A Seabee's Arrival

Posted on Tue Apr 16th, 2024 @ 8:08pm by Chief Petty Officer Marisa Harlan & Major General Richard Lockhart (Raynor)

Mission: Jumping Right In
685 words - 1.4 OF Standard Post Measure

Marisa could feel the vibrations upon her back and where she sat, from the huge engines of the C-130 Hercules plane. The droning of the engines sounded like a sweet melody to her ears, the Rolls Royce built engines so powerful in keeping this magnificent piece of machinery flying. She could scarcely believe that she was here, and it was completely unexpected. She shifted in her seat, which was placed against the wall of the plane, feeling the tickle of the thick winter parka’s lining brush against her cheek. Where was she heading? She was going to the McMurdo Station/Stargate command facility in Antarctica, Currently is in the process of being built, a new facility. The weather where she was going was a far cry from where she had previously lived, a warmer climate, her hometown.

Earlier Marisa had been on a month’s leave, of which she had been ordered to take, she had a habit of not going on leave. Her CO had threatened her to make her have more than a month’s leave if she didn’t cooperate. Marisa didn’t want that. Marisa loved her work, and she didn't want to deal with her mother trying to set her up on a few dates again. She agreed to take her leave. She traveled cross country with her Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle, the one she had restored to its glorious self. She had attached a small travel trailer to it so she could take some camping gear and some tools in case of emergencies. Her goal was to go to the Pacific Ocean, have a swim there, go scuba diving, and just enjoy the sights, of which she did. She enjoyed her stay there.

Marisa’s eyes closed as her mind drifted over what happened on her return trip. She ended up helping some travelers whose vehicle had broken down. This happened on several occasions. There was a slight bit of turbulence which brought Marisa out of her reverie, her eyes flashing open, Marisa looked about, to see how everyone was doing. The pilot called out , “Its going to be getting a bit bumpy up ahead, there is a storm system. Make certain you are strapped in tight.”

Marisa checked, giving a nod and thumbs up. She was secure and leaned back against the seat once more. Her eyelids drifted downwards, Marisa recalling the next part, letting the memories play through her mind.

It was one day after she had come back, that Marisa was called to report to the CO’s office. Her CO was there and asked her to be seated. Marisa complied and wondered just what this was about.

Her CO, Braddock noted her expression and gave a little bit of a chuckle. “Got your interest up I see. Remember your request to be transferred to another area of the service to further utilize your skills?”

Marisa nodded and voiced her remembrance, “Yes I do remember, sir. I really wanted to see if I could help out more; with all that has happened, rebuilding, making new builds, I want to be part of a project that I can just sink my teeth into, and may give me more ways to grow and challenge myself.”

“Well now, there are two people who are wanting to speak to you.” Braddock stated, motioning towards the door. “Good luck and see what will come of it.”

Marisa smiled at the memory of her own surprise, that meeting definitely ended up being a total change for her. Here she was in some aspect, following in her great grandfather’s footsteps, he having been on Operation Hi-Jump in Antarctica and then went on to McMurdo Station. Her grandfather was also part of that construction. She could feel her skin prickle up with goosebumps, and a shiver of excitement. The C-130 was lowering through the clouds, to where they could see the frozen tundra. Then the wheels of the plane touched the runway, the pilots being rather skilled, landing safely. She was now here, embarking on a new stage of life for her.