First off, let’s get one thing straight. I’m not the hero of this story, if there even is one. I’m just a soldier.

2384: There was a knock at the door. “Danny? Can you get that?” On the other side of the door were two men in uniforms, officers by the looks of them. “Hey, is your momma home?”
“Yeah.”
“Can you go get her son?” W
When we were all gathered Captain Reynolds proceeded to destroy our entire worlds. They presented us with what was left of my father. Captain’s bars and some medals. Mom didn’t want to know, but I had to. Captain Reynolds told me.
“Maquis. Joint Starfleet/Marine taskforce went in to get ‘em. Your daddy gave everything so we could win.”
I dedicated the next two years of my life to bulking up so I could be a Marine and shoot the bastard who killed my father. Like I said, I’m not the hero.

2386: “Why do you want to enlist, son?”
“The Maquis killed my dad. I want to return the favour.”
“Well, 6’5” and 230 lbs. Doesn’t get much more prime than that. Keep your temper in check, and you might make one hell of a soldier Private Vladar.
I was 17 when I enlisted. By my 18th birthday, I was shooting expert on the rifle range and a few different units wanted to get me transferred in. I ended up with the 105th Marine Infantry. A few good battles and a Purple Heart later, I was Sgt Vladar. In command of Alpha Platoon. And. It. Felt. Awesome.

2391: “It’s a bit rockier than I thought coming in.”
“If you’re gonna lose your lunch, do it out a window.” I was funny back then. At least I thought I was. We were taking RPG fire coming in for a landing. Simple mission. Maquis offshoot has set up camp here. Make the camp uninhabitable, force them into their ships and into space, where Starfleet is waiting. Easy, right? The shuttle came down hard and the hatch opened. Everyone bolted for cover. The guy who had been bothered by the rocky landing didn’t make it to cover. I later found out that he had a name. Ruiz. “Everyone! This way!” There was a stone tunnel and 22 Marines descended into it. “Sarge?”
“What?”
“You know what’s on the other side?”
“The objective. Now- Everyone! Clear! Grena-“
22 Marines entered the tunnel on my command. 7 exited. Cpl Yemana was dragging me behind him. The last thing I remember from that day is starting to yell ‘Grenade!’

3 days later: “Welcome back to the land of the living. You’re one of the lucky ones.” said an overly happy looking denobulan doctor. “Where am I?”
“The USS Hope. Reserve hospital ship for Operation Blackstorm.”
“Why am I lucky to be on a hospital ship?”
“Dr Marshall saved your life. Your prognosis was very grim, but somehow, he got all the shrapnel out.” The doctor smiled an uncomfortably large smile.
“I have a couple more questions. How long has it been?”
“Three days.”
“And WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO TO ME?” the doctor recoiled. “Unfortunately, the damage to your retinas was done before you got here. And your arm, it was essentially gone. The muscle cells were starting to die. And reintroducing that blood into your body was out of the question. We saved you from a lifetime of agony Sgt.”
What do you say to that? Theoretically, thank you. But I liked it when my arms matched. I spent a year in and out of hospital. I talked them out of discharging me. I’m still not sure why.

2392: A general spoke into a microphone. “Today we honour the bravery of one of our finest. We are here to promote Sgt Daniel Vladar from Enlisted status to Officer. 2nd Lt Daniel Vladar.” There was a moment of applause waived off. “We are also awarding him the Medal of Valour. For conduct becoming of it in combat.” The crowd went wild.

So there it is. I was designated a hero for not dying. I had a Platoon of 25. We don’t really talk about the 18 who didn’t make it out. I’m not a hero. I’m not even the hero of my own damn story. I kept the medal and took the promotion I didn’t deserve, like any good soldier would. Just because I’m not a good man, doesn’t mean I can’t be a good soldier.

-2nd Lt Dan Vladar