17, November 2453 Imperial training base, parade ground, 08:00 hours.
The full Battalion combat team was assembled, in combat gear, standing at ease, the infantry in formation, and the vehicle crews standing by their vehicles.
"Battalion, Attention! The Commanding Officer!
Major Rick Castle commanded;
"At Ease. Today we begin the final phase and graduating exercise of our training! We board shuttles for the Assault Drop ship Iwo Jima. The Infantry will land by drop capsules. All other elements will land by assault shuttle. We will assault several fixed positions, conduct patrols, raids, skirmishes and meeting engagements. We will be opposed by an unknown number of the enemy, but at least two regiments in strength. This training will be as realistic as we can make it.
The training ammunition is of a special type that delivers a painful but essentially harmless shock on contact. We will be operating entirely in the field for the next month.
Do not expect to return to a warm barracks and soft bunk. We will live as we would on an active campaign. Some of you have girl friends that are going to be upset that you'll be out of touch. That's unfortunate but if the service thought you needed a girlfriend; they would issue you one!
"Final briefing will be aboard ship. Battalion, Attention! On kits, Board Shuttles.
18, November 2453 in space off Koravelle (Alpha Centauri 2) 05:00 hours.
"Now hear this, all troops to drop stations, drop in ten minutes, Shuttle launch in 15."
"Assault Commander to Drop Master, all capsules sealed, ready for drop."
"Roger, Assault Commander, drop in one minute." "Beginning countdown at 30 seconds
29, 28, 27… The blast pushed Rick back in his seat. The drop capsule begins buffeting as it reached the upper atmosphere and it begin shedding its' ablative plating. Shortly thereafter, the retro rockets fired and the wings deployed. The capsule homed in on the beacon, flawlessly. The canopy popped open, automatically as soon as the capsule stopped moving.
Rick got out of the capsule and activated its' retrieval function. Within ten minutes all the capsules were airborne and a perimeter established for a shuttle-landing zone. Thirty minutes later, all the armored cavalry and artillery were down, and the air cavalry scouts moving out.
"Sir, drone operators report an area about five kilometers due north that is suitable for a base camp. There's a large clearing in the forest where the supply shuttles can land.
The trees are spaced widely enough that our armored vehicles can get through, yet the canopy overhead is thick enough to provide concealment."
"Good. We'll establish our base camp. Tell the scouts to ground, for now. As soon as we reach the area, we'll take fifteen minutes for a quick meal."
By 10:00, the base camp was well established, the supply shuttles had off-loaded and the men had a light meal and a brief rest.
"Get the scouts out, again. Preliminary sensor data indicates enemy activity to the Northwest." The Air cavalry used a combination of manned armed aircraft; reconnaissance manned aircraft and drones and armed drones.
"Sir, scouts report an enemy reconnaissance in force, approximately company strength, moving this way now at map coordinates G15 N32. Rick consulted his map tablet.
"That's about 10 kilometers to the Northwest."
Rick called in his company commanders.
"We'll establish a battalion ambush as this ridgeline. The terrain will channel them into our killing zone right about here. I'll want the armored cavalry and artillery in over watch with Charley Company in reserve. Any questions? Okay, move out."
The "Enemy" was two regiments of Centauran troops, one regiment of the Imperial regular army and one of the Koravellian National Guard. Although acting as the enemy helped train the Marines, it was also good training for them.
A reinforced company was scouting, well ahead of the main column.
When the enemy company was well into the kill zone, Rick ordered
"Commence firing!"
Although the surprise was complete, the Centauran troops reacted well, maintaining discipline and returning fire. Rick ordered his artillery to open fire. The training shells were harmless air
Bursts with no shrapnel effect but the referees ruled the company effectively destroyed.
The enemy main force halted, and began falling back, when it came under artillery fire.
At the end, Rick walked down to meet the enemy company commander. "Well done, Captain."
Your troops reacted very well."
"Thank you, Sir, but you still kicked our Asses."
"Yes, we did, but you were up against a full battalion in a prepared ambush.
I had a lot of assets that you did not. I say again, you did very well."
"Thank you, Sir. I am Captain Perrant Sandplain Imperial Regular Army."
"Pleased to meet you, Captain. I am Major Rick Castle, Fleet Marine corps."
"Oh, by the Gods, the Hero of Tantalus. I feel much better, now. I had as much chance as an icicle in a fire pit! Going up against you, Sir, will bring me free ale for a week!"
"You're overrating me, Captain. I had better equipment, better intelligence and a larger force and another factor. I'm a combat veteran. I'm more experienced than you are."
"But everyone says that you are a tactical genius!"
"I'm no genius, Captain. I'm simply focused. Are you married or engaged?"
"Yes Sir. I have a wife and a child."
"I don't. No wife, no child, no girlfriend. There are no distractions for me. No one depends on me, except my men. I focus entirely on the mission and my command.
As I said, you did very well. That will be in my official report."
"Sergeant Major, Sound recall."
The next week passed in a series of small unit engagements, never the full battalion but individual company actions and raids. The battalion won some and lost some.
The units not actively engaged, dug trenches, constructed bunkers out of logs, rocks and stabilized dirt, slowly improving and fortifying the base camp. The armored vehicles were fitted with scraper blades and used as engineer equipment.
They dug emplacements for the artillery and the men dug holes for their field tents.
"Sir, intelligence reports that the enemy has located our base camp and is preparing an assault."
"Good, the men need to know how to conduct a static defense, even though I don't envision us having to use one in reality. We are a Force Recon battalion. Holding the ground is not our job."
25, November 2453, Battalion base camp, 04:50 hours.
A sergeant called out to Rick. "Sir, Enemy recon drones reported."
"Very well, have anti-air take them out. Sound the alert. All personnel to defensive positions except Alpha Company. Have Captain Kevan, Captain Ryan, Captain Greener and Lieutenant Jamal report to me. Launch our own drones." (A major advantage for the marines, the drones were stealthy, as were all the aircraft.)
When the officers reported, Rick said;
. "This is the situation. The enemy force appears to be the National Guard regiment. They are still approximately ten kilometers out. If they follow standard tactical doctrine, they will dismount their carriers approximately two kilometers out, halt and fire their preparatory barrage. They only have two batteries of self-propelled gun artillery, 150 mm. We have good overhead cover and they don't know our exact position so their fire should not be too effective."
"They will probably advance in three elements, holding one battalion in reserve.
Captain Kevan, I want you to take Alpha Company and the Armored Cavalry two kilometers out to the left and wait. Once they are fully committed to the assault, I will fire a red flare. At that point, I want you to hit them in the flank, enfilading their lines."
"Captain Greener, hold your fire until they start their final assault."
Any questions? There were a few, not many. "Okay, Gentlemen, return to your commands."
Imperial National Guard battalion. Valerian plateau, 25, November 2453. 06:30 hours.
Lieutenant Tongan Jonassaint, Scout section, Headquarters Company, 16th regiment, Imperial National Guard, reported to his very unhappy regimental commander.
"Sir, my scouts have pinpointed the raider's camp. They appear to be dug in and waiting for us."
"What took you so long Lieutenant?" We should have been in position to attack at first light."
"Sir, they are very well camouflaged and we encountered skirmishers, every few minutes. They would fire a few shots to make us take cover, then disengage."
"Rejoin your company, Lieutenant. Battery commanders, commence firing. Signal general advance."
"Sir, 1st. Company, 3rd Battalion reports ten men injured and out of action due to friendly fire, a short round." "Wonderful! Damn artillery!" (The men were designated casualties by the referees as part of the training plan.)
The colonel then heard the crackle of small arms fire along with the deeper toned machine guns, then the crump-boom of mortars. About ten minutes later, his operations officer reported. "Sir, the advance has stalled. They are encountering heavy defensive fire. Several men were injured when they fell into a camouflaged trench.
"Send the second battalion around to the left flank." "No good, Sir, their left flank is anchored by a sheer walled ravine, we'd never make it. The right flank is over open ground. That will leave us exposed but we should be able to close rapidly enough to overwhelm them."
"Very well. Move second battalion up to reinforce first. Send third and fourth around to the right." "That will leave us with no reserve." "I realize that. But there's only one battalion of them. Light infantry at that. We'll roll right over them."
At the base camp.
"Here they come, Sir. Operating right out of their training manual. They've brought up their reserve and are trying a flanking maneuver. Rick spoke into his com. "Captain Greener, bring your guns on line and commence firing.
Captain Hathaway, Air elements are authorized to attack. Rick picked up the launcher and fired a red flare.
Colonel Ballard watched in satisfaction as all four of his battalions reached their final phase lines and prepared for the assault. A red flare arched over his lines. What did that mean?
Suddenly artillery rounds began bursting over his men's heads. Eight aircraft also attacked. Four manned aircraft and four armed drones.
From his right came the sound of heavy air-cushion vehicles, firing their cannon, accompanied by at least a company of infantry, firing as they came. "What in the name of all the netherworld's demons was going on?" He thought. His well- planned attack was turning into a rout of his own troops!"
In less than ten minutes of heavy fighting, the Chief Referee said, "Cease Fire, Cease fire.
This exercise is over. You have been defeated, Colonel Ballard."
"How could this happen? I was told that they are Force Recon. Light infantry troops!"
"That was your worst mistake, Colonel. Assuming what the enemy force is, without proper intelligence or adequate reconnaissance."
A few minutes later, Rick arrived in his command carrier. Colonel Ballard said,
"Congratulations, Major. That was a brilliantly executed operation."
"Thank you, Sir. But in all fairness to you, a combined arms force, on battalion level, is a concept that has not been widely used, for quite a long time. Your training and doctrines didn't prepare you for it. Your regiment should have been provided with anti-air and anti-armor weaponry."
"A lesson well taught, Major."
Another aspect of the battalion's training was urban warfare. Arrangements had been made with several small towns to allow the National Guard to occupy the towns, while the battalion learned how to operate in towns. Quite a few of the townspeople enjoyed being paid to be off work and watch the show.
15, December 2453. Fire base Alpha, 09:00 Hours.
Major Rick Castle looked around the headquarters bunker. "Gentlemen, the training has gone very well. Tomorrow will be our final operation. Capturing an enemy base. It will be garrisoned by the Imperial Regular Army regiment. One thing in our favor is that although they have read about force recon, they've never faced that type of operation and their tactical doctrine and training is based on classic infantry and armor tactics. They will be expecting a standard preparatory bombardment followed by a frontal assault or attempt to flank them."
"So here is what we'll do. Captain Kevan will command Bravo, Charlie and Delta companies with the armored cavalry and artillery. Artillery will commence the bombardment at 05:10 hours. Captain Kevan will begin his advance at 05:30.
I want a lot of noise and movement to draw the enemy to his forward positions, but do not close to less than 200 meters. Two Transport aircraft will be landing at 02:00 hours.
They will unload extra ammunition for the artillery and armor. They will then re-configure as drop aircraft. I will take three platoons from Alpha Company and one from Bravo. Alpha's weapons platoon will remain with Bravo We will take off and orbit at 15,000 meters. At 05:45 we will commence a HALO drop. First and second platoons under my direct command will capture the enemy headquarters. Third and fourth will capture the enemy guns and turn them on the enemy's positions."
16, December 2453 Imperial Army Field Base, 05:10 hours.
The sound of exploding shells awakened the entire regiment. Colonel Darvin Fantan
Rolled out of his bed and hastily donned his uniform. The alarms were sounding throughout the base.
He dashed to his headquarters. "What's the situation?" He asked his operations officer.
"Sir, it appears that the raiders are attacking. They're forming up now."
"Very well, I want all defense points manned and ready to repulse the attack.
Colonel Fantien moved to his observation tower as soon as the shelling stopped. He tried launching drones but they were knocked out almost as soon as they launched. He was limited to using light amplifying electronic binoculars. He could see the enemy advancing. They were kicking up a lot of dust. Then the enemy artillery fired a series of chemical shells that emitted both smoke and heat that interfered with the infrared sensors.
One of the enemy armored vehicles slewed around, struck by a laser that simulated an anti-armor missile. They reached a shallow depression about 200 meters out and took cover, the men going prone at the edge and keeping up a steady fire on the defenders.
"We've stopped them!" The Colonel said. "I thought that they were more determined than that. Prepare Third Battalion to move out and flank them."
Aboard the transports, orbiting at 15,000 meters. "There's the signal, Sir."
"Very well. One minute to drop. Stand Up! Check equipment! Move to the ramp. Open the ramp!
A green light flashed on. Go! Major Rick Castle and the first group of ten exited the aircraft. They all assumed a streamlined body attitude, dropping rapidly through the early morning sky.
Although the Imperial Guardsmen had both radar and lidar, they never thought to use it
To search the sky behind them, focusing, entirely, on the assault vehicles and the Air Cavalry aircraft to the front. The best equipment in the world is useless if not properly employed. To make matters worse, Colonel Fantien had kept only a single platoon as headquarters guard and they too, focused on the frontal attack. Only four men watched the rear.
Rick infiltrated a squad of his experienced Marines the night before. Taking cover at the edge of the base, they now moved into position and silenced the four sentries with tranquilizer darts.
Rick 's company reached the ground, inside the base perimeter, undetected.
Quickly shedding their jump gear, they armed themselves and got organized.
"Lieutenant Tollton, take your men and capture their artillery, the rest of you, with me."
Colonel Fantien was shocked to hear his own artillery firing. (Blank charges)
At the same time, heavy small arms fire broke out, right outside his headquarters.
Seconds later, the rear door burst open and a squad of men, led by a very large man, leveled their weapons. "Raise your hands, Colonel, you are my prisoner."
"Who are you?"
"Major Rick Castle, Fleet Marine Corps."
The senior referee said, "I declare this exercise over, victory to the Marines.
Your headquarters is captured and your forces decimated using your own artillery against you."
Colonel Fantien was gracious in defeat. "Congratulations, Major. Well done. If I hadn't experienced it, I would never have believed that a fortified regiment could be defeated by a single battalion."
"Thank you, Sir."
16, December 2453 Imperial Field Base, 15:00 hours.
The after-action reports and critiques were over. General Callain Torrund, Imperial Army, the senior observer said, "Overall, though we were badly embarrassed by you, Major, we learned a great deal, as did your troops. In my reports to the Defense Minister and the Emperor I am going to recommend numerous changes in our training and tactics as well upgrading some equipment. We will leave your base intact and use it for training."
"Thank you, Sir. I firmly believe that we couldn't have faced better troops, with your level of experience. You do train hard, but you haven't had a real war in over a century.
Experience counts. Every one of my Commonwealth Marines is a combat veteran who has seen action in the last two years."
"We will begin boarding shuttles at 18:00."
"When we get back to Alpha Centauri, Major I would like to invite you to dinner and drinks at the officer's club."
"Thank You. Sir. I'll look forward to that."
18, December 2453. Imperial Guard Base, parade ground, 10:00 hours.
"Battalion, Attention. The Commanding Officer"
"At Ease. You have done very well. You have exceeded standards and expectations in all areas. Graduation exercises and awards will be in three days. Today and tomorrow will be spent in final testing and fitting of your dress uniforms, upon completion of the graduation ceremonies, you will be granted two weeks leave. Enjoy them. Upon completion of your leave, we will begin final training and preparation for the special mission you have been training for. Attention, Battalion. Dismissed."
19, December 2453. Base Hospital, 10:00 hours.
Captain Gloria Wayne walked into the doctor's lounge, where Kate and Lanie were having coffee. "Good morning, Ladies."
"Good morning Captain."
"We have just received an invitation from General Frasier, to a special military ceremony, the day after tomorrow at 10:00 hours. He does not specify what it is but requests dress uniform."
"That's a little vague, isn't it, Captain?" Kate said.
"Yes, it is, but the request of a flag officer usually carries the force of an order. I've known the General for several years. He does not make such requests, lightly."
21, December 2453. Parade ground, Imperial guard base. 09:30 hours.
Kate, Lanie and Captain Wayne followed their guide to the VIP section of the grandstands. Marlene waved at them and they joined her.
"Hello, Gloria. It's been a while." Marlene said.
"Hello, Marlene, three years, or so, how have you been?"
"I've been well, yourself?"
"I've been doing well."
"Hello, Kate, Lanie."
"Hello, Aunt Marlene." Kate said.
"Hello, Mrs. Frasier."
Kate was surprised to see Julia and Jason Caldwell entering the stands. "Julia, over here!" Marlene called. Jason saluted Captain Wayne.
"Good Morning Captain, Ladies." He said. "What are you doing here, Julia?"
Kate asked.
"We received an invitation. Your uncle didn't specify why."
Marlene said, "Gloria, I'd like to introduce the artist Julia Caldwell and her husband, Commander Jason Caldwell. Julia, Jason, Captain Gloria Wayne. Fleet Medical."
"We're pleased to meet you, Captain. Jason said.
"And I, you. I've admired some of your work, MS Caldwell, just never had the time to really appreciate it."
"We have a gallery, here, Captain. Why don't you come by, during the holidays? I'd enjoy giving you a personal tour."
"Thank you, I will."
Captain Estrada, General Frasier's aide stepped up and saluted Kate.
"Commander McClintock, will you please come with me?" Kate rose and followed him.
General Frasier said;
"Kate, I would like to ask a favor of you. I would like you to present the Marine colors to a newly formed battalion." Kate was surprised, but said;
"I would be honored to, Sir."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, please rise for the Commonwealth and Centauran anthems."
A Color Guard marched into place and the Imperial Guard's band struck up the music.
At the conclusion, the announcer said;
"Please remain standing for The Emperor."
The Emperor said;
"Please be seated. Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to a very special ceremony. The Commonwealth, in conjunction with my government has authorized the establishment of a unique military unit. Fleet Marines, along with two companies of Imperial Guardsmen have joined to create the First Battalion, Combined Special Operations Force These men have undergone months of the most intense, difficult training imaginable. My officers tell me that they have never seen such high scores on training tests."
"My former guardsmen are enlisting in the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve and will serve for the duration of the upcoming special mission. Upon return, they will be released from active duty and form the cadre for our own Imperial Fleet Marine Brigade.
They will serve with our own home fleet. Any of the Fleet Marines who wish to transfer to our service will be advanced one grade, retaining the right to transfer back to Fleet with no loss of grade or service time. All Fleet service time will be credited as Centauran service for promotion and retirement purposes."
"The men chosen to lead this new unit are outstanding, to say the least. The commanding officer is one of the most highly decorated young officers that I have ever heard of.
Major Rick Castle, Fleet Marine Corps, is known as "The Hero of Tantalus."
He has been awarded the Commonwealth Medal of Honor, Fleet Cross of Gallantry, and the Close Combat Badge in silver and unique, in all our history, The Shield of the Blue Rose. Never awarded to one who is not of Alpha Centauri, before! He has been twice wounded in battle, holding the Commonwealth's Purple Heart and our own Crimson Nova."
The executive officer is our own Captain Delnor Kevan, Fleet Marine Corps. An officer, who has served with Major Castle, also involved in the battle of Tantalus.
He has been awarded the Fleet Cross of Gallantry and the Close Combat Badge in bronze."
"The Sergeant Major is Sergeant Major Javier Esposito. He has been awarded the Fleet Cross of Gallantry, five times. The Close Combat Badge in Gold and the Purple Heart three times. Obviously, this unit is as well led as it is possible to be."
"I will now turn the time over to Major General Alexander Frasier, Fleet Marine Corps for the activation of the unit. "Band Master, strike up the march"
The band began to play a new march, "Men of Valor" The battalion strike force, its' ranks perfectly aligned marched onto the field, Major Rick Castle at its' head. They wore standard Fleet Marine Corps dress blues, with the addition of a crimson and black fourragereworn aroundthe left shoulder
"Battalion, Halt! Right Face! Present Arms! Rick 's sword flashed up in the salute.
"Sir, the unit is formed. All present and correct." General Frasier returned the salute.
"By order of the Federa4tion Council and the Imperial Parliament, The First Battalion, Combined Special Operations Force is activated this date, 21 December 2453.
Major Rick Castle is appointed Battalion Commander. Major, take command of
Your troops.
"Sir, I assume command. Color Guard, Center March."
The six-man color guard came forward, two with rifles four with flag carriers and wearing pistols.
General Frasier said;
"To remind you, just what you are protecting we have asked the ladies to present your colors to you."
Empress Lucania stepped forward with the Centauran Empire's flag, kissed the staff and handed it to the bearer. Marlene Frasier Presented the Commonwealth flag, Kate Beckett presented the Marine Corps flag and Lairlene DoRanian presented the battalion flag.
"Persons to be decorated, Center March!" Frasier commanded. "
Major Richard Castle, Captain Delnor Kevan, Sergeant Major Javier Esposito. For outstanding performance in a duty not involving combat, you are all awarded the Commonwealth Commendation Medal." Frasier came down off the stand and pinned the medals in place.
He returned to the stand.
"Pass in review!"
Rick commanded;
"Right Face, Forward March! Right Wheel, March!"
With its' flags and company guideons snapping in the breeze, the battalion began to march. "Hit it!" the Sergeant Major commanded. The men began to chant.
"Nobody loves us; we know that quite well. Alpha Company Rah! But we'll follow our Major through the gates of Hell! Bravo Company Rah! We don't expect to see Heaven's scenes. Charlie Company Rah! But Hell, doesn't scare us; we're Castle's Marines! Delta Company Rah!
As he drew even with the reviewing stand, Rick commanded, "Eyes Right!" The officer's and NCO's swords swept up in the ancient sword salute.
The battalion marched back to its' original position, where it halted and faced front.
General Frasier's aide commented;
"That chant was a bit much, don't you think, Sir?"
"I don't think so," the general replied. "They've got Espirit De Corps."
"Battalion Commander, return your troops to quarters and dismiss them."
General Frasier ordered."
"Yes, Sir!"
Back at the battalion's quarters, Rick commanded;
"Battalion, Stand at ease! My congratulations. You have exceeded all expectations, except mine. I knew that you could do this. I expected excellence and you gave it! You are now dismissed to two weeks leave, except the daily duty section. That will rotate daily so that no man serves more than one day. Check with your First Sergeant for your assignment.
Every man will be back here, not later than 07:00 5 January. If you are not, you had better be in the hospital or dead! Battalion Attention! Dismissed!"
Rick and Del walked back to the headquarters and entered Rick 's office.
"They look great, Rick."
"Yes, they do. The real test will come when we see combat."
"Half of them already have."
"True, but half have not. The veterans should steady the rest but you never know. I was nervous and scared the first time."
"So was I, but we held. So, will they." Rick removed his sword.
"Time to get comfortable." Rick didn't get to finish his statement. His com sounded.
"Major Castle."
"General Frasier, Major. Don't change out of dress uniform. You are expected in the Officer's Club for luncheon, as is Captain Kevan. The Emperor and Empress will be present. It's a command appearance. Don't even ask if you can get out of it. You can't!"
"Yes Sir."
"What was that about?" Del asked. "You look like you want to shoot somebody!"
"I wouldn't mind! What's with everybody? Don't I have a right to privacy, like anybody else?"
"Sure, you do, if you quit being you. I asked you what it's about."
"We're commanded to be at the club for lunch, by your Emperor, no less!"
"That's not so bad, Hal's a nice guy."
"You would say that. He's your cousin!"
"I'm not just saying it, he is."
"Maybe so but his wife is too inquisitive by half!"
"Have you ever known a female that wasn't? Despite that, she's a sweet and caring woman if a little naive for her position."
"We'd better get going. The sooner it's over, the sooner you and Lairlene can get away for a while."
21, December 2451. Base Officer's Club, Karolain City, Alpha Centauri 12:00 hours.
Rick and Del entered the club and were met by the manager.
"Major Castle, Captain Kevan, follow me, please. General Frasier has reserved the Gold Room."
Rick was surprised to see the number of people in the room. He'd expected the General, Marlene, Lairlene and the royal couple but he hadn't expected Julia, Jason, Kate, Lanie and Captain Wayne. (He didn't know Lanie or Captain Wayne.)
"The men of the hour have arrived." The Emperor said. "We have been anticipating this celebration for some time"
Rick and Del both came to attention.
"Your Majesty."
"Please relax, Gentlemen we are here for a luncheon and a special celebration."
"First, let me congratulate you on the magnificent job of training you did. You accomplished more than we thought possible in the amount of time you had."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. We had first class troops to work with."
"Now, shall we have a drink to start the celebration?"
"It's a little early for anything hard, for me," Rick said. "A beer would certainly be welcome." "A mug of dark ale, just the thing although I think that the ladies would prefer a light wine." The Empress came over.
"Major Castle, I have been talking with your sister. She tells me that you are quite a private person. So, I shall not ask for your story, but if you ever feel that you would like to tell me, I would be honored to hear it."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. If I ever do make such a decision, I would be honored to share it with you. The likelihood, however, is not high."
General Frasier came over.
"With your men on leave, Major, do you have any plans?"
"I think I'll say here a few days, anyway. There's still a lot I can do at headquarters.
Maybe I'll take a few days after Christmas and go see the ocean. It's not far and I've always loved the sea."
"You'll work only half a day, Major. I won't have any of my officer's burn out."
"Yes Sir."
Also, I'm hosting a Christmas Eve party, dinner and dancing at the Lakeshore House. I would really appreciate it if you would attend.
Does it as a personal favor to me? The dress will be formal evening wear."
"I've got an easy out, Sir, I don't own civilian formal wear."
"That dog won't hunt, Major, your sister, working with Del's tailor has a formal suit ready for you.
"They did what?"
"They had formal evening wear made. No more excuses. You have to face facts. You're no longer a junior officer. As a field grade, you have more social obligations that you can't avoid.
Let's speak informally for a minute. Rick, I've watched your career since you first reported aboard the Belleau Woods. You're a brilliant tactician and a fine leader.
But you neglect the social side of your life. Good social contacts, both military and civilian enhance not only your career but they can affect your men as well."
"In what way, Sir?"
"Let's say that your unit needs and requests some special equipment.
A second unit submits a request with equal merit. The supply officer knows you and doesn't know the other commander. He's most likely to grant your request."
"On a personal level, every man needs some down time, every man needs personal relationships. Not just brother officers. Therefore, I expect to see you at the party. Speaking of socializing, Marlene's giving me the eye. Let's go."
Julia stood waiting for Rick, as Frasier joined Marlene. She hugged him, then said,
"You will be at the party, won't you?"
"Yes, damn it. That was a dirty trick to pull on me."
"You promised to spend more time with us. You haven't been doing a good job of it. I'll use any trick I have to. Besides, you love to dance. There will be plenty of that."
"You're right and, if I know the General plenty of good Scots Whiskey."
"I want another promise from you, Rick."
"What's that?"
"I want you to spend Christmas day with us. All you've done for the past five years is send presents."
"I've been on duty. You know that."
"Other officers manage to get Christmas leave. Rick, please do it for me"
"Okay, Julie."
Jason joined them and they went over to the main group. General Frasier said,
"Major Rick Castle, I'd like to introduce you to Captain Gloria Wayne,
An old friend."
"Rick said' "I am pleased to meet you, Captain."
"It's my pleasure, Major, it's rewarding to see a former patient in such good health."
"A former patient Captain?"
"Yes Major. I was Chief Surgeon on the Clara Barton, when they brought you in, more dead than alive."
"I'm sorry to say, Captain, I have no clear memory of that until I awoke on Tolcor."
"That's not surprising, major, as heavily sedated as you were."
"Then I owe you my thanks, Captain as well as my life."
"Not to me Major, to a brilliant surgeon and her team did it all."
"I will have to find them. I can never repay them but maybe I can do something for them."
"All in good time, Major."
Rick turned to Kate. "Lieutenant Commander, congratulations Kate, that's a
very difficult achievement, especially in your field."
"Thank you, Rick. That means a lot coming from the youngest Major and youngest Battalion Commander in the marines."
"Where did you hear that?"
"From Uncle Alex, of course, he certainly would know."
"I've just been in the right place at the right time, that's all."
"Somehow, I doubt that. I don't believe in that much luck."
"I think that they're getting ready to take our orders, Ladies. We should take our seats."