[Galaxy] [New-Darwin] 24 Sep, Joint log, Oliver/Shepard/Mason, "Pushing Forward"

[Kate Nicholson]

[ Command Center ]

Mason turned to Oliver.  "Constitution has been updated on our
progress," he reported.  "Unfortunately, our ships have their own
problems.  Our pods with the B-Team elements may be delayed."  He
adjusted his rifle strap on his shoulder.

Oliver, attached as by a three foot tether to Mason's back pocket,
nodded in understanding, and in reflex repositioned her own rifle. "Then
we do it with what we've got," she stated the obvious. "We can't just
stop, can we?"

"Major," called the female MACO.  "We've picked up some activity at the
Infirmary.  Hand scanners read both human and Klingon bio-signs."

Mason turned to his trooper next to Sheppard at the communications
station. "Comms traffic?"

Rebekah piped in before the other trooper could.  "Just got an update,
Major," she said, dropping her hand from the comm bud in her ear.  "The
Infirmary's been taken by a partisan group led by Lt Austin and his
bunch." She cast a quick look toward Oliver, seeing the Colony CO smiling.

Mason turned back to the female MACO, "How's Carpenter?"

"Too stupid to die, Sir," she replied.  "I've got his ribs taped up
tight. He'll hold together until I can do more than just battlefield
medicine."

Mason nodded.  "Sounds like he could benefit from a trip to the
Infirmary. Get over there and liaise with the colonists.  Manpower's
going to be tight until Bravo touches down, so we'll need every boot
pushing mud.  But remember, we haven't cleared the other buildings, yet."

"Roger that, Major," she replied as she checked her rifle.  "We'll let
you know if we run into any trouble."

Mason nodded as his trooper hurried off to perform her duty.

"Major, I would suspect if they take the Infirmary, they'll remove the
prisoners via the tunnel system; get the people out and headed to the
safe sites," suggested Michah.

"Then once we make contact, we can start consolidating forces," Mason
replied.  "Right now your people are scattered all over, while mine are
delayed.  Let's get everyone on the same comm channel, to start.  Then
when we can start coordinating efforts between all available resources,
including orbital, victory will only be a matter of time."

Shepard stood to the side of the discussion.  Her uniform was still
spattered with dust, mud and the distinct color of Klingon blood.  She'd
managed to recover the sheath for her Andorian blade and both were now
affixed to the front of her tactical vest.  As the Constitution MACO
turned away, Reb looked to the Major and Captain.  "Permission to
accompany them, Sirs," she said, hedging her recovered rifle up.  "A
familiar face would facilitate contact."

"Negative, Lieutenant," Mason replied.  He looked to Oliver to explain.
"I'm sending my medic and wounded man to the Infirmary.  That's the
maximum we can afford."  He turned back to Sheppard.  "I need you on
point to clear the rest of the buildings in the colony proper.  We need
to occupy the command and control infrastructure, and you're the one to
get that done sooner rather than later.  You've got Quinn and Taggart to
kick it off, then Holcolm and Carpenter when they're done in the infirmary."

Michah nodded her agreement with the MACO commander. Her stomach was
tied in a knot, but she actually felt more positive than she had felt in
a long time, in spite of the fact that Team B had been delayed.

Shepard set her mouth in a thin line.  She knew the Major was right but
that still didn't mean she had to like it.  A quick glance to the
troopers the Major had indicated, Reb looped the sling of her rifle
around her neck and made sure the weapon wouldn't snag when she had to
move it.  "Aye aye, Major," she said, turning back to Mason.

Mason looked between Shepard and Oliver.  "Let's get your House in order."

-----
Capt Michah Oliver
Starfleet Commanding Officer
New Darwin Colony

Rebekah Shepard
Lt, Starfleet
Chief of Colony Security
New Darwin

Maj Mason, K.
2nd Expeditionary Team, MACO
ESS Constitution