Snippet #2030234

The Barracks had become a furnace thanks in part to the concerns of several marines. Carter’s anger had slipped from his face and the Sergeant Major remained composed after the harsh beat down received by the Commander. Several Marines flinched at Atomsk’s burst, while others were shocked and gaping at Carter. It was here that Eli decided to intervene on the beleaguered Sergeant Major’s behalf.

“Sir, before we dismiss for lunch, and let Captain Dunaway and Staff Sergeant Jackson meet with the Admiral. I just wanted to say that Sergeant Major Carter here only spoke up on behalf of his fellow soldiers, as he said. We can’t assume that he’s read up on your previous combat record. Carter had his reasons to be skeptical,” he looked at Carter whose scowl was aimed directly at the Commander. Carter was obviously irked by the whipping he had received in front of his fellow marines.

“May I suggest a proposition though? If Sergeant Major Carter here can redeem himself, will you reinstate his position as a squad leader?” At least he tried, Eli thought, he’d be lucky if the Commander was willing to let this go and give Carter a chance at redemption. Many of his previous squad members knew that Eli was the kind of person who stuck up for fellow marines if he felt that they had been wronged in some way.