Editing Marco Domici: A few years ago


Marco had returned home from a year long mission trip; he had helped desert people learn to irrigate land naturally and helped feed them spiritually. Early mornings and late evenings saw him hard at his studies. While not the brightest credit in the pile Marco had already gotten several college classes on his record even as he was finishing high school via self-study on a remote planet. 

He had other dreams, too. He and Susie would get married once he finished real college. His adoptive parents had saved some and helped him learn to work to save his own money. College would be tight but it was the key to success. 

As expected, as soon as his transport landed he went looking for Susie. She was expecting, too, and Marco wasn't quite sure what do do about that. He was a kind, studious soul who needed time to quietly reflect, so naturally he joined the Marines. 

Not the Imperial Marines, of course. Nothing against them but the bureaucracy was always an issue. Marco signed up for Prince Allesandro's Light Jump Brigade. They were Marines on a commercial payroll. Fewer rules, more chances to make a name for themselves. 

They also let you forget your past.

Prince Al, so history said, had been a great guy who attracted his share of people needing a second chance.. He had set up various corporations and ventures to let people show they had really changed for the better. Not everything worked out, but it usually did. After a while the organizations became self-fulfilling; entrants were sponsored by members or former members. 

Marco wasn't really sure who to ask, so he turned to his adoptive parents. They talked long and hard about his decision but in the end, as always, they supported him. His parents dipped into Marco's college fund and helped buy the classes he needed to prepare for the entrance exam. Marco pushed himself for weeks to meet the basic fitness goals. 

Marco and his dad had sat in the recruiting center lobby for hours as hopefuls were tested and called into the enlistment rooms. Many were sent home, few were signed on. At the end of the day Marco and his dad were still there as the last recruiter came in and shook his head.

Marco was crushed, angered and depressed all at once. He and his dad got up to leave but when Marco turned towards the door his dad walked to the recruiter. 

"My son's name is Marco Domici. He should be on your list."

"I'm sorry sir. We're done for the day." The recruiter looked much sharper in his dress greens that Marco's dad did in his threadbare delivery uniform. 

"Are you sure? Marco Domici."

The recruiter made a show of looking again. He was used to parents begging for their child to have a better life. 

"No sir, he's not on the list. Is there anything else I can do for you?"

Marco's dad sighed, and reached for his wallet. 

"Sir, please don't. We can't accept..."

Marco's dad handed a recruiter a card.

"Sir." The recruiter stiffened, and then handed the card back. "Perhaps I made a mistake, sir. My apologies." He tapped a few places on the pad. 

"Marco Domici, front and center."