Stars And Stripes

Chapter 2: Growing up too fast

Camp Peddleton was buzzing with activity. The rather large was was divided into four large sections of buildings. Daniel watched Humvee's whiz by, and infantry attend to various duties. He sat inside the transport, awaiting his next orders. Loking over, he saw Jenkins had fallen asleep, his rifle dangling from his hand by the strap.  

"Hey," said Daniel. "Wake up lazy ass, we got work to do." He nudged Jenkins in the ribs, awakening the man with a sharp pain. 

"What the fuck, man," grumbled Jenkins as he stretched the stiffness out of himself. Jenkins took a quick look around. "So does anybody know what's going on?" 

All the other men in the transport shook their heads. There was a loud banging on the side of the transport, as well as a voice shouting "Everyone out!" 

Daniel was the first out, his boots landing with a thud as he hopped down from the vehicle's interior. the man that stood in front of him looked like a pro wrestling. Bald, deep set eyes, broad shoulders, and built like a tank, the guy looked like he belonged in some action film.  

Daniel snapped to attention. "Private Daniel Wells reporting in, sir!" 

The other men from Charlie Company lined up to either side of Daniel, standing as stiff as boards, as they were taught to do in the presence of an officer.  

The burly bear of a human looked Daniel over like a hawk, seeming to peer into his soul. He grunted with what Danie hoped was satisfaction and said, "Alright boys. I've been informed that you sorry lot haven't even graduated basic training yet." Everyone was silent, feeling insuperior. "Y'all got 9 weeks under your belt, so don't you even think you compare to any other Marine on this base." He paused for a moment, letting his criticism sink in. "But you are still a capable fighting force, and you've been called to protect your country." 

Daniel fidgetted in his spot, and the officer took notice. He briskly walked up to him, his nose only an inch away from Daniel's. "You got a problem, Marine?" The stench of cigarettes radiated from the man's mouth. 

"Sir, I was just wondering what we're up against, sir!" answered Daniel.  

The officer nodded slightly, and took a step back. "That's a good question soldier." He projected his voice so the others could hear his words. "To be honest, I don't think we know what we're fighting. No foreign country has admitted to sending forces, and we have no intel on the objects." That sentence struck fear into the fresh recruits. Not knowing what you're fighting was a scary idea. 

A voice rang out from somewhere further down the line. "So what are we supposed to do about it?" 

"You all are to report to me, Captain Jax," replied Jax, the officer. "As a unit, we are to establish a defensive line along Huntington Beach." 

Daniel had grown up around Huntington, and most of his fond highschool memories had taken place on that beach.  

"Hey isn't that where you kissed Suzie Laut?" whispered Jenkins, nudging Daniel. Daniel couldn't help but grin. 

His reminiscing was interrupted by Captain Jax. "We move in five, get loaded up! Today is the day you all become Marines!"

~~~

The sun was high in the sky, glistening brightly off of the water. Huntington Beach looked just like Daniel remembered it. perfect, clean sand and a pier just south of their position. Charlie Company had dug two man fox holes all long the beachhead. Naturally, Daniel had teamed up with Jenkins. The two men lay on their stomaches in the shallow hole, the city behind them. 

"Damn, these things need to show up already," grumbled Jenkins. "I want me some swimming time." 

Daniel chuckled and patted his partner on the back. "How about you focus on not getting your gun jammed? You know how screwy M16s are in the sand."