A Marvelous Marine Morning

Posted on Tue Apr 18th, 2023 @ 11:05am by Master Sergeant Jason Vanderson

1,169 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Episode 115 - Planting for the Future
Location: Level 43 - Physical Training Room B5
Timeline: MD1 - 0530 hours

Sergeant Major Vanderson stood in front of the company of 150 Marines, a stern look on his face. He knew that today's workout was going to be tough, but it was necessary to keep his troops in peak physical condition. Next to him was First Sergeant Rol Ch'vhirrath, an Andorian with an impressive record of service.

"Alright, everyone, let's begin with some stretches," Vanderson commanded. The company had been waiting for him in formation for the past twenty minutes.

As the company stretched, Vanderson and Ch'vhirrath moved among them, checking form and encouraging those who were struggling.

After the stretches, Vanderson called out the first exercise, a series of core-strengthening moves that would challenge even the fittest Marine. The troops groaned as they began, but Vanderson's voice rang out above the grunts and groans, pushing them to give it their all.

Ch'vhirrath moved among the troops, correcting form and offering encouragement where needed. The Andorian was known for his toughness, and his presence only added to the intensity of the workout.

The Marines pushed themselves harder than they had in quite some time. They were determined to impress their leaders and prove their own strength and resilience. Vanderson and Ch'vhirrath watched closely, occasionally barking out corrections or words of encouragement.

As the workout continued, Jason and Rol kept a close eye on the performance of the Marines. They walked around, observing and correcting form where necessary. After a particularly challenging set of burpees, Jason walked over to Rol.

"Good work, First Sergeant," Jason said, clapping Rol on the back. "I'm impressed with how the company is performing today."

"Thank you, Sergeant Major," Rol replied, a note of pride in his voice. "These Marines have been working hard to prepare for this exercise."

Jason nodded. "It shows. They're pushing through the fatigue and the discomfort. That's the kind of resilience I like to see in my Marines."

Rol's eyes scanned the group, and he noticed a Bolian male, PFC Brax Orodas, who seemed to be struggling to keep up. He pointed him out to Jason.

"Sergeant Major, what do you think of PFC Orodas?" Rol asked.

Jason followed his gaze to the struggling Marine. "He's falling behind a bit, but he's not giving up. He's still pushing himself."

"He's got potential," Rol agreed, "but he's not quite there yet. I think he could benefit from some extra training, maybe some one-on-one time with a senior Marine."

Jason considered the idea. "That could work. I trust your judgement, First Sergeant. Come up with a plan of action and let me know how we can help PFC Orodas improve."

"Will do, Sergeant Major," Rol said, nodding. "I'll work with him personally and make sure he's up to speed before our next exercise."

With that, the two Marines went back to overseeing the workout, pushing their comrades to give their all and achieve their maximum potential.
As the workout drew to a close, the Marines collapsed onto the ground, panting and sweating, but with a sense of pride in what they had accomplished. Vanderson and Ch'vhirrath moved among them, offering congratulations and praise.

"That was a tough one, Marines," Vanderson said. "But you all pushed yourselves hard, and that's what it takes to be the best. Keep it up, and we'll get through anything that comes our way."

The Marines slowly got to their feet, still breathing heavily but with a renewed sense of purpose. They knew that their leaders would always push them to be their best, and they were ready to meet any challenge that lay ahead.

They are called to fall back into a tight formation. With all of the pomp and circumstance expected from the Starfleet Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Vanderson dismisses the company.

"On the command to fall out, fall out... Get chow.. And prepare to report to your squad leaders", Sgt. Maj. Vanderson said.

The Andorian First Sergeant waited for the group to disperse before approaching the Sergeant Major.

"Today is important", Sgt. Maj. Vanderson told him. "It's the start of an increased operations tempo."

Rol looks at Jason with a hint of anticipation mixed with anxiety. "What kind of operations are we talking about, Sergeant Major?" he asks, trying to gauge the extent of the new challenges that lay ahead.

Jason takes a deep breath and looks around at the Marines as they finish their cooldown stretches. "I can't go into specifics just yet, but let's just say that our training will be more focused and intense in the coming weeks. We need to be ready for any kind of mission that comes our way."

Rol nods slowly, "Understood, Sergeant Major. I'll make sure the company is ready for whatever comes our way."

Jason gives a small smile of appreciation. "I know I can count on you, First Sergeant. You've done an outstanding job so far, and I have no doubt that you'll continue to do so."

Rol looks slightly relieved at Jason's words of praise. "Thank you, Sergeant Major. It means a lot coming from you."

Jason nods, "Of course, you've earned it. Now let's get cleaned up and grab some chow. We've got a busy day ahead of us."

It was then that they noticed the Bolian marine sitting alone. Vanderson waited while the first sergeant went to talk to his marine.

Rol approached PFC Orodas, who was sitting on a bench looking dejected, and offered him a hand up. "Come on, Brax, we're going to introduce you to Sergeant Major Vanderson."

Brax looked up at Rol, surprised, and then quickly got up to follow him. They walked over to where Jason was stretching and Rol introduced Brax.

"Sergeant Major, this is Private First Class Brax Orodas. He's one of our newest Marines and he struggled a bit with the workout today." Both marines stood at parade rest for Sgt. Maj. Vanderson. "Relax", he told them so that they could stand informally.

Jason looked Brax up and down, noting the sweat and fatigue on his face. "That was a tough workout for everyone, Brax. Don't be too hard on yourself."

Brax looked down at his feet, clearly embarrassed. Jason put a hand on his shoulder. "But that doesn't mean you shouldn't push yourself harder. If you want to improve, you need to work on your physical fitness every day. And that includes when you're not with us."

Rol chimed in, "We'll come up with a plan of action to help you improve. But you have to commit to it, Brax. We won't accept anything less than your best effort."

Brax nodded, looking up at both of them. "Yes, Sergeant Major. I won't quit."

Jason gave him a small smile. "That's the attitude we like to hear. Keep pushing yourself, Brax. We're here to support you."

With that, they all parted ways, with Brax feeling encouraged and determined to improve his physical fitness.

"I'll be seeing you two gentlemen often from here on out", Jason told them.

"Yes, Sergeant Major", the other two responded in unison.

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