Demarcation

Posted on Wed Mar 28th, 2012 @ 2:18pm by Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Gifford

Mission: The Mystery Men of Mira
Location: Cestus III

The Marines boarded the large vessel at the speed of mud. Encumbered with full gear and personal baggage. The process would take several hours to get them on board and to their assigned areas.

Major Gifford watched from the bridge. His Marines were moving. Gifford had received command of the Battalion a week prior and had lost days of sleep since. His battalion was a Light package but had a big punch. It consisted of Four Companies and One full battery of ground support artillery. Three companies of assault troops and one company of combat engineers. With a headquarters company the total strength of the Battalion came to 236 Marines.

Jon had spent many hours selecting and moving things around to get the right mix of Green Officers matched up with what few NCO's he had with actual combat experience. Not an easy task for a CO with a limited staff, Gifford knew the battalions destination, he and the captain of the Transport, but that was it. That information would be revealed only after their departure. Then the briefings would start, First his senior headquarters staff would meet. Followed by the selected Company Commanders. After that Gifford would speak to the Platoon Leaders and then address the entire Battalion in formation. The backbone of this Battalion would be it's more experienced sergeants. They would give it the spirit and salt it needed to work together. Jon's review of the personnel files revealed very few discipline cases. That would help the cause greatly. He just wish it would move along faster...

Major Gifford was unpacking in his berth when he was notified the ship would be departing in Ten minutes. He was invited to the Bridge by Commander Eddinger, Star Fleet commander of the transport. he dressed and arrived on the bridge as she was drifting out from the dock.

"Ah, Major Gifford. I was hoping you would make it." The Commander held out his hand.

Jon smiled. "I wouldn't miss seeing civilization one last time." The commander was crack Captain and his crew superb as they maneuvered the large vessel into open space. The bridge was quiet and efficient under the skilled direction of a master helmsman. Captain Eddinger addressed the crew and passengers over the ship wide intercom.

"Attention all hands we are underway. I would like to invite the 14th Marine Battalion to enjoy their first journey together." He turn to Jon, "Major if there is anything you, or your staff need while on board please let us know."

"Thank you Captain. I plan to keep them busy and out of your hair as much as possible. I will be jumping ahead to the station as soon as possible to prepare for the Battalion. Please contact me if their are any problems or concerns"