in small talk. Marcus’s eyes however drifted to Dahlia who had enter the bar and sat at the other table with Lieutenant Jelani and a strange alien man obviously a colleague but a member of the crew Marcus had not met yet. When conversation with Grey and Rhys had reached a lull and Mr. Grey seemed ready to return to his duties Marcus left the table to join the other portion of the crew, and Dahlia. Conversation at that table was farm ore into trivia, including apprehension about current reviews. Marcus felt himself not really caring and instead hoping that eventually he would be left to speak to the doctor on his own. She had been enticing at the party, sharing ever present cup and games, and perhaps speaking of desires yet she had not left with Sereya and himself. In part Marcus was glad of this. The doctor presented more than simply distraction of lust for him. Preference was for something more. He could not be sure why, it was as if struck by Amor’s arrow rather than gripped in momentary hex of venutian incantation. When Mr. T’ghor joined them after the blue alien’s departure talked turned toward methods for getting better performance out of subordinates. After sufficient conversation of grievances was had about subordinate training, The talk turned to entertainment and Dahlia suggested viewing of a film. Marcus believed the idea a good one, the companions of Lieutenants Jelani and T’ghor were unable to attend should they partake in entertainment after drinks. The two with them left to respective tasks and Marcus and Dahlia sat alone at the table. Talked turn to concerns with the blue alien and Marcus realized Dahlia had mistaken him as head of security. After correction Marcus saw opening for flirtation. “Though if I feigned offense would you make attempt at recompense?” He smirked at her. He could see the subtle smile in her face at his flirtation.After more idle chatter, the doctor was called for her evaluations. And not soon after he to his.
Evaluations went as well as could be expected seeing that Marcus had only been serving a short time aboard the vessel. He was able to make suggestion that crosstraining bridge duties become an action taken by all those serving aboard the bridge so that the chain of command could suffer devastating loses with complete loss of cohesion and route. He was also in mind able to secure some form of apprenticeship with the Captain to further his own career plans and learn from her so that he could one day attain the honored rank.
When he returned to bar, Dahlia waited and after drink and conversation they headed toward the holodeck for discussed movie night.
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Post by Lt Commander Marcus Aquila on Jan 25, 2020 22:14:46 GMT -5
USS Mjolnir 22 Days into CSP Beryxian Operational Sector.
Marcus Antonius Maximus looked at the holographic starfield displayed behind the holowindow in his ready room. His mind was drifting between hypotheticals. He was faintly aware of the sound of his Strategic Operations Officer Kera Macedon. It was a routine briefing held daily. But today it did not hold his attention.
“Yes stands fine Commander.” He uttered, not paying attention to what he was dismissing. His thoughts focused on treasured son and newest daughter.
“Really Legatus, because I just said Hannabal had sacked Rome.” The dark haired woman’s wit was sharp as ever.
“Apologies My mind was on more troubling concern, has there been any news of Pilgrim?” He shifted his gaze back to the woman. Now offering attention where it lacked.
She frowned, “Nothing on the ship itself. There was an engagement with several Chosen vessels at the site of their disappearance prosecuted by USS Protector, USS Caelian, and USS Enigma. The Protector managed a victory while two other Chosen ships withdrew from the battlespace. But nothing on the Pilgrim’s wearabouts. Though I suppose a lack of evidence of destruction can be considered a good thing.”
He sighed, a good thing yes but not an answer. “I have little doubt my son yet lives, a father feels these things. But the fact that he stands on his own does trouble. Gratitude for the update Commander.”
She stood and nodded in respect before leaving without another word. Marcus stood and walked toward a small photo displayed on a shelf. A recent acquisition given to him over subspace he had framed. The picture contained Telemachus, Claudius and Antonia all together on the grounds of Starfleet Academy. Marcus and Claudius in uniform carrying their sister in their arms between them. He touched the picture and held it. “My children… Juno keep them. And Mars… see to it my son provided with the means to fight his way home.” He replaced the picture and looked at the one of Severus. Perhaps it wasn’t unfortunate that Severus did not follow me to the stars, as the thought left his mind he turned to the view panel.
“Sif, I would have conversation.” The panel blinked on with a picture of the VICI. She met him with an emotionless gaze.
“Captain, the version of myself you wish to speak with is offduty. I could let her know by per your orders she is only to be disturbed through normal communication.” He shook his head and checked the shift clock. “No need, it is not important.”
“As you wish captain.” The screen flickered off. He moved and called up a message from his wife then listening to her tell him of gossip from home as he sat down to go over the report he had not heard from his stratops officer.
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