"Upward Mobility"

[LeftEar JoNs 0]

8.12.06 (2397)

ISS Agincourt ICC-81762

“Upward Mobility”

 

**Takes place during the Marine deployment to Psi Velorum.

 

A phaser blast on heavy stun pinged off the cargo container that Kansas used for cover. She quickly leaped across the exposed aisle gap to another section of cargo containers, attempting to work her way around the fracas that had exploded in the shuttle bay. She had been doing her rounds and minding her own business when the brawl had erupted. Apparently, 2nd Lieutenant Zimm had jumped Ensign Rico. Rico’s men had come to his rescue, and Zimm’s buddies had jumped in, and said brawl had erupted.

 

Now granted, all this took place in front of the Caitian. Hellooooo…would you like to purchase a clue? You never wanted witnesses, especially Imperial security. Upward mobility via taking out a superior was a time honored tradition in the Imperial Fleet. It did require some finesse, and this was not one of those situations. You needed to carefully formulate a plan and then move for the kill. And usually, you needed to tell the difference between the correct and in correct times to act as timing was everything. Besides, nothing would ever get done if everyone was gunning for everyone else all the time. Zimm couldn’t even claim Rico’s post - they weren’t even in the same department. She had never seen a more sloppy confrontation in her entire career.

 

Privately, Kansas was rooting for Rico, a member of security, hoping he would beat the Hades out of marine Zimm. But, she did have a job to do. Granted, it would not be by the book, but whatever. She could not pass up this opportunity, not with most of marine command on the surface of Psi Velorum. With no one around to dispute her handling of the Zimm situation, it was a prime opportunity for some marine-security mayhem.

 

From the shadows, she sighted down on the jarhead. One well placed stun shot, and Zimm went down for the count. She started moving out into the lighted area. It took about twenty seconds for everybeing to realize what had just happened. They all stared at the Caitian. Terrans can be very dense at times, I mean really.

 

She managed to hold onto her patience. “Okay, this is the part where you all work with me.” Kansas said. “Leave now and quickly. I didn’t see any of you here.” Rico and his men needed no further prodding and exited quickly, Rico giving Kansas a slight nod of thanks in her direction. However, the remaining two ground pounders stayed, moving toward their fallen comrade.

 

“No leave him. And you both need to make yourselves scarce. I won’t repeat myself a third time.”

 

Zimm Cronie Number One, a big Private by the name of Biessman*, stopped. But, Zimm Cronie Number Two, Saunders, a Tactical Sergeant, continued toward the fallen Zimm.

 

With no warning, Kansas leapt at Saunders. Saunders turned just in time for an annoyed, 125 lb ball of fur to smash into him. Her claws and fangs were not bared, thank you very much; she was known to use restraint at times. She just hoped that Beissman showed some as well and didn’t lodge his dagger in her back.

 

Saunders did not take kindly to her interference and tussled with the Caitian. She socked him in the jaw, which did change his mind. She did feel a few things did go “pop” in her hand however. Ow…Ow…Ow. Note to self: stop taking on beings bigger then you. Both of them stood panting and staring at one another.

 

Big Bruiser Beissman cleared his throat at that point and started backing toward the exit. Saunders used some good sense and followed suit, keeping his eyes on her the whole time. The two Marines left the shuttle bay.

 

Sleeping Beauty Zimm started to come to at that point. Kansas’s foot connected with his midsection, flipping him over onto his back and causing him to slip back into unconsciousness.

 

She started toward the exit doors and spoke into thin air, activating the internal comms to contact the security offices. She gingerly massaged her injured right hand. The skin beneath the fur had already started to bruise a livid purple and red. Ow…Ow…Ow. Saunders’s hard jaw matches that thick skull of his.

 

Ensign Holt answered the page. Good. He knew when to keep his mouth shot and look the other way. “Holt, this is Lieutenant JoNs. Send an escort team down to the main shuttle bay to pick up Sergeant Zimm. He is due some Booth time.”

 

“Aye Ma’am, the team is being dispatched now. Reason?” Holt replied. His tone was curious.

 

A cocky smile played at her lips as she outright lied, not telling the whole truth. “Oh, apparently, he attacked Rico, no warning at all. Zimm just up and lost his temper. Rico did not retaliate; at least our people know how to follow orders. Harper really needs to update her department on these critical matters; she and her people must need a refresher course on departmental etiquette.” She heard Holt chuckle on the other end.

 

“After all, these confrontations between the marine and security departments are frowned upon. Security must maintain the peace and all. JoNs out.”

 

Ah, the joys of upward mobility. You never can tell how it will work in your favor.

 

Oooorah you ground pounders.

 

Lieutenant M.S. “Kansas” JoN’s

Chief Tactical-Assistant Security Officer

 

*Note: the Beissman character appears courtesy of Star Trek: Elite Force 2 (2003 Activision)