Last man standing
Posted on Tue Sep 9th, 2025 @ 4:49am by Major Cameron Bourne
813 words; about a 4 minute read
Mission:
Broken Mirror
Location: Marine CO’s office
On:
Sitting down in his office, Cam was going over a few reports and regulation updated that he’s been sent from Marine HQ back on Earth. To be honest, he didn’t miss this part of the job, the paperwork. He was not a deck jockey; he was a grunt through and through. But with age and experience came responsibility, the responsibility to pass on what he’d been taught by his mentors, and to be a mentor to a new generation of hot-blooded recruits looking for their taste of adventure out there.
Closing one final report, Cam was about to close up shop for the evening when he heard a knock at the door. Standing up and walking over to open it, he found a civilian Courier flanked by two marines in full dress uniform. "Major Cameron Bourne?" the Courier asked to confirm his delivery.
Cam nodded, "yes that's correct" he said, looking between the marines before returning to the courier.
"I have a delivery for you from a Sergeant Bradford. According to His last will and testament, he left the following items to you. A tri-folded United States Marine Corp flag from Earths 20th century. A deck of playing cards, used condition. A Medium size Wooden box, sealed. And a crate of personal items. We've left the crate in your ship's cargo bay under your name" he said as he held out the wooden box with the deck of cards on top of it.
Taking the box, Cam quickly placed them on a table just inside his office before returning. Once he was back outside, one of the marines stepped forward holding the tri-folded flag in a wooden display box. Accepting the box with a solemn expression, Cam took a step back as both marines snapped to attention and saluted. Pausing for a moment, Cam nodded to them. "Thank you, dismissed." he said as he turned to the courier. "Do you need anything signed?"
the Courier shook his head. "Just a thumb print sir and I'll be on my way"
Pressing his thumb to the couriers PADD, Cam nodded his thanks before returning to his office. Closing the door behind him.
Taking the flag over to a side table, Cam respectfully set it down as a display piece before returning to his desk. Pulling open a draw, Cam retrieved a framed picture of 5 marine recruits all standing at attention dressed in their fresh uniforms. Standing by his desk for a moment, Cam took in a deep breath as he felt his heart weighed down by the news as the reality sunk in. Out of the 5 of them, he was the last one of the group standing. For Cam, these four fellow marines were closer than family. They’d been through the trenches together and somehow made it through without serious injury. Even though the group of friends had broken apart over the years, transfers and family matters, they’d done their best to keep in contact.
Placing the picture down good in front of the flag. Cam smiled, "well boys, who'd have thought I'd be the last one standing." he said before taking a breath in and letting his own words sink in.
After a moment, he returned to his desk and brought up the communications channels. This wasn’t a call he looked forward to, but he felt it was one he needed to make.
It didn’t take long for the call to go through. A woman with puffy eyes and striking auburn hair appeared on the screen with a surprised expression, “Cameron?”
Cam gave a warm smile, “hey Hannah, it’s been a while.” He said, giving a pause before continuing, “I heard about Tim, I’m sorry”
Hannah’s expression dropped for a second before she covered it up with her smile, “thank you, it’s been tough. He died almost two weeks ago, the funeral was yesterday. He would’ve like you to be there, but we understand”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t be there, Starfleet beurocrocy can take its time out here. How was the service?” Cam asked, holding back tears for her sake.
“It was good, all Starfleet and proper. Thirty seven badges” Hannah replied, as she looked away from the screen for a moment.
Cam nodded, “good, I’m glad. If you ever need to talk, you’ve got my number. Give the girls a hug from uncle Cam for me and take some time.”
“I will, thank you Cameron. You’re a good friend. Don’t be a stranger next time you’re near earth. The girls miss you”
“It’s been to long. I’ll see about booking some shoreleave. Take care of yourself Hannah.” Cam said with a warm smile before cutting the call and sitting back in his chair.
End
Major Cameron Bourne
Marine CO
USS Calypso
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