Aftermath

Posted on Mon Mar 9th, 2026 @ 12:42pm by Lieutenant Colonel Azhul Naxea & Chief Warrant Officer Man'darr [Naxea]

Mission: Season 6: Episode 6: Conglomerate
Location: USS Elysium, Marine Country
Timeline: MD1; 2100 Hours.
514 words - 1 OF Standard Post Measure

The corridors of Marine Country were quiet. Too quiet as Naxea made her way down the corridor, her wound giving her some discomfort as she walked. Yet to her, they weren't completely empty --she could still recall the faces of those who passed. Men and women who had looked to her to lead them, take care of them. She came to the memorial display that she had set up. On the display were the names of one-hundred and three Marines who would never see home, having passed away since being displaced.

She gently touched the display, closing her eyes as a tear ran down her cheek. "I am so sorry," she whispered, as if she were speaking to them. She had let them down. Now she only had twenty-five Marines left. But the good news was that some of the Romulan Commandos had joined the detachment. She took a shaky breath, wiping away the tears.

"Do not weep for them, Colonel," came a deep, yet gentle voice. "They died doing their jobs and faced death with honor."

She recognized the voice immediately without having to turn and look. Besides, she could see the large man in her peripheral vision. "What are you doing here, Chief Man'darr?"

"I wanted to be alone, walk the ship some but then I saw you. I heard what you said. You do not need to apologize. You are a good leader. This is just a shit situation that we're in." Man'darr stated.

Naxea took a deep breath before turning to look at Man'darr. "That it is, Chief. How are you doing?"

"I am fine. My... injuries are almost healed," he replied.

"Not really what meant. I mean how are you emotionally? I've heard some concerning things," Naxea said.

"Like I said, Colonel, I am fine. I will not dishonor myself my committing suicide if that is what you are worried about "

"Good. Because I...we, need every Marine right now. I especially need you, as my XO."

Man'darr grunted. "I've never cared for command positions. They take you away from the battlefield. Perhaps you should designate Riov Olmex as your XO. Might go over better with the Romulans on board if their commander shared command.

Man'darr had a point but it would be tricky as there were a lot of classified data in Marine Country. Naxea could only imagine what Rin would say, which actually caused a small grin to form as she thought of her friend. "Good point but there is a lot of classified data stored in Marine Country so we will see. Until then, I need you."

"I am here to serve, colonel," Man'darr replied with a slight bow of his head.

She looked at him. Despite his professional demeanor, she could see the cracks in his armor. He was a man who seemingly lost everything and was only living for the next battle. "Thank you. Well, I should get back to check on Sle'anna and make sure she's still asleep."

Alright. Good night, Colonel," Man'darr said as Naxea turned to step away.

"Good night, Chief."