The transport ship was a Hawke class ship, not one for comfort. James had always come to think of the Hawke class ship which he's known for over ten years. He walked down the corridor to the flight control area, where two Starfleet pilots were flying the ship.
One was a young Ensign not too long out of the Academy, the second was a full lieutenant who seemed to be in his mid 20's. "Hey guys, how long before we reach SB901?" Major Jackson asked standing in the doorway that led to the Flight Control station.
"ETA 6 hours sir," the Lieutenant said running his fingers over the control area.
"Ok, thanks guys," James said as turned around and walked back to the crew section of the transport ship. The crew section was filled with bunk beds. The ship had 20 Marines serving as replacements. As James understood it, the 28th had suffered rather hard the last several months. James made it a habit to study either unit history or ship before setting foot near them. He knew as a Marine he had to be always ready.
He thought it strange how on the 24th he was given his orders to join the unit only two days after Captain Anderson was killed in battle. Now he was going to look like a man trying to fill another man's combat boots. James new he could never fill anybody's boots.
"Sir, are you related to Confederate General Thomas J. Jackson?" A younger eager new Second Lieutenant asked. Major Jackson turned and looked at the new Lieutenant.
"Well I more then less could be. But old Stonewall Jackson never had any children. So I may be related by cousin-ship." James smiled and patted the young officer on his shoulder and walked over to his bunk.
James laid down and thought about how this assignment would be only temporary and a few weeks, possibly a month or so he'll be back on Bajor. Though he did like the thought of being promoted, he didn't want the responsibility with it, but being the good marine he would do as he was ordered to the letter.
"Major, care for a game of poker?" A young Lance Corporal asked, setting up a few crates to make a makeshift table.
"Yeah, deal me in." Five marines played poker for a good amount of time before Major Jackson had most of their credits. Then the Lieutenant in charge of the transport got on the intercom.
[We are entering the New Canada system. Pick up your trash and bags; we'll be docking in forty minutes.]
"All right, lets do as the Squid said," James yelled as he stood up.