#125 The Welcome and Delegation

Posted on Sat Jan 7th, 2023 @ 2:06pm by Major Jackson "JJ" Barnes {Meji}

Mission: BUGS OH NO!!
Location: Marine Berth
Timeline: current

ON:

Corporal Barnes had assembled the 40 new marines, himself included in that number. With the brass hats still wherever, and him being the only NCO he could see, if fell on him to get these grunts working as a cohesive unit. Jackson had found the female marine he had put his hand on, and had confronted in the sleeping area, getting her aside and alone to apologize. He was not above such actions, and what he had done could be construed as inappropriate. They had talked for a good half an hour, with the two of them separating with grins and a new respect for each other. She had obviously done well in basic, graduating at the rank of Lance Corporal. Her name was Shannon Money and by her stance and attitude, was going to be a marine worth every stripe. To make her an enemy and hateful would be a mistake. So, as his father had taught him, sometimes a leader has to admit they were wrong and correct the mistakes before they start to unravel a unit.

"Welcome aboard the Amandora, marines." Barnes said, pacing back and forth in front of them as they all stood in formation, at ease. "I, myself, recently came aboard. Less than a week ago. This boat has been through some shit and the marines made a difference in the last confrontation, as expected. However, the fleeters involved were also crucial in the boarding actions. If I ever hear you lot talk down about the fleeters I will ask you to explain yourself. Not all of them joined Starfleet to be soldiers, a fact you all need to keep in mind. We are here to do what many of them cannot. Why we exist to begin with."

The marines all gave grins and shoulder bumps to each other quietly. Barnes continued. "The brass hats are still in conference, probably trying to decide how best to keep you people from going stir crazy while waiting for the chance to do what we are all trained to do. We will work closely with Security, Strategic Operations and the Intelligence department. Beyond that, the Commodore and Number One are the final say on marine activity and involvement. The way the tiers of power work on a starship, lest you forget. As the unit aboard you represent the marines and all we stand for. Be respectful, polite, offer assistance where needed. Be involved and make friends among the fleeters. I haven't received any new directives from the bosses so that means this berth will be clean enough to eat off the floor. Every weapon and weapon system accounted for. All spaces under our care will be clean and spotless, as it should be. Look around."

The group of bodies did just that, eyes scanning the surrounding open area where they congregated when not on duty. The 'day room' for the berth. "I came aboard and there was me. Just me. I spent the first 48 doing all that I just relayed to you, so my last logistics count and cleaning regimen is logged. Use it to bounce off of as you see to your duties. Lance Corporal Money, step forward."

Money, being in the front row, stepped out a pace.

"Lance Corporal, you will divide this group of ruffians into work teams and see to their duties. There are now 40 of us, not including officer country. That is ten marines for each task if you should choose to break them down that way. More hands make less work." Barnes looked at Money. "Are you up to the task, Money, or do I pick someone else?"

"I got this, Corporal." Answered Money.

"Good," JJ responded, his eyes going back to scanning the other faces. "Right now the Lance Corporal is equal to me. You will do what she says. How the duties are completed is up to you, but you will be rated according to time spent on task, and effort. The team that finishes their tasks last will be on night watch. If you want a good night's sleep tonight I suggest you double-time your efforts and hump your asses off. If not, you get the joy of listening to the rest of us snore." Finishing his portion, Barnes looked at Shannon again. "All yours, Lance Corporal. As you were." Without another word, or look their way, Jackson spun on the ball of his foot to right face and walked away. Behind him he heard Money breaking down the teams and giving directions. Good. Already the cohesiveness was coming together.

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