The Bodyguard Guardian of the Phoenix Project

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.