Prologue
First Lieutenant Troy Shepard watched as Staff Lieutenant Diaz paced in front of the platoon-sized group of marines standing at attention, scrutinizing each man and woman. He finally stopped in front of the group and addressed them.
"You marines have volunteered to find out what happened to the pioneer team on Akuze. It's probably just slavers or pirates, but I want you to be ready for anything. I'll be in command with First Lieutenant Shepard being my second. We will be leaving as soon as we get there, approximately 1700 local time tomorrow. Dismissed."
As the marines dispersed, Lt. Shepard walked up to Staff Lt. Diaz. "Permission to speak freely, sir."
"Granted, Lieutenant."
"I was under the impression that I would be leading this mission, sir."
"Well, you got the wrong impression" Diaz replied flatly.
"But most of these marines are from my platoon. I know their strengths and weaknesses. I-"
Diaz cut him off. "This is above your pay grade, First Lieutenant. Besides, there are 50 or so marines. Individual strengths and weaknesses are not important to a group. How many do we have anyway?"
Shepard was barely able to keep his face from contorting in disgust. Our CO hasn't even done his homework on the ground team.
"Including you, sir, there are 51 marines. Most are enlisted, 8 NCOs, and a 2nd Lieutenant who is an engineer."
"Didn't need the rundown, Lieutenant. You're dismissed."
Shepard saluted and walked away, scowling at the indifference the Staff Lieutenant showed.
He had volunteered for this job because it reminded him of Mindoir. Brass had lost contact with Akuze's pioneer team a few days ago. They had requested volunteers that would make an attempt to find them. Shepard was one of the first ones the list. When he told his platoon about the mission, many of them signed up as well.
Now, with Staff Lieutenant Diaz in charge, Shepard didn't know if signing up for this mission was such a good idea.