Chapter 1 SEMPER FIDELIS.

CHAPTER 1: SEMPER FIDELIS.

Hateful eyes trolled the galant Corporal of the United States Marine Corp, Ray Lee. Everyone disliked him, even his superiors disliked him. He was an asset to the Corp, and there was no denying it.

Ray Lee's feats and achievements in the Corp were known by all, and even across the other branches of service. He had been awarded a medal of honor by the former president of the United States, for his selfless bravery on a mission in Afghanistan, a couple of years ago.

As such, his court martial was one that made news on major news channels all around the country.

Ray Lee sat on a chair situated outside the military court room, as they were on recess, with his head bowed down, and in dismay, when he heard a voice beside him.

"Hey buddy." A voice spoke, as a hand was placed on his shoulder. Ray looked up, slowly, and sighted a familiar face. It was Scott. As a matter of fact, that was the only face he wanted to see at that moment. Scott went ahead to sit beside Ray.

"It's time." Ray declared, as he looked at his wrist watch. "Let's get this over with." Ray said, as he stood up from his seated position, going back into the court room.

Scott sat in his seat, as Ray also sat in his, further away from Scott's. The military jury had confered and made a decision. Ray had pled guilty, without remorse, and was ready for whatever punishment.

"Corporal Ray Lee, stand up." The officer presiding over the court martial, Colonel Sanders, ordered. Ray stood up swiftly. His brown evening dress uniform was fitting on him. His muscular physique could be seen bulging from within the uniform.

Ray looked intimidating to most of the soldiers, and was intimidated by no one. Yet, he respected all who were worthy of respect, be you his superior, or junior. Ray's medals accounting for his achievements and heroic deeds hung on his uniform.

Colonel Sanders had hoped for a different outcome, but Ray wanted out, for good. Colonel Sanders knew for good that the Marine Corp would lose a valuable asset.

"Based on the evidences, and testimony from credible witnesses, and your own testimony, which didn't deny any of the charges laid against you, which includes dereliction of duty, a direct and willful disobedience of an order given by a superior, and assaulting a superior, you have been found guilty, as charged."

Colonel Sanders declared, as his heart broke from within, but he didn't express it outwardly. "You are hereby stripped of your rank as a Corporal of the United States Marine Corp, and discharged." Colonel Sanders continued.

As he spoke, two officers marched forward and began stripping Ray of his insignia and medals. Although Ray had been acting all tough, tears welled up in his eyes. What he lived and was willing to give his life for was being taken away from him.

Ray held back his tears from rolling down his cheek, as he sniffed in. He has learned to keep his emotions in check.

"For your years of dedicated and sacrificial service, you will not be jailed for any of these charges. You are to immediately hand over every valuable item that belongs to the Marine Corp before you vacate barracks. Thank you for your service."

Colonel Sanders ended reading out the verdict, as he slammed the mace on a wood, ending the trial of Corporal Ray Lee.

Ray saluted Colonel Sanders, as Colonel Sanders stood up to leave. The Colonel saluted back, and was escorted out of the court room. Everyone else in the room stood up to leave, staring at Ray. Some, in pity, while some found joy in his downfall. Chief of which was 1st Lieutenant Glover.

Scott walked up to Ray, and firmly grabbed his shoulders, consoling Ray. Just then, they were interrupted by a voice that Ray sure didn't want to hear. "Look what we have here. If it ain't the disgraced soldier." 1st Lieutenant Glover mocked Ray.

Ray closed his eyes as though he winced in pain, clenching his fists, and slowly turning around. Ray looked Glover right straight into the eye, as wicked thoughts ran through his head.

The duo, Ray and Glover, stood facing each other as though they were about to have a stand off in a kick boxing ring. Glover smirked scornfully at Ray, with disdain in his eyes. Ray stood seething with rage, but held himself back from punching Glover.

"So, how does it feel to be disgraced and lose everything, Corporal? Oh! I'm sorry, you're not a Corporal anymore." Glover scoffed, mockingly. The degree of punishment meted to Ray Lee wasn't exactly what he had hoped for, but then, Ray still got punished, so he relished in that fact, as a consolation.

"You've got what you wanted. Haven't you?" Ray asked, with a blank expression. "I always get what I want." Glover replied, still wearing that scornful smirk. "Yeah, you do. As long as daddy is the one pulling the strings from up there. Little Glover is nothing without his daddy, you spoiled little brat." Ray said, purposely provoking Glover.

"Knock it off, you two." Colonel Sanders stepped in. "But sir, he wanted to-"

"Enough! I don't want to hear a word from your mouth." Colonel Sanders yelled, ordering Lieutenant Glover, interrupting him. "Ray, my office. Now." Colonel Sanders instructed Ray.

Scott went along with Ray but stopped at the entrance of Colonel Sanders office, since he wasn't asked in, as Ray went in. Colonel Sanders sat down in his reclining chair and sighed, removing his cap, as he stared intently at Ray.

"So what now? What will you do as you return back to civilian life?" Colonel Sanders asked. Ray sighed, honestly not knowing what to answer.

Ray looked down, cracking his head to think, but nothing was forthcoming. "Well, all I know is, I'll survive. There's no doubt about that." Ray said optimistically. "That, I know for sure." Colonel Sanders affirmed.

"Thank you for your years diligent service to the Corp. I wish you all the best. Semper Fi." Colonel Sanders stood and saluted. "Semper Fi, sir." Ray saluted back. Both men showed respect for each other.

As Ray turned to leave, Colonel Sanders spoke out. "Soldier? Whatever you need, you let me know. Okay?"

"Duly noted, sir." Ray replied, cracking up a mild smile, and he continued outside the office of the Colonel. He truly was unhappy, and unsure of what laid ahead of him, but something more awaited him outside the Marine Corp.

_____

"So, this is it huh?" Scott, said sadly, as he stood with his friend Ray, at the bus station, as Ray was about boarding the vehicle to head home. Ray spent the previous night in a motel, as he wasn't expected to remain in the barracks for more than three hours after his court martial sentence.

"I guess my friend. Well, don't cry for me when am gone." Ray replied. "Thanks for everything man. Thank you." Ray appreciated, as they both hugged each other. "We'll be in touch." Scott said, as they broke their hug, and Ray walked into the bus. Ray nodded, with a smile, as he walked in and took his seat.

The bus began it's transit from Paris Island, Pennsylvania, to Miami, as Ray waved at Scott from the window. Ray sat back relaxing, as he went to his playlist and played some music. He wondered what awaited him at Miami, a home he hadn't been to for years.