Rear Guard

Posted on Tue Jul 28th, 2020 @ 7:31am by Lieutenant Colonel Azhul Naxea & Private 1st Class Durak

Mission: Season 3: Episode 4: Cause and Effect
Location: Marine Country; MCO's Office
Timeline: Current
597 words - 1.2 OF Standard Post Measure

Naxea paced about in her office with her arms crossed. Her XO, Warrant Officer Rhodes and 1st Platoon CO Lieutenant Cross were on the Away Team to the surface of the Earth. Warrant Officer Man'darr had even been assigned to Tactical on the bridge. She couldn't help but wonder how the Away Team was going and yet, she knew she had to trust that Rhodes and Cross would do their best.

Naxea sighed and shook her head. She couldn't understand why the captain made the decisions that she had. Why place one of her Marines at Tactical? Why place Vulcans and S'hib on an Away Team to ancient Earth, yet she hadn't been included? She wasn't used to feeling this useless--all she could do was make sure First Platoon was ready in case they were called up. Yet she doubted that they would--a firefight on ancient Earth would be disastrous.

She had never been patient or much of a rear guard leader. She had always preferred to lead from the front, to be in the middle of the action so to speak. And yet, the more she gained rank, the more she knew she wouldn't be allowed to lead from the front like she wanted. "Damn," she cursed before the chime to her office door sounded.

"Enter," she called out, stopping her pacing to turn towards the door.

PFC Durak entered. "PFC Durak reporting as ordered, ma'am," Durak reported as he came to attention.

"Oh, right," Naxea said as she regarded the Cardassian Marine that had come to impress her with his work ethic and heart since he had reported aboard several months ago. She no longer regarded him with hatred as she had first done so. "She moved to her desk and scooped a small black box into her hand. "At ease. Come with me, PFC," she ordered as she walked past him at a brisk pace.

"Aye ma'am," Durak replied as he turned on a heel and followed his Co out of the office and down the corridor towards the staging area where most of the Marines from First Platoon and the other platoons were gathered. Durak couldn't help but wonder what the Major had wanted as he followed her. He wanted to ask but thought better of it. Whatever it was, he would find out soon enough.

Naxea marched to the center of the large staging area that was currently bustling with various activity from drill to PT, coming to an abrupt halt. "Marines! Attention!" her voice rang throughout the area, stopping every Marine in their tracks, turning to face her and coming to attention. She spun on her heel to face Durak who had also come to the position of attention. "To all who shall see these presents, greeting: Know Ye that reposing special trust and confidence in the fidelity and abilities of Durak, I do appoint this Marine a Lance Corporal in the Starfleet Marine Corps from Stardate 69987.8. Congratulations, Lance Corporal Durak," Naxea grinned as she pinned the new rank onto Durak's collar before offering her hand to him.

Durak fought to contain the pride he felt in being promoted as Major Azhul pinned the new rank on him. "Thank you, ma'am as he shook the woman's hand.

"Dismissed!" she called as the staging area erupted with cheers and applause as several of the Marines made their way to congratulate Durak.

Naxea turned and left the area, leaving the other Marines to continue in the celebration. She only hoped they didn't get too carried away as she entered her office once again.