Home Truths

Posted on 23 Aug 2016 @ 3:34am by Sergeant Major William Bourne & Major Edward (Dragon) Cagney

785 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Errand of Mercy
Location: Officers Quarters, Starship Redemption
Timeline: ED3

ON

Sergeant Major William Bourne did not change his expression as he surveyed the activity on the flight deck. The new Marines were moving off in different directions, carrying their equipment and personal baggage. Several spacecraft were being stowed. The Battalion was back to strength, even if most of them were green. He would change that. Lieutenant Roberts was running around in a flap. He would change him too, in time.

He turned and left the flight deck, frowning as he thought about the uncomfortable meeting he was about to have. He was going to discuss his Commanding Officer with her new deputy - such a break in the chain of command did not sit well with him. Entering the turbo lift, he pulled his tunic tight, his chest bore the medal ribbons of several actions in the Dominion War.

He exited near the Marine administration area. He had turned down the offer of a commission a few months before - he wasn't an Officer and the thought of being one did not appeal in the slightest. He considered what he would say about Cassandra Blackburn - but he knew that as always, he would be direct and to the point. He arrived at Major Cagney's office and pressed the entry request button.

Eddie was going through some of FitReps for the new Marine fighter pilots when he heard the chime. "Come", came the reply.

Bourne entered, standing to attention in front of the pilot, the saluting. "Sergeant Major Bourne, reporting, Sir." He barked.

"At ease, Top. I'm only spit and polish on the parade deck, or in front of the troops." Eddie motioned to the chair on the other side of the desk from him. "You'll find I also don't beat around the bush. I speak freely, and expect my staff NCOs to do the same in private. What did you think of the CO's pep talk to the troops this morning?"

Bourne sat stiffly on the chair. "If you tell a Marine that he's going to die, he finds a way to make it happen."

"So that's why the C.O. froze up?" Eddie eyed the Sergeant Major speculatively.

"No sir, I refer to the Marines she was addressing. The CO got it handed to her by the Sixth for a month on Thorlas III. Rough interrogation. It screwed her in the head. Her thumb's been up her ass ever since." Bourne frowned for a moment. "She was effective enough before then."

Eddie stroked his chin thoughtfully. "These boots need a firm, even hand at the tiller, Sergeant Major. Would you say you've seen this kind of behavior in others who have undergone similar experiences?"

"Not always, no sir. The man who turned the screws was known to her. Former relationship. May have tipped her over the edge."

Cagney shook his head. "Damned shame. I'll bet she was a hell of an officer beforehand. I'll rely on you to bring me up to speed, help me organize the troops, and get things going. Is there anything we can do to help her? I assume counseling hasn't helped."

"I will square the admin away, sir. And as I said, she can handle herself when she wants to." Bourne remembered the time that Blackburn had broken an antenna from the head of an Andorian during a nasty scrap with the Confederacy. "As for counseling, she abused the last counselor to try, went on the run, and injured three security officers before she was caught. She ran to avoid a forced treatment order." Bourne mused for a moment in a deep frown. "What she really needs, sir, is a kick in the ass. I mean a long and bloody fight. She needs to be reminded why the Corps is here and what we stand for."

"I wonder if there's a way to get her into the holodeck without her knowing it's a simulation. Perhaps some tough love might do the trick." He eyed the SNCOIC speculatively.

Bourne shook his head. "Logistically difficult. She'd figure that out. She uses the holodecks for range work regularly. She needs the real deal."

Eddie frowned. "Something tells me that won't be a problem." He shook his head. "I hope it'll snap her out of it, and not bite her with full-blown shell-shock. Very well, Top. Thanks for your input, and the info. We'll keep this on the down low for now. Dismissed."

Bourne stood up and saluted. "Sir." He said, before turning and leaving. As soon as the doors closed he grunted to himself. Perhaps there was hope for the detachment yet.

OFF

Major Edward (Dragon) Cagney
Marine XO/CAG
USS Redemption

Sergeant Major William Bourne
First Sergeant
USS Redemption

 

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