Combat Rating PT2

Posted on Sat May 21st, 2016 @ 10:36pm by Staff Sergeant Sam Hopper & Brigadier General David Hurd Sr & Major Patrick McMichaels
Edited on on Sat May 21st, 2016 @ 10:53pm

3,944 words; about a 20 minute read

Mission: Episode 91 - Bremer vs Bremer
Location: Kaleb III MTD
Timeline: MD1, 0400 hrs

Star Base 400, Division Executive Officer's Office

Prior Day, 1230 hrs

Jackson was getting hungry after the paperwork of the morning. On his way to lunch, he decided to visit his XO. He hit the door chime as soon as he got there.

Putting the cleaning rod from his Pistol cleaning kit down, Hurd said, ''Enter''. As the General walked in, Hurd said, ''What do you need sir?''

"Just letting you know 1/22 will be starting their Combat Evals in the wee hours of tomorrow morning. If they pass all three phases, we will have another deployable battalion on our status board. I have Captain McMichaels down there to make sure they pass. I also have that new Combat Engineer putting the finishing touches on the Training Depot."


A devious smile spread across Hurd's face as he said, ''I do love me some Combat Evals'', he finished, rubbing his hands together.

Jackson has a smirk of his own. "I predict a trip to Kaleb III?"

''A trip, and all kinds of suprises for those Marines down there''

"Knock yourself out David. If I need you, I will just send a runabout to pick you up. Good hunting."


''Understood, just tell me when, sir''.

"The Phase 1 party starts at 0400, so your departure time from here is totally up to you."

''The i will need to leave around 1230 hours''.


Jackson shook Hurd's hand, "Enjoy the meal."




Central Dome/A Company Barracks

The bulk of the 1st Battalion, 22nd Marines were fast asleep in the Central Dome Barracks, save the occasional fire watch that roamed the hallways. The men and women of this unit have been training for weeks, and they were physically and mentally exhausted. Sam Hopper made the mistake of turning in early the previous day after he dismissed his platoon. His Platoon Commander was still in Medical, not reacting well to being stunned during training. "Glass jawed 90 day wonder", Sam thought to himself, as he was laying down in his rack, trying to fall back asleep. With the Lieutenant out of the picture, Sam was in full charge of Second Platoon of Alpha Company. It was a blessing in disguise as far as his Marines were concerned. That Academy Rat was still in his "I am in charge" phase of marine officer development.

His efforts to go back to sleep were interrupted by an alert klaxton, followed by a loud computer voice, "Alert and Stand To!" The announcement continued for a few minutes. He jumped out of his rack, and started to suit up when he was interrupted by another computer generated announcement. "MOPP 4. MOPP 4." Sam's head dropped down for a few seconds. Mission Oriented Protective Posture, or MOPP. Level 4 indicated that they would be operating in either a toxic, or no atmosphere environment. That meant full pressure suits, and Marine pressure suits were no exactly light, since they were augmented with tritanium armor. After uttering a few curses under his breath, he opened a locker, and started putting on his digitally camouflauged "MOPP gear".

In less than 10 minutes, he was suited up, minus his helmet, which he carried, and his weapon which was attached to him via single point sling. He exited his quarters, and started motivating his marines in the open bay barracks to get suited up quickly, and assemble in the company area.

Central Dome Parade Ground

The battalion was assembling by companies with their equipment. The companies by platoon. Sam took a count of all of his men, and they were all there. "Make sure your weapons are set for STUN, heavy weapons noting above level 1, and stun grenades only. I don't want us to crack the holodome!"

Patrick knew about the 0400 alarm. No matter how many times he'd heard it; it still startled him. He was already dressed but did so as quietly as possible to not wake Sgt Hart.

Patrick looked over First Battalion. They needed this for themselves, not to mention all of the Corps. "SSgt Hopper. I congratulate you for your MOPP training. Your timing has improved. We haven't formally met. I'm Captain McMichaels, the 22nd Commander. I'm here on orders from BGen Jackson. I have no idea what he's throw at us but we will lead these marine back to victory and Deployable status. Hooo Zaaaaa marines!" he said.

Sam was startled by the sudden appearance of the Regimental Commander. He snapped a salute as he called his platoon to attention. "Thank you Sir!" He looked around, waiting for his company and battalion commander.

Patrick grinned rakishly. He remember these kinds of exercises. The anticipation and adrenaline rush could be intoxicating and addictive. He saw them for what they were; but he still enjoyed them. He noticed that the men were ready for anything. He checked his type II & III phasers, setting them to Heavy Stun. "Locked and loaded. Let's kick some ass" he said.


Master Sergeant Gibbs stepped onto the field, and called the battalion to attention. He was dressed in normal BDUs, which meant he was not going into the dome with them. "Good morning Marines! I am Master Sergeant Gibbs. I will be your primary testor for this exercise. Task, to conduct battalion wide small unit operations. Conditions, your playground for Phase 1 will be a Class E planetary environment. Standards, your platoons will react to contact during the course of their patrols. You will not all die. That is the standard. During your entry into Holodome 1, all leaders will receive the appropriate maps on their PADDs. Any questions?

"Type E. Never good. What are the parameters for victory, Master Sergeant? Graded or Pass/Fail?" Patrick asked.

"Simple answer Captain. It is a GO/No Go that is not just based on victory, but on how your marines handle themselves. In other words, if they totally screw up reacting to contact, it would be a No Go." Gibbs pointed to the Dome 1 enterence, "Let the games begin!" GIbbs then pressed a control button near the dome enterance. "Computer, run program Quagmire 1."

Hopper looked at his platoon. "Saddle up people. And for God's sake, make sure your buddies' life support systems are on." His marines let out a chuckly as they donned on their helmets, and performed their buddy checks. When the checks were done, they assumed the best position of attention that the MOPP suits would permit. Sam looked at his company commander, waiting for the order to enter the dome.

Patrick likewise made sure his men were suited up and ready to rock. "Everyone check your weapons. Heavy Stun. Use the buddy system. Everybody check your buddy. Front, Back, Left, Right" he said.

It was early in the morning. Deborah had the 3rd knee deep in working the final segments of the domes primary shield matrix, She was at the primary control.the deck was four levels up. Designed like a starbases control center the room was very rough at the moment. Final fitting out would be done after the dome was fully operational..

Holodome 1

Colonel Hurd had made his way to where the exercises were being held, in secret, a few hours before they began. Hating the way he moved in his all black pressure suit, he set about rigging traps, and all other manner of surprises for the incoming Marines. A few hours later, he settled in and waited, grinning behind the dome of his helmet.

Being the Only telepath in the 3rd had it's downside.. Like when she detected at a very odd early hour, the presence of a male she barely knew. Amir stealthfully shadowed him and Deborah got to see him through Amir's eyes.. Ascertaining his motives was more difficult. His actions were hostile-ish.. Planting traps and then hiding??
("What do we do?") (We wait to see who's going in than we figure it out.) Deborah commanded Amir to return. But they both were tracking the larger uncomfortable male...

Upon entry into the dome, Hopper's platoon positioned themselves on Alpha Company's right flank. He had 1st Squad on point, then his element, including the heavy support weapons, behind them. 2nd Squad was to his right, and 3rd Squad was behind him. He had the squads setup to move in Traveling Over Watch, meaning their fire teams were broke up into wedges 50 meters apart, with 50 meters separating the squads. The barren and rocky terrain afforded no vegetation to disrupt the movement, but it made it bad for concealment. He looked to his left for a signal from his Company Commander to start movement.

Patrick scanned the barren waste of 'Part A'. Well that's what he was calling it. So far everything was kosher. But that's usually when the shit hit the fan. Traveling Over Watch seemed the best formation being that contact was almost a given.


And that was when Hurd set off his show. Tapping a button on his arm, he set off the pyrotechnics. Great flashes along with a lot of noise filled the air as Hurd popped up, stunned several Marines, and slid back into the shadows, saying to himself, with a smile on his face''Too Slow Rookies''.

Patrick went down to a prone position; his type III phaser rifle cycling through the positions where the flashes went off. "Contact! 8 o'clock! Possible multiple assailants!" he yelled, pointing his rifle. *Damn they're good* he thought then swore under his breath.

Sam heard the Captain's words, but that also meant the contact was not in their field of fire. Then disruptor fire started coming from in front of his platoon. He could hear his 1st Squad Leader bark out, "Contact, 12 o'clock, 100 meters, a squad of Breen!" As 1st Squad reacted to the contact, he sent 2nd Squad to their right flank, and 3rd Squad to a position to their 5 o'clock to cover both their rear, and right flank. Then he got on comms to call out 2nd Platoon's contact. =/\=Alpha 21, Contact front./\=

=^=Alpha 21. This is Alpha 11. Contact front. Roger. Maintain comms=^= Patrick said as he slowly moved to Sam's position.

Hurd smiled, and moved to the rear of the Advancing Marines, keeping to the shadows. The second the rear guard turned his head, Hurd popped up, threw a stun grenade and fired off a burst from his weapon, stunning and dropping several more Marines. He dropped back into the shadows and moved off, biding his time until he struck again.

Hopper disregarded the sudden fire coming from the rear of the battalion because it was not in their field of fire. There were other platoons and other companies over there that can deal with it. He focused his attention to the simulated Breen up ahead. "First Squad and Support weapons, I want continued suppressive fire on those Breen. Second Squad, take them out!" As Second Squad went into the motions of a squad assault, he turned his head to make sure Third Squad was still maintaining security towards the rear, and right flanks.

Patrick moved from his 8 o'clock to his 6 o'clock. "Contact! 6 o'clock! A squad of Cardassians! Multiple small arms! FIRE! FIRE!" he ordered ad the rest of Alpha 1 followed suit.

On Hopper's side of the action with Second Platoon, Second Squad was bounding their way to the Breen. When they started getting close, he ordered Fist Squad and Support to lift and shift their fire to the left, giving safe passage to Second Squad. They made short work of the simulated Breen.

Patrick only paid scant attention to Hopper and his platoon. He was dealing with his own. "Bravo Squad, advance. Alpha Squad, suppression fire. Let 'em have it, lads" he said.

Smiling from the rear of the formation, Hurd popped out of the Darkess, stunned two Marines, grabbed a third and pulled him back into the shadows.

Patrick spun around just in time to notice the two stunned mariness and the third missing. =^=Alpha 21. This is Alpha 11. We have contact, 6 o'clock. 2 down and a third captured. Can you give me eyes? =^= Patrick said.

He went to a crouched position and held up his hand, fist closed, signalling a halt. He scanned for tracks leading away from their position but not towards Alpha 21.

Hurd just laughed, stunned the Marine he had taken, and moved off towards the front of the Marine Column, silent as a church mouse, the grin on his face growing wider.

"Son of a bitch!" Patrick swore. =^=Alpha 21. This is Alpha 11. We have an unknown element, not previously encountered. I've got 2 men down and 1 missing. Give me eyes. Do you copy?=^=

Hopper had a decision to make. His platoon was covering the battalion's right flank, and he was just given orders to assist the rear of the formation. "First Squad, Third Squad, and TPL Team hold position! Second Squad, action rear, bound on me!" Hopper and Second Squad took off towards the Captain's position, moving by fire teams. "Alpha 21 to Alpha 11, one Squad heading your way."

Upon arrival, Hopper can see the Captain and his marines pinned down. "Squad, On line now. Suppressive fire now!" Between Type III F rifles, and the IDs, the terrain in front of Captain McMichaels was illuminated like an active volcano.

Patrick scanned the areas that Hopper illuminated. He saw what could only be a 'shadow'. =^=Alpha 21. Light up 7 o'clock. Whoever this bastard is. He or she won't be a shadow much longer=^= Patrick said as he adjusted the site and scope on his type III.

"Alpha 11, Wilco." Hopper then yelled out, "Bravo and Charlie Teams, shift fire, 7 o'clock. ID grenadiers, put some rounds over there!"

Hurd dodged the incoming fire, doubling back along his path to the second set of Charges he had hidden in the dirt, Quickly checking the connections, He re-checked the full auto stun setting on his Rifle. Taking a quick glance ahead to make sure they were in position, he smiled and set the charges off, watching the very bright flashes of light and hearing the shrill, almost incapacitating noise fill the air, Hurd popped up for a split second while the light and noise show was still going on, and opened fire. Several more Marines fell, stunned, as Hurd quickly left his position and immediately relocated to another position.

So....There was no more Charlie Team and Bravo Team was down to 2 Marines. "Well played," Hopper thought about the OPFOR. "First Squad and TPL, come to my position now!" Third Squad adjusted their positions to continue covering the battalion flank. First Squad was already up and running, the TPL Team dismounted their weapon, picked yo their tripod, and followed suit. Hopper positioned them 50 meters short of the original firing line. He had what's left of Second Squad join them.

Patrick gathered Alpha Platoon and Sgt Hart. "Sgt Hart, you'll take Bravo and Charlie squads and come at the mark from 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock. I'll take Alpha squad and march up this asshole's 6 o'clock. Whoever he/she is, they're experienced and stealthy. Be on the look out. I know we're all tired so let's do this and get our CR. Head out" he ordered

He took Alpha squad and headed towards where Alpha 21 was blazing up. Once Bravo and Charlie were in place he put his pincer into action. =^=Alpha 21, this is Alpha 11. Cease your suppression fire. Repeat, cease suppression fire" he said.

Hopper gave the hand signal for his group to cease fire.

As Bravo & Charlie closed in, Patrick spread his squad out 10 meters a piece with himself at the lead. He took his type I and set it on overload then tossed it ahead of him and regrouped Alpha.

Hurd dove away from the phaser just as it exploded, the blast scorching his armour.

Hopper watched the Captain's actions in amazement. Felt the grenades he carried in his load bearing equipment, and shook his head.

Patrick saw a brief movement after the phaser exploded. "We know you're there. We have more phasers. Come out with your hands up and your weapons down. This is your ONLY warning" he said. Then signaled for 2 marines to aim low and 2 to aim high. He kept his typeIII rifle aimed about chest high and waited.

Hurd dropped his rifle, and raised his hands, and walked towards the Marines sourrounding him, saying, ''I am Lt. Colonel Hurd, Starfleet serial number 2398-Alpha1254, Marine Division Executive Officer''.

Patrick lowered his rifle and ordered his squads to stand down. "Col. Hurd Sir. I didn't know you were here. I apologize for my zeal Sir" he said with salute.

''I like your performance, but tell me, why was your rear and flank guard so weak?'' Smiling Hurd continued, ''I am the one who has been reeking havoc on you since this exercise started''.

"So our rear and flanks were exposed and weakly defended? It appears I've got some training to do" Patrick said. "Does this mean this mean the CR is over?" he asked.

''No,i want you to run it again, this time taking what i said was wrong, and improve upon it.'' ''I will observe this time''.

Patrick gave Hurd a look of sheer venom but said nothing. "Alright everyone, back to base. We're gonna do this all over again" Patrick announced.'' Hurd just smiled and said ''No need Captain, you and your men did very well, just next time watch your flanks and your rear, this exercise is over''.

Tag McMichaels Hopper and Casion


1735 hrs

Suddenly a message in text appeared in his heads up display. It read, "I am stepping out for a bit. The division is yours until I get back. No reason to leave, and stop your fun.--Jackson"

Hurd typed back with a simple, ''Understood''.

IN the construction zone, Deborah and a handful of her people were just about to engage the permanent dome shielding, testing overnight had concluded the system was balanced, the power coupling systems were reinforced and soon the system would be fully operational.. Thats when she sensed the Alpha, She felt a surge of longing and repressed it, Maybe he would come in this direction to see the dome come to life??
Amir was way over head, hanging from the top of the massive central spire that controlled the dome. She was enjoying herself and Deborah was greatful for it..

1955 hrs

Ops

"Captain Abrams, we have an incoming message from Division." Abrams replied, "On screen." The main viewer suddenly displayed the face of General Jackson. "Captain Abrams here General." Jackson then spoke, "Captain, I need you to relay a message to Colonel Hurd, and Captain McMichaels to return to SB400 ASAP, and to board the USS Pegasus with a platoon. They can report to me on board the ship. Got that?" The Captain's eyes widened after hearing the message. "Yes Sir, I will notify them immediately." The screen then went blank.

Holodome

It was now "night time" in an already dark environment, with the battalion elements setting up their perimeters for the night. The silence of the night was suddenly broken by a voice coming over the intercom, "Lieutenant Colonel Hurd, and Captain McMichael, report to Shuttlebay 2 immediately. "

=^=McMichaels here. Acknowledged=^= he said. He wasn't sure if this was part of the exercise or not. He began his extraction by scanning the route back. Then went to the exit. "Computer. Exit" then he headed thru the door and straight the Central Dorm, retrieved his duffel and geaded to Shuttlebay 2.

Shuttlebay 2

Waiting for the two officers to arrive at their waiting shuttle, a corporal with a PADD stood by, with orders for them.

Patrick stopped and waited for Colonel Hurd. He hadn't met the Colonel yet.

Once the Colonel arrived, the Marine read the message to the two officers. "You are both to report to the USS Pegasus immediately. The OIC already sent the platoon assigned to QRF to the ship. General Jackson will brief you both after you arrive to the ship."

After Hurd had received the message, he quickly made his way out of the dome, transported back up to the Starbase, grabbed his weapons locker, and, slinging it up onto his shoulder, made his way to the shuttlebay. Smiling as he walked in, Hurd nodded and simply said, ''Captain''.

Patrick saluted the senior officer. "Colonel Hurd, Sir. Sorry we haven't met earlier" he said.


''Its quite ok, Captain'', Hurd said still holding his weapons trunk on his shoulder.

"Were you here for the CR as well, Colonel?" he asked, almost dreading the answer. From his manner and dress, Hurd looked to be involved in a training exercise of some kind

What do you mean, Captain?''

"Well Colonel, it's just curious that you're here at the same time as the CRD of the 1/22. Maybe I'm jumping to conclusions" Patrick said, straight faced.

''Remember all those surprises during the Combat Evals?''

Patrick smirked at him. "I had a sneaking suspicion someone was manipulating things. You're quite efficient, Sir. I salute you" he said, offering a hand shake.

Shaking his hand, Hurd said, ''Your Marines gave me a run for my latinum.'' ''But believe me when i say i had far, far more surprises in store for you and your men'', Hurd finished talking, laughing as he did so.

Patrick couldn't help but smile and laugh with Hurd. "That was my first REAL test as a battalion commander. I've done FTs and squads but nothing like that. SSgt Hopper deserves a lot of the credit" he said.

''My evaluation of your performance is that you did very well, all circumstances considered''

"Thank you, Sir" Patrick said with a smile and a salute. "I'm actually surprised I did that well. SSgt Hopper deserves much of the credit"

''You all deserve credit, because you all did very well''.

"Thank you Sir. I'm only as good as my unit" he said


Deborah removed her helmet, smiling, the central dome was functioning perfectly and the environment systems were cycling to human norms.. She overheard the comm call for the Captain and sighed in defeat, Maybe Not today after all?? And on top of that the General, Alpha, disappeared... Not one of her better personal days...

Finally the dome was complete, Now the internally could be completed. She corralled the first, third, and fourth. platoons, Carpenters, and power systems and computer systems. After a nearly two hour meeting they broke up to begin setting up for the overnight shift...

With the Dome secured and the plans for the internal finish work in place, things slowed. She took a few minutes to get out of her suite, Sweaty and hungry she wasn't exactly pretty, But Damned if she wasn't Feeling Really good, ready to have a go as it were. Males around her found it difficult to focus.. Amir was feeding off of this as well, slinking about in prowl mode, Both of the females feeling Really good.. A hot night was available to the right one tonight..

At 1900 Deborah was free to depart, third shift, 79 persons strong had come to take over. She'd corralled her people and let them go for the rest of the weekend, everyone being on recall already.. Now she and Amir had time to kill, But Deb had no one with whom to be with. Amir felt for her companion. but there was nothing she could do.
Deb took her time departing, checking the work being done trying to be noticed,, So far No joy....

She ended up staying, meandering to a private room not far from the rest of the Marines. Deborah curled up with Amir on the hardish bed and the two fell asleep..

tbc...

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