Two Sides

Posted on Friday January 31st, 2020 @ 10:21pm by Lieutenant Oscar Vladinchi & Sergeant Andreas Sharpe
Edited on on Friday January 31st, 2020 @ 10:21pm

781 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Shakedown Cruise
Location: Deck 5; Near Holodeck 1
Timeline: Day 003 - 1430 Hours

[ON]

Andreas walked out of the Holodeck, looking around. He had just completed a private PT session with another member of his squad. Looking down and letting out a deep sigh, he started to walk, accidentally bumping into someone as he walked. "Oh, sorry." He said, holding out his hand to the other person.

Lieutenant Oscar Vladinchi was surprised at his sudden lack of spatial awareness, apologetically muttering towards whom he offended before he saw the outstretched hand. With a smile, the older gentleman clasped the hand and shook.

"No, I apologize," he said with a clear russian accent overlaying english. "I wasn't apparently looking where I was going."

"Neither was I apparently, so I do apologise again. I don't believe we've met. I'm Andreas, Andreas Sharpe, rifleman and Chosen Man." He said, with a smile, a row of ghostly white teeth shown beneath.

Oscar nodded, though unsure about the moniker he had spoken. "I'm Oscar Vladinchi, Security on the Poseidon. Very nice to meet you, Andreas. What were you doing before we bumped shoulders?"

"Just finished a PT session with one of my squad. Gotta keep in shape in our line of work." He said with a wink. "What about yourself? Anything interesting going on?" He asked.

"Just on duty patrol," Oscar said. He somewhat adjusted his uniform to emphasize the point. "Might still be docked but Chief says some come drunk. I've caught two cadets so far inebriated."

A moment of thought, then, "What does the nickname, 'Chosen man', mean?"

"Oh, good fun then." He said with a chuckle. "So, Chosen Man is an old term from a very old family member from the 18th century, and it has been passed down since then. It is said that each shot a Chosen Man fires will hit, and kill an enemy combatant. Of course most units do not do this, so those considered 'Chosen Men' are considered the best of the best." He answered, with a smile, happy to show off his family heritage.

Oscar nodded, though his expression only mildly showed his appreciation. It was two different worlds they existed in; one a corps of dedicated security personnel, hailing from various backgrounds. The other quite possibly hailing from the prestigious MACO's used on the original NX-01 Enterprise and her kin. History buffs usually argued the point that the MACO's would inevitably become Starfleet Security, but Oscar never really got involved in that.

"It is our honor to serve those we protect, is it not?" Oscar said calmly. He was facing Andreas now, comfortable as he crossed his arms and leaned against the corridor wall. There was space enough to allow others to pass. "In remember my last mission, an odd case but....I gave a lot saving two prisoners. I think that made everything worth it."

Andreas nodded. "Of course. Although sometimes you have to sacrifice one to save the many." Andreas said, remembering the many times he'd had to sacrifice his men in the line of duty.

The Lieutenant's expression fell for a moment, eyes trained elsewhere momentarily as he remembered the last moments of his previous life. The sounds of the Hirogen firing their weapons, the scream of the girl and the man held captive - slaves both of them to hunters from the stars. The shot that killed him as it impacted his chest. It was all so vivid. He took a sharp intake of breath as he came to.

Blinking, he looked at the Rifleman. His expression returned to some form of fluidity.

"Yes," he replied. The Chief Counselor had warned him of his possible PTSD episodes. He'd need to see her again if merely speaking about the incident sparked on. "Yes, sometimes we give all."

"Maybe sometimes to much." He replied. "Anyway, I should probably let you get on with your patrols." Andreas remarked.

There was a moment of silence, then a nod as Oscar eyed the Rifleman with a bit of humility in his expression. "Of course, I appreciate the respite," he said as he held out his hand again. "Look forward to seeing you again, Andreas."

"And the same to you Oscar." He replied, taking the outstretched hand, and shaking it, before continuing onto his quarters. He needed to go and get ready for his next training session with his squad.

Oscar stood there after they parted, watching Andreas leave. He looked back at the holodeck, briefly catching a Science Officer enter with a Cadet, datapad in hand. No doubt a lesson or tutelage of some sort. Carefully composing himself, he continued on his beat.

[OFF]

---

Lieutenant Oscar Vladinchi
Security Officer
USS Poseidon

&

Corporal Andreas Sharpe
Rifleman
USS Poseidon

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