Recruiting Drive: Jethro 4 (Jethro Goes to War)

by Chris Hechtl

  “Are they going to have escorts?”

  “Light. The navy is kicking loose two frigates and two corvettes here. They are already ordering replacements from Pyrax.”

  “Oh.”

  “Yes, it is light, but we need to move fast. I've got the orders for the leader of the expedition.”

  “What are we sending? A company?”

  “Recruiters mostly. We've got two ships, both medium freighters.”

  “Freighters, not transports, sir?” Dana asked. The colonel shook his head. “Damn,” she muttered.

  “And they're going to be stuffed with gear to help the planet's natives get on their feet. Plus stuff to help them set up an ansible station.”

  “They are getting one too?”

  The colonel nodded. “And Protodon, and other places. Rear Admiral Subert will be passing through here in a couple of months with a convoy filled with stuff. He's to stop here and give me my implant key updates as well as those for the other officers here, then move on and do the same in Pyrax. For the record though, he'll be taking over in Pyrax.”

  “I bet Captain Logan will just love that,” Major Pendeckle said darkly.

  The colonel looked at him for a moment then to the others. “We're going to go through some changes. Some growing pains are inevitable. Dealing with new people will be a part of the process. Get over your egos; get with the program. The enemy is out there not in here. We don't have time to play games.”

  “Yes, sir,” more than one officer said in unison. Ellington mumbled it a beat behind the others.

  “Good.”

  “So, you're getting an implant update, sir? Does that mean you're in for another promotion?” Captain Blackberry asked.

  Jersey gave the elf a sour look. “Perish the thought. I'm already getting a swelled head.”

  “But we do need the implant keys. I wonder if you'll get any engineering keys,” Major Pendeckle mused.

  The colonel shook his head. “It doesn't work like that. Not that I wished it would, but it doesn't. Oh, I'll get a few, but nowhere near as many as I'd like or need. It is all a part of the hand tying the Federation congress set up nearly a thousand years ago. To keep officers from becoming warlords and rebelling.”

  “Oh.”

  “So, yes, we're still reliant on higher to get most of our hardware. But I'll be able to dish out some keys on my own. The only ones to get engineering keys are Captain Logan. He's slated to get a promotion to senior grade. Don't let the cat out of the bag that I told you,” the colonel said, eying them sternly. More than one officer smiled or fought a smile as he surveyed the room.

  “Sir, are you still planning on sending Lieutenant Chaing? And Gunny McClintock to Kathy's World?” Captain Blackberry asked carefully.

  “Yes.”

  “Maybe we should tell the gunny?” Dana asked with a grimace, glancing at the elf in apology for stealing his thunder. The elf nodded once.

  The colonel shook his head. “We'll cut him orders at the last minute. That way he can't tell too many people too soon and give his enemies lead time to know where he's going.”

  “Frack.”

  “Enemies, sir?” Captain Blackberry asked, bobbing an antenna in inquiry.

  “Enough. We need to get the logistics of the expedition and the remaining personnel ironed out today,” the colonel said, stabbing a finger into the tabletop. “Today, now. We've got just under four hundred tons allotted to us for equipment. From that we have to build a minimum base, plus have equipment for the troops to draw on in Protodon to support Captain Gustav's platoon should they need it.” More than one officer scowled at that. There was no way they could do both missions. “But only thirty slots are open for personnel, that's all the room we've got. Chaing and McClintock fill two. We need at least one other officer and then we'll go down the list for the supporting personnel …”

  <(>~^~<(>

  Jethro heard about the Kathy's World expedition through the grapevine. He was not thrilled by it, it sounded like a forlorn hope. Something like the First Agnosta Expedition he'd been involved in years ago. “I feel sorry for whoever goes. They'll be out on the edge with little support. I am glad I'm not involved in that mess,” he said to Asazi in passing.

  She eyed him and then shook her head. “Don't be so sure of that.”

  Jethro scowled at her. “No way. No how! They aren't sending me there! They wouldn't!” Jethro said, shaking his head. Bast just eyed him. “Okay, shutting up now,” he said, hands up.

  Then later that afternoon BUPERS’ orders caught up with him. He had until 1800 to pack and get to the spaceport to report on board the Sabrina 99 to be a part of the expedition as the senior most noncom Marine. There was some flowing phrases about how his intelligence, species, and DI training would be a serious asset, but he glossed over it as his temper got the better of him. Bast blinked the time to report on board to him urgently. “Frack! That's in six hours! Are they serious?” He immediately put in a protest.

  The colonel called him into office a few hours later. “I know it's a late notice. That was my intention, Gunny; deal with it,” the colonel said immediately. Jethro's ears went back.

  “Look, we're going to need the best there. Not just for the planet but also to be on hand in case Protodon goes in the crapper … as I'm expecting it to. So be prepared. And yes,” he held up a restraining hand. “I've already put your armor and rocket pack into the queue. Some weren't happy about that. But yours is going to be the only armor we're sending. And I understand you and Bast can't be separated from it for long anyway.”

  Jethro nodded slightly.

  “For the record, Gunny Schultz isn't too thrilled about the idea either. But orders are orders. We're going to send you and a scratch force in to initiate the recruiting drive, recon the planet, and get started on a base. You'll be negotiating with Captain White Wolf, one of ours,” he said smiling slightly.

  “Sir …,” Jethro had heard about White Wolf. He noted Bast had perked up at that name. “I know her in passing.”

  “Oh? This is news to me,” the colonel drawled.

  “Some of the recruits, especially the Neo recruits who were recently shipped in from Antigua came from that world. I heard them talking from time to time. I looked her up.”

  “Oh,” the colonel nodded. “So you know the back story. Good, I don't have to explain it then.”

  “No, sir.”

  “I'm glad we're squared away there. I know you're not thrilled about this, but orders are orders.”

  “Yes, sir. I know my duty.”

  “Good.” The colonel eyed him for a long moment. He could tell the panther was interested in the challenge but not happy …but he also had no choice, none at all. Military Intelligence had wanted Jethro moved.

  “I just promoted Captain Lyon to senior grade over the ansible. He's a sleeper who was in Marine Recon and Force Recon. He’s arriving in the next convoy with Rear Admiral Subert. He's going to take over Alpha Company of Recon and work them up against Captain Blackberry's Charlie Company,” the colonel told him. “So, we're finally going to get some work done with Recon,” he said happily. He rubbed his hands together. “That and more, so much more. So don't get shot up. We'll need you shortly.”

  “Yes sir. I'll do my best to try not to. No promises though.”

  The colonel snorted. “So, you are going to have your work cut out for you. This is to be considered a test of equipment and personnel, some field training in Kathy's World, but you will be positioned to go into combat in Protodon if the admiral goes through with the invasion plan. Personally I think we're going to do it, but I'm not sure about the timing involved.” He grimaced.

  “Just us, sir?”

  “Major Pendeckle is prepping his battalion to follow you. But getting enough shipping to allow their movement is turning out to be tricky,” the human said, shaking his head. “We need some big transports just for the people. When you throw in their gear, their vehicles, shuttles, fuel, and ammunition it is
insane. I'm learning all sorts of things about logistics. Things I didn't want to get headaches about. It's supposed to be the Navy's job to chauffeur us around.” He grimaced.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Well, we're learning the hard way that it isn't as easy as kicking back and letting them drive. And we have to have everything ready. Paperwork, gear, all of it on pallets and in orbit and ready to go. And heaven help anyone who screws up something in the process,” he growled.

  Jethro flicked his ears in humor.

  “Your thoughts, Gunny?”

  Jethro flicked his ears again. “I'm not thrilled about going without more intel. I gather we'll get it on the way out; we'll have plenty of time to read up and train, I suppose,” he said. Colonel Forth nodded. “Escorts, sir?”

  “Two but we're trying to scare up more,” the colonel stated. “Two frigates are slated now, Rose and Farragut. There has been some hemming and hawing about springing a tin can lose. Most likely you'll get a pair of corvettes. Since the powers that be want this expedited, you'll most likely end up with Captain's Lady and Lisbon.” Jethro winced. He'd heard about the pirate wolf packs going around the star systems. He had faith in the navy, but that was pretty light forces to tangle with a pirate destroyer or pack of them.

  Rose and Farragut were older frigates that had been on picket duty in the Agnosta star system for some time. Rose would most likely be the flagship since she was skippered by First Lieutenant D'lif'ther, a Veraxin. He outranked the other officers involved. From what he heard, Captain C'lax, another bug, was the skipper of Farragut.

  The colonel grimaced. “And that makes it official. You're getting the two Apollo class corvettes: the Captain's Lady under Lieutenant Truex and Lisbon. And that's it. Put your game face on, pack your kit, and don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.” He rose from his chair and held out his hand. Jethro blinked and then extended his own. They shook hands briefly.

  “Good hunting, Gunny.”

  “Aye aye, sir,” the panther replied, coming to attention.

  The colonel nodded slightly. “Dismissed,” he murmured, watching with troubled eyes as the black panther left.

  <(>~^~<(>

  After he made certain his gear was stowed, he checked out the chain of command and prepared to train with the personnel. There were thirty Marines including himself and the two officers. They were split evenly between the two freighters, however, and there wasn't a lot of room to begin with. Regular PT was going to be a hassle he realized. Sims were the only way his people would get training in.

  The second lieutenant on board who was in charge was not happy about the sudden rush or the size of the ship. Going into potentially hostile territory also sucked. He'd overheard her cursing as they boarded the ship.

  Once he had his gear stowed he checked on the troops. They were settling in nicely. He felt a slight lurch as the ship's inertial dampeners kicked. He checked the ship's status and blinked in surprise. They were already moving out.

  “They certainly aren't letting a lot of grass grow under our feet, are they?” Corporal Irvine Pak said, shaking his head.

  “No, they aren't,” Jethro murmured. He checked the oversized squad. He'd thought they'd array themselves in three squads of ten but apparently Lieutenant Chaing had other ideas. And it made sense to some degree; it wasn't like the odd men out on each ship could train together. So, two oversized squads were going to have to work.

  “Anyone know about the new lieutenant?”

  “She just got promoted from ensign. I don't know much about her. This was kinda sudden,” Jethro replied mildly.

  “Ah, you too then,” Irvine replied with a diffident shrug. “Well, we'll have plenty of time to get to know one another on the cruise I suppose. Probably too well,” he said.

  “Something like that,” Jethro growled. Half of his troops were Neos. Most of that were dogs of some sort. Dogs or wolves. He questioned that until he realized they'd been picked because they were going to a world that was heavily populated by Neos and was damn near freezing most of the year. At least someone had planned ahead.

  He had seven noncoms in the squad, an overabundance. Four of them were lance corporals, two corporals like Irvine, and one sergeant. Even the six PFCs were experienced with good marks for leadership. All of them were good troop, some experienced, some green but settled down and ready. He wasn't sure about their skill sets, but he'd find out more when they were underway like Irvine had said. He winced when a name popped out of the list. Lance Corporal's Ferguson and Lejoice were among his junior leadership. Both were on Chaing's ship however. The second lieutenant bothered him though. He knew that since he was here with her instead of with Chaing, it was assumed he was supposed to ride herd on her. Get her sorted out. His ears went back. He wished they'd given him more time, more time to plan … he sighed mentally. He had no choice but to deal with the hand he'd been dealt.

  However, the lieutenant's name was familiar. He checked and then sniffed in amusement.

  “Something funny?”

  “Yeah, I suppose so,” Jethro said, noting Lieutenant Suzzana Queen had been one of his boots before he'd gone to Antigua on Firefly. “Well well well,” he murmured thoughtfully. Bast flicked her ears on his HUD.

  “Going to share?”

  “It's for me to know, and you to not know I suppose.” Jethro said. He wasn't certain if it would be prejudicial to discipline if he let on what he knew. To be safe he kept it under his hat. “And don't bother trying to wheedle it out of me. I'm not that soft.”

  “I know, sir. I'm probably going to drop from a heart attack or exhaustion before you're through with me,” Irvine said.

  “Count on it if you're lucky. Don't piss me off or I'll use you as a scratching post,” the gunny replied, eying the corporal. He was amused to see the corporal snort. It wasn't too off, not cocky, but it said something about his self-assurance. At least he didn't gulp and freak he thought. He could work with that.

  “I'm not afraid. I put in for Recon. Hopefully with your running me through the wringer I'll get my shot when we get home.”

  “Not afraid, eh? You will be. You will be,” Jethro mocked.

  <(>~^~<(>

  Lieutenant Queen immediately ordered Jethro to report to her once the convoy got underway and she was settled in her quarters. “Tyler you've got the ball. Don't blow it,” Jethro called out. The sergeant looked up blindly while still wearing his VR goggles and gave a thumbs up. Despite that assurance Jethro made sure the troops were squared away briefly and then reported to her highness's cabin. It sucked that it was doubling as an office, but at least she wasn't bunked with the troops.

  “Obviously this sucks. I thought …,” she shook her head. “I don't know what I was thinking to be honest. I thought First Lieutenant Chaing and I were supposed to stay groundside with Brigade 3's Bravo Company,” she said.

  “Yes, ma'am.” Jethro had heard that Lieutenant Quong Chaing was an upcoming platoon leader for Bravo Company under soon-to-be-promoted Candace Silverman. The butch woman had matured a great deal and was quite the fire eater. She had a hot reputation running first platoon of Alpha Company in Battalion 2 tightly, running rings around many of the other platoons.

  Apparently Major Harley had some bad blood with Chaing, enough to get him bounced from Brigade 3 before it was fully stood up. Jethro wondered briefly why, and what the second lieutenant had done to warrant her “exile.” Hell, he was pretty sure he was on board due to his little assassination problem.

  “Or that we'd all be on the same ship. Silly me. The powers that be sent him up here for their own reasons and split the command team up at the last minute. You and I are the only seniors here,” she said, eying him. “I hate last minute changes,” she growled sourly.

  From her record she had only recently been promoted and was clearly unsure of what to do. According to her record and the scuttlebutt he'd picked up in the noncom network, she'd only held staff positions. Staff and training commands, no
real time directing a squad or platoon. They also had a bit of a history; she had served under Jethro who had been her DI years ago. She seemed maliciously amused at being in the driver's seat this go around he thought.

  “So, what do we do about you?” she asked, eying him. “Revenge could be mine, Gunny; you are aware of that, right?” Her eyes gleamed as she rubbed her hands together eagerly.

  “I am aware of many things,” he said phlegmatically. If she wanted to play that game, so be it. He was fairly certain Bast was recording, but he made certain by clicking the record button on his HUD anyway just to be on the safe side. “Including the fact that I didn't play favorites then or now. And I did everything by the book. If it seemed I was hard on you, well,” he shrugged. “You and everyone else had a wakeup call.” She rolled up her sleeves and rested her elbows on the desktop.

  “That we did I suppose. I've seen the recordings of combat. It's a bitch, isn't it?” She asked with a slight lilt in her voice as she knitted her fingers together in front of her and then rested her chin on them like they were a hammock.

  “Not eager for the experience, ma'am?”

  She snorted, sitting back suddenly. “Hardly. I know it's good for my career to get my ticket punched, the gold star and all that, but I'm not thrilled about getting shot at for real or loosing people,” she said with a grimace. She crossed her arms across her chest, a sure sign of insecurity.

  “That's why we train them hard, ma'am,” he replied. “So they will react properly. So they'll treat their training like instinct and know what to do. So they won't break.” His ears flicked. “There is an old saying; one we old sweats adhere to religiously. ‘The more you sweat the less you bleed.’ It took me a long time to realize how true that was and to stop playing lip service to it.”

  She eyed him and then nodded slowly. “I suppose so,” she murmured thoughtfully. She shook herself after a moment. “Of course you could be saying that just to get me to let you off the hook,” she said slyly. He noted the teasing tone and flicked his ears. She snorted after a long moment. She kept her eyes locked on him, conveying a challenge in her gaze.