What it means to serve (Pt.3)

Posted on Sat Nov 11th, 2023 @ 2:07am by Lieutenant Colonel Azhul Naxea

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Starfleet Marine Academy; 2383
1026 words - 2.1 OF Standard Post Measure

Naxea laid down, exhausted on top in her boyfriend's Arev's embrace. breathing heavily. "Damn, you Andorians have alot of...endurance," she chuckled.

"Only when I'm with you, Naxea," Arev said as he ran his hand through her hair.

"Such a tease," she commented, smiling at him. The Fleet cadets had a long weekend, so Arev surprised her with a visit. Things this year were going great so far. She had made the Academy's Paresis Squares Team and she and Chen had been assigned as roommates in their new dormitory room. She, like many of the other cadets had been happy to get out of the open bay barracks and to a more private dormitory room. They were also allowed more freedoms in their day as 2nd Year Cadets.

The door to the room suddenly opened as Cadet Li Chen walked in, stopping in her tracks as she saw Arev and Naxea laying together, covered with only a sheet. "Oh geez, you two! Get a room!"

"We did," Naxea replied with a sheepish grin.

"I mean a more private room! Or at least hang a sock or something so I know you're busy!" Chen complained with a shake of her head.

"Well, I should get back to my Academy," Arev said as he wrapped the sheet around him and grabbed his uniform, heading for the lavatory to get dressed.

Naxea began to slip her underwear and uniform back on as well as the doors to the lavatory closed. "So... how?" Chen whispered, grinning with a nod of her head toward the lavatory door.

Naxea blushed and nodded. "Good," she replied in a whisper.

Chen grinned and gave a thumbs up as she moved to her bed and sat down on it. "So, ready for tonight's land nav course?"

Naxea nodded as she finished pulling her pants on and grabbing her jacket. "Yeah, I think so."

"I just hate the fact we are having to use a compass and a map. What is this? The 20th Century?" Chen complained, crossing her arms. "That's what Sensor Positioning guidance systems are for."

"But what happens if you don't have access to those systems or on a planet that causes interference with navigational systems?" Naxea questioned as she donned her jacket.

"Yeah, yeah. But with technology today, I doubt that will ever happen," Chen dismissed with a wave of her hand as Arev stepped out of the lavatory.

Naxea approached him and gave him a passionate kiss. "Talk to you soon," she said as she broke the kiss.

"You know it," Arev said before turning to exit the dorm room.

"Later, Arev," Chen said with a wave that he returned as he stepped out through the door. "Lucky you," she remarked, looking back at Naxea.

"Hey, you have your own boyfriend," Naxea said, waving a finger.

"Yeah, but he's an upperclassman and we're on completely different schedules. At least you and Arev are 2nd Years. Come on, Nax," Chen said. Let's hit the gym or did your boyfriend give you a good workout already?" she winked.

"I'm game. I can't wait until my first Paresis Squares Game next week. I have a feeling we're going to beat those Betazed Medical Students," Naxea stated smugly.

"Oh, and let's not forget that the Starfleet Marine Academy Founding Ball is this week," Chen said, changing into her PT gear.

"How can I forget?" Naxea sighed. The Ball celebrated the founding of the Starfleet Marines in 2161 following the disbanding of Earth's MACO Forces. It seemed that every week, there was some function, exam, or game. While tiring, Naxea enjoyed every minute of it. She found it hard to compete against those who had a much more pampered upbringing than she. Perhaps that was why she was drawn to the Starfleet Marines--because of the hardships.

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The Starfleet Marine Academy Ball was held in the Academy's Mess Hall that had been converted into a lavish dining area complete with a dance floor. Naxea sat at a table dressed in her Cadet uniform with Arev by her side and with Chen, her boyfriend, and several other cadets.

"SSgt. Teral approached the table in her Starfleet Marine Dress uniform. "Cadets," she greeted as they turned, unable to keep their eyes off of Teral's medal stack. "Try not to have too much fun tonight. We have an early PT session in the morning."

"Aye, ma'am," the table replied before Teral walked away to join the other Instructors at their table.

"Shit, I didn't know Teral earned the Starfleet Medal of Honor!" Chen stated, in awe. "The woman is a damn war hero!"

Naxea nodded. "I heard she was at both battles of Chin'toka during the Dominion War."

The table fell quiet for a moment. The First and Second Battles of Chin'toka were some of the heaviest fighting in the Dominion War.

The lights dimmed as the Academy's Commandant, Brigadier General Urban took to the stage. "Cadets! Marines! Good evening!"

"Good evening, Sir!" came the chorus reply.

"Tonight," General Urban began. "We not only celebrate the founding of the Starfleet Marines, but we remember those who came before us and their deeds while looking to you cadets who will lead us into the future and the great many deeds you are sure to accomplish during your service. For two-hundred and twenty-two years, the Starfleet Marines have stood guard against those who wished to see the Federation fall from the Klingon war to the Dominion, there have been the Starfleet Marines. The Starfleet Marine Corps was born from the Earth MACO Organization when Starfleet decided it still needed a force of trained warriors that specialized in combat and taking the fight to the enemy. In many a strife, we've fought for life and never lost our nerve. From the snows of far-off planets to sunny tropic scenes, you will always find the Marines on the job. Semper Fidelis, Cadets and Marines! Now have fun!"

"Semper Fi, Sir!" came the roaring reply.

Soon the Cadets and Marines were drinking and dancing the night away. Naxea could only hope that things would continue to be this good as she danced with Arev.

TBC...