When The Dust Settles

Posted on Sat Aug 31st, 2024 @ 12:20am by Captain Wolfe Sean

744 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Ethics, Morals & The Prime Directive.
Location: Colony Grounds
Timeline: After Battle Conclusion

Wolfe sat in the Barracks areas back on board the Dreadnought, or the Barn as some marines called it, a term for Home. The mood was somber at best, dire at worst as people reflected on the battle but also the people, friends, comrades that didn't return. Whispers of words could be heard not anything louder; the silence almost deafened it out. Part of wearing the green uniform meant being put in harm's way, that was what they trained for, and everyone knew that sometimes one day, it might be the last time they put it on. From his own team he'd lost 6, 2 of them were friends.

His only gleam or light was that Penelope was ok, that to him was all that mattered.

As the Colonel had anticipated, the remaining raiders surrendered when they realized that there was no food or water down in the science labs. A minor sweetness to an otherwise bitter pill to swallow. Word had swept around that Major Snyder had been recused but her condition was bad, surely with the technological marvels on board this city of a ship she would pull through. Hanging up the last of his gear leaving him one more in his green undershirt and uniform pants he surrendered his weapon to the Quartermaster. Not a word exchanged, only a glance but in that glance spoken volumes.

As he walked out of the Quartermaster's office he could see others that felt the same way he did, low, in a way defeated. Even though they had reclaimed the colony that victory came at a cost and it was never an easy one to pay. Other marines sat alone, some in small groups in silence resorting to routine, it was a safe tactic, to do something familiar instead of dwelling on things. Routine was what most had left to do now and for many of the leadership team meant writing reports for the Colonel. Wolfe stared at a PADD wondering how he'd start, this wasn't exactly a routine report about training or certifications, promotion board updates and disciplinary write ups.

The PADD waited for him to speak ready to transcribe his report but it was greeted with only silence. Wolfe had seen combat before, several times but this one felt different as even though they had proven victorious it was almost pyrrhic coupled with the losses on the way back to the ship of the injured or wounded and then those lost on board. Returning back to the ship to find it in a dire state was a shock to many seeing the extent of the damage done which took place after the marines were deployed.

It was little surprise to see that many marines that were not wounded with any technical training offered aid to damaged departments, some even helping the civilian populations with food and blankets, even just a presence of being a guarding figure to instill calm.

Wolfe found a vacant office where he began to dictate his report following the typical reporting guidelines and providing detailed and accurate outcomes to back up his comments. It was hard, difficult, challenging even but it was part of the job, part of wearing the uniform and like it or not...it had to be done. He heard a knock on the door that snapped him from his moment. "Come."

The doors opened to reveal a Sargeant who upon closer look, appeared just as tired and weary as he did. "Sargeant."

"Sir, the last of the detachment have returned. Wounded are being directed to Sickbay, fatalities to the Morge."

"Thank you. Inform the Colonel." Word he knew would eventually spread that everyone, dead or alive was now home, their job done...for today at least.

Once more left alone Wolfe continued speaking his report as he watched the lines of text take shape on the PADD.

By the time he was done he walked out and handed it off to one of the administrative staff that were at the desk along with the Quartermaster. Normally the pleasant face of the young female Corporal was blank, expressionless which echoed the mood of everyone else. While Wolfe had quarters to go back to and in turn Penny too, most did not as ratings had bunks often shared with many others.

Most would not sleep tonight, many wouldn't sleep well for several nights to come....Wolfe couldn't help but wonder where on the scale he would fit into tonight.

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