Briefing Before Descent

Posted on 2025, Wed Sep 17th, @ 11:38pm by Major Alexander Stroud

583 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Episode 1: Shadows Over Krios - USS Vigilance
Location: USS Vigilance – Marine Detachment Ready Room
Timeline: Prior to Princess Kaitaama’s shuttle landing on Krios Prime
Tags: USS Vigilance, Major Stroud, Marine Detachment, Mission Prep, Planetary Security, Krios Prime, Tactical Planning, Starfleet, 2402

Major Alexander Stroud sat alone at the large tactical table in the Marine Detachment Ready Room, the soft hum of the USS Vigilance’s engines vibrating through the deck plates beneath him. The room was austere, outfitted with a few tactical displays, wall-mounted star charts, and a neatly stacked set of mission briefings. He opened the first report, scanning each line with precision.

The documents covered every detail: palace schematics, shuttle approach vectors, projected crowd locations, and potential threats identified by intelligence. Every variable had been accounted for — yet experience had taught him that no report could anticipate the unexpected.

Running a hand through his short-cropped hair, he muttered under his breath, “Always something…” His voice was quiet, but the tension in his shoulders betrayed the weight of responsibility.

A soft chime from the console drew his attention. Energy fluctuations had been detected near the capital’s main plaza — minor, but potentially suspicious. Stroud tapped a few commands, marking the sector for closer observation. “Monitor continuously,” he instructed the nearby officer, a young lieutenant who had been assigned to his detachment.

“Understood, Major,” the lieutenant replied, eyes attentive, hands steady on the controls.

Stroud leaned back slightly, taking a breath. “Listen up, everyone,” he called as he gathered his Marines around the table. The room quickly filled with the sound of boots on the floor and murmurs of readiness. “Reports are thorough, but remember: intel is only part of the mission. Observation, judgment, and discipline will be what keeps the Princess safe.”

He gestured to a digital display showing the palace’s main approaches. “Shuttle arrives in less than thirty minutes. Teams Alpha and Beta will secure the primary and secondary landing zones. Teams Charlie and Delta, you’ll be on standby near key entrances — watch for any anomalies, any gaps in coverage. We move fast, we move smart, and we move coordinated. Questions?”

One of the Marines raised a hand. “Major, what about civilian interference? The reports indicate heavy crowd concentration near the south plaza.”

“Good point,” Stroud said, nodding. “Alpha and Beta, prioritize clear pathways for the shuttle. No unnecessary engagement with civilians — we’re here to protect, not provoke. Keep your eyes open for anyone acting suspiciously. Don’t underestimate the unexpected.”

A brief pause followed as his words sank in. Every Marine understood the stakes — the Princess’ safety, the credibility of the Federation, and the fragile balance of politics on Krios Prime.

Stroud returned to his reports, scanning shuttle approach paths and emergency extraction routes. He tapped a sequence of commands into the tactical display. “Keep me updated on every sensor ping. Any deviation from the plan, and I want immediate notification.” His gaze lingered on the schematics. “We don’t just react. We anticipate. That’s how we survive, and how we protect those who can’t protect themselves.”

The room fell quiet, save for the faint hum of consoles and the occasional click of a data pad. The Marines settled into a focused stillness, every officer and enlisted member attuned to the gravity of the mission. Outside the ready room, the Vigilance continued its orbit, a sentinel above the planet, its crew preparing for every eventuality.

For now, Major Stroud allowed himself a moment to breathe. The Princess’ shuttle was still minutes away, unseen from his vantage point. But he was ready — every plan, every contingency, every instruction laid out. And when the time came, he would be the first line of defense, unwavering, vigilant, and disciplined.

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