Marty Wayne couldn't believe he was getting shipped out so early. He'd only just met his lover's parents recently and this popped up at the worst possible time. The worst circumstance that could've happened, really just happened. He would have to leave his child from his previous relationship with a woman he barely knew, and head out when they don't have anywhere else to stay. Their parents' house or a nearby hotel seemed to be the only choices. They planned to split it for the two months they would be gone since his parents house would be under severe renovation. The situation looked a little bleak and would eat up a lot of money. He packed it all in for good. Like it was the last time or the end of his world since he wasn't sure he would survive this.
It wasn't too long before he hit the road. It was practically deserted, and memories started pouring in of him as a child in Newhall, California when he'd run around these windy, abandoned places for fun. It was risky, and very dangerous, but he had a quench for this type of thing even when he was a little pup. He was always happy around these areas. This was the first time he ever felt so deserted, and the nostalgia had him having second thoughts because of the nostalgia. But he had no choice at this point. It was too late to turn back whether he was happy about it or not. He sported a casual white shirt, black jeans, and a jacket wrapped around his waist. He wore the worst possible shoes he had since they would get dirty either way. He had his lucky rainbow chain to carry him on. He didn't mind if he got dirty. It was the best outfit that would integrate him into the crowd. He kept walking down the road, waiting.
Soon enough it came, the van that was late to pick him up. He quickly jumped on, feeling the doubt grow bigger by the minute as he sat down. "Good to see you here lieutenant." Jerry said. His comrade who helped him settle in. The marines are never an easy place for outsiders to join, looking to integrate. There's no structure and that's why it relies a lot on luck to know the base in and out. "I wish I could say the same." Marty said, looking at the ever so attractive scenery. There was nothing better he could do at this time, other than fiddle around on his phone. He didn't really feel like doing anything to distract his mind. "The reality of the mission creeping in?" Jerry teased. "No. Just trying to let it sink in. They don't tolerate anything that isn't professional." Marty said. "It won't hurt to let them in on what's on your mind." "Not a chance if I want to get replaced. They'll put it down to "not in the right mental state." That's the worst possible thing to have on your record. I want to go places. Not peg myself back five steps." Marty explained. "Be confident of whatever you decide to do. All this talking has led us to the base. I thought it was always a way off." Jerry said. He stood up and picked up his bag. He jumped down and lent a hand to Marty.
Marty took it and jumped down. "Thanks." Jerry patted his back. "Don't worry. You'll be just fine. It's full proof and it works. You'll make it out alive safely as they blast you into space." Jerry had a few chuckles at his expense, but immediately stopped once Marty didn't share his humor. "I would be in a lot more enthusiastic mood if you took my place." He offered. Jerry quickly shook his head. "No. Simply never. You give what you get." Jerry reminded him of the massive blunder in the lab a couple months back. This little mission was the debt he had to pay up on. "As much as I love the challenge, this is totally unfair. No-one has given me any sort of reassurance that I'll come back in one piece, or even alive!" Marty hissed.
"Relax. It'll be just fine. I wouldn't be sending you off alone if I didn't have any confidence in you." Jerry pushed him along towards the camp. Marty sighed and went into the tent. He pulled off his clothes and quickly changed into a professional outfit. A mix of dark green and camo. A very thick suit that he struggled to fit into at first. But apparently, the captain had told him that would cushion any blow he might receive once he jetted into space at rapid speed. Cheekily, the captain even made it so that the suit would make him look good. It was in a ridiculous, worn-out state prior to the last survivor being traumatized a few years back when he was in his situation. All of his pleas went unheard. He got on with this job as he heard the yells from his comrades to get out here. A lot of his family members were furious. They couldn't stop panicking and held onto him like it was the last time they would ever see his face again. They weren't completely wrong, but it only served to kill his confidence.
He slowly walked out with his tag around his neck. He was greeted with claps and the captain patting him on the back. "Good luck lieutenant. We all will be there in spirit. We have done everything to ensure you a comfortable ride there." He smiled down on him and Marty did everything to hide his doubt and discomfort with all this. Marty bent over and could feel a few tears shedding down his face. He felt like he was throwing his life away. The captain could sense it. "No tears now. They mustn't see you weep. These people would sneer at you." Marty cleared his face and took a few deep breaths to clear his head. He could only walk in one direction confidently. Marty walked inside and the doors closed in on him.
*CLIFFHANGER*
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