Boot camp Meatball style

Posted on 04/10/2024 @ 8:30pm by Master Sergeant Robert Schiano & Captain Brina Tracy-Hall

1,981 words; about a 10 minute read

Mission: Pages...
Location: The Throneroom - Command Tier Deck 19 - Poseidon Station
Timeline: MD008 0900 hrs

There they were in front of the door leading into the holosuite. Brina's boys, Sean, Lucas and Donovan, awaiting for the next part of what Master Sergeant Schiano had in mind. The boys true to what he had ordered they didn't break their pace, except for when they paused at the door. All three turned to face him, at attention. Who would speak first or what would be his next command? Donovan wondered just how much would the Master Sergeant put them through? Will he be soft or will he be all business.

Schiano had been strolling leisurely behind the boys as they ran through the decks of the station. Like any Drill Instructor he was nice to everyone save for his recruits. When they arrived at the holosuite he smiled and decided that these boys would be given the full treatment. "Right maggots! Beyond this door is the rest of your life. Your miserable existence up until this point has been nothing. We are going to turn you into something, someone we can be proud of. Every Starfleet uniform has to be earned. However, a Marine's uniform is not only earned but you have to prove that your deserve it. If this seems like it may be too much for you, you can quit now. No one will be upset if you back down now. So you filthy bucket of chicken shit. What is it going to be?"

The three boys took a look at each other then looked at Schiano. "We're here to learn sir!" their voices rang out. "Not going to quit sir." all three having an expression of determination. "Lets do this sir." they added. When the door to the holosuite opened they stepped over the threshold.

What splayed out before them was a holographic representation of Parris Island. The Marine training center on Earth. This representation was complete with personnel both officers and recruits. The sun was shining in South Carolina this day, the birds were chirping. All in all it seemed to be a beautiful spring day. A tall older man wearing a large flat brimmed hat approached the group of them. As the man did Schiano hollered. "Attention!" This man looked the boys over. His face showed no indication of how he felt. The silver bars on his collar glinted in the sun.

At that command, the boys stood at attention, their eyes rather big after looking at the landscape of the holoprogram.

"Master Sergeant. Is it your aim to make Marines out of these children?" The man asked. "Yes Lieutenant Hartman it seems that they have some growing up to do." There was a long pause as Hartman really leaned into the boys and surveyed them. After about five minutes of silence Hartman spoke again. "Well Master Sergeant I do not envy you as you seem to have your work cut out for you. However, when you are finished report to me and we will see exactly how far you have come." Schiano had created this program to train new members of the Kingsmen, at the moment he regretted that he did. Robert came to attention and rendered a smart salute. "Yes sir! I will sir!" Lieutenant Hartman rendered a salute in return. "Carry on Master Sergeant!" With that the Lieutenant walked away into the throng of people.

The boys snapped off a salute as well, feeling their hearts pounding with excitement. They were also making certain they were restraining themselves as well. They didn't want to embarrass their mother either, by dishonoring their uniform. When Lieutenant Hartman went his way, their eyes fixed upon Schiano.

"Right so, from the moment I give the command you will be running. There is no walking in the Corps. If you walk you're dead. I mean that literally Recruits. When we are finished you will be put to the test we call the Crucible. This is something that each and every Recruit has to get through to become a Marine. So, lets get moving. Fall out!" Schiano started to run next the the boys, he had them in a straight line as was the standard formation. As they ran he called cadence. "This is my rifle, and this is my gun. This one's for fighting this one's for fun."

The triplets dutifully followed the cadence, their voices ringing out with the words. "This is my rifle, and this is my gun, This one's for fighting and this one's for fun." Their paces were even, and matched each other's stride.

They ran for about an hour and continuously called the cadence. At the end of the hour the group found themselves in the woods and on a small cliff. Schiano knew that Marine training was rough, however, he was not out to kill the kids. "Right recruits, unsling your gear. Ten minutes rest and water. Use it wisely."

A few bites of food after drinking some water, Donovan was the first to speak. "How long have you been in the Marines Master Sergeant, sir? Did you want to be in the marines when you were younger?"

Three pair of eager eyes looked at him while they ate a little bit more, careful not to make themselves sick.

"I have served in my beloved corps for nineteen years..." Schiano decided to use Jack's method of referring to the Marines, it always seemed more grandiose and appropriate to him. "...When I was a kid I was not sure what I wanted to do with my life. I joined the Corps to get out there and see what I can see. The Corps did what it often does, which is make a person out of you, complete you as it were. Now, I would not change that for the world."

Donovan spoke up, "I want to be a marine, most definitely." giving a nod with a determined look in his eyes.

"I want to be a marine and a scientist. It would be great being a Marine Scientist" Lucas speaking up.

"And I want to be something, but for now being a Marine is a good goal." Sean adding in his two cents worth. "Our dad said we need to choose our own path, find what our strengths are. What was it he said." Sean thinking over his dad's words." Oh yes value hard work, as it keeps you moving forward and don't be afraid of it." he paused then said with a grin. "And he also said don't forget how to play and have fun." Sean giving out a laugh. "Mum has said that too." They were now finished with their water and their snack.

"Right well, it seems that your Dad is a wise man. I would suggest that you let your life's path proceed as it should. Don't be a Marine because of me or your mother. Do it because it is absolutely the life you want, and you have time to make that decision." Schiano smiled and then slung his pack. "But for now you are maggoty recruits. Get your gear and get your butts in motion. Move it double time." His demeanor and voice changed on a dime. Back was the Drill Instructor and gone was the soft touch Sergeant.

"Yes Sir!" the boys voices rang out, moving as Schiano commanded.

Donvan was enjoying this, it was sparking a great deal more interest in what could be his chosen future career. He was impressed by Master Sergeant Schiano, the man knew his stuff. He glanced towards his brothers to see how they were progressing.

Sean was quiet both in thought and concentration, he was matching his rhythm with his brothers, also being alert as to his surroundings.

Lucas at the moment was studying the terrain, catching the scent upon the breeze, also hearing the sounds that were part of this program. He was also being alert for the next set of commands Schiano would be giving.

After a few more hours of marching the group arrived at a clearing where it seemed a number of stations had been constructed. "Recruits welcome to The Crucible. This is a series of tests that we all undergo in order to become Marines. Here we will test your mettle, with lack of rest, lack of food, and various situations. But, the first part of the test is looking within yourself to see if you are ready and capable of completing this test." Schiano said as he looked out at all that had been laid out. It was some time since he saw the Crucible, and it brought back both good and bad memories.

Sean, Lucas and Donovan looked over the set up, then looked over at Schiano, then looked at each other. They felt grimy, hungry and definitely tired. However, this they surmised was the final part. They wanted to see how far they would be able to go.This was also for their school project. After a few more moments as they thought to themselves, Donovan spoke up.

"Sir, I think at this time, we're going to have to take a rain check on this one." he gestured over towards the set up, "I am curious as to how far we can go, but mum also said, we weren't to take too much of your time either. And she had said to us not to grow up too fast." giving a wry smile. "At this point of time, we're not ready for this part, Master Sergeant Schiano. Thank you though for showing us what it would be like."

Robert smiled he knew that the Crucible got em every time. They either went for it or they didn't. Some came back to try and others didn't, that is what the Crucible was truly about. Separating those who would be Marines from those who wouldn't. They were kids and he knew it, which is why he did not push the issue when they said they did not want to proceed. However, Robert knew that at least one of them would be back to become a Marine. "Very well recruits. I will be nice to you this time. I won't make you walk back. Computer, end program." The entire scene dissolved into the black and yellow grid of a holosuite. "Right then lets get you back to the Throneroom."

Donovan really didn't want to end things there, but what he said was true. His mum had told them when they came to do their school project, not to take up too much time.

Sean and Lucas both had a sense of disappointment as well, they wanted to see just what they could do.

When the small group walked into the Throne Room, Brina was waiting for them. She regarded them for a few long moments then gave a nod and a small smile. Her gaze went to Schiano, "Master Sergeant Schiano, thank you."

All three boys turned to Schiano, "Thank you Master Sergeant Schiano we'll never forget this." they said in unison, giving him a smart salute.

"You better not. And save dat salute I work for a livin." Schiano said with a small smirk. "Wit your permission Ma'am I will hit the showers." He added as he came to attention. Beads of sweat still dripped from his forehead. Training recruits still took it out of him.

"Recruits, report to your next part." Brina ordered. "They are waiting for you there." giving a nod towards the other door.

When his request was granted Robert made his way to his quarters. For some reason his muscles did not seem as achy as they could be. It was a good day, a day where he may have actually inspired a new Marine.

A Joint Post By

Captain Brina 'Songbird' Tracy-Hall
Executive Officer, The Kingsmen
Poseidon Station

Brina's boys
Donovan, Sean, and Lucas

Robert "Meatball" Schiano
First Sergeant/EVAC Specialist, The Kingsmen
Poseidon Station

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