A/N: So I know this isn't what I usually do, and Star Trek isn't really a show that I watch regularly, but I dislike the stereotype of red shirts dying with no consequences, and no person behind the face. So I'm writing what will probably be just the one thing, that won't affect the publishing schedule for anything else I write, and that I had to get out of my system. Enjoy!
I don't use any characters from the original series, this is just set in that universe.
Episode: None
Rating: K+
Warning: Soldier going off to war, leaving his family behind feels
Inspiration: Red shirts are people who step up to protect others, not faceless meatbags who die with no purpose
Update: I am so sorry if I confused anyone who thought this was going to be a series, I completely forgot to mark it completed. I might write more Star Trek in the future, but this is done. Also, thanks a ton to reviewer Eclectikon, who made my day with their awesome review.
Captain Graloc rifled through the papers and transcripts, sighed, and pushed the stack back across the table to the young man sitting across from him.
"Martin Stewart. Age twenty-eight. married. Your papers are all in order, your medical records are perfect, and you aced the physical and written exams." he shook his head. "Martin, you're a top applicant, and the crew of the U.S.S. Falcon would be happy to have you, but-" Graloc put his head in his hands. He sighed again, and Martin waited quizzically for the end to his statement. "How many children did you say you have again?" he finally questioned, eyes on the table.
"Two, mister sir," Martin responded, smiling at the captain. "A boy of four and a girl of two. They're a real joy," he continued, eyes sparkling at just the thought of them.
"I'm going to be very frank with you, mister Stewart," Graloc quietly explained, his tone low and intimate. "Security work is some of the most dangerous any man in space could have, and I don't want you to be unaware of that fact before you make your decision." Martin's eyes too fell to the table, and his smile vanished from his face, replaced by a look of quiet determination.
"I know, captain." He replied. "But someone has to do it, and I've never been one to stand by and watch others lay down their lives in my place." Martin flipped open the antique pocket watch his grandfather had given him, and looked at the picture it held. His family smiled back at him, and his face softened. He raised his eyes to the captain's. "I'm sure."
The captain nodded gravely, and motioned for Martin to follow him onto the ship; the ship that would whisk him away from the only home that he had ever known.