New Leaders Arrive

Location: UNSC Forward Operating Base, Avenport, Virek

Date and Time: March 10, 2553 – 0730 Hours

Three months. It's been three months since Grayson's death, and things have changed—both within the squad and inside me. The weight of leading, of keeping the team together, it hasn't gotten lighter. If anything, it's heavier now.

The war doesn't stop for anyone. After Grayson went down, I stepped up because I had to. There was no one else. The squad followed me because they didn't have a choice. But now? Now we've got someone new.

Gunnery Sergeant Naomi Baird.

She arrived about a month after Grayson's death, and from the moment she stepped onto the base, it was clear she was different. Tough, no-nonsense, but not in the way you expect. She's sharp. Always watching, always calculating. But more than that—she's got that look. The one that says she's seen more than her share of battles.

I stand outside the barracks, staring out at the gray sky, the chill of the morning air biting at my skin. The past few months have been a blur—mission after mission, the grind of war weighing on all of us. But today feels different.

Today, Baird called me to her office. And I've got a feeling I know why.

The door to her office is open when I arrive. Gunnery Sergeant Baird sits behind her desk, her dark eyes scanning through a datapad. She doesn't look up when I knock, just motions for me to come in. The room is sparsely decorated—just a few personal items, the rest focused on work. She's a Marine through and through.

"Private Kowalski," she says, finally looking up from the pad. Her voice is steady, calm, but there's a hint of something else—respect, maybe. "Sit."

I do as she asks, sitting down in the stiff chair across from her desk. I can feel my pulse quicken slightly, but I keep my face neutral.

"You've been doing good work these past few months," she says, leaning back in her chair. "Command has taken notice."

I nod, not sure what to say. It's not like I've had time to think about recognition. Every day has been about survival. About keeping the squad alive.

Baird leans forward, folding her hands on the desk. "But you and I both know that's not why you're here. Grayson's death left a void in this squad, and you've filled it. But it's time to make it official."

She slides a datapad across the desk toward me. "Starting today, you're being promoted to Corporal. And as of now, you're the Fireteam Leader for Bravo Team."

The words hit harder than I expected. Fireteam Leader. It's not just about the rank. It's about responsibility. About stepping into a role I've been acting in for months now, but hearing it out loud—it makes it real.

"I trust you've learned enough in these months to lead effectively," she continues, her eyes locking onto mine. "You've proven you can make decisions under pressure, and that's what I need in a leader. You've earned this."

I take a deep breath, the weight of her words settling on my shoulders. This isn't just another mission. This is the next step. The moment I've been dreading and preparing for all at once.

"What about the rest of the squad?" I ask, my voice steady but quiet.

"They respect you," Baird says simply. "I've seen it. And with Santiago and the others backing you up, you've got a solid team."

I nod, feeling the pressure ease slightly. Bravo Fireteam has been my family since I checked into this unit. They've fought beside me, bled beside me. If anyone's going to have my back, it's them.

"There's one more thing," Baird says, standing up and walking around the desk. She holds out a small box—inside, the chevrons of a Corporal. "Wear these with pride, Kowalski. You've earned them."

I stand, taking the box from her. The weight of the rank insignia feels heavier than I thought it would, but I know I can handle it. I've been through too much to turn back now.

Baird gives me a nod, her expression softening just a little. "Congratulations, Corporal."

I give her a small nod back. "Thank you, Gunnery Sergeant."

As I turn to leave, she calls out, "And Kowalski—don't screw it up."

A few hours later, back with the squad, the atmosphere is lighter than it has been in weeks. Bravo Fireteam has been on edge, but the news of my promotion seems to bring a sense of relief. They've been waiting for stability, for something solid to hold onto. And now they have it.

Santiago claps me on the back as we gear up for the next mission. "Look at you, Corporal Kowalski. Knew you'd make it."

"Thanks," I say, adjusting my armor, though the weight of the responsibility still sits heavy in my chest.

O'Neill grins from across the room. "Don't let it go to your head, man."

"I'll try not to," I reply with a small smile. It feels good to joke with them again. It feels good to be part of the team.

As we step into the transport for the next mission, the hum of the engine fills the air, and I can feel the familiar tension settle into my muscles. This is what we do. We fight. We push forward. And now, I lead.

The landscape of Virek blurs past the window as we head out to the next objective—a URF weapons cache hidden in the hills. It's another mission. Another chance to prove that I'm ready for this.