Personal Log: Stardate 75168.4

Posted on Sun Oct 27th, 2024 @ 6:25am by Captain Samuel Woolheater

Mission: Season 6: Episode 5: A church beyond heaven
Location: DECK THIRTY-TWO
Timeline: MD1
1245 words - 2.5 OF Standard Post Measure

[ON:]

Two repair technicians are working on the exterior hull damage sustained previously near deck thirty-two. After an investigation and diagnostics were completed, it was discovered that a section of the hull was exposed to space without any kind of protection from the shields or structural integrity field. This would prove catastrophic if repairs weren’t made to it. Consequently, the sensor grid was also damaged in this section which is why the internal video sensors on the Marine deck were non-operational at the time the Marine sentry, Private Christopher Corelli was attacked. Making repairs to this section was bumped up in the queue and Captain Woolheater’s personal log entry continues…

(In voice over) “Personal log, stardate 75168.4, Captain Samuel Woolheater recording. We’ve discovered why we have a dead spot on the internal sensor grid. I’ve asked that damage control specialists bump that repair up and I am very happy to report that the repairs are being effected as I record this log entry. I am keeping this as quiet as I can in the hope that if the Marines that attacked Corelli don’t know that this has been fixed, they might slip up and use that former dead spot as a safe spot to talk and plan. I don’t know if they’re that stupid. In a few hours, if I don’t get something more tangible then I am going to have to bring in a security detail. I’d like to avoid that eventuality if I can. Maybe it is pride. Maybe its…because…I want to keep this in house? Fix our own shitty problems? Maybe because I want to see the people that thought attacking and beating another Marine was a good idea? I don’t know. I’m not sure and I’m in a leadership position where I have to be sure. How did Tonelly make this look so easy?

DECK THIRTY-TWO – MARINE ADMIN OFFICES – XO’s OFFICE
Sam is seated at the desk and one video feed is on the screen. The same one where Marines Nupert and Hadden took Private Corelli and beat him. It is empty, but Sam is keeping an eye on it. He continues to record his personal log as the LCARS interface clearly shows he is recording a new log entry.

“What am I going to do with these people when we find them? There is no…code…for the situation we’re in. I can’t recommend them to the brig forever and what does that do anyway? The Colonel will have to decide what punishments to dole out. But we can’t afford to lose anybody. No, I think the issue…the question before us is what is going on with the enlisted? Why have they resorted to attacking one of their own? If I can get to the bottom of that question. Then maybe we can find a solution…or at least a methodology of dealing with it. Until then, I have to try and catch these people. Corelli remembers two attackers. But what if there are more? I don’t even know how far this goes? Just two knuckleheads? Or are we talking about a bigger problem? I have six hours left to find out.

Computer? Save and close that log.”

The computer responded with a whirr and a beep, and the log was saved.

-== MEANWHILE ==-

Marines are returning their rifles to the armory after an exercise that same morning. After turning in his rifle to the armory, Private Nupert quietly makes his way to the head. It is empty at the moment, it is lunchtime in the mess and most Marines would be getting a meal. Nupert walks in and stands there a moment. Corporal Hadden is already there and appears at the other entrance. The two walk to the center near the handwashing stations. “I think they got the message” Nupert says.

“Keep your voice down. They know it was us!” Corporal Hadden says nervously.

“You’re full of shit. They don’t know shit. We’ve been cautious. We’ve been careful. Nobody is going to find out. You heard that they’re fixing the blind spot?”

Nupert nods, “Yeah. I heard. Doesn’t matter. We knew that was going to happen. I’m telling you that nothing is going to happen. We just don’t do anything dumb and this will all blow over. They’ll give Corelli a pass…and I’m OK with that. Let him return. He’ll either get his shit together or he won’t. Doesn’t make a difference.”

Hadden, stops and listens as he hears a few voices and footsteps. The voices recede and he continues, “I don’t want to end up in the brig. As shitty as this job is; the brig for the rest of our lives here would be worse.”

“Fuck YOU Hadden you pussy!” Nupert snaps at him, but keeps his voice low, “Let me ask you something you piece of shit. What do you think the end game here is? We are on our own out here. On. Our. Own. The Commodore and the Colonel – have no idea how we’re going to get back home. So, let me tell you what the future is around here. We’re going to spend the rest of our lives – however short that is – defending this ship until we’re dead of captured. And that is not a future I want. I want to have some say in what we’re doing out here. And I’m not alone. You may not have the balls for this but I know other guys who do. What’s your plan huh? Just be a good Marine for the rest of your life? Maybe get a promotion? To what? For what man? Do you see a long line of fucking new recruits? How are they going to replace us? Yeah….you dumb fuck. They can’t and they know it. Here’s what you’re going to do…Corporal. You’re going to keep your fuckin’ mouth shut. And you’re going to suck it up and be a Marine and do your job. We’re not going to get caught if you keep your head.”

Hadden looked at him equally with anger and contempt, “Maybe you’re right. Corelli was just a message. But how much longer? What’s the plan after this?”

“Survive. That’s the plan. Just survive and be ready. After things quiet down. After the shitstorm passes. Then we can talk about the next move. For now, just stay cool. Be a good Marine and do what they tell us. They don’t know shit and they ain’t going to find shit. One day, when the time is right. We take what we want and make our own way forward. Even if we were to get caught; what can they really do? They need us. We’re bulletproof. Now, I’ll see you at mess.”

Hadden nodded his head, “OK”.

“Smile man, we’re the Marines yo!” Nupert said as he drew a smile on Hadden’s face and then snickering left first.

After a moment, Hadden left the way he came.


[OFF:]

Captain Samuel Woolheater
“Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas”
Division VI, MARDET 62nd Company "Spartans"
Marine XO, 1st Platoon CO
=/\= USS ELYSIUM - NCC-89000 =/\=