What do you think?
Corps Justice
Running
A mysterious phone call...
A rebellious recruit...
A nation at war...
A simple phone call starts a chain of events that will probably spell the end of Recruit Calvin Stokes's time at Parris Island. Will they find out his secret in time, or will his pain and rebelliousness push him over the edge?
"Running" is a short story detailing Calvin Stokes's time at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island after the attacks on 9/11. This short story is approximately 6,200 words in length.
A rebellious recruit...
A nation at war...
A simple phone call starts a chain of events that will probably spell the end of Recruit Calvin Stokes's time at Parris Island. Will they find out his secret in time, or will his pain and rebelliousness push him over the edge?
"Running" is a short story detailing Calvin Stokes's time at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island after the attacks on 9/11. This short story is approximately 6,200 words in length.
30 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2013
About the author
C.G. Cooper
87 books414 followersC. G. Cooper is the USA TODAY and AMAZON BESTSELLING author of the CORPS JUSTICE novels, several spinoffs and a growing number of stand-alone novels.
One of his novels, CHAIN OF COMMAND, won the 2020 James Webb Award presented by the Marine Heritage Foundation for its portrayal of the United States Marine Corps in fiction. Cooper doesn't chase awards, but this one was special.
Cooper grew up on a steady diet of Dungeons & Dragons and the travels of a Navy family.
Upon graduating from the University of Virginia with a degree in Foreign Affairs, Cooper was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps and went on to serve six years as an infantry officer. C. G. Cooper's final Marine duty station was in Nashville, Tennessee, where he fell in love with the laid-back lifestyle of Music City.
His first published novel, BACK TO WAR, came out of a desire to link back to his time in the Marine Corps. That novel, written as a side project, spawned many follow-on novels, several exciting spinoffs, and catapulted Cooper's career.
Cooper lives just south of Nashville with his wife, three children, and their German shorthaired pointer, Liberty, who's become a popular character in the Corps Justice novels.
One of his novels, CHAIN OF COMMAND, won the 2020 James Webb Award presented by the Marine Heritage Foundation for its portrayal of the United States Marine Corps in fiction. Cooper doesn't chase awards, but this one was special.
Cooper grew up on a steady diet of Dungeons & Dragons and the travels of a Navy family.
Upon graduating from the University of Virginia with a degree in Foreign Affairs, Cooper was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps and went on to serve six years as an infantry officer. C. G. Cooper's final Marine duty station was in Nashville, Tennessee, where he fell in love with the laid-back lifestyle of Music City.
His first published novel, BACK TO WAR, came out of a desire to link back to his time in the Marine Corps. That novel, written as a side project, spawned many follow-on novels, several exciting spinoffs, and catapulted Cooper's career.
Cooper lives just south of Nashville with his wife, three children, and their German shorthaired pointer, Liberty, who's become a popular character in the Corps Justice novels.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 27, 2017
Corps
Awesome, the story of the making of the young Stokes in his beginning with the Marines. it's a heart felt beginning after the loss of his parents . Then the story line begins with the Corps. And his cousin Travis. Just love these books.
Awesome, the story of the making of the young Stokes in his beginning with the Marines. it's a heart felt beginning after the loss of his parents . Then the story line begins with the Corps. And his cousin Travis. Just love these books.
June 27, 2017
Excellent introduction to a great series!
I read this short story after reading most of the series. I found it to be an exceptional introduction of the main character in this series, Calvin Stokes. This character is the epidemiy of the marines that serve our country at posts around the world. I highly recommend you read the whole series as the author, C.G.Cooper, has given us a glimpse into the minds of the brave men and women who serve to keep America free.
I read this short story after reading most of the series. I found it to be an exceptional introduction of the main character in this series, Calvin Stokes. This character is the epidemiy of the marines that serve our country at posts around the world. I highly recommend you read the whole series as the author, C.G.Cooper, has given us a glimpse into the minds of the brave men and women who serve to keep America free.
July 12, 2017
Prequel to the series
This short story tells of a recruit going through Marine Corps boot camp. I don't like to give out details as I always felt it may ruin it for someone else wanting to read it. The story is well written with great attention to details. It does leave you wondering what's next in line for the recruit & his fellow squad members.
This short story tells of a recruit going through Marine Corps boot camp. I don't like to give out details as I always felt it may ruin it for someone else wanting to read it. The story is well written with great attention to details. It does leave you wondering what's next in line for the recruit & his fellow squad members.
May 11, 2019
Story of sadness and being saved from complete destruction
This is the story of those who lost someone on 9/11 and went to serve our country but before that they needed to deal with their loss and from completely destroying their future with the help their fellow trainees in the service.
This is the story of those who lost someone on 9/11 and went to serve our country but before that they needed to deal with their loss and from completely destroying their future with the help their fellow trainees in the service.
November 22, 2019
This is a short story set in a marine boot camp. The author supplies his own cautions but as such settings go the language here is about what one would expect and not exaggerated. I found no editorial errors.
A young recruit is taught a lesson in team spirit. Being the best is pointless if you don’t build your team.
A young recruit is taught a lesson in team spirit. Being the best is pointless if you don’t build your team.
August 23, 2020
A great way to introduce Cal Stokes and his step to the Marine Corps. As with all the Cooper short stories and books the characters are well defined with tremendous insight on how the characters think, and react to various situations. "Running", sets the mold for Cal's future decision making and attitude.
July 29, 2017
'Running' was an emotional read for me. I actually teared up. The campfire was impressive. A great short read that gives me a look at what Cal went through emotionally and the beginning of what makes him the man he is to become. A must read.
May 12, 2019
Running C.G. Cooper
Calvin Stokes is a recruit. Top of his class. A loner. Not well liked, initially. He has a personal burden he has kept to himself. The others recruits are unaware of his personal hardship. Once they become aware their opinions of him dramatically shift.
Calvin Stokes is a recruit. Top of his class. A loner. Not well liked, initially. He has a personal burden he has kept to himself. The others recruits are unaware of his personal hardship. Once they become aware their opinions of him dramatically shift.
February 19, 2020
The marine recruites are being worked hard since the 9/11 attack! Getting ready to go to war! One of the recruits named Carl Stokes, Jr. Got in trouble during boot camp and the platoon leaders got creative to work things out!
February 23, 2020
Still thirsty!
This was just a very small sip of water to a parched reader. Why end this story here? The Stokes character is a compelling subject, and his exploits as a Marine would be an interesting read.
This was just a very small sip of water to a parched reader. Why end this story here? The Stokes character is a compelling subject, and his exploits as a Marine would be an interesting read.
November 1, 2025
Amen
Another one a win. To short but interesting to read. One more. I have red all the Corps Justice Series and they are all great. Awaiting for the next one. Hard to put them down once started. Have read it yet I suggest you do.
Another one a win. To short but interesting to read. One more. I have red all the Corps Justice Series and they are all great. Awaiting for the next one. Hard to put them down once started. Have read it yet I suggest you do.
July 17, 2017
Great short story!
This story gives you more insight into Cal Stokes! It helps you realize what makes him tick! A must read before starting the series.
This story gives you more insight into Cal Stokes! It helps you realize what makes him tick! A must read before starting the series.
December 6, 2017
I liked this.
Insightful, excellent close up of a group that takes care of its own. Those who make the cut are the best and proud to be an integral part of the core.
Insightful, excellent close up of a group that takes care of its own. Those who make the cut are the best and proud to be an integral part of the core.
October 24, 2019
Great storyline! I’m motivated!!
Semper Fi
Semper Fi
October 26, 2019
Great read
Reminds me of my own time in the service. I relived the time that I thought I had forgotten. Great!
Reminds me of my own time in the service. I relived the time that I thought I had forgotten. Great!
March 6, 2020
Run
The story is a wonderful example of what a short story should contain pathos humour and a good characters ace.
The story is a wonderful example of what a short story should contain pathos humour and a good characters ace.
November 8, 2020
Paris island
For those of us who have been there, this story holds a special place In my heart. Both my son and I were there and this brings back memories. Great read.
For those of us who have been there, this story holds a special place In my heart. Both my son and I were there and this brings back memories. Great read.
October 3, 2022
copper does short stories Too
This all too story delivers many solid points and some core value reminders. 4stars vs. 5 because it’s too short.
This all too story delivers many solid points and some core value reminders. 4stars vs. 5 because it’s too short.
August 8, 2025
Semperfi brother
Makes me proud to be a Marine,I’m Margaret’s mate for life. We have a joint account . She has my back and I hers.
Makes me proud to be a Marine,I’m Margaret’s mate for life. We have a joint account . She has my back and I hers.
April 10, 2016
Running (Corps Justice #2)
Meet Marine corps recruit Cal Stokes in boot camp October 2001. Having lost both parents when Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon, Cal joined the Marines. Using the pain of losing his parents as fuel, Cal exceeds every one else in his platoon, not making any friends, just enemies. It ends in a brawl and Cal in front of his superiors, facing dismissal from the corps. Once questioned, it is determined that he isn't the only recruit who lost family on 9/11. After a short memorial service to honor each family member lost, things change and Cal becomes part of the unit. As they say, the rest is history. Thanks for the insight into how much family means to our men and women who are serving our military.
Meet Marine corps recruit Cal Stokes in boot camp October 2001. Having lost both parents when Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon, Cal joined the Marines. Using the pain of losing his parents as fuel, Cal exceeds every one else in his platoon, not making any friends, just enemies. It ends in a brawl and Cal in front of his superiors, facing dismissal from the corps. Once questioned, it is determined that he isn't the only recruit who lost family on 9/11. After a short memorial service to honor each family member lost, things change and Cal becomes part of the unit. As they say, the rest is history. Thanks for the insight into how much family means to our men and women who are serving our military.
January 20, 2016
Wow!
As I was preparing to read Book 11, The Zimmer Doctrine, I stumbled across this (very) short story. I sat down, started reading, and some 45 minutes later I find myself trying to put one of my most important, emotional reading experiences into words...Well, please suffice it to say that this powerful story of gaining meaning and direction from ultimate loss has provided me with yet another significant insight into the character and life of Calvin Stokes and our United States Marine Corps...
As I was preparing to read Book 11, The Zimmer Doctrine, I stumbled across this (very) short story. I sat down, started reading, and some 45 minutes later I find myself trying to put one of my most important, emotional reading experiences into words...Well, please suffice it to say that this powerful story of gaining meaning and direction from ultimate loss has provided me with yet another significant insight into the character and life of Calvin Stokes and our United States Marine Corps...
August 29, 2014
OORAH
good example of boys becoming men.
basic training is not all about physical activity but also learning to help and trust your fellow comrade.
good example of boys becoming men.
basic training is not all about physical activity but also learning to help and trust your fellow comrade.
July 1, 2015
Short story about Cals early military days.
The Cal described here hardly sounds like the later person he becomes. Insert space filler here. Spaceeeeeeeee. Spaceeeeeeeed. Good grief.
The Cal described here hardly sounds like the later person he becomes. Insert space filler here. Spaceeeeeeeee. Spaceeeeeeeed. Good grief.
February 22, 2016
Easy read enjoy the fast pace. Would read more by the author.
The author keeps your suspecting something else in the book is going to happen,then hits hard with something else. Great read.
The author keeps your suspecting something else in the book is going to happen,then hits hard with something else. Great read.
January 4, 2016
Calvin Stokes Jr.
Good back story about the main character in all of the Corps Justice books (Calvin Stokes Jr). Looking forward to reading more of these books.
Good back story about the main character in all of the Corps Justice books (Calvin Stokes Jr). Looking forward to reading more of these books.
January 12, 2016
A quick story building characters and showing Marine strength. Very emotional midway.
March 27, 2016
Read
Great Read. I really enjoy corps of justice books. Never know where their taking you next. East reading and spellbinding.
Great Read. I really enjoy corps of justice books. Never know where their taking you next. East reading and spellbinding.
January 15, 2017
Excellent read
Just wish this trilogy/series was much more in depth. Would have really liked a longer version of their time in the military and more about their lives.
Just wish this trilogy/series was much more in depth. Would have really liked a longer version of their time in the military and more about their lives.
April 4, 2017
Good book
C g Cooper short story is good should have read it before reading corps of justice. Read all the books in order to really enjoy.
C g Cooper short story is good should have read it before reading corps of justice. Read all the books in order to really enjoy.
April 25, 2018
Excellent! I'm getting very keyed up for this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews