The sun of New Canada began to rise. The Rubicon River gleamed in the early morning sunlight. Gunnery Sergeant Corran and Staff Sergeant Hendricks lay prone on the side of a hill overlooking a tributary to the Rubicon River. Hendricks had his spotting scope out, and was calmly looking over the riverbank. Corran was looking through his scope, calmly lining up his target. The two were both wearing guilie suits, blending in with the grassy hillside. "I've got three at four hundred yards," Hendricks said quietly.
"I've got them," Corran replied in the same, nearly inaudible volume. His cheek rested on the stock of the rifle as he peered once again through the scope. "Clear shot, I'm taking it."
"All yours." Hendricks watched the target though his spotting scope.
Three swine-like creatures were drinking from the stream. One of them took a shot in the neck, and immediatly squealed. It tried to move, but eventually fell over, dead. The other two ran off down the stream. Corran checked his safety before setting down the rifle. He and Hendricks exchanged a hi-five before heading down to the streambed to collect their meal.
"I guess this means it's time for a bar-be-que," Hendricks joked.
Main Hanger Facilities, Camp Anderson...
The swine rotated on a giant spit as one Sergeant began to cut off slices of meat. A line had formed as Marines that were starting to transfer down to Camp Anderson for training were anxious to get some grub. Camp Anderson was becoming more of an offical installation as opposed to the small airstrip it previously was. Two dedicated fighter and maitnance hangers were built to handle air and spacecraft assigned to both Camp Anderson and Starbase 901. Garages were also being constructed to accomidate the motorpool which was beggning to amass. Warthog scout vehicles and Scorpion main battle tanks were due to be delivered, and some of them were going to be undergoing trials on Camp Anderson's grounds.
Also receiveing face lifts were the barracks and main administrative facilities. Camp Anderson had received its lease to remain for at least ninety-nine years, and Colonel Tarik wanted to make sure that it was not an eyesore to the people of the colony. After getting a quick bite to eat, he took a solitary stroll around the grounds. He came to the main courtyard. The courtyard was surrounded by the barracks and the main dining hall. The dining hall was currently under construction, so the little bar-be-que was being held in one of the hangers.
He approached the end of the courtyard where the base's flagpole stood. Placed inside of the flagpole on the grass of the courtyard was a memorial. It was positioned roughly fourty feet from the flagpole. The base of the memorial was square; six feet by six feet, by six feet, all white marble. Atop the base was a bronze figure, six feet tall. He was wearing Marine combat armor. He stood at attention, giving the ever-waving flag of the UFP a salute. Engraved on the side facing the flag was a memoriom to the people that fought and died for the 28th M.E.F.
O STRANGER PASSING BY, GO AND TELL THE SPARTANS THAT HERE, FAITHFUL TO THEIR BIDDING WE LIE IN MEMORY AND TRIBUTE TO THE 28TH STARFLEET MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
17 April 2384 - Stardate 61295
Corran paused, taking in the effect of the words. He looked to the other side of the marble base. Upon it were the rows of names of Marines that had come before him, sacrificing themselves on the field of battle. After a few moments of silence he continued past the memorial towards the barracks. He entered his room, and stowed away his equipment in the locker. Hendricks was still having lunch, giving Corran some time to himself. Since the base wasn't at full capacity, the Marines currently here enjoyed two to a room instead of the normal four sleeping on racks.
A panel on the side of the wall near the door flashed, catching his attention. Corran walked over to the panel, tapping the flashing LCARS button. The blank screen was replaced by the UFP and then the SFMC symbols, followed by a simple text message from Colonel Tarik.
TO: GNRY SGT CORRAN
FROM: COL. TARIK
RE: ASSIGNMENT AT CAMP ANDERSONYOU ARE HEREBY PLACED IN TEMPORARY COMMAND OF THE MARINE POST ON NEW CANADA DURING THE INFLUX OF SUPPLIES AND PERSONNEL FOR SEASONAL TRAINING. POST DAILY REPORTS TO THE STATION CATALOGING ENLISTED RECEIVED, AND EQUIPMENT STORED.
Corran sighed. Command of the base was either a curse or a blessing. He wasn't sure exactly. If anything, it would give him a slight chance to relax, and be a desk jockey. He'd just have to wait and see.
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