STATION 56-B

Authors comments: Please keep in mind, this is the first story based on the ALIENS series that I have ever done. Starring my own characters and locations, but taking some references from the movies, books, and comics. I have done my best to keep everything accurate, and if there are any discrepancies; please don't hesitate to let me know. Please review too, as it would mean much to me!!!

Firing the last shots of his magazine downrange, the Marine smiled and looked up from the iron-sights of his Pulse Rifle. Unloading the clip, laying it and the weapon on top of the sandbags next to him, standing up; brushing himself off, and standing at attention. The smile disappearing off his face as the Senior Drill Instructor looked him up and down, then turning his attention to the target, the results being relayed to a small data pad on his hip. A smile showing widely on the SDI's face conveying good results. "Marine, I like your workmanship. Hell, I'd let you shoot my mother in law; where did you learn to shoot like this?" The Marine responded in an almost autonomous response "Sir, this Marine learned to shoot through blood, sweat, hard work, and the Colonial Marine Corps, Sir!"

The SDI smiled and barked out "That's what I like to hear, a Marine can't hit much without proper shooting technique, and forty five out of thirty in sixty seconds is a hell of a record. Good work, now get your gear and hoof it back to the barracks." Before running off and yelling at another recruit, the words "Daniels, that looks more ridiculous than a monkey fucking a football, drop and give me fifty!" Barely audible through the sound of the other Marines on the shooting range firing off their rounds. Chuckling under his breath, he grabbed his weapon, magazines, rucksack, and helmet. Booking it as fast as he could across the field, motor pool, and PT area; before finding himself in front of his red bricked barracks that were emblazoned with the company motto and insignia.

Looking around quickly for the other DI's and seeing they were too busy with the other jarheads to notice his armor clad form slip inside. Letting the door lock with a soft click to scan around the sleeping quarters and Head before finally stowing his gear and slumping down into his bunk. The serene quietness of the barracks lulling him to sleep after a hard day of drills, his vision fading to black and his dreams taking control. While he slept, in another part of the base; a message was being relayed from a research division of the Systems Military.

" [Relay station Kilo Bravo]

Transmit Message to: USCMC Recruit Depot.....[Sent]

NOTE: Any and all parts of this message are classified TOP SECRET, and are property of the Systems Military. Any breach of clearance in accordance with Systems Military Code-3354. Parts 1445-5145 will be punishable as Treason and to the fullest extent of Terran Governmental Law.

[Message Reads]

Graduating Unit #303 will be assigned to the Systems Military Carrier "Marlin" on the 22nd of October 2545. Assignments are as follows:

Andrews, George: Security

Ardale, Jones: Light Drop Infantry

Brandt, Carson: Light Drop Infantry-Spec-Ops

Boone, James: Light Drop Infantry

Daniels, Aaron: Light Drop Infantry

Davidson, James: ONI [Additional Clearance Required]

Dallas, Jim: Light Drop Infantry

Hope, Alison: Light Drop Infantry

Ledbetter, Chris: Light Drop Infantry [REASSIGNED, LEVEL A1 CLEARANCE ONLY]

Layton, David: Light Drop Infantry [REASSIGNED LEVEL A1 CLEARANCE ONLY]

Martin, James: Light Drop Infantry [REASSIGNED LEVEL A1 CLEARANCE ONLY]

Maynard, Harrison: Heavy Infantry Support

Payson, Neil: Light Drop Infantry-Demolitions [REASSIGNED LEVEL A1 CLEARANCE ONLY]

[Message End]"

The next day, the SDI's all gathered into the barracks on graduation day. Everyone was present in Roll Call, and the assignments were being handed out. "Unit # 303, Assignment to PVX-478 Colony to provide security for the-" He stopped short as a man from the Communications building handed him a printed sheet of paper. He studied it and squinted quizzically before returning to his doberman like voice. "Unit #303, you're being reassigned to the Marlin, pack up your gear and prepare for dustoff at 0900 sharp." Each member of #303 scrambled for their bunks, packing up their personal items, clearing out their lockers, and getting their uniforms ready. Everyone was crowded around the Marines as they picked up their gear and 0830 and were leaving the building. Cheers of "Good Luck!", "Kick some ass!", and "You lucky son of a bitch!"

Everyone left the barracks, running double time into the hangar across the base, clambering into the transport that would take them to the ship delivering supplies to the Marlin which was currently stationed above planet PVX-56. Everyone stowed their gear and strapped into the stasis pods for their long journey.