Conversion - Part 3

After the handover ceremony was done, Captain Hunt and Colonel Malenko adjourned to the captain's office. Lieutenant Commander Stone watched silently as the troops marched out of the reception hall. As they left, Stone felt a wave of nostalgia wash over him. His years as part of Ground Command came back to him. They were a different breed of soldiers. And they were soldiers in the traditional sense of the word. They would see to every task and obey every order.

While the crew of Starlight were trained professionals as well, Stone had to admit that there was a hierarchical structure and fighting spirit that only Ground Command troops possessed.

Stone walked to the middle of the room and addressed the three senior troop leaders.

“At ease.”

The three moved in unison and clasped their hands behind them. Their faces looking ahead and their expressions were neutral.

“Sergeant Marcus Landrey, Corporal Alannah Jennings and Corporal Anjal Paramesh. You are the most senior of the troops. And I expect you to take the lead those under you to acclimate to the life on board. I expect, that in a very short time, you will work hard to be a part of this crew and follow the rules on board this ship. Is that understood?”

“Sir yes sir!” they barked.

“There is a certain formality here on Starlight that you may not be used to. I am certain that you will all adapt in short order. In the meantime, I would expect the three of you to come directly to me if there are any questions.”

“Sir yes sir!”

“Do any of you have any questions?”

Silence.

“You have permission to speak freely.”

“Sir!”

“Yes, sergeant.”

“I believe that I am more qualified to lead the Grand Command troops on this ship sir. And we don't need a babysitter, sir.”

“Do you?” Stone suppressed a smile. He missed the cocksure attitude that comes with that uniform. Marcus Landrey couldn't be more than twenty-four and Stone could see it in his eyes that this man wanted to rise up the ranks in the shortest time possible. In their brief exchange Stone was reminded of how much he was like Landrey at his age. The impatience, the ambition, the eagerness to prove himself and that hint of insubordination in his tone.

Stone took a step and stood toe-to-toe with the younger man staring him down. Then he leaned in close enough to smell the hint of musk on Landrey. “Well that is just too bad mister. While you are on this ship, you will obey my orders, is that understood?”

“Sir yes sir!” barked Landrey with just a flash of retaliation in his voice, his eyes not making any contact.

“Is there anything else?”

Silence.

“Then I want to see all three of you on deck six, conference room two at 1300 for your first briefing,” said Stone still in Landrey's face.

Stone gave the three of them one more look before taking a step back.

“Dismissed.”

When the three had left the reception hall, Stone shook his head and sighed.

“This is going to be an interesting few days.”