A day at the beach... [Intermission]

[MrKill]

* Free for anyone who wants to join *

* Events will include beach ball, football [American], football [European] and Grav Ball... as well as swimming of course. If you stumbled upon Killinger... well, he brought his legendary barbecue. *

Colonel Johnathon Killinger
120th MEU
Reach, New Alexandria

"Yes sir, I understand." John said over his chatter. He was out of uniform, enjoying a day at one of New Alexandria's finest... family oriented beach, the only complain he had was someones kid soiled himself and it was rotten and nasty smelling - but other than that the sun felt good and to finally be able to relax was great. Despite his commanding officer of the Seventh Marines being informed that John was moving to a re-established Marine Expeditionary Unit, which meant constant chatter calls, he managed to make time in his day for his family.

He hadn't seen Jennifer, Travis or Kyle yet and quite frankly didn't even know if they were on leave anymore. When John was moved from the Seventh Marines to the 120th MEU so was his power to check on the deployment status of the Marines under his command, so he could only assume; but since the Seventh returned to Reach to rearm it was likely Jenny was on the ground somewhere.

Perhaps there was other things she wanted to do, John would see her later at home anyways.

"Good. I'm glad it is you taking over for the 120th. I'm sure you know that, well, you were going to be assigned at the Naval Academy here at Reach for a while to share your combat experience with the new officers. I don't manage the Marines so I'm damned pleased to hear you'll be giving that experience to officers that will likely see combat." Brigadier General Mathias said.

"Thank you, sir." John replied. The conversation had gone stale.

"I'll let you enjoy your leave then, John. 'Till next time." The flag officer said. John's chatter disconnected after that so he turned the device off and lazily chucked it onto the towel Beth had set at the end of his beach chair.

Beth had took to having a nap on the chair next to his while Adrianna was somewhere swimming in the water with her boyfriend, so John took it upon himself to get off his rightfully lazy ass and check the grill for everything he needed. John's brother was also there with his family, though they had been running late. It was the few times the entire family could get together, minus John's parents, who were at Earth.

A quick check of everything they had, John knew he had packed his custom made hamburgers. They were made fresh from ground beef injected with a mix of sauces. He had made it once before and they were delicious; BBQ, Ketchup and Mustard. Of course, with the added sauces, the burgers would have to cool down before anyone could eat them. The nice thing about his grill, though, was the side dish that kept the food warm.

Buns, check.
Burgers, check.
Hotdogs, check
Steak, check. But that was his, and only his... maybe.
Condiments... check.

The only thing he was missing, unfortunately, was the cheese slices. Oh well, a burger is still a burger. Who needed cheese anyways...

[Arusani]

Staff Sergeant Andreas Frost, 153rd ODST Company
Reach, New Alexandria
Dropping with cold feet,

Frost sat still as the vehicle strolled calmly down the street. Not even three months ago he had lost a great soldier, first lieutenant Lashara Raith. His former Commanding Officer before his whole platoon was relocated to refill the 153rd. He had been assigned a new platoon leader, but yet his platoon still had yet to find a fourth squad leader. So yet again he was on assignment as first squad's commander until one could be found. As of that moment though he was on leave for reasons outside his control, he was placed on shore leave while his squad was forced into doing something else. He had been lead to believe that they were to be receiving a training session to welcome tow new ODSTs. Although Frost wasn't an idiot. He knew that the UNSC was interrogating his team of the events that had cost Raith her life. They were also being asked whether, he was dealing with the death of his commander or not. If he was going mad then the UNSC would court martial him. IF not then life continued as if Raith's sacrifice was meaningless. The night of her death though Frost swore it would not be in vain. The covenant and the insurrection would be destroyed, or Frost would die himself. He knew his men wouldn't betray him. He had saved some of them more times then once. He grinned to himself as he remembered his speech when he received his two new recruits.

----- In Frost's memories -----

Two ODSTs walked into the small room where the others were all sitting. They were rookies, no doubt about it. They marched up to Corporal Yuhas who was sparing with a dummy. One gently tapped her on the shoulder and she turned her eyes instantly falling onto the two. The only two in uniform.

"What are you two, soft shells, doing in here?" Allyson teased as she began removing the binders from her hands and fingers.

"Fresh recruits." The smarter of the two said as the other got closer.

"Name's Lance, who's the top dog here?" Private Lance said as he pretended to flex the muscles beneath his armor. Suddenly a knife flew to between the two and stabbed into the wall. In shock Lance turned to see the thrower and spotted the short blonde.

"I am, but don't try for my position just yet, not until you've met Frost..." Bethany began before a Robot arm erupted form the crowd.

"I see. When I leave for two seconds two soft shells appear in front of my unit." Came a voice as the robotic arm burst out followed by a human body. It's icy eyes glared into the ODSTs it's sharp cheek bones and pale skin causing the recruits to feel uncomfortable. "Name's Frost. You'll be following Yuhas's orders. And Private Lance, flirt with your NCO again and she has my permission to neuter you." Frost said as an officer walked into the room and called him away.

------ End Memory -----

Suddenly Frost was jerked forward as a Pilipino man turned toward him.

"Sir, I know you said drive, but I have other people who would like to use this service." The taxi driver stated. Frost looked out his window to see a beach spanning before him.

"Fine here's your pay, I'll get out here." Frost said as he handed the man a small bundle of credits, and left the vehicle. He stood outside of the vehicle and took a whiff of the air. The scent of sea salt and hamburgers drifted on the air. Now I feel hungry, Frost thought to himself as he began seeking out the source of the smell.

[MrKill]

Colonel Johnathon Killinger
120th MEU
Reach, New Alexandria

John sat back down on his beach chair with a groan and, after rested on the chair, a grunt. He was getting older and he felt it, but as the old saying goes 'you're only as old as you feel' John felt pretty good. He wasn't in as good of shape as he used to be but for a forty four year old man he gave himself some credit, but being a Colonel he let himself go. No longer did he frequent the gym like he did when he was a Second Lieutenant, or even a Captain.

The aging father reached down and grabbed the backpack he had brought with him, opened it up, and took out his personal data pad he used in military practice. It was much larger and far more capable than a tactical pad, which was a wrist mounted device. But he took this opportunity in the sun, relaxing to catch up on some of the less important paper work he needed to complete by the end of the week to be officially transfer some of the Marines he had worked with the past months into the unit. Of course the obvious ones were Captain Sorelson, his daughter and some Marines he thought had potential. His list was actually much larger than he had thought, but before he could get to work, a message popup flashed on the corner of his screen.

He pressed the popup with his finger and the audio message played through his personal pad speakers, quiet enough so no one else could hear.

"Colonel, this is Anvil reporting from the bay of the Athenian. I have arrived on station, and am ready to take command of the 4th. As part of my transfer, I've brought along the M850 Grizzly I was assigned. Requesting a full status report of the 4th, and the proper orders to present to Lieutenant Pain to assume command. Looking forward to working in the 120th, Colonel. Signing off."

John thought how to reply for a moment before swiping the bottom of the data pad to bring up the keyboard. He typed up a quick reply informing the new Lieutenant of the situation.

"Lieutenant, you're a little outdated on your information. First Lieutenant Pain will not be joining us in the 120th MEU; only reason you see him on the roster is because it was a forward of the Seventh Marines and a few elements of the Marine Expeditionary Brigade it served in. You're command is already final, so there's nothing to do in regards to that - we're just waiting on PERSCOMM to approve the final roster.

As for the status of the fourth armored platoon, well, it's fully operational. All four of your tanks, which are three scorpions and your grizzly, can be found in the vehicle bays of the Athenian. Additionally there is an armored recovery vehicle assigned to your unit as well.

Killinger, out."

John pressed the 'SEND' button and put the data pad down for a moment. Pain had fought well, a main reason why thirty five ODSTs actually survived on Sanctuary, but not enough to warrant calling him the sole reason why. At the end of the day, however, the man survived the battle and had been transferred into the reserves. His contract was expiring and John didn't think he had any intention of renewing it.

Picking up his data pad again the Colonel went to work on typing transfer orders for around seventy Marines.

[Arusani]

Staff Sergeant Andreas Frost, 153rd ODST company.
Reach, New Alexandria
A slight confusion,

Frost made his way from the drop point. Where the cab still sat, as Andreas had just realized. Although where he was now was odd. A beach sprawled out before him and Andreas remembered how he always a asked his Mom to take him to one. The dreams of a child, Andreas thought to himself. He looked at his attire, the black slacks, the neon cyan sneakers ,with an ODST T-shirt. He was definitely out of place, but he noticed a shop nearby. He walked over and purchased a swimming suit, a pair sandols, and a small bag. He the found a spot to change. Thus he put his slacks and shoes into the bag. He quickly did so and began his search across the beach for the sensational smell he had wafted previously.

After a brief search he spotted a family with a grill. They were most likely the cooks he was looking for. Frost sighed and came closer.

"Ehem. Sir or madame, would either of you be willing to help an ODST find a good place to eat? " Frost asked as his stomach growled. He hadn't eaten since before he left the ship.

[David]

Admiral David Vardy

14th Tactical Fleet

Reach, New Alexandria

It was a sunny Day on Reach in New Alexandria. It was a hot one too. Fishing out his PADD that he always carried with him, He tapped in a few commands and found what he was looking for. It was a communique that had mentioned something about a day at the beach. David had decided that that was a good idea, and as such decided to go ahead and go to said event.

Stepping out of his hotel, David grinned to himself. He was wearing bright, Hawaii shorts with a nice, Hawaii Shirt. To say that he was tacky was an understatement but David didn't care. If he was going to head to the beach, He was going as comfy and... gaudy as possible. In a cooler, He brought his scotch and a six pack of beer. In a bag slung over his left shoulder, He had liquor glasses for the scotch, as well as reading material and a towel in case he decided to go swimming. He was wearing flip flop sandels and a designer pair of aviator sunglasses. 

Hailing a cab, David then waited as the cab pulled up to the side and David got in the back. Looking at the cab driver, David said "Take me to the beach."

"You got it, Mac" replied the Cab driver.

As the cab started on its merry way to the beach, The Cab driver and David sat in silence, Each lost in their own thoughts. David preferred it that way. Small talk... was tedious and something he did not excel in. Unless it was with his friends in the Navy. Even then, Due to his rank, David usually didn't engage in small talk there either.

Soon enough, the cab was at the beach. After paying the Cab driver, and tipping him, He stood in the parking lot and took in the scene. What looked like Miles of sand and water stretched out seemingly endlessly. The water was a lovely blue and the sand a stark white. Spying a chair rental, He then walked over to the store and rented a nice lounge chair and an umbrella. With these under his arm, He set out onto the sand to find himself a place to set up. He noticed there was another family already there with a hell of a good smelling BBQ going on, So David strayed in that direction.

Getting closer, David smiled as he saw the man recline on the chair with what looked like relief. From the looks of him, He could use the rest. Then David's memory kicked in and recognizedthe man as Colonel Killinger.

Kicking himself mentally, David shook his head and set down his belongings and walked up to the Colonel, Who looked busy with work, even on vacation. David could appreciate that.

"Hello Colonel." David said congenially. "How are you today. Mind if I set up camp near you guys?"

[MrKill]

Colonel Johnathon Killinger
120th MEU
Reach, New Alexandria

A tremendous thunder, then a sudden long howl of sucking air, followed by more thunder made itself audible on the beach; it wasn't bad weather, no, it was the sound of something else. Along the shore line, where the waters calmly rose and fell in the gentle waves the pleasant breeze were bringing in, lay an old Marine snoring on a extended beach chair and annoyed looking female next to him. Snore, breath, snore, breath - the pattern repeated itself.

The tactical pad, which the sleeping marine had been working in, lay covered in sand from the impact - work on transfer orders barely visible if one were to look close enough, beyond the dirty screen and log in screen that made the document fuzzy. It had been roughly fifty minutes since he had gotten a reply from the Lieutenant had sent the initial message. While the man tried to get some work done the fatigue took over, and his leave officially started.

For an hour the man had his head hung comfortably on a towel between his back lower skull and shoulders, the towel nested perfectly on the back of the neck, supported by the chairs comfortable head rest. It didn't last, though, as Beth broke the noise other beach goers were probably grateful had ended. She handed him his tactical pad along with an opened message from Jenny.

Hazily John read over the message from his daughter.

"Dad, Colonel, I can’t show to the barbeque today. I got duty. I’m SO sorry but I can’t get out of it. Maybe we can catch a hockey game later tomorrow? Sorry I can’t show. I love you. - Jenny"

John figured as much, such was a life in the MARINES, but he was too tired to give a shit at the moment. John thought he ordered leave or weekend passes for the entirety of the Seventh Marines - or was was left of it.

The aging man typed a quick reply, "Dad, Colonel, hey? Which one do you like more? Colonel Dad or Father Killinger. Haha, I'm officially retiring from the Marines to become a Priest. Love you too, we'll catch a hockey game tomorrow... maybe."

The man sent the message and noticed he had another waiting for his attention.

"Colonel, please repeat the last. Did you say I had /Four/ tanks? Is that the entire compliment of the 120th? Do we have no reserves, or at the very least, some other kinds of armor? Hell, I'll even settle for a wolverine or two, if you don't mind me saying so sir.

Otherwise, things are in shape down here. I've got the crew's running updates on their software, and cleaning all the hardware. I'd like to requisition a few more items from Reach, if we've got time.

Anvil out."

John raised an eyebrow for a moment. What the fuck did I say? He thought, opened up his sent messages, and remembered... thanks to reading it fully. He cleared his throat and took a drink of water before typing out another message.

"You are correct, the 120th MEU only have a single tank platoon - four tanks. However, you'll work alongside the 22nd and 24th light armored platoons which are equipped with LAV and IFVs, M13 and M13A's if I recall correctly. 120th MEU also has reserve Scorpions if your tanks get knocked out, but not much; I believe we also have a Grizzly or two in reserve as well.

The UNSCS Athenian transports a couple of extras as we're the Marine detachment for the vessel - but I don't command those reserves, they're not mine until assigned to my unit. Those reserves could be used for another unit that needs them more than we do and that happens often at this level of command. Safe to say... don't be dumb with your tanks and you should be okay, we don't need bad asses out there trying to play hero.

As for requisitions visit my HQ Req. officer to request the things you need. We'll be at Reach for a couple of months while the fleet we're apart of - the 22nd Cruiser Group - replenishes supply and warships. So make use of your time wisely, the 22nd Cruiser Group and 14th Tactical are the two UNSC fleets the UNSC Navy sends as reaction forces, so if we get called to respond to a threat and you're not ready... you're shit outta luck.

Killinger out."

John sent that message, sniffed the air, and found Beth had started cooking the burgers.

"Thanks," John said. "Meant to do that."

"Sure you did." Beth replied.

John snorted in response before someone approached.

"Ehem. Sir or madame, would either of you be willing to help an ODST find a good place to eat?"

Beth shook her head, she didn't know. However, John did.

"Yeah, just down the walk way. There's a kiosk selling food. Hotdogs, chips, burgers, french fries. Even some of the luxury stuff if I recall, stuff like steak and what not." John replied, but just as he finished, another man approached. John recognized him as Admiral Vardy. Speak of the- John begun to think before the flag officer spoke, John wouldn't stand to salute - he was on vacation, damn it.

"Mind if I set up camp near you guys?"

John nodded approvingly. "I don't see why not, sir. Plans for the family to show up didn't exactly work so the spot a couple of meters away with the 'RESERVED' sign is yours. Was supposed to be for my daughter but she can't make it this time around."

[David]

Admiral David Vardy

14th Tactical Fleet

Reach, New Alexandria

On Vacation.

"I don't see why not, sir. Plans for the family to show up didn't exactly work so the spot a couple of meters away with the 'RESERVED' sign is yours. Was supposed to be for my daughter but she can't make it this time around."
Said the Colonel.

Nodding sympathetically, David knew all to well what that was like. Sometimes family couldn't be together. It was a fact of life in the UNSC. Sometimes you could, most times you had nothing but disappointment. 

"Thank you Colonel. It's much appreciated. Enjoy your time off." David said. With that, He hefted his gear and walked over to the reserved sign, uprooting it with a jerk of his free left hand and tossing it aside. He then dropped his chair and umbrella onto the sand and surveyed the spot. He could see the water, inviting and cool. Not to mention miles upon miles of sand. Smiling, David nodded approvingly and set about setting up.

He first set up his chair so that he was facing the view of the water, then he planted his umbrella with a mighty shove into the sand, and stepped back to admire his handiwork. As he did, he suddenly became aware of how warm he was and how much he fancied a nice cold drink. So with that in mind, He rummaged through his cooler and found a beer he was looking for. It was ice cold and refreshing looking. Opening it, the beer foamed and then retreated as David took a long swig, Savoring the bitter, yet delightful tang of hops. 

With a groan, David then eased himself into the lounge chair and kicked up his feet. It was a good feeling.

[Cabel]

[Outer Colonies: Reach: New Alexandria: Beach: 120th MEU: Echo Company: Captain Mark Seamus “Spade” Sorelson: Resting in a Hammock]

Leaning back in the hammock he’d rented and strung between two trees under their shadowed canopy after deciding to visit the beach outside of New Alexandria, Mark had planned to relax as much as possible until orders came down the chain for another mobilization. Exhaling slowly, his eyes slowly closed as the scents of Reach while not the beaches outside of Seattle invaded his senses. During their stand in the Water Purification Plant in the last mission, Spade had remembered being launched into an M113A or Boar from a plasma lance striking the other side of the sandbag barrier and that a young sergeant had taken the initiative to not only drag him to safety but had gathered the Army and Marine survivors against the very real possibility of a Covenant counterattack. He’d called in for a heavy ordinance drop near their position, and according to witness accounts after he’d regained consciousness to find a young Marine Private by his side that the bombing-run had taken place. The Covenant force had been decimated leaving in their wake two massive bomber craters, and as a whole the Covenant had pulled back to lick their wounds. A counterattack hadn’t happened, but they’d lost the planet to an overwhelming Covenant advance. The domes the marines of the Seventh MEU had been deployed to defend had collapsed while the Army’s fortifications had largely been overrun and while the Water Purification Plant had held the marines’ position had been untenable without the possibility of either reinforcements, re-supply or air cover.

As the hammock slumped a little curling around his form, the aging marine let the events of the disastrous though valor-filled mission settle into the smallest recesses in the back of his mind. The Seventh Regiment had been folded due to the losses sustained over the several month long campaign within the Tranquilitas Beta System with the proven officers and other assets being transferred to a new Marine Expeditionary Unit the 120th and the survivors of Alpha Company being folded to a newly formed Echo Company. Units changed, orders changed, and the lines in the war shifted constantly…the day-to-day reality of anyone, not just a marine, in this war. The cool ocean breeze mixed with salt and warmed by the sun felt good against his skin, and soon the sounds of the surf rolling inland wooed him into slumber and carried his senses away.

[Arusani]

Staff Sergeant Andreas Frost, 153rd ODST company.
Reach, New Alexandria
Thanks, I guess,

"Yeah, just down the walk way. There's a kiosk selling food. Hotdogs, chips, burgers, french fries. Even some of the luxury stuff if I recall, stuff like steak and what not." Said the man. Frost nodded

"Thanks." He said before spotting another person approaching. Frost tuned them out as he began walking toward the shop the man had indicated. Andreas walked past a few people heading towards the water. Some with toys and boards, and a few just walking as if they had nothing to do. Andreas smiled as he finally let himself begin to relax. His time to fight would come, and he couldn't wait

[spartan053]

Lance-Corporal Jason Grim

153rd ODST Company

New Alexandria, Reach 

   The weather was perfect. Jason Grim made his way along the shore of New Alexandria. He was taking advantage of his short leave, but without his armor he felt naked and vulnerable. Unlike some ODSTs, he didn't sport any tattoos- or brands, like the 105th. He wore a modest T-shirt, some bland grey trunks... and tennis shoes. Jason liked being on the beach, but couldn't stand getting dirty. His walk was careful and precise, taking care not to fill his shoes with sand.

    Jason saw another ODST from his company. He recognized the distinctive ODST T-shirt, if that was anything to go by. Black, in this weather? Odds were he outranked Jason, though, so he left him alone and continued past. He didn't need any trouble.

    The beach was busy today. He wandered around, and came upon a group in the water. They splashed at him, and he retreated. Continuing on his way. He spotted a barbecue, with a couple of men in chairs reclining, with a young woman at the grill. Food sounded good right now. A nice conversation, too. He approached. "Excuse me, might I share a  bite with you gentlefolk? I'd be more than willing to pay you for any inconvenience."
            

[Kart]

Combat Camera Operator Private Evo Aguellez
Reach, New Alexandria

It was perfect. The high sun put everything in the ideal lighting, everybody was smiling naturally, the brave and heroic marines were enjoying a good bit of R&R at one of Reach's finest tourist destinations with their families--the readership would eat that up--and the entire scene was practically asking to be made into a calendar. It was a photographer's dream.

It also made Evo puke a little in his own mouth.

There was no challenge to it. No actions shots, no reliance on reflex, no chance to really flex his artistic acumen. Even an amateur couldn't help but take home page-worthy pictures with an environment like this. Evo almost wished they were on deployment. But sometimes you had to just knuckle down and do the job.

Best to start with a wide scenic picture, he thought. He fitted in his wide-angle lens and started positioning himself to capture the scattered marines on the beach and in the sea, studiously organizing the scene according to the rule of thirds, aligning the shot to focus on a barbeque.

What the hell, they all signed waivers anyway.

"Say cheese." He whispered to no one in particular.