Jonah 1:17

Posted on Thu Mar 20th, 2014 @ 10:03pm by Major General Thomas Jackson
Edited on on Sun Jul 13th, 2014 @ 7:30pm

937 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Mission 86 - Discovery
Location: Marine Country, SB400
Timeline: MD Minus 5, 0800hrs

"Now the LORD had appointed a huge fish to swallow Jonah,". It was this line from an ancient book that Jax could not get out of his mind since his arrival into Star Base 400. Next to the Borg Sphere he boarded 7 years ago, this was the largest man made object that he was ever inside of, and this was going to be his home for sometime. He had arrived on the previous day, and took the extra time to find the Marine areas of the base, draw his kit, before situating his quarters. These quarters were huge compared to what he was used to. The size difference was more apparent compared to his former quarters at the Federation War College on Mars. Before turning in the prior night, he did his best to situate his living area. His gear in one place, including his MIPPA, Type 3F Phaser Pulse Rifle, the his divided up duty uniforms, and marine battle dress uniforms. He organized his books, and more importantly, his decor, which consisted of a very small representation of his antique weapons collection, most of which were at his home on Alpha Centauri. The pride and joy in his "station collection" was an ancient rifle. Marked "Rifle, Caliber .30, M1, Springfield Armory". This particular piece was manufactured in October of 1944, and there was a high probability that it participated in many battles, just like he did. He placed it on brackets he mounted on the main wall, so all guests would see this ancient weapon of war, and testimony to the human history of conflict.

The very next day, he did a decent run around various parts of the station. He completed his morning workout with some cool down exercises in his quarters. After a sonic shower, and a quick breakfast consisting of a scorpion chilli omelet, and bagel, he decided to put on his Class B duty uniform which resembled the star fleet uniform, with the exception of the green branch colors. He normally would wear his battle dress uniform, not only because they looked better to him, but because he wanted to take less time to get ready for action should the need arise. His uniform choice of the day was decided because this was his first day reporting for duty. Again, to mimic the clean appearance of the fleeters aboard, he tucked in the more discrete Phaser ID, instead of his usual Type 2G. He did not want to look like he was coming in like an ion storm.

On his way to the Division Commander's Office, he was still taking in the size, and complexity of this station. He had no complaints to make though. This assignment was one of the final stepping stones toward his career achievement of a division command. He was in no rush for those stars though. He wanted the full experience of his marine career before the time came.

In stark contrast to the Star Fleet part of the station, the marine area had an atmosphere all its own. Reproductions of various paintings were replaced with unit crests, division emblems, and training posters. There was more seriousness on the faces of the marines he passed by. He entered the lobby of the Division Co's Office. To his right, he saw his office. But for now, he was determined to meet his commander. He approached the sergeant at the desk...

"Good morning Gunny." The sergeant stood up at attention before Jax motioned him to sit back down. "I am Lieutenant Colonel Jackson, and I wish to report to the commander." Gunnery Sergeant Ermey sized the Major up before speaking. He had heard that the new XO was going to be a mustang (a term of affection to officers who started out as NCO's), and Jackson's appearance, specifically his eyes, confirmed the rumors. "Gunnery Sergeant Ermey at your service Sir. The CO is off station at this time. Just got married. Major T'Lyn is in the office. " Jax was also sizing up the gunnery sergeant. He was convinced that their boots have walked the same ground back in the day. "Thank you Gunny."

He rang the door chime, and heard of pleasant feminine voice answer "Come". He entered the office to see a rather pleasant looking vulcan sitting at the desk. If she was human, she would be considered too small a frame for the infantry, but due to the vulcan qualities of strength, and endurance, she was fine for her position.

"Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Jonathan Jackson, reporting for duty." T'Lyn stood up before speaking. "Good morning Major Jackson. I am only acting CO. My actual duty is 1st Regiment Commander. Now that you are here, I assume that I can resume my duties."

Well, she is a very warm person, by vulcan standards. He has met quite a few in his travels. "Pleasure to meet you. " To his surprise, T'Lyn actually shook his hand. "Gunnery Sergeant Ermey can assist you in locating the items you need Major. I already completed the daily rosters, blotters, as well as the other administrative functions that you call paperwork. I would suggest looking over the files of the division staff, as well as the regimental commands here for your first day."

"Thank you Major T'Lyn. I might do just that. For now, I relieve you." She stepped around the desk to face him, "I stand relieved." After she left, Jax started to look up the 201 files. Before starting, he ordered a cup of black coffee. This was going to be a long day in this "whale."


LTC Thomas J. Jackson
Executive Officer
First Marine Division

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