Marines Have Landed

Posted on Sat Sep 5th, 2009 @ 6:49pm by Commander John Sheridan & Colonel Damon Raine

1,208 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Prelude: Blowing away the Cobwebs
Location: Deck ten Jupiter Station/Jupiter Landing Lounge
Timeline: Current

On

Lieutenant Sheridan had found the billet of 2nd Lt. Raine, who was out of his quarters. He left word for Lieutenant to meet him at the Jupiter main Lounge if possible at beginning of the Second watch as he had some running around to get done. He arrived at the lounge ten minutes early and left word with the Bartender he was expecting Lt. Raine's and have him paged to the bar when Raine's arrived. John ordered a drink and grabbed a table out of the way and started taking some notes on his padd...

Damon had been having a hell of a day so far. The second he stepped foot on board the station he was inundated by Marine transfer requests to the Orion and a number of Padds dealing with equipment inventories that he had to personally check and sign off on. To add to the stress, almost every Marine that had already landed made a point to look up their new CO in the attempts to make a good first impression. Under normal circumstances he wouldn't have minded getting to know the men who would be serving with him, however as he was up to his knees in TR's that had to be individually accounted for, the conversations were often abruptly cut short out of frustration.

It was after going through a portion of the inventory when he decided he needed a break. He headed back to his quarters for a drink, as he technically wasn't on duty, when he noticed the message left for him. Noting the time he quickly showered and changed into fresh Marine fatigues before running out the door for the lounge.

Damon entered the lounge and noted how packed it was. The Orion wasn't the only ship awaiting a crew compliment and it seemed that many officers were trying to get a jump start on getting to know their fellow crew members before officially being transferred to their new stations. Shaking his head, he knew that looking for the Lieutenant in this mess would be a futile endeavor. He instead opted to walk up to the bar and ask the server if he might know where to find the Orion's new XO.

"I believe the officer you are looking for is seated over there Sir..." the bartender pointed to a enormous Lieutenant seated at a small table....

Damon thanked the bartender and weaved his way through the crowd to the Lieutenant's table.

"Afternoon Sir." Damon said with a broad smile stretching across his face.

"Lieutenant Raine, outstanding. Good to meet you." John shook the 2nd Lieutenants hand. "Sit down and get something to drink and we'll get acquainted."

With a nod the second Lieutenant flagged down the barmaid.

"Andorran Ale please." He asked. Turning his attention back to the lieutenant, "Thank you for looking me up, if you hadn't have extended the invitation I might not have met up with you 'till well after we boarded the Orion and left dock.

"Everyone is a bit scattered around, I felt I could run into a few of you before we shipped out. Mainly the Department heads." John took a drink of his ice water.
"I'm sure the Captain will be Having a Commanders Call soon as we are all assembled.

Damon thanked the bartender who left the blue drink with him and he took a quick sip before responding. "At least this way you will get a head start on building working relationships."

"Absolutely. I'm getting us some office space on deck Twenty, I'll have them put in an office for you and your Marines. It's just a temporary situation till we get on board. It should be ready tomorrow. All new crew members will be told to report there for ship processing. From the reports I'm getting their Working on the Marine Barracks and Gym now, I think you'll really be impressed when you get on board."

"I'm sure I will be, I've seen the design schematics for it already and I have to say I'm impressed with the modifications. I have to be honest though, I'm not looking forwards into the processing portion. Marines these days are all too eager to make a big first impression. I think the days of relying on a solid record and good conduct as a judge of character have all but gone."

"The captain and I discussed this, You Sir have been given some of the Fleet Marine Corps best NCO's. This was by design I might add. Your Command on the Orion will be the first To be dual Mission Capable, One Full Company of Marines and One full Company of Marine Engineers. Your Marines shall be capable of Destroying a Planet and rebuilding it if so needed. Some of the Artificers assigned to you have years of experience in engineering and Combat. This unit can be expanded to another full company if things go well." John took a drink, "Their going to need a name for both Companies, I'll leave that to you, Officially the regular Company will be 'C company Ninth Marines', your Engineers are assigned but not given a designation yet."

Damon simply blinked in surprised at the honor. "Truly, I appreciate it Sir." He stopped briefly before continuing, "If this is a trial experiment, shouldn't it have been commanded by a Marine with more time in service? Perhaps a Major or Colonel?"

"I believe the SFM are moving towards the "Cohort System", Your Command of these Marines will be over several years, that will build cohesion and experience 0ver time and also less turnover in the unit. If you have any problems with the troops your senior NCO will surely get it squared away I''m sure. Just so you know, and this is for your benefit, the Captain and I have the same belief about our Marines. We do not take them lightly, they are not expendable under any circumstance. They are members of this crew just like the rest of us and shall not be segregated. Your job is to keep them trained and ready to go and keep them motivated."

Damon grinned almost involuntarily. "Yes Sir. I have over time come to be truly appreciative of the merits of a vigorous training program . I have a feeling the Marines in this unit will be quick to adopt the same attitude towards them. As for the combat effectiveness of the Marines, once the time comes they will be ready. Semper Fi Sir, in our personal lives, in our professional lives and to the people on this ship."

Sheridan was always impressed with Marines, "I would like to meet your Gunny as soon as he gets here after he's checked in with you of course. Right now I have to get to a meeting With a Replicator contractor. Thanks for meeting me on short notice. If you need anything catch me on Deck Twenty.

"Will do Sir. I'll have the essentials redirected to the temporary Marine office immediately. I'll also tell the Gunny to look you up."

Sheridan Stood, "Again a pleasure to meet you, And I'll be seeing you soon."

OFF

Lieutenant John Sheridan
Executive Officer
USS Orion

2nd Lieutenant Damon Raine
Marine CO
USS Orion

 

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