Posted by Lieutenant Helena Laursen (Helm/Nagivation Officer) in Memory: End of First Year Training Mission

Posted by Captain Marceau Renault (Commanding Officer) in Memory: End of First Year Training Mission

(snip)

It was their watch that saved them all from embarrassment. The idea was to get an hour or so of extra sleep after the last two days. Kenneth was on watch with Marceau and the rain and low clouds made it darker but through the first break of sunrise Kenneth saw something. Figures moving toward them. Other hikers probably. Someone had thought to bring night vision binoculars and he used them and then hurried to find Marceau. “It’s the commodore and a Cmdr I don’t recognize. Headed toward the camp. We should wake everyone up.”

Kenneth started for one half of the tents, reaching in to shake them awake if need be. That rewarded him with a kick to the elbow at one tent. “Commodore’s coming. Get up! And it’s raining! Let’s go.” Kenneth sighed in disappointment, he was really looking forward to breakfast that wasn’t a protein bar.

Marceau helped wake everyone up and get them out. He hadn’t realized the commodore and another officer would be giving them orders in person. At least, he assumed that’s why they were there.

Helena heard the commotion and got out of her bag and pulled on her boots. She nudged Akela awake. “Come on we gotta get up.” Akela was chipper as always. Helena reached into her pack for her rain gear and climbed out of her tent looking around. She spotted Marceau and went over. “What’s going on?”

Helena

Marceau shook his head and shrugged. “We spotted the Commodore and a Commander approaching the camp site. We thought it would be better to be awake when they arrive but we do not know what they want.”

~ Marceau

Flinza and Gerard had turned into their cooks. They both seemed to enjoy it. They got to work very quickly prepping oatmeal. It was hardy and would stay with them for awhile. Considering the commodore was approaching there was no telling what was in store for them. Flinza stocked the fire into blazing while Gerard added water to a couple of the small mess kit pots. He also rummaged around in the ration packs everyone had left out for dried fruit.

The rest of the squad was finishing morning routines or straightening the camp. Commodore Yin and the unknown Cmdr got to the edge of the camp to be intercepted by Jones and Kenneth. “Good Morning Commodore Yin,” Jones said coming to attention next to Kenneth. The Commodore looked them over and glanced to the rest of the camp, who hearing Jones speak up all came to attention. The Cmdr with him looked bored. “As you were,” Yin’s voice carried and they got back to what they were doing. “Cadet Jones, Cadet Kenneth. How is the squad this morning?” Jones glanced at Kenneth and looked a little sheepish. “Just waking up, Sir.” Yin nodded, “Well I suppose it is early. Not quite 0500 yet. Take us in please.” Jones and Kenneth turned and led them into the center of the Camp. Yin found a seat on a stump and waived at Flinza and Gerard, “Continue cooking Cadets. Take a good meal when you can get it.” Commodore Yin had a reputation as being a kind of grandfatherly figure. Caring and supportive, but not patience for foolishness.

“How was the hike out? Any injuries or complications to report?” Akela shook her head, “No Sir, Commodore.” He nodded but glanced at the faces. He knew sometimes cadets, on this first trip out, would with hold thinking they would lose points, but he didn’t see evidence of that today. “Pop quiz, what’s the protocol for securing your camp base when you have to leave and explore?”

Jones piped up immediately, “In a group this size, Sir, you leave a two members behind to keep the camp secure while teams of at least 2 scout in different directions.”

The Cmdr nodded, “Over the next 4 days you will ignore that protocol. The tasks set to you will require all of you to be present. This is not considered hostile and is secure except for the wild critters around here.”

“Ah yes, my companion. Cadets this is Commander Hoyand. He’s taking charge of your training for the next four days.” Hoyand nodded to Yin, “Thank you, Sir. A half mile south west of here is a clearly marked trail head. You will follow it for an hour at steady pace. You will meet me there at 0930. Expect to stay there all day and return here tonight. Any questions?”

Helena

“Sir, no, sir!” Came the response of the group. The hike was not overly difficult but a brisk pace was needed to make the Commander’s expectations, and once they were there, they could see their task for the day had to do with some kind of obstacle course.

~ Marceau