Man in the Mirror

Posted on Wed Apr 20th, 2016 @ 5:28pm by 2nd Lieutenant Scooter Porkinsky

Mission: Brave New World
Location: Barracks, SB-332
Timeline: Day shift, off duty

[ON]

The man now bearing title of Merchant Captain Dippen stood facing the bathroom mirror. All was quiet. He tried to recognize the clean shaven face. It looked like someone whom he'd used to know, only considerably older. The cropped haircut was poorly done, but that wasn't worth notice. Dippen picked up one of the new prescription bottles to examine it. Voluntary medication, that was a new experience. He proceeded to dress in new, unmarked fatigues. His emotions were torn about wearing them, part sentiment and part nightmare.

Scooter Porkinsky entered the front door, "Dippen! You here?"

"Present and accounted for, Lieutenant."

"Just Porkinsky, if you want."

"I don't. You earned the rank. It should be recognized."

Scooter took it in stride, "Fair enough, Captain. Come on, I got a pass to Marine Land."

Dippen wasn't very mobile, but Scooter didn't want to bruise his dignity by obtaining walking or riding aids. "You sure I won't just be in the way?"

"Not at all. Teams are field training right now. It's deserted."

Having received approval for a tour, Porkinsky met their escort and proceeded through the deployment areas. Dippen surveyed the vehicles and weapons, "I wish we had all this during the Dominion War."

"I wish we'd had it during the Sojourner attack! All this just arrived, straight off the barge."

Dippen nodded, feeling a little more at ease, "You don't like your Razor fighter, do you?"

Now in the hearing of other military personnel, Porkinsky enthusiastically announced, "I am absolutely tickled pink for the opportunity to pilot such a fine machine of war!"

The veteran shook his head, "I didn't realize you hated it that bad."

The escorting marine had to suppress his smile.

Normally, Porkinsky would encourage a veteran to meet troopers and share stories. Remembering, however, was the last thing that this former POW wanted to do. Today would be a brief and fast moving tour, in and out before cumulative stress could surface. He couldn't imagine the storm of torment lashing deep within Dippen's mind. What he could do was, however, be a genuine friend.

On their way out of Marine Land, a marine asked when a private moment presented itself, "Porkinsky, what's your interest in this guy?"

Scooter happily explained, "Brotherhood doesn't end on the battlefield. Pats on the back and getting pushed into some forgotten corner isn't right. I take care of a man. If everyone else makes the effort, makes sacrifices, then there won't be any such thing as castoffs." He received a nod and a heartfelt salute.

Dippen was quiet on their way out. It was a long time before he spoke. "Lieutenant... Thanks."

Porkinsky broke into an enthusiastic smile, "Women! I want company! Let's hit the lower levels."

"Lieutenant... I'm really not... I don't..."

"Relax. I'm not not fixing you up with a date, Dippen. We're just going to enjoy the hospitality. I wanna see if I can't find my new honey to introduce."

"Does she know that she's your honey?"

"Well... it's not official, but I think we're getting there."

Dippen found a light smile, one that surprised him when he saw his reflection in a window.

[OFF]

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2nd Lt. Scooter Porkinsky
Merchant Captain Dippen

Starbase 332
Pegasus Fleet