Sweep and Clear

Posted on Thu Jul 16th, 2026 @ 9:04am by Ensign James Wayne & Major Arlen Reacher & Cadet Freshman Grade Micheal Taggart & Colonel Danny Lennox & 1st Lieutenant Taz & Gunnery Sergeant Agtx

1,317 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Episode 120 - Guardian at the Gate
Location: USS Ortegas, Near SB400
Timeline: Current

ON:

Everyone had boarded the runabout and were standing at the ready. Lennox took the copilot's seat beside Wayne.

"It's your show now Ensign." Lennox said looked over at Wayne.

"Understood sir." Said James bluntly. " Starbase control this is mustang 1 heavy launching from internal bay 15 enroute to USS Ortegas for prisoner pickup. " Said James over the comm

"Copy that mustang 1 heavy the lane is clear proceed to bay doors at one eighth impulse speed happy hunting." Said the flight control officer

"Roger control mustang 1 heavy out." Said James he closed the comm link and looked at the Col.. "Well sir I should have you at your party in about 30 minutes assuming we do not have any unexpected delays." Said James as he deftly adjusted the runabouts path.

"More like a game of Prisoner Catch," Reacher said with a hearty laugh, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Who would have thought that us adults would come up with our own version of hide and seek? It's almost ironic how we get so wrapped up in our responsibilities, yet here we are, playing a game that once filled our childhoods with joy and excitement."

"Get us in close Ensign, I want a close scan of the ship before we dock." Lennox said, then turned the Marines. "We'll upload the scan data to your tricorders. Most of the crew are isolated in either their battle stations or designated areas for non-essential personnel. It might help us track the prisoners a little easier."

"Ask and you shall receive Col.." Said James calmly he matched the ships course and speed then pulled in to within about a meter of the hull and started scanning every inch as he moved along the dorsal hull of the ship. Sir would you like me to scan the ventral side as well?" Asked James calmly as they neared the bow of the ship.

Lennox looked at the scan data. "No, take us to our entry points."

Micheal looked out the viewport at the other vessel. As he was unsure as to what he was supposed to be doing, he simply stayed quiet, and waited for instructions.

James kept himself cool and calm he looked the ship hugging the hull of the larger ship. He kept it this tight for a reason. He wanted to make his ship as hard a target as possible just in case. Pulling up to the external docking port he rolled the runabout tightly linking up with the docking port. "Docking on my mark 3, 2, 1, mark. Docking clamps secure airlock is pressurized marines you are clear to board." Said James firmly " i will be right here ready to act as an evacuation or emergency med bay if needed" he added.

As the teams made their way aboard the Ortegas, Micheal looked over at James and asked, "What should I do, Sir?"

"That depends cadet. You were assigned to this mission and under the command of major Reacher same as me. If he wants you with him then you go if not then you stay here and help me guard this runabout." Said James flatly he did not really have the authority to order the cadet to stay especially if that countermanded the majors orders

Reacher stood from his seat as the runabout slid in close to the Ortegas’ hull. The soft vibration of the impulse engines under his boots was almost soothing — like the calm before a drop. He reached up and gave his helmet a firm twist, the magnetic seal locking with a click-hiss that echoed faintly through the compartment.

Lennox spoke up, "Cadet, you're with me."

“Alright, Marines,” he said, voice steady but carrying the weight of command. “Sound check. Let’s keep it tight.”

He thumped the side of his chest plate — thunk — solid. His left hand brushed over the mag clamps holding his compression rifle; the weapon responded with a muted chirp as the onboard diagnostic ran green.

“Primary weapon: hot, safe,” he said aloud, setting the rhythm. “Sidearm secure.” Clack. “Stun Grenades locked.” Click. “Tricorder reading normal.” Beep. “No loose gear, no rattles. We’re not giving away our position because someone forgot to tighten a strap.”

Around him, the rest of the team followed suit — the quiet symphony of gear checks filling the cabin: snaps, metallic clicks, low hums of power cells coming online.

Reacher nodded in satisfaction. “Good. Remember, we’re not here to make noise, we’re here to make order. Stay disciplined, watch your corners, and if it moves and shouldn’t — tag it before it tags you.”

He gave Lennox a brief glance, then looked forward toward James at the controls. “Clean flying, Ensign. Keep her steady — we’ll make it quick.”

"Take your time major I will be here waiting for you" Said James calmly but firmly there was not much for him to do now other then make sure his ship was secure so the marines had their ride back to the station if they needed it.

As the team left the shittle, Micheal looked over at James and asked, "What should I do, Sir?" As he was still a cadet, he had only basic combat training and would be a liability to the team.

" cadet your mission is clear become a shadow and stick with the major. Keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut. You will learn alot in a short time." Said James firmly as he got things arranged to repel boarders if needed.

Micheal nodded quickly, then turned and rushed out of the shuttle, to catch up with theboarding party.

When he reached them, he moved to Reacher's side. "Major," he said quietly, as he glanced around nervously. "I was instructed to stick by your side, and learn everything I could."

Reacher noted the footsteps scurry quick up behind him and figured it was the cadet. "Alright Cadet." Reacher reached down and grabbed his backup sidearm, which he kept hidden in case of emergency's and handed to the cadet. "This is Standard Issue for Marines, Same Design as the basic, but has a bigger power cell which allows more shots to be taken. Stay closer and watch my six"

Taking the offered weapon, Micheal first ensured the charge was full, then held it on a safe manner, keeping his finger off of the trigger button as they moved. "Yes, Sir." Though he was clearly nervous, he still seemed to be in control of his faculties and was ready to both learn and follow orders.

“Alright, let’s get going,” Reacher declared, his voice steady and resolute. He took a confident step forward, scanning the area around him as he prepared to tackle the first section of their search determined to uncover whatever clues lay hidden in their surroundings.

Micheal stayed close to the Major, keeping his eyes and ears open, moving where he was instructed without a sound. While he felt out of his element, there was also a surge of excitement and adrenaline pulsing powerfully through his system. He felt as if his senses were super-hightened.

James watched as the marines exited the runabout and disappeared into the hull of the
Ship. Then he started doing what needed to be done. " runabout Mississippi stand by to replace me should medivac be needed. Hopefully this will be a nice quiet extraction but who knows when marines get involved." Said James over the comm link. He busied himself getting things ready and expecting the worst.

TAG: ALL


OOC: Mike -This JP got totally lost in the delays. Who's still here?
OOC: Mike -I see James is still here. Reacher? Taggart? If no reply by Monday I'll wrap this up myself....
OOC: James if need be just have a recall order come in from whoever is in charge. After some discussion I am sure james will pilot the runabout back to the station. With or without the marines

RSS Feed