Marine Corps Ball - Part 5
Posted on Fri Jan 23, 2026 @ 9:14am by Commodore T'mpest Michaels & Colonel Nicholas Means III & Commander Cara Letsul & Lieutenant T'Lul & Lieutenant JG Anson Lee & Captain Brina Tracy-Hall & Sergeant Major Arcenio Velez & Civilian Geral Lasuma & Civilian H'Miia
2,566 words; about a 13 minute read
Mission: Chicken Run
[PREVIOUSLY]
She was following him. Anson gritted his teeth and turned back to face her. “Maybe I said it for me, not for you. Maybe a counselor who was not a Vulcan would realize that when a human turns their back on you, they are ending the conversation.”
[CONTINUED]
"Interesting," T'Lul answered again. "You said it for you and not me," T'Lul mirrored thoughtfully. "I think we definitely need to have more sessions. I perfectly understood your behavior regarding turning your back. However, I am more curious as to why when you are confronted with facts that you become agitated and your behavior becomes more hostile. Your words express hostility towards Vulcans and border on speciest. I wonder why this opinion has been developed. I would like to assist you with these issues."
“I assure you. I have no issues with Vulcans.” He turned his back on her again and when she moved, he turned further, keeping her behind him.
"Then why would you group Vulcans together rather than indicate that you have a potential issue with solely me?" T'Lul asked, moving to try to stay in his view.
Anson kept walking, his back to T'Lul as much as he could manage. They were starting to attracted attention. "Did they not teach you to read between the lines in Counseling?"
"I was taught many things. However, if you desire to have this conversation at another time, I will set a time."
Three weeks from never sounded right to Anson. "I'll have to check my schedule."
The Vulcan counselor doubted that he would, so she decided that a deadline would be in order, "I shall expect to hear from you in the next twenty-four hours."
Anson said nothing, just raised a hand to signal he'd heard her, and kept walking.
T'Lul said nothing, as there was nothing to say. She merely considered that Anson was probably one of the most discombobulated humans that she had ever met and that intrigued her.
A bell rang out and an announcement was made that dinner was about to be served. Even as everyone took their seats cart and wait staff entered the bays with food and drink. Over the next hour the area was filled with the sounds of the various conversations, dish clinking, glasses being filled, and the laughter of those assembled.
Behind the scenes Lasuma's people, and stations stewards all dart past each other as they saw to the needs of nearly 2000 people. The replicators that had been brought in for the event were working overtime as were the bartenders mixing real drinks, barely keeping up with the orders as they came in.
H'Milla watched over the controlled chaos with surprised satisfaction. The Box's bar staff helping to keep things flowing during any surges in orders of to help keep the temporary bars stocked with supplies.
Eventually the tables began to be cleared and as the last of the wait staff left the area a bell rang again to indication the next formal stage of the Ball was about to begin. As people returned to their seats Means rose from seat and moved to the side of the bay as it was time for the show to begin.
H'Milla had taken her place, and at a nod from the Colonel her sounded the call to attention and all those in service, both Starfleet and Marines came to attention, facing the dance floor.
Commandant’s Birthday Message
At the entrance to the bays the escorts, as if one, drew swords and brought the blades smartly into their shoulders.
From the main entrance, the color guard marched as Means marched in from the side. Reaching the center Means stopped and turned sharply, facing the colors as they came to a halt.
"PRESENT... ARMS!"
At his command the rifleman of the color guard brought their ceremonial rifles to salute, the Marine flag was lowered and at the same time Means moved his sword expertly though his movements. All preceding the playing of the Federation's anthem.
At the end of the anthem, Means called out "ORDER... ARMS!"
Rifles and swords snapped back into carry positions and the color guard marched towards the Colonel but executed a counter march at they headed back across the floor to the entrance of the bay where they posted the flags at either side of the entrance.
Another call to attention was sounded, followed by the Marine Corps Hymn as the cake and escorts marched from the entrance, at a slow step, to their position in front of Colonel Means.
Salutes were rendered, swords sheathed, the cake escort took their positions and Means moved to the podium.
"At ease..." As everyone took their seats Means removed his cover and continued. "Good evening, I hope everyone enjoyed the dinner. Be sure to thank those taking care of us tonight as well as Mr. Geral of Lasuma Enterprises for providing the staff for tonight's festivities." Turning to Lasuma, sitting with the Commodore, he started a round of applause in appreciation.
Standing, Lasuma nodded to the Colonel and both seating areas before retaking his seat.
Looking out Means began. "Honored guests, Senior staff, Friends, Family, Marines...'On November 1st, 1921, old Earth calendar, General John A. LeJeune, 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, directed that a reminder of the honorable service of the Corps be published by every command, to all Marines throughout the globe, on the birthday of the Corps. Since that date Marines have continued to distinguish themselves on many battlefields and foreign shores, in war and peace. On this birthday of the Corps, therefore, in compliance with the will of the 13th Commandant, Article 38, United States Manual, Edition of 1921, is republished as follows:
'On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of the Continental Congress. Since that date, many thousands of men have borne the name Marine. In memory of them, it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the Birthday of our Corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history.
'The record of our Corps is one which will bear comparison with that of the most famous military organizations in the world's history. During 90 of the 146 years of its existence the Marine Corps has been in action against the nation’s foes. From the battle of Trenton to the Argonne. Marines have won foremost honors in war, and in the long eras of tranquility at home. Generation after generation of Marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres and in every corner of the seven seas that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security.
'In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our Corps Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term Marine has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.
'This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received from those who preceded us in the Corps. With it we also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our Corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of the Marines in every age. So long as that spirit continues to flourish Marines will be found equal to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our nation will regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as "Soldiers of the Sea" since the founding of the Corps.'
With the traditional message read it was now time for his two cents. "Across the centuries, Marines have fought on distant planets and in desperate battles, earning a reputation for discipline, toughness, and valor. From the American Revolution to Earth's World Wars, from Iwo Jima and Chin'toka to today’s operations across the quadrants, every generation has proven worthy of the title Marine. They secured liberty, defended allies, and carried forward the promise of a free Federation, and a free galaxy. We are the heirs of that legacy, and we are its stewards.
"This anniversary reminds us that our standards are the foundation of our Corps. Honor, Courage, and Commitment are not abstractions, but the code that binds us to one another and to all who went before. Every Marine, in every clime and place, must hold true to these values. The conflicts ahead will demand nothing less.
"I could not be prouder of the Marines I see serving today. Wherever I have served, those that have earned the title Marine carry forward our proud traditions with skill and ferocity. It is your discipline, initiative, and fighting spirit that anchor our Corps. The battles of the future, wherever they take place, will challenge us in new ways, but I have no doubt we will prevail. The Commodore and our many friends have added their hearty praise and congratulations to this, our 621st birthday. Happy Birthday Marines!"
Means stepped away from the podium as he tucked his cover smartly under his arm, taking his seat as the Commodore approached.
Commodore's Remarks
T'mpest took a moment to look around at those gathered. They were an impressive group. "From its beginning in Tun Tavern in 1775 through the establishment of the Federation, and most recently, to the Battle for Deep Space 5, the Marine Corps continues to be a symbol of discipline, courage, resilience, and sacrifice. Time after time, Marines are there, across every battlefield, every generation, and every storm, continuing to fight for freedom. As one who witnessed your courage while facing the Cardassian and Xi'Cadian forces, I am honored to stand here today and thank you for six centuries of excellence."
She paused for a moment before adding, "I especially thank each of you for once again standing against incredible odds to help defend this station. You are truly the best of the best. May your legacy continue to inspire all of us. Happy birthday and Semper Fi."
Then the commodore returned to her seat next to Lasuma.
Guest of Honor's remark's
Returning to the podium Means looked down the command table with a grin before addressing the everyone. "Tonight's guest of honor was...well quite literally blind-sided so she didn't have the chance to prepare her remarks. But in the truest Marine fashion she has adapted and overcame. Captain Brina Tracy-Hall is the Marine Executive Office of Faltan Station. Captain Hall, has a family history that can be traced to the very founding of our Corps, to Tun Tavern itself." Gesturing for her to join him at the podium. "Captain Hall."
Brina felt goosebumps race up and down her whole body, just the moment and solemness of this even truly struck her. Stepping up to the podium, looking at her husband who beamed at her, giving Brina a nod. Turning back out towards the sea of many people who were gathered there to honor the forming of the Marines, she felt the sting of tears. Clearing her throat, Brina spoke.
"Thank you Colonel Means." looking towards him giving him a nod of respect. Then she addressed those there.
"Today is a very important day as what Colonel Means had stated. It is true that my family line hails all the way back to when the Marines were first created. I wish to thank each of you for attending this celebration. It means a lot to those of us, our extended family the Marines for you to be here and those adopted. I am grateful to be here. When my adopted sister Commander Letsul invited me to attend this celebration, I couldn't refuse. It was an opportunity to be with her and also reconnect with others and to make new connections. The Marines dig down and dig in deep to do their duties to protect those that need them the most. All of you stand tall, continue your bravery and determination to making certain things are taken care of."
Brina held herself tall, as her gaze went over the audience.
"We are first to Fight, we were known as Leathernecks, Devil Dogs among other things." Brina giving a chuckle. "Never forget who we are. The Few, The Proud, The Marines. Semper Fidelis!" the last words ringing through the air. She stepped back as her last part was echoed by those in attendance. She looked towards Means as she stepped back from the podium.
Means stepped up, stopping her from going anywhere. "It is customary for the guest of honor to be given a gift of appreciation for the giving of their time and the Captain has definitely earned our appreciation for agreeing to speak tonight with such short notice. Looking back over his shoulder to her, "It was surprisingly ironic that you used 'dig' in your speech as your gift was found in a dig.
"The giving of challenge coins is almost as old as the Corp itself and while they are a simple token this particular coin has a long and significant history. This coin was found during the recovery and rebuilding efforts on Earth following the Third World War and humanities first contact with the Vulcans
"The previous owner, one of my Marines who was critically wounded in 2391 during Operation Beach Head during the Kzinti War. This particular Marine was the last of his line...he too had family line that could also trace itself to Tun Tavern."
"Now they didn't have these coins in 1775, but the coin was issued following the reestablishing of Tun Tavern in 2025. I was asked, that if possible it be given to a Marine with a family history like his own. As luck would have it our XO was bragging you up to some of our Marines not long ago so..."
Reaching into his pocket he pulled out the old challenge coin in its battered case, the coin picturing the original Tun Taven, along with the coin created for the 21st MEU. The coins palmed in his hand he reached out to shake Brina's hand. As he took her hand he turned his wrist so the coins easily passed from his hand to hers.
Brina had a curious glance in her eyes, then when Colonel Means mentioned Cara having spoken of her, she looked towards Cara with a raised eyebrow. Cara just smiled innocently, Brina shaking her head slightly.
Turning her attention back to Means, Brina felt the sting of tears, as Means presented her with the challenge coins. "Thank you, you honor me with this treasure. Sometime, tell me the name of the Marine you have spoken of as I would like to honor the marine as well."
Means grinned "You got it."
Instead of returning to their seat Means and Captain Hall made their way around from behind the tables as Velez took the podium while the tones of Auld Lang Syne began to play.
To be continued...
Lieutenant JG Anson Lee
Assistant Chief Security Officer
Deep Space 5
Lieutenant T'Lul
Chief Counselor
Deep Space 5
H'Milla
Manager - Box of Delights
Troubleshooter of Geral Lasuma
Colonel Nicholas Means III
MCO - 21st MEU
Geral Lasuma
Lasuma Enterprises
Commodore T'mpest Michaels
Commander
Deep Space 5
Captain Brina Tracy-Hall
Marine XO
Guest on Deep Space Five
Commander Cara Letsul
Executive Officer
Deep Space 5
Sergeant Major ArcenioVelez
Senior Staff NCO
RSS Feed