“Not exactly,” Forth replied. The Major squirmed a little. “It was the crucible. We needed to simulate a real combat environment. As close as we can get to it.” He was not amused by all the bad press the Parks department was laying at his feet. They were laying it on pretty thick. Knox was taking a light hand to it, but some of the other news agencies were eating it up.
“I'd say from the blistering e-mails about the deck being a war zone and the ten instructors and twenty one recruits in sickbay for various injuries you succeeded Major,” Firefly said dryly.
“So he's in a huff,” Matilda shook her head. “Did you try going over his head?”
“Tried. Didn't get anywhere but run around in circles,” Firefly shook his head. “He even tried the musical department gag. Ever so politely making you wait for hours and then telling you to go to someone else.”
“Oh you did?” She asked and then took another sip of tea. “Well, I suppose the college can donate the facilities. The atrium should do,” she said and then took a sip of tea.
“What?” Vargess asked, looking at her in surprise. “Don't you need approval for that?”
“I just did,” she smiled. “I'm not just a reservist commander, I'm also the dean. It pays to have friends in the right places,” she said sweetly.
“Thank you,” Logan said with some relief. She rested a hand on his.
“No problem Horatio. Those kids deserve their day in the spotlight,” she smiled. “Besides, sticking it in the eye of Cravix and whoever is pulling the strings is worth it,” she grinned and then paused. Cravix had been after her to turn over control of the atrium and college park and stadium to his control for some time. She'd made it clear they were not going to do so. This should sink the point home to him.
“One thing,” she said cautiously. She held up a finger.
“No wild parties,” the Major said, sitting back with a laugh. “Or explosives.”
“Got it in one. Good boy,” she smiled. “I think the sports department would be a little put out if you're tore up their nice neat atrium before they did.”
“Yes ma'am. Clean ceremony. Marching drills is about all we're going to do.”
“Good,” she nodded. “Open to the public?”
“Well, it is invitation only. Friends and family, members of the armed forces, and prominent politicians who show interest.”
“You mean those you want to butter up,” Matilda replied with a straight face. Logan smiled and shrugged.
“Something like that,” Firefly responded. “After that the college or general public can fill any remaining seats until capacity is reached. We will be showing the graduations on the military broadcast channel and Mr. Knox will be airing segments on his broadcast network news.”
“Good to hear. As long as it doesn't interrupt my soap,” Matilda said, smiling.
“Can we use the Multi Purpose Room as well?” The Major asked.
“The MPR? What for?” Matilda asked.
“The party,” he answered. He shrugged at her inquiring look. “It's traditional to have a celebration for the students. They get a party with their dates.”
“Oh,” Matilda looked thoughtful. “Band, catered, mess dress?”
“The works,” the Major sighed. “Officers usually get a ball.”
She grinned. “I've always loved a good party. You’re on,” she nodded, making a note. “If only to see all of you put in an appearance in mess dress,” she said maliciously. She grinned as the Major fidgeted.
“I'd rather get shot at,” he muttered.
“Probably,” Vargess laughed. Mayweather smiled sweetly at Vargess. He caught her look and then gulped. “Oh hell. So I'm not getting out of this either?” he asked, having a sinking sensation of his own. Her smile turned to a broad grin. The others laughed.
...*...*...*...*...
“We're going to work on polishing your marching skills. To that end we're going to have a little fun,” Jefferson said, walking up and down the ranks. Jethro tried not to roll his eyes to Sergei. Fun from a sadist like the DI's had ominous tones.
They started off with a normal march. But when Jefferson started the cadence Jethro nearly died laughing. He got back into the rhythm after a moment. “...buys it in the final scene. Drinks a glass of funky wine, now she's Satan’s valentine. Sound off, one two, three four!”
He shakes his head and keeps moving. “At least it's not Kipling.”
...*...*...*...*...
“Gah, monkey suit. Joy,” Jethro grumbled, trying not to claw at his stiff collar. The Federation Marines had taken its cue from the American Marines it had supplanted centuries ago. Many of the traditions had translated over to the new institution. Most were based on common sense. But mess dress uniforms were just annoying. Which was probably someone's twisted point that had also been carried over through the ages.
Damned if he knew why it was. Maybe make a soldier so uncomfortable they would rather be in combat? Somehow that sounded right and wrong at the same time.
“Speak for yourself pussycat,” Betty grimaced a simian grin. He turned to her.
“Nervous?” Jethro asked. Simians like other Neo's didn't get into displaying teeth unless they were nervous or wanted to make a threat display. Betty's fur, what you could see of it was fluffed.
“Hell, I hate having my picture taken,” she grimaced again and then bit her lip. “And you're not the only one uncomfortable wearing a suit.” She shook her head. She looked at the white cap under his arm. “Wait... crap, now what did I do with mine?” She turned around in a circle and then left in a rush. He snorted.
“Recruit Jethro we're ready for you,” the photographer said patiently. He grimaced, put his cover on, adjusted it and then came to attention. “This way please,” the civilian said, waving to the room they were using as a studio.
“Good, the sooner I get out of this, the better,” he growled. A big hulk came out of the doorway.
“You and me both. Talk about an extra large,” Valenko said, shaking his ursine head.
“Ah, come on, it looks good on you!” Jethro teased, trying to get past the bear. He zigged right but the bear blocked him. He went the other way and so did the bear. He laughed, standing back and flattening himself against the wall.
“Better,” Valenko mock growled as he passed, making sure to bump Jethro's cover off. Jethro laughed, picked it up and dusted it off and then put it back on.
Most of the platoon were a bit nervous, checking and rechecking their uniforms as they impatiently waited for the families to come. It had been nearly six months since some had seen their loved ones. Many were eager. Some were more then a little nervous.
“I'd better not see any of my marines crying or you're all going to be in hack,” Corporal Jefferson growled. Corporal Brenet crossed his arms by the door, trying to keep from looking amused but mostly failing.
“Family day is a traditional time for marines to decompress a little and meet their families. That way there aren't any disruptions at the ceremony. There had better not be at any rate!” the DI growled. Jethro flicked his ears to the others in mute amusement.
“Keep it clean. I better not catch any of you making out or heaven forbid doing nooky in a supply closet. There'll be time for that later. You've got six hours with your family and then we've got an inspection and then lights out. We've got two rehearsals tomorrow for graduation at oh eight hundred. Make sure you give your families the tickets.”
Jethro looked around and then smiled as he caught a few ear flicks and sniffs from the other cats. They were nervous but in good spirits. He scented the air and then turned, ears perked at the familiar scent.
He thought he lost her when the throng of people entered the room. He couldn't see her in the sudden crush of bodies. With all the back slapping and happy cries it was hard to make her voice out.
She moved from one to another, hugging them, rubbing cheeks and telling them how proud she was of each of them. Then she stepped aside for any surviving pare
nts or family to take over so she could move on to the next.
She found Jethro at the end and smiled, taking his hands in hers and then enfolding him in a hug. “I'm so proud of you godson.”
“Thank you,” he said, stroking her back while he closed his eyes. She rubbed his cheek with hers as he opened his eyes once more. Grass green eyes met his. The Matriarch looked around then back to him. “It is disappointing that your dame didn't live to see this,” the Matriarch sighed.
“Yes,” he nodded, trying not to see the others.
“Well, at least you've got family here with you. Your cousin did well here alongside you. Together you will go far.” She indicated the leopard Letanga.
Jethro blinked and then looked down as she tucked herself into his side. “My...”
“Cousin,” she purred a laugh. She led him over to Letanga. “I think Jethro didn't know M'wbekii.” She said with an ear flick.
“No surprise there,” the old leopardess said with a purring chuckle of her own. “I just told Letanga here. It seems we neglected to tell them.” The leopard turned, looking as stunned as Jethro was.
“You're my aunt?” he asked still feeling a little numb. Why hadn't they told him earlier?
“See? Even he can figure things out if you beat him over the head long enough with enough clues,” M'wvekii laughed. “Yes Jethro, I'm your mother's sister. Panthers preferred leopards as mates if another panther wasn't available.”
“Um...”
“You'll get used to it. Now come here.” She enfolded him in a hug. “Your mother would be so proud of you both.” She pulled her son to her and hugged them. “I know I am,” she murmured for them.
“Now you have another reason to watch each other’s backs,” the Matriarch rumbled affectionately.
Her mate beamed with pride, arms crossed. “I'm proud of you. He was feeling very alone. You have a big heart,” the Matriarch said from behind him.
The leopard nodded. “Thanks to your shining example we all do,” he murmured.
...*...*...*...*...
“Bored,” Sergei sighed over the HUD. Most of the crew were passing E-notes or instant messages back and forth while standing in review. A few were playing games on their HUDs. It was a long wait. They had just endured a rather lengthy speech from a blow hard who had been introduced as the Pyrax Lieutenant Governor. Enrique something or other.
Most of the grunts had started to complain over the net about how he was all wind and piss. Finally he had wound down to a smattering of applause and then handed the podium over to Commander Logan.
They had marched back and forth in review for the crowds and journalists sitting in attendance. The bands had played, banners were waved. It was a nice day all in all. At least they had programmed the weather system to simulate a nice day. Though more than one person would probably shit a brick if some hacker had toyed with the system. He tried not to smile at the thought.
This was okay, all things considered. Better than running the jogging track. The atrium was nice, they even had the holographic sky working, it was a nice blue with distant clouds. A nice touch.
The OCS graduation had been handled earlier in the morning just before lunch. Now it was their turn. Well, them and the swabbies.
“Zip it,” the gunny growled over the link. “Eyes front.”
Jethro sighed as he tried to relax while standing “At ease.” Like many of his group he was learning to get as much relaxation whenever he could. You never knew when something would happen. At least they were in their Marine BDU's, he would have been in another kind of hell if they had been forced to stand in their dress uniforms like the officers had been forced to endure.
Commander Logan was just about finished with the Navy enlisted class. They were about four hundred strong. He turned and stepped aside to allow the Major to start on the Marines.
One by one the Major called people up. He would award them for various things. Jethro felt a flash of amused tolerance. Most of the awards were for marksmanship. Really, that was all that anyone could earn this early in their hitch. Oh a few had honors, but not many. He ran through the first three platoons then started on F.
“Now things get interesting,” someone said over the e-link.
“Abraham, Lois,” Major Forth called. A heavy worlder came forward.
“For saving the life of another recruit the Silver life saving medal. For successfully completing EVA training the EVA training award. For Marksmanship above basic standard, the Expert Marksmanship award.” He pinned each onto the marine and then exchanged salutes when he was finished.
One by one he called the others of the platoon up. Jethro was a little amused that his platoon was the only marine platoon other than the survivors of Alpha to receive EVA training. Hurranna and Senjix were the only two to get Gold life saving medal awards instead of silver. They both deserved it, they had gone into that crack after all.
When he got to Jethro the panther smartly walked up the rows of marines, turned and then marched across the review stand, climbed the stairs to present himself.
“For saving the lives of the recruits of Alpha platoon, the silver Life Saving medal. For successfully completing EVA training, The EVA training Award. For basic Marksmanship, the Marksmanship award. For graduating Honors in your class, the Honor award.” Jethro blinked at that but remained at attention.
One by one the awards were pinned onto his chest and then they exchanged salutes. “Good work son, you earned it,” the Major said softly. Jethro turned smartly and walked back to his place. Honors! He hadn't expected that! Wow.
When Valenko was called the Bear was awarded many of the same awards as the others. Expert marksmanship, EVA, Silver life saving, and Honor graduate. But the final medal made everyone go wide eyed and makes more than one person break protocol and murmur.
“There is one more medal,” the Major said turning to The Commander. Logan got up and came over to them smartly.
“For showing initiative and leadership in extreme conditions during the incident on asteroid four five two recruit Valenko is hereby given the Distinguished Leadership Medal. Wear it in good health.” The commander placed the medal on the stunned bear's chest. Valenko saluted each of the officers and then returned to his seat. There was a smattering of applause and murmurs from the audience.
“Please keep it down ladies and gentlemen. We are almost finished,” the Major said. The auditorium quieted. He finished the last ten graduates and then turned. “Ladies and gentlemen may I present to you the first graduating classes of Navy and Marine Enlisted. May they serve the Federation honorably in peace or in war. Semper fidelis, Calm space and smooth sailing.”
The audience began to cheer. “Go ahead, cheer,” the gunny said over the shared link. Like a ripple out from around him Marines began to cheer, throwing their covers into the air. It spread throughout the platoons and then to the navy side.
The bear was being pummeled on all sides. Quite a few were from what was left of Alpha platoon. He seemed to bear it in good grace.
...*...*...*...*...
Jethro turned at a familiar scent and practically ran into Hrris after the graduation. He was surprised he could find the lion, there were quite a few people wandering around. The lion's scent had been particularly easy to ferret out however. Most likely because he smelled of machinery and food.
“Thanks for the invite man,” Hrris said, pumping his hand. The Neo lion was beginning to fill out, his mane was still a bit ratty, but fuller than the last time they had crossed paths. He was wearing a suit, but Jethro had to hide an amused ear flick at the sight of a stain on one lapel.
“No problem,” the panther said with a nod. “How's life?” he asked, wincing only a little as the lion slapped him on the shoulder. At least he pulled his claws.
“Dude, wish you were into engineering! I've got my own section now! I just made section shift super for deck seventy! Which is cool!” Hrris grinned in triumph. “Looks like we're both coming up in the world!�
��
“Or down in the station,” Jethro chuckled. “I guess it all depends on your point of view. “Seventy huh?”
“Yeah, the industrial sector. Well one of them anyway. Most of what I have are offices and break rooms. I'm hoping to become a deck super or get into one of the busier decks once I get things squared away and running like clockwork. It's taken some doing, we're just restoring that deck.”
“Cool,” the panther nodded.
“Yeah. The real thing though are the vats,” the lion grinned a little. “It's so cool. I got a tour man. Neo beef in freezers are one thing, but we can clone tissue now. They are cloning some of the tissue and growing vats of beef and meat now. Soon we'll all be eating high off the hog!” He slapped Jethro on the back again. “Literally!” Jethro snorted a laugh.
“Well, I wouldn't mind a good steak. Even one of your protein steaks you did back when we were kids.”
“Wouldn't dream of it. You drop by sometime and I'll take you out to Gorgon's palace. Beef and beer,” Hrris rolled his eyes and licked his chops. “They've even got a stuffed pork chop if you can believe it! With blue cheese! Wicked flavor. They cook it to perfection. Rare, just the way we Neo's like it.” He rubbed his growing belly. “Dude, food is soo much better now. Give me a ring and I'll set you up.”
“Sure. I just might do that,” Jethro nodded. The lion grimaced and touched his blue tooth ear piece. Jethro blinked, just noticing it.
“Sorry man, I gotta go,” the lion sighed. “Broken water main in my sector. I gotta go ream someone a new one.”
“Ouch,” the panther said nodding. “Good luck with that. Thanks for coming though. I'll call you and catch up to you.”
“Oh yeah,” Hrris said. The lion turned and held out his tablet. “Um...”
“Here,” the panther held up his hand. The address data scrolled across his HUD and then moved to his address book.
“What...” Hrris said startled. “How...” he glanced at the tablet and then back at Jethro in confusion.
“Implants,” the panther said with a smile.
Jethro Goes to War (Wandering Engineer Jethro's tale) Page 20
