Marines on the march 3

Posted on 06 Jan 2019 @ 2:57am by Captain Daytona Savage & 2nd Lieutenant Ilyce Savage

Mission: From the Darkness
Location: Holodeck 4
Timeline: current

Outside Deck 12 Holodeck 4

Stopping behind 2nd Lt Savage, as she slid a chip into the holodeck access link, and uploaded the one hundred and fourty seven holodeck programs. All environmental, survival or exercise programs. “Computer run Ilyce zero fifty four.” Listening to the holodeck computer chirp, the doors opened and the hot humid heat, swamped those directly outside the open door. Adjusting the bandanna up over her mouth and nose, Ilyce lead the marines inside, and hastened her steps, until she was into a jog. Ilyce didn't need to look around, she knew what was there. No matter where you looked, it was all the same. Bright red dust. It was on the flat as floor flat ground, the further you got in the deeper the dust got, until it would reach her own knees. Looking right, it was endless red, and the deeper they moved in, the redder the dust got until googles were needed to protect eyes and a bandanna to protect their noses, mouths and ears. Looking left it was as endless a bright red as on the right, and on what was the sky. Everything was red.

“Darn how the bloody hell are we supposed to know where we're going?” One of the first timers asked, in what he thought was a quiet tone.

“If you grabbed an away pack Private Derek Wallace, you wouldn't be in the position you find yourself in.” Daytona stated. “Corporal's find the firsttimer whose pack you've been carrying, before 2nd Lieutenant Savage's holosimulations chokes the poor sods.”

“SIR. YES. SIR.” Came the various replies.

“Next time people, I'd advise you to remember your training, and all exercise's, physical training, lessons, simulations, instructions, teachings, courses and anything to do with holodecks means you are to take your away packs, even if they are not mentioned as required. Do I make myself clear.” Daytona stated. *Party pooper* echoed through his mind. *We're in a simul.......*

*The safeties are on. My programs do not touch the holodeck safeties.* Ilyce's tone was definitely Vulcan. *You need to review personnel files Captain.* Ilyce stated telepathically. She would have added Who do you think keeps your marines alive, but she didn't.

*Ilyce.* Daytona knew when he was being blocked out.

“Computer end program.” Daytona listened, to Ilyce, the red dirt dust disappearing to be replaced with the standard black/grey and yellow holodeck. Ilyce turned near the door. “Zero four thirty outside this holodeck, without packs, in PT gear. Anyone late causes the rest of the unit to times four. If you don't know what that means ask someone of higher rank.” Ilyce announced. “Members of the Rescue Retrieval and Recovery, full pack, you're excused from PT, you'll be doing something else.” Ilyce opened the door, and headed out of the holodeck, the only part of her body not covered in red dirt was her protected face. But then she wasn't the only one, and everyone including her left a two footed trail amplified by what fell from their boots, garters, trousers, shirts, packs, face protective coverings, and their hair or head. They were covered from tip to tail in the red dirt and it was even in their underwear, and their packs, and everything inside.

Some of them were scrambling, others running, some were merely taking it within their stride. Most were taking TL's and covering the floor with the red dirt, others were following Ilyce down the JT's ladder rung by ladder rung. Red dirt covering the ladder rungs, and showering down and puddling on the level below where they were descending. Less and less of the redness covering the rungs and the level breaks on each level.

Marine Commanding Officer Captain Daytona Savage
Marine Executive Officer 2nd LT Thomas Summers

Marine Chief Instructor 2nd Lt Ilyce Savage