Duty from Ashes

by Sam Schal

  “Johnson’s a good man, General, and an even better Marine.” Sensing her mother relaxing at her words, she turned her head and smiled slightly. “Don’t worry, Mom. I know O’Brien and Sorkowski are the exceptions. I won’t hold what they did to me and my team against Johnson.”

  “We never thought you would, Ash.” Elizabeth’s hand closed over hers and gave it a quick squeeze. “But we also want you to understand that this decision is in no way an indication that we think you aren’t capable of leading the full Marine contingent. It’s just that you are going to have your hands full with the DDs’ mission.”

  “Mom, I understand, truly.” She looked back at Okafor. “Ma’am, I mean it.”

  “I know you do, Ash.”

  Okafor fell silent as the aircar pulled into a parking garage. Ashlyn looked around and felt the color drain from her face as she realized where they were. Of all the potential destinations that had come to mind, this was the very last one. Hell, it hadn’t even been on the list of the most improbable destinations. What in the world was going on?

  “Easy, Ash,” Elizabeth said softly. “This is necessary. You’ll understand soon.”

  Not trusting herself to speak, Ashlyn nodded and watched as their driver slowed and finally stopped at a security checkpoint. Two heavily armed Marines stepped forward and asked everyone to hand over their IDs. After closely checking them and confirming that they were expected, the Marines stepped back and waved the aircar through. Because she knew not many in her position ever made this journey, Ashlyn breathed deeply and tried to calm her nerves. As she did, she chuckled softly. Now she understood why her mother and Okafor had refused to tell her where they were going. If she’d known they were on their way to meet with the president, she’d have probably run for the hills. Now she had no choice but to see what her companions had up their sleeves next.

  CHAPTER SIX

  ASHLYN PAUSED OUTSIDE the door to the conference room and breathed deeply. How quickly things could – and did – change. That was a lesson she had learned early into her career as a Marine. That lesson had been drummed home when she joined the Devil Dogs. Now it was a lesson she planned to drill into her company commanders, whether they liked it or not.

  Three hours ago, she’d been sitting in the back of the aircar with her mother and General Okafor. Her biggest concern had been getting through the upcoming briefing and then back to the Obstacle Course. She’d been so worried about the potential problems with Gamma and Delta Companies that she hadn’t thought too much about why they were leaving Marine country for the briefing. Then they’d pulled into the parking garage under the Capital building and all concerns about the battalion had disappeared.

  For more than two hours, she had stood behind her mother’s chair as Secretary of State Linden Klingsbury briefed them. Then President Harper had taken over. Over the next few minutes, he’d made it very clear that he wanted to put an end to the war. FleetCom was to implement a plan to take the fight directly to the Callusians. While they were pushed on their own homefront, missions were to be run to help liberate both the Cassius System and the newly invaded Nystrom System. If FleetCom learned of strategic targets, they were to be hit and hit hard. The time for Fuercon and its allies to sit back and watch as system after system fell to the Callusians was over. The war was going to end now and on Fuercon’s terms.

  While Ash agreed wholeheartedly with the President, she had concerns. The morning briefing of company commanders had shown a weakness – well, two weaknesses – in the battalion. She was going to have to deal with that at once. Otherwise, the battalion would be at a disadvantage when it shipped out. The only problem was, she didn’t know what to do. Not yet, at any rate. Hopefully, by the time this briefing was over, she’d have an idea.

  Squaring her shoulders, Ashlyn reached out and opened the door. As she stepped inside, she glanced around. In the center of the room was a long conference table. Around it sat the company commanders and members of her staff. Standing nearby were the company XOs. Unlike the morning’s briefing, the senior non-coms had not been sent for. She’d leave their briefing to Talbot and Adamson, but that would come later.

  Ashlyn frowned at the sight of two empty chairs at the table. Damn it, she had really hoped the concerns she’d had since morning had been a temporary blip in the way the battalion ran. Now she knew better. Just as she knew she should have insisted the doctors release her to full active duty status sooner than they had. With only a month or so on the job, she simply hadn’t had enough time to get to know her commanders, much less their officers and the enlisted personnel.

  “’Ten-hut!”

  Adamson’s voice rang out as she called the room to attention. Instantly, all conversation halted and boots scraped against the floor as chairs were pushed back and those gathered got to their feet. At least those present showed no hesitation in following the master sergeant’s order.

  Ashlyn moved to stand at the head of the table and took the time to look each of her captains in the eye. “Where are Captains Hotchner and Rhydderch?” Her voice was cold and her eyes hard. Any doubts she’d had about the necessity of transferring the men out of the battalion disappeared as she waited for someone to answer her question.

  “Unknown, Major. They have yet to report in. Nor did they send word that they would be delayed,” Ortega reported from her place at Ash’s right.

  “Did you confirm receipt of the change in orders for Gamma and Delta Companies?”

  Of course she had. Why else were the XOs from those companies present?

  “I did, ma’am,” Ortega confirmed.

  “Call the roll, Master Sergeant.” If Hotchner and Rhydderch wanted to play games, she’d teach them that she would win every time – and she’d do it by following the rules.

  Ashlyn remained standing, her gaze moving from person to person as Adamson called the roll. Starting with Alpha Company, the name of each commanding officer was called. Then Adamson repeated the process with each of the executive officers. With only two exceptions, everyone answered. Ash nodded, grateful for small favors.

  “I want to make one thing perfectly clear,” she said as the room once more fell silent. “I expect each and every officer to act like a Devil Dog. That means obeying orders and never being insubordinate. I will not tolerate non-coms being thrown under the bus to save an officer’s career nor will I stand by and let officers or non-coms abuse the enlisted members of this battalion.

  “The Devil Dogs are the best of the Marines. So I expect the best from each of you. It was obvious this morning that two company commanders had a problem understanding that. They have now shown they do not deserve to call themselves Marines, much less Devil Dogs. I will not allow insubordination such as they have shown to go unpunished.

  “”Lt. Taffer, where is Captain Hotchner?”

  From where he stood four places down the table, Taffer swallowed hard. But that was the only indication he gave that he might want to be anywhere but there.

  “Begging the Major’s pardon, but I don’t know.”

  Ash forced herself not to clinch her fists at her side as her anger once again flared. “When did you last see or speak with him, lieutenant?”

  “Shortly after we received the change in orders for this afternoon, ma’am.”

  “And?”

  “That’s it, Major. He instructed me to make sure the company knew of the change in orders and told me to be sure to be here. Then I was dismissed.”

  “Same question, Lt. Rossi.”

  Unlike Taffer, the petite Rossi stepped up to the table and looked Ash square in the eye. As she did, Ashlyn had a feeling the redhead had grown tired of covering for her captain.

  “I received basically the same orders, Major.”

  For a moment, Ash didn’t say anything. Then she nodded once, her mind made up. She was about to make an example of the missing captains, one they wouldn’t soon forget.

  “Master Guns.” She looked to where Talbot stood near the door. “
Step outside and contact the MPs. Captains Hotchner and Rhydderch are to be located and brought immediately to my office. If we are still in the briefing, they are to be held there until I’m done.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He executed a perfect about face and left the room.

  “Lt. Taffer, Lt. Rossi, you are in temporary command of Gamma and Delta Companies until new COs have been found. You will meet with Captain Ortega after the briefing and you will detail for her everything you can about the behavior of your former COs. You will answer each of her questions fully and without hesitation if you wish to remain with the battalion.”

  “Yes, ma’am!”

  If they hadn’t already been standing at attention, Ash had no doubts they would have braced to it.

  “Now, understand one thing, ladies and gentlemen. I will not tolerate behavior such as Hotchner and Rhydderch have exhibited today. I will repeat what I told each of you when I assumed command from Lt. Col. Pawlak. If you do not feel you can follow my orders, if you are not willing to give your all – including your lives – to the battalion, to the Corps and to Fuercon, then leave. I will approve your transfer immediately.”

  She sat and waited, giving them time to think about what she had said. Then she looked at Adamson and motioned for her to once again call the roll. One by one, those gathered announced their intent to remain with the battalion.

  Good.

  “Be seated.” She watched as they did as she said. “There have been some changes since our briefing this morning. Ladies and gentlemen, there is no longer any room for doubt that the Callusians are intent on waging an all-out war. They have now sent ships to the Nystrom System. Halstrom’s Landing has been attacked but is, at least so far, holding out. Second Fleet is dispatching units to assist the Nystrom Navy in holding off the invaders until more help can arrive.

  “There has also been movement in the Cassius System. The latest word from our picket is that it appears at least some of the Callusian ships have moved out. What that means, we don’t know – yet.”

  Ash leaned back and frowned. By the time she’d left the briefing with Okafor and the others, she had been worried about whether or not the Devil Dogs would be able to meet the challenge set for them. Now that worry had blossomed and she was going to have to admit to the brass that at least part of the DDs weren’t up to the challenge – yet.

  And that was on her because she hadn’t anticipated the problem before now. That was one mistake she’d never again make.

  “The battalion, or at least most of it, will be shipping out just as soon as FleetCom has determined ship assignments for the upcoming mission. It was to have been the full battalion but, after the events of this afternoon, I anticipate we will be at least one company short.” She held up a hand to prevent anyone from interrupting. “If that is the case, a skeleton HQ staff will remain as well. I’ll be meeting with Captain Ortega and the rest of my staff later to discuss how we’ll handle it.

  “Alpha and Beta Companies will go into immediate training for the mission. Focus is to be on boarding parties as well as ground combat. You will receive your training assignments within an hour of the end of this briefing. Be aware that orders are going out to all members of the battalion that we will be moving on base tomorrow. That gives you tonight to say your goodbyes. There will be limited comm privileges to all Devil Dogs but we are basically going into a blackout until launch. FleetCom does not want to tip their hand to the enemy.

  “Delta and Gamma Companies will continue training as well. However, after today’s events, those companies will have to prove to me that they are battle ready. Lt. Taffer, Lt. Rossi, you need to tell your people just that.”

  “Yes, Ma’am!”

  “Do you know where we’re going, ma’am?” Ortega asked.

  “I do, but until we have relocated on base, I’m not at liberty to disclose it. Just know that it will be more than enough to get some of our own back from the enemy and to remind them of just how foolish it is to take us on.

  “Now, here is what we know about the current situations in both the Cassius System and the Nystrom System. . . .”

  * * *

  “Major, they’re here.”

  Ashlyn looked up at the sound of her XO’s voice. Then she glanced at the time. Two hours had passed since she’d issued the orders to find and bring Hotchner and Rhydderch to her office. That was longer than she’d hoped but not as long as she’d expected. Whether it meant they hadn’t expected her to take direct action or not, she didn’t care. All she wanted was to deal with them and get them out of her battalion before they managed to do any further damage.

  But, before she did, she wanted to make sure she had everything covered. There would be no mistakes where they were concerned.

  “Let Lt. Liu know they are here and ask if he will listen in. Assure him I will let them know he is taking part.” She chewed her lower lip, thinking. “I want MPs on the door, on the outside. Kevin and MJ are to be inside. You and I will deal with getting Hotchner and Rhydderch out of the battalion. Then I want you to be sure all recordings, documentation, interviews, etc., are transmitted to my mother and to General Okafor. Let’s make sure these two never see higher rank.”

  “I’ll let you know what Liu has to say.”

  Ashlyn nodded and turned her attention back to the list of potential replacements for Hotchner and Rhydderch. If she got lucky, she might find at least one officer she could transfer in as company CO. Preferably, it would be someone who had served with the Devil Dogs before. But as long as they had the needed combat and command experience, and the right attitude, she wouldn’t require it. Unfortunately, it was proving more difficult than she’d expected.

  Ten minutes later, Ash sat behind her desk, her expression hard, as the MPs escorted the two captains into her office. She thanked them and then told them to wait outside. As the door closed behind them, Adamson and Talbot took up positions on either side of the doorway. Looking at their serious expressions, Ash found herself almost wishing the captains tried to make a break for it. She had no doubts her senior non-coms would make quick work of the two of them.

  “What is the meaning—” Hotchner began, his face flushed with anger.

  “Quiet!” Ortega snapped. “And stand at attention. You haven’t been put at ease.”

  Rebellion crossed both men’s expression before they obeyed. Without a word, Ashlyn stood. As she moved around her desk, she made no attempt to hide her contempt. Nor did she try to disguise the fact she was inspecting every aspect of the men’s appearance. Standing close, she sniffed, her upper lip curling back as she caught the aroma of alcohol on them both.

  “Captain Ortega, inform Medical that I require a technician here on the double to take blood samples from these two officers.” She spat out the word. “I have reason to believe they have been drinking while on duty and want to be sure they haven’t been abusing other substances as well.”

  Rhydderch stiffened and looked like he wanted to speak. But one look from Ash seemed to quell whatever he’d been about to say.

  “For the record, this meeting is being recorded. Lt. Jianyu Liu from the Judge Advocate General Corps is taking part via link at my request. Upon the conclusion of this meeting, copies of the recording as well as all other documentation relating to it will be forwarded to the offices of the commanding officer, First Division, as well as the Office of the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Do you each understand?”

  She waited until they both answered in the affirmative.

  “To begin, I have one question for the two of you. Did you receive the change in orders issued by Captain Ortega at my behest stating that the afternoon training session had been postponed and that you, along with your XOs, were to report for a briefing at 1500 hours?”

  As she waited for them to respond, she returned to her chair.

  “Answer aloud,” Ortega told them when Rhydderch nodded, his expression grim.

  “Yes.” Anger roughed Hotchner’s voice.

&nbs
p; “Yes what?” Ashlyn prompted. She would not allow their insubordination and lack of respect to continue.

  “Yes, ma’am,” he ground out.

  “Did you understand those orders?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” they answered almost in unison.

  “Was there anything in those orders that led you to believe you could skip the briefing?”

  No answer. Not that she expected one.

  ““I think you can take that as a negative, Major,” Ortega said.

  “Captain Ortega, at any time, did either Captain Hotchner or Captain Rhydderch inform you that they would not be at the briefing?”

  “Negative, Major.”

  “Do either of you have anything to say for yourselves that might excuse your actions? You have disobeyed orders and have been insubordinate and that’s just taking into account your actions today. Do you have anything you to say?”

  “We’ve done nothing to deserve this sort of treatment, Major.” Disdain all but dripped from Hotchner’s words. “So we missed a briefing. We’d already been to one today. We made sure our XOs were present. If you said anything of import, they’d let us know. Whether you want to believe it or not, we had better things to be doing than watching you massage your ego.”

  “Captain—” Ortega began. She stopped when Ashlyn shook her head.

  “What was so important that you didn’t feel you needed to make the briefing?” Ash wanted to know. When neither man answered, she turned her attention to Talbot. “Master Guns, ask the MPs to come in.”

  He nodded and stepped out of the office. A moment later, he returned with the MPs. They approached the desk and then braced to attention.

  “Sergeant Morgan, where did you find Captains Hotchner and Rhydderch?”

  “They were at the Officers’ Club, ma’am,” the older of the two MPs answered.