Tarik thought for a while on what Wallace had said, and what he had witnessed the night before. Initially, he had felt very positive about offering a Marine commission to Paul Deveraux. But then, after being warned, Paul turned around and ended up getting thrown in the brig. And then he went and started some very public trouble with Troy. The scene Deveraux made the night before decided him. Even had Paul acted that way with a total stranger it would have decided Tarik. Tarik owed a lot to Paul, but not so much that he would put the lives of enlisted men in the hands of such an unstable officer.
I'm sorry, Paul, he thought as he began the memo. Reaching adulthood is a basic requirement for a Marine commission, and I don't think you've done that just yet!
Tarik didn't know Chief Anderson that well, but knew his record. The record spoke volumes--all of Deveraux's courage and skill with none of his recklessness or immaturity. The man seemed adaptable and capable of commanding respect. His handling of the fights that had broken out before the Arizona left raised Anderson significantly in Tarik's estimation. That settles it. If Paul somehow grows up I'm sure I can use another officer, but for now I have to go with the better candidate in terms of maturity and leadership ability.
With that, Tarik wrote out his recommendation.
TO: Brig. Gen. VALKON, SFMC BUPERS
THROUGH: Capt. Richard WALLACE, SB901
FROM: Maj. TARIK, CO, 28th Marine Expeditionary ForceRE: Transfers/commissions/promotions of Starfleet and Marine enlisted personnel
Based upon a fair evaluation of all possible candidates, it is my considered opinion that Chief Petty Officer John ANDERSON, currently Security Chief at SB901 and a former brevet Starfleet Lieutenant JG, is an excellent candidate for a commission in the Starfleet Marine Corps with the rank of First Lieutenant. I request that his application be given full consideration and expedited. Additionally, I also request that ANDERSON be assigned as XO of the 28th MEF.
Based upon an evaluation of his service record and in light of his current outstanding performance as the Staff NCO of the 28th MEF, I would also like to recommend MSgt. John HARTMAN for promotion to the rank of First Sergeant at the earliest possible opportunity. HARTMAN has proven his worth both as an outstanding NCO and as acting CO for this expeditionary force.
Other promotions/recommendations are as follows:
Tarik went down a long list of promotions (and a few recommendations for discharge or transfer) for his people. Tarik liked seeing people get promoted, and he liked promoting them even better. He knew that this would not sit well with Paul, but Paul had never given him a firm answer on his offer, either. You had your chance, Tarik thought. Maybe when you learn to control yourself you might get another one.