A Private's Life

Robert walked into his quarters that he shared with a few other Marines. He was used to sharing space and he enjoyed sharing space now and thought it would be strange to have his own quarters.

*I'm ready for this now and I'm never leaving the Corps.* Robert thought to himself as he sat down on his bed. The drill had been tough and now he was ready just to relax. So he laid back on his bunk and picked up a letter from a high school friend. The PADD had on it: "Henry Jones Cadet 4th class Starfleet Academy."

Henry was a long time friend and had planned on joining Starfleet back when they were both freshmen in high-school. The letter told of how much he enjoyed the academy and that he had secured a field tour on the Enterprise- F as helmsman. The irony was that Paterson didn't realise that his buddy was in the attack force, but on another ship.

"Hey Paterson. Letter from home ?" Quinn asked, another Marine in Paterson's squad.

"No, a letter from a good friend he's an Ensign now serving on the Enterprise."

Quinn gave a laugh and then said."Do I detect a bit of jealousy there Paterson ?"

In fact Robert tried to apply for a Marine commission but his Engineering and Science skills lagged. So with no choice but the grunts left he took the grunts. He now wished maybe he would done better in school if he hadn't had that girlfriend for two years straight.

"Hey. Which one of you left the weapons locker unsecured ?" Their squad leader, Corporal Barnes yelled as he entered the squadroom . He was not a very friendly character. At that sound the squad immediately popped to. Everyone waited for an answer but there was no answer.

"Okay fine. Mister Quinn and Mister Paterson. You both have the Bridge guard shift from 23:00 hours till 03:45 hours That means if a mouse sets of a sensor you check to make sure the mouse has proper clearance. Is that Understood ?"

"Yes sir !!!" The four Marines sounded off.

"All you get down give me twenty-five." Corporal Barnes added.

The door was left open and a few officers watched as the young inexperienced Privates were being punished for their carelessness.