The Leviathan Address

Jon Phanan entered the newly build Marine's mess hall onboard the Leviathan. Two of the three Marine squads onboard were eating. The third was sleeping. The three groups ran on shifts. The first would be on active duty. The second was on their free time and the last was sleeping. Each shift was eight hours and it fulfilled the needs of the group.

"Officer on Deck !" A Private yelled out. The group became quiet as they all rose to their feet.

"As you were," Jon called out. The group of enlisted men returned to their meals and conversations. Jon walked over to the grub line, and picked up a tray. He then made his way down the line.

"Eggs sir ?" One of the cooks asked.

"Please," Phanan replied. It was 08:00 and the first shift was starting. Jon ranked the food at the "gourmet" level as opposed to some of the other food he's eaten in the Marines. Fresh, right from the replicator, to the large heating station to his mouth.

"Sausage ? Bacon ?"

"Load me up Private."

"Yes sir." The Private replied with a small chuckle. Jon made his way down the line getting himself a cup of coffee, and he finally walked over to the senior officer's table. Lieutenant Truman was sitting, eating his breakfast and finishing off his orange juice along with Sergeant Sharpe.

Although Truman was younger then Sharpe and higher ranking, the two had a type of mutual respect where they could easily get along, and only act professional in front of Starfleet personnel.

"Good morning sir." Jack said, as Jon sat down.

"Good morning Lieutenant. Sergeant." Jon nodded to Sharpe.

"Sir," Sharpe nodded to the commanding Marine.

Jon stuck his fork into his eggs, and took a bite. "Damn," Jon said, putting the fork down.

"These powdered eggs could gag a buzzard." Jon looked over to the salt and pepper near Sharpe. "You done with that Sharpe ?"

"All yours Major." Sharpe slid the two shakers over to Jon.

"Thank you." After applying heavy doses of the two condiments to the eggs, he then continued. "Sergeant, I want First Platoon to run through simulations Moria three, four, and five today. After that, they can grab some lunch and then it's off for a five mile 'fun run.' I don't want what happened on our first 'excursion' to happen again."

Sharpe nodded. "I'll get on it sir." Sharpe took a sip of his coffee.

"Many of these soldiers are fresh from boot sir. They came with the boat at DS9."

"Have they gone through planetside operations yet ?" Phanan stopped eating and looked over to the Gunnery Sergeant.

"From what I've received in my briefing report from Second Platoon's former CO, they were specialised in urban operations and anti-takeover ops on ships."

Jon shook his head, and stood up. He walked to the front of the Mess Hall near the entrance way doors and stopped. Jon then turned to face the group. "ATTEN....TION !"Phanan's voice bellowed through the hall. At once, everyone stopped what they were doing, and rose to their feet. Arms at their sides, and chins held high, all staring straight ahead.

"I understand that many of you here, are fresh from boot camp. Congratulations. Welcome to the Starfleet Marine Corps. You should be proud of yourselves. You've joined the best fighting force ever assembled, in the history of mankind. Anything less, you could've joined Starfleet !"

There was laughter from all of the enlisted men. Truman grinned while Sharpe gave a wry smile.

"Sergeant Sharpe ?" Phanan yelled out.

"Yes sir !" Sharpe yelled out.

"This ship bears a very proud name, does it not Mr. Sharpe ?"

"It does sir !"

"It represents a very powerful creature !"

"Very powerful creature, sir !"

"It struck terror into the hearts of men, didn't it Sergeant Sharpe ?"

"All people, sir !"

"What is that name Sergeant ?"

"Leviathan sir !"

"And what do we say Sergeant ?"

"Go Leviathan !"

"Shoot first, ask later !" All of the enlisted men yelled out in unison. Each Marine group onboard a ship had their own call and being the Marine Corps leader onboard this ship, Jon instituted this as the call.

"Now that the pleasantries are out of the way, I can get down to business. Your squad leaders have informed you of the situation that we are in. That is why, I am going to need each and every one of you to be at your best. Everyone fights, no one quits around here. I only have one request. It's that you keep up with me. If you can't do that, that strange sensation you'll feel in the seat of your pants, will be my boot in your ass !"

There was laughter from the assembled group. When it died down, Jon continued. "That is all I have to say to you for now Marines. Welcome aboard. As you were !" Jon made his way out of the cafeteria while the enlisted men sat down to enjoy their meal.