Some more advanced training

Posted on Thu Jun 18th, 2026 @ 1:31am by Major Cameron Bourne & Commodore Samantha York

1,032 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Lost Horizons
Location: CO’s Ready Room

On:

Stepping out onto the bridge, Cam sought to talk an idea over with Sam. He wanted permission to impart some more advanced training techniques to a group of volunteers that would be sorted by himself and the security chief, who he’d discuss this with after getting the Boss’ go ahead. Whipping down his uniform, Cam tapped the door chime.

Sam set down the report she'd been studying with a sigh. She could use a break right now. Then again, every time she was stuck reading reports she could use a break. It was her least favorite part of being a captain. "Come in."

Stepping into the room, Cam gave Sam a smile, “hey, got a minute?”

"Of course." She indicated the chair opposite her desk. "What can I do for you?" She'd heard little from Cam since his arrival, but everything on the Marine deck seemed to be running smoothly.

Taking the seat, Cam took a breath in before starting, “right, I’d like your permission to run a few volunteers through some advanced training. I think that imparting a few of the Marines more advanced techniques could improve casualty rates from away mission as well as promote a little camaraderie through the ship.”

"I agree," Sam said simply. "We never know what we'll encounter. You and your Marines need to be ready for whatever we face. Damon liked to have military games and training on the holodeck to keep the Marines sharp. She was all for Cam doing so as well. " She paused. "So, what do you want from me?"

“A holodeck, I can sort the rest out with security. Oh, and I might need someone to write up a few legal waivers. Just in case” Cam answered,

"There's a training holodeck on the Marine deck. It's tucked behind the armory. Kara should be able to help you if you have any questions. As for the legal waivers, ask Commander Tal. He'll be able to help you with that. However, as long as you set the holodeck to minor injuries, you should be okay as that is allowed as part of training." She paused for a moment. "It'll be good for security as well as Alex and his team aren't used to working with you or the other security officers on the ship."

“That’s part of my idea. An exchange between departments can bring fresh ideas and perspectives. I may also need to have a counsellor or two on standby. The training I intend will be rather……extreme in places”

"What do you mean by extreme?" Sam asked. It wasn't that she had a problem with some types of intense training. It was more that she needed to know what he had planned in case it had to be modified to comply with Starfleet regulations--and to keep the crew safe.

“I intend to expose the trainees to variance of warfare Starfleet rarely confronts outside of a war. Trenches, jungles, tundra, rolling artillery, that sort of thing. Holodeck safeties will be on at all times of course, but the experience can be……overwhelming for some people”

Sam slowly nodded. "If handled properly, it can be good for the Marines. We tend to forget that there is still fighting going on in some parts of the galaxy," Sam added, thinking of Damon. "Let them know what they'll be in for. You can order the Marines to complete the training, but security will need to be optional, unless Alex wants it to be mandatory."

Cam nodded, “Of course, all volunteers from other departments will be required to sign the legal waver before training. This is in no way mandatory. As I said, this is advanced training or what you could call conditioning.”

Sam nodded. "I'll leave it to you and Alex to work out the details. Let me know what you work out."

“Understood, thanks for the go ahead, you won’t be disappointed”

When that was settled, Sam moved on to another subject. "How are things going with you and the Marines?"

Cam smirked, “the 212th are the best damn marines in the sector. We may not be the prettiest but we get the job done, quick and clean”

That brought a smile and a laugh. They were, indeed. "Well, that does apply to Bosley, but not to all the Marines." That brought another thought to her mind and Sam asked, "How are you and Kara doing?" She was saddened when she learned that he and Kara divorced and sincerely hoped this time everything would work out.

Cam paused for a moment before answering, “we’re……going slow. Finding our footing again.”

"Is it working?" she asked bluntly. Sam liked happy endings and hoped these two would have one. Her marriage had survived a number of challenges, so she was hopeful theirs would as well.

“I believe so. I’m trying not to move too fast while keeping everything moving. If it were up to me, we’d be flying through this rebuild, but perhaps a slower pace would build a better relationship” Cam explained, giving a sigh, “I love her with all my being and I kick myself every day for leaving her. We’ve both got to stop beating ourselves up and leave it behind us”

Sam nodded slowly. "Yes, you do. I can't say if you're better off going slowly or jumping in and holding on. That's something only the two of you can decide. But as long as you're talking and you both want this to work, you'll be fine."

Cam smiled, “I appreciate the vote of confidence. I’m not too proud to admit I’m nervous, but so far all signs are looking good” he said as he stood up, “well, I should get going. Got a but to do to get this training program ready. If you’ll excuse me Ma’am”

"Yes, indeed. Good luck. With both," Sam said. She really hoped he and Kara would make it work. She liked both of them, and knew they made each other happy.

A post by

Commodore Samantha York
Commanding Officer
USS Calypso

Major Cameron Bourne
Marine CO
USS Calypso

 

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