Post Number 187 Temporary Position and Promotion

Posted on Sat Oct 21st, 2023 @ 5:45pm by Commodore Cyndi Song & Major Jackson "JJ" Barnes {Meji}

Mission: Wedding Blues And Trouble
Location: Major Hurd's Office
Timeline: Current

OFF:

Posting as General Narla Long.

Sean has agreed to take charge of the marines until Major Hurd is able to return. He told me a few days ago that it will be a few more months. When Hurd returns he'll get his Marine CO back. We wish him well.

ON:

Narla after having Kristian change her appearance back to normal, changed into her regular uniform and headed for Major Hurds Office. Several of the marines seeing the general walk past snapped to attention. Upon arriving at Hurd's Office Narla used her override codes and walked into his office and took a seat behind his desk Tapping her com-badge "Captain Barnes please report to Major Hurd's office." Narla called.

Hearing the summons as he finsished shaving his face with a straight razor, Barnes acknowledged the call, wiped his face, and proceeded to the Major's office. Upon entry he saw the General behind the desk. Snapping to attention, and saluting despite being indoors, Barnes came to stand tall but not at attention. "General. Captain Barnes reporting as ordered, Sir!"

"At ease captain," Narla said returning the salute "Please have a seat. I have something I'd like to discuss with you."

Oh well, thought Barnes. Can't be any worse than dealing with some uppity Princess. Jack took the offered chair, even though he still sat up straight. "Discuss away, General. No offense to any Vulcans, but I'm all ears."

Narla grinned at his comment "I came here to promote Major Hurd to that of Lieutenant Colonel, my being on the ship was known only to the commodore, Commander Green, my daughter, niece and Captain Rivers. The major has been sent back to Earth for command training which brings me to the reason for wanting to see you. I want you to take charge of the marines on this ship until the major returns. It comes with a field promotion to major."

"Even without the promotion, General, I would accept." Stated Barnes. "If he comes back all mopey and depressed, I request permission to flush said Major out the nearest airlock. That kinda shit is bad for morale and kills soldiers quicker than small arms fire. Sorry, Sir, I spoke my feelings when I should have asked, first."

Narla shook her head "You have a right to your opinion and feelings. That's why I sent him back to Earth for command training. I've watched the mariners and have spoken at length with Captain Rivers and have read her reports."

Barnes kept anything further from coming out with his voice. Hurd was not a bad guy, he just had a fuck-ton of personal issues that seemed to affect his ability to command. To Barnes, this 40 marine unit was a 'band of brothers'. All looked out for each other, killed for each other-died for each other. No rank pin in the universe would ever change that. "I accept the offer, General."

"Glad to hear it," Narla said getting to her feet and offering her hand "I'll notify the commodore about this and Marine Command along with your field promotion to major. I hope when the major returns he gets the counseling he needs as well. I did put that order in."

Barnes stood as she did, accepting the handshake. "Thank you, General. As always, you'll have my best. Hurd's mental state is none of my business unless he is leading people in the field. I hope he can find a measure of peace and find his balance again." Jackson dropped his hand to his side. "But, with the current guests aboard I need to call the grunts together and see to our needs. Again, thank you. With your permission I'll go see to that." He gave a grin.

"I heard about the guests," Narla said "Permission granted major and congratulations. I'm going to the fleet deck to stay with my daughter should you need me. And feel free to call me Narla."

"Fair enough, Narla." Barnes replied with another grin. "You can call me Jackson, or Jack. If I have any further needs I feel are worth addressing, I will come see you. Take care." With that said Jack spun on his heel and left. To say he was excited would be understated. Time to go change the pin, he thought as he walked out.

Narla smiled as she watched him go. Barnes had a promsing future with the marines. She walked from the office and left the door open so Jackson could enter and put his own codes in.

OFF: