Full Honors
Posted on Fri May 22nd, 2026 @ 3:16pm by Commodore Tyler Malbrooke & Lieutenant Commander Alyssa Maren & Lieutenant Commander Hermia O'Rourke & Lieutenant Colonel Cornelius Tremble & Brigadier General Seamus O'Rourke
Edited on on Fri May 22nd, 2026 @ 3:27pm
1,451 words; about a 7 minute read
Mission:
Episode 18 - The Edge of Darkness
Location: Transporter Room 1 - Deck 4 - USS Pioneer
Timeline: MD001 1700 hrs
Tyler stepped into the transporter room and the Chief snapped to attention. With a wave and a smile, he told the transporter chief to relax. Fact was he was up tight more than anyone. Tyler had been reviewed by Admirals numerous times, but this would be the first time a General was to board the ship. He knew that there were a lot of people against the integration of Marines and so Tyler wanted to make sure they made a good impression on this mission.
Hermia stood in her dress uniform, her face unreadable. Her father and her had had several disagreements about her career, but they were still family.
"Commodore, I must warn you my father is quite fanatic, when it comes to being a Marine, the Corps is in the O'Rourke family's blood, an O'Rourke was among the first Royal Marines." Hermia said.
"Thanks for the heads up, Doc. Funny thing is it says that very thing in his record. Hence why we are standing here in these ridiculous monkey suits." Tyler tugged at the gold collar of his uniform. He wasn't sure but he thought that the flag dress uniform that he now wore fit him worse than the Captain one. "We have a few days of events and inspections planned for him. That should keep that red carpet under his feet until we get to Camp Nostromo. You just make sure that Sick Bay passes his white glove test." Tyler practically laughed at his comment.
Tugging at his cuffs, Neil strode into the transporter room, Rommie updating the general's itinerary via countdown clock in his HUD as Neil tried to look everywhere to make sure everything was ship-shape, though there wasn't any more time to fix problems at this point.
They were as ready as they were going to be.
His leg still drug slightly, despite having had medical (and Rommie) update the things software packages and basically rebuild the artificial limb twice. The AI was now thinking it had to do with the fact that his gate continuously changed and Neil was being difficult on purpose.
"Well," Neil said as he stopped and moved into a pre-appointed position. "I think we have all of the dogs and ponies lined up. Commodore, are you sure it's not too late for me to go on leave?"
"I'm not sure if I'm a dog or a pony," Alyssa said, slipping into place. "But I'm here." Fortunately, she planned to be a couple minutes early because what was supposed to have been a quick check of one of the new bio filters in a terrarium turned into an unexpected shower and a quick change. But she could see that everyone was present and on time, so it was all good.
"Commodore, Brigadier General O'Rourke is ready for transport, Sir." The Chief reported.
Tyler glanced at his command staff. "I don't think either of us are dogs or ponies. Alyssa let this serve as your first official command function. If I can't get out of this then no one will." He laughed and then turned to the Transporter Chief. "Get them up Chief."
As command functions went, this was pretty tame. Alyssa doubted she'd be this fortunate in the future. Still, she planned to keep a low profile and speak only when spoken to. Since she was only the second officer, she'd probably get away with it.
Two figures appeared on the transporter pads. On was a tall male human with greying hair and a beard, his blue eyes were bright with intelligence, but a closer look showed great sorrow. He wore the uniform of a Marine Brigadier General. Be side him stood a shorter Vulcanoid, she was slim, her hair black, and she wore a Marine Captain's uniform.
The Transporter Chief sounded a bosun's whistle as the transporter finished. "General O'Rourke now boarding USS Pioneer." He announced.
Tyler stepped forward with a broad smile and his hand extended to shake. "General O'Rourke. Welcome aboard the Pioneer. May I present my Executive Officer. Lieutenant Colonel Cornelius Tremble, my Second Officer Lieutenant Commander Alyssa Maren, and of course you know our Chief Medical Officer Lieutenant Commander Hermia O'Rourke." He indicated each person as he spoke.
Seamus to the offered hand shook it. "Thank you, Commodore, I've heard a lot of good things about Pioneer and her crew." Indicating the Vulcanoid woman. "This is my Aide-de-camp, Captain Feren X'tal." He said.
Neil nearly snapped a salute, but decided this wasn't that kind of occasion. Instead, he kept his place at a rigid at rest and took in the General and his Aide. He hadn't met either previously so it was time to take stock. The general's reputation was good. Now to measure the man.
Alyssa said nothing, but she remained quietly watchful. She was curious to see how the man measured up to what she'd read about him. But for now, she was fine with simply observing.
"Welcome aboard Captain. I am glad that you both made it here safely. Not too long of a journey I trust." Tyler said with a smile and then began to walk side by side with the General. "We've quarters laid out for you both on deck three. There is of course a tour scheduled as well. Is there anything that interests you in particular?"
"Thank you, Commodore." Feren said her voice soft, but clear.
"I'd like to see your Bridge , Commodore, it is not often that I get to inspect a member of the famous Intrepid class." O'Rourke said.
"We were just about to depart. So, the Bridge it is and then we can show you to your quarters." Tyler made his way to the Turbolift with the group. "You know I have always loved the Intrepid Class. Ever since I saw the USS Voyager fly by the Golden Gate Bridge on its return to Earth."
"That was indeed a day to remember." Seamus agreed. "The bravery shown by that crew is something we all strive for."
Alyssa glanced at Neil, a small smile on her face, and fell in behind the others.
Neil just avoided rolling his eyes and slipped into step with Alyssa, trailing the Commodore, General and Aide. His shoulder did bump Alyssa's just slightly in full agreement with her assessment.
As they rode in the turbolift, Tyler thought a brief chat about what was to come was in order. "General, once we are underway it should be about four days at slipstream to the Typhon Expanse. From there a few hours at impulse to Camp Nostromo. I believe a formal change of command ceremony is scheduled upon our arrival. Of course the Pioneer's Senior Staff will be available for anything that you may need for that ceremony."
"Thank you, Commodore, it is much appreciated." Seamus said.
As Alyssa stood quietly in a corner, she wondered if the general's aide would like to go to the mess at some point for a drink--or if she was the type of Vulcan that didn't drink on principal. It was more likely she'd be too busy. But they'd be traveling for four days, and it would be a polite gesture to at least ask.
Captain Feren X'tal observed all, but kept quiet, as there was nothing of importance for her to say at the moment.
A few decks below the bridge the lift slowed and Neil touched Alyssa's elbow before saying, "If you'll forgive us, Commodore. General. Commander Maren and I have a couple of departure checks to triple check and then we'll join you on the bridge.
That was fine with Alyssa. She'd much rather arrive a few minutes after the entourage. It would allow her to slip into science mostly unnoticed. She nodded to the others as she and Neil stepped off the turbolift, the doors closing behind them.
A Post By
Commodore Tyler Malbrooke
Commanding Officer, USS Pioneer
Lieutenant Commander Alyssa Maren
Chief Science Officer/Second Officer, USS Pioneer
Lieutenant Colonel Cornelius Tremble
Executive Officer, USS Pioneer
Battalion Commander, The Cure
Brigadier General Seamus O'Rourke
Commanding Officer, Camp Nostromo
Captain Feren X'tal
Aide-de-Camp, Camp Nostromo
Lieutenant Commander Hermia O'Rourke
Chief Medical Officer, USS Pioneer
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