1/1 Dragoons Wild Horses: Redemption
Disclaimer: I don't own any of this, because if I did, I wouldn't be in the military, I'd be living the high life right now. Instead, I'm a poor, hard working soldier just trying to enjoy life.
Jerry Unipeg: Thank you very much. I thought I would make a kinder, gentler Genma for this one. His character had so much potential. Yeah I've always thought that Makoto should have a family, and this proved to be the perfect opportunity to do that. Thanks on Samual, again it's the whole Liberal thing.
Nysk: Your welcome. Hope to get more out soon too.
Sowhatimlate: Glad you do love it, hope you like this one too.
Ranger5: Thanks, I've got lots of plans for how this will develop. Plot twists and different characters are a favorite thing of mine.
James Axelrad: Well here is more then!! Hope you like this one too.
Author's Notes: Well here is the next installment of the story. Things are hectic over here, so I'm a little slower than I would have liked. We're nearing the end of our tour in Iraq so I've been even more busy than normal!! Hope you all like this new chapter!
I've gotten more votes!! Here is the poll now
Ryoko (Tenchi): 1
Washu (Tenchi): 1
Xian Pu (Ranma): 1
Setsuna (Sailor Moon): 1
Micheru (Sailor Moon): 1
Wow, its neck and neck on this. The polls are still open for voting, you can email me or post it as a comment. Email is cptdave81 yahoo .com if you're interested. Also If anyone wants statistics on any vehicle email me. I'll send you them no problem.
Now on with the Story!!
Chapter 6: A Meeting of Co-Workers
Location: Fort McWilliams Army Base outside Capitol City, Planet Manticore
Date: Monday, 16th Day, 5th Month, 3045 TY
Time: 0900 Local
As the anti-grav car approached the gate Ranma and friends read the sign at the side of the road.
Welcome to
Fort McWilliams
Home of the
Screaming Eagles
They passed through the entry checkpoint with ease, having been waved through by someone who recognized the Saotome crest that was on the car, and made their way into the base. They drove past motor pools where tanks and other vehicles were stored and maintained by diligent mechanics. They drove passed many of the great 'mech hangars and watched the mechwarriors aid their mechanics in the maintaining of their machines. They passed barracks building and support structures galore where soldiers were marching around and going about the business of running such a large facility as Fort McWilliams.
As they continued to drive, they approached a large, well defended building, where they were stopped by yet another checkpoint. Unlike the entrance to the base, this checkpoint was manned by armed infantry and supported by one M-45 Blizzard Infantry Fighting Vehicle and one M-28 Vedette Medium Tank. As they pulled up into the checkpoint, they were made to get out of the vehicle so that the soldiers could thoroughly search the vehicle for anything that shouldn't be in there. As the vehicle was searched, they too were searched by yet another soldier. Eventually all the checks were finished and they were allowed to reenter their car and enter the small compound.
As they approached the building, which rose a mere two stories over the three story defensive wall that surrounded it, the four companions all thought about how intimidating it looked, though not as intimidating in their eyes as the Saotome home was. Ranma quickly found a parking spot, as close to the building as he could get, before they all got out.
Ranma looked them all over and nodded in satisfaction at how sharp and correct they all looked. He glanced at his watch and grinned, it was only 0930, which meant that they still had half an hour before their appointment with General McKay.
"Come on guys, let's get going. It never hurts to be early to a meeting with your new Commanding General." He told them.
"Lead the way then Sir." Tenchi said with a slight grin.
Everyone grinned at each other as they started to walk to the building. Yesterday evening they had all received their new orders, as well as this request for a personal meeting with General McKay. As they entered the building, and went through yet another search, they marveled at the complexity of the building's interior. From this building was run the most elite division in the whole Army, not even the units of the Home Guard could compete with the 101st. And now they were about to become a part of that unit. They all realized that with this new posting and what they had said that Friday night that they were going to be with this unit for a very long time. They had almost sworn an Oath of Fealty (1) to General McKay that night, and had they worded it slightly differently they would now be under his employ, though still paid by the Army.
As they followed the instructions of the secretary that was at the entrance, they remained silent, each on thinking about the future and what might happen to them in this new unit. Things were starting to look up, but there was always the chance for something to come along and foul it all up for them.
When they arrived at the General's office, Ranma knocked politely on the door. When they entered it was to a comfortably furnished waiting room, rather than the General's office. A secretary sat next to a door that was across the room, typing away at her computer.
Ranma and Company approached her desk and Ranma gently cleared his throat, drawing her attention away from her work and to Ranma.
"How can I help you Sir?" She asked politely.
Ranma took a quick glance down at her uniform to notice her rank before he replied. "Yes, we're here for a meeting with General McKay, Sergeant. Lieutenant Colonel Ranma Saotome, Captain Makoto Saotome, Captain Tenchi Misaki, and Sergeant Angus McRory." He said to her.
The sergeant opened a small book next to her elbow and flipped through it until she found the page that she needed. She looked down the list of times and names to see if they were indeed supposed to be having a meeting with her General. Nodding in satisfaction of her research, she closed the book and pressed a button on her desk.
"Yes Sergeant?" Came Daffyd's voice over the intercom implanted in her desk.
"Your ten hundred meeting has arrived Sir." She informed him
"Ahh, perfect! Send them in please." He told her.
"At once Sir. Oh and don't let the meeting run too long Sir, you have a lunch appointment with General Sanders, his wife and yours at noon." She reminded him.
"Thank you Marget, I won't forget." Daffyd said soothingly before he broke contact.
The Sergeant looked up at Ranma with a slight frown. "Sir, please keep him on track. General Sanders told me that this meeting was important, and I don't want to bear the brunt of his being late to it." She requested.
"I think we can do that Sergeant." Ranma replied as they moved to the door. Ranma opened the door to reveal the office of General McKay.
Inside was a modest, yet comfortable office. The General sat at his desk, but around the room on a couple of couches and chairs were several other people.
The first to be seen was a man who rivaled Ranma's height and Angus's girth. His uniform looked impeccable and he bore the rank of Major next to his Mechwarrior branch insignia. His dark hair was cut short and his dark brown eyes seemed to radiate menace and kindness at the same time.
Beside him on the couch sat a regal looking woman. Her deep purple hair, while different, wasn't as much of a shock to most of the group as it might have been. Her uniform was exquisitely tailored, and the manner in which she carried herself, even seated, screamed noble, yet her rank of Major and Armor branch insignia showed that she was skilled.
Beside her, and the final person on that couch, was a young Second Lieutenant. She was so new that all the vets could tell that she still squeaked. Her light blue hair and deep red eyes were a bit more different than most and caused a couple of eyebrows to be raised. Even though her uniform was just as well tailored as the first woman's, she bore an expression of mischief, rather than one of nobility. Her eyes sparkled with amusement, as if some joke was being played on the four friends. Her Aviation branch insignia clued Ranma into the fact that she was a pilot and therefore prone to practical jokes and mischief.
On a second couch sat three more women. The first on the far left was a short red haired woman whose hair refused to not be spiky. Her formal uniform almost looked like an engineer's outfit rather than what it was supposed to be, and she seemed to be distracted with something. On her shoulders she bore the rank of Major and the engineer branch insignia.
To the right was a taller cyan haired woman, whose hair followed her companion's. Her uniform gave the appearance of being rumpled while looking perfect. All three of the mechwarriors pinned her as one of them as she was sprawled out without a care, as if her mere rank of Captain would make her immune to retribution.
Next to her was an immaculately dressed woman. Her darker blue hair almost shined as she looked up from the reader that was in her hands. Her Armor branch insignia marked her as different from most people, and combined with her rank of Captain, said that she was determined to advance.
Beside that couch was a small love seat that had two people sitting in it. These two, despite being in uniform and in the presence of a general, were all but snuggling with each other. One was a tall man with long dark hair. His uniform was perfect and his rank of Major in the Intelligence branch made the four think that this was not a man to cross. The woman who was curled up to his side, and all but asleep, had long purple hair. She looked like a sleeping tiger, yet still ready to pounce at a moments notice. Her uniform collar told everyone that she was in the Infantry and a First Lieutenant.
"Please, pull up a chair and have a seat everyone." General McKay said as he waved at the four new arrivals.
The four sat down in some of the chairs about the room, as the man in the love seat gently woke the woman up. "Good, aside from medical we're all here now."
"Excuse me Sir, but I thought this was just going to be a meeting between the five of us." Ranma said as he looked at everyone.
"Well, it was initially, but then I thought that this would be the perfect opportunity to introduce some of your officers to you." Daffyd told him.
Ranma nodded to him as the four looked at him expectantly.
Daffyd smiled as he went around the circle, introducing everyone there.
"This is your new executive officer, Major Ryoga Habiki." Ryoga nodded to Ranma in greeting. "Been a long time Ranma." Ranma nodded in reply.
"Next to him is Major Ayeka Jurai, your new operations officer." Ayeka inclined her head respectfully to Ranma. "It's an honor to serve with you Sir."
"Next is the top helicopter pilot to graduate from the Academy since its creation, Second Lieutenant Sasami Jurai." Sasami waved with a cheerful grin. The others smiled at her greeting and waved back.
"Over here we have Major Washu Hakubi, an extremely skilled engineer and the one in charge of all your maintenance teams." Washu blinked owlishly as the General's words broke through her thoughts.
"Beside her is one of your new company commanders, Captain Ryoko Hakubi." Ryoko smirked and winked at Ranma, causing him to blush lightly and Makoto to glare at her.
"Last on that couch is Captain Ami Mizuno, your other company commander." Ami smiled shyly at everyone, but waved lightly to Makoto who waved back.
"On the love seat is your new intelligence officer, Major Mu Tsu Liao, and his wife First Lieutenant Xian Pu Liao." The two smiled and nodded to the four others.
With the introductions finished, Ranma smiled at everyone that he would be working with before he looked at Daffyd and cleared his throat.
"Umm, Sir, if we could discuss your intentions for this unit as well as our MTOE (2). Also do you know when I'll be receiving troops? I'd like to get started on training as soon as possible." Ranma said.
"All right Colonel. What I intend to use this unit for is both simple and complicated at the same time. This unit will be dropped anywhere from three months to a year before the Division makes an assault on a planet. The purpose is to disrupt the enemy and hamper their fighting capability both before and then during the invasion." Daffyd explained.
"That sounds like a tall order Sir. It's almost impossible to land on any planet covertly." Ami spoke up hesitantly.
"That is true, at least it used to be true. There is now a system that is in production that can turn a dropship or warship all but invisible to sensors and the naked eye. Your battalion will be equipped with seven said dropships along with a warship to carry you from system to system." Daffyd answered her.
"Sir, you have given us the how, but we still do not know with what we are to accomplish our given mission." Ayeka said softly.
"My apologies Major. The Battalion consists of four combat companies and a headquarters and headquarters company. Each combat company has four Battlemech Platoons, four Tank Platoons, one Helicopter Platoon, one Aerospace Fighter Flight, two Infantry Platoons, one Artillery Platoon, one Air Defense Artillery Platoon, plus support assets to include medical, transport, maintenance, and engineers. The HHC (3) has the majority of the support resources plus some combat units to defend them. Along with the seven dropships, one warship, plus any embarked fighters aboard the warship." Daffyd replied.
Everyone looked impressed at the amount of assets they would have available to them.
"Wow, that's a lot of combat power you're giving us Sir. It's going to be tough to get such a unit to work together though." Ranma commented.
"Indeed it will be Colonel, but that is why all of you have been chosen for your slots. The Army has faith that all of you will do extremely well in this unit. In fact, all of you have the best chance of making this work as I'm hoping it will." Daffyd said to them all.
"We are all deeply honored by your faith in us Sir." Ayeka said formally.
"Now then, your troops are being transferred as we speak. Within four moths your unit should be completely gathered together. Also, some of your mechs and vehicles will be equipped with experimental things. The Army decided, against my wishes, that your unit will also field test any new equipment and vehicles as it comes out. We've got several brand new vehicles that will be assigned to you. The first is a new assault class tank, code named the McArthur. It's a command and control vehicle. According to the specs it carries a Mobile HQ plus five of the new improved C3 systems. You'll also be receiving a small number of new Air Defense tanks, code named Artemis. From what the engineers have been saying it can lay down a lot of flak, enough to deter even one of our bombers from making a run." Daffyd told them.
While some winced at the idea that they would be using untested equipment, Washu, Sasami and Ranma all looked eager to seeing the new things that the Army was giving them to play with.
"Is there anything else Sir?" Ranma asked politely.
Daffyd looked thoughtful for a few seconds before he shook his head. "No Colonel, not at this time. Go get better acquainted with your new officers." He said as he stood up.
Everyone stood up after him, Xian a little slower than the rest as she had to wait for Mu to stand up first. Ranma saluted for them all, then shook the General's hand before they all left quietly.
As they walked out, the Sergeant looked up at them, surprise written on her face. Never before had a meeting run so short. She was used to interrupting her boss's meetings so that she could remind him of things that he needed to do.
'Maybe this Colonel will be a good influence on him. Then maybe his wife won't yell at me too much.' She thought with a slight shudder at the idea of facing off against Eli McKay.
"So, where are we going to go Sir?" Tenchi asked.
"I was thinking we could head over to the Sports Club for lunch and get to know one another then." Ranma replied as the left the building.
"New CO gets to pay for the first meal!!" Ryoko said loudly with a grin on her face.
"Captain Hakubi, how can you suggest such a thing?! Actions like that are against the regulations! Are you wanting for our new colonel to get into trouble again?" Ayeka exclaimed in shock as they walked across the parking lot.
Makoto cleared her throat, drawing the Major's attention to her. "Actually Major Jurai, it has long been a tradition within the Army that a new battalion commander does take his new officers to lunch and pays for it. Despite what regulations state, the Saotome family has always maintained that tradition." She stated clearly.
Ayeka bristled at the challenge in Makoto's voice. "Captain, I suggest that you speak in a far more respectful tone of voice to me in the future. I not only out rank you here in uniform, but socially as well." She said with a little bit of anger in her voice.
Ranma and Makoto looked at each other and started to laugh while Tenchi just shook his head and sighed.
"Major, her tone was respectful to one of your military rank, as for social rank, I know for a fact that Makoto shares the same view of nobility as Ranma does." Tenchi told her.
"And what view is that Captain Misaki?" Ami asked politely.
"Most nobility sit on their asses and talk a lot, but do very little to improve things or solve problems. In fact most of the current problems from within the Kingdom are a result in the bungling that the nobility has done over the past few decades." Tenchi answered.
"How can you think that?! Our nobility does its best to improve the life of our citizens." Ayeka asked in stunned shock.
Ranma looked over his shoulder at Ayeka and gently shook his head. "You have much to learn young one." Ranma intoned softly as they approached their cars.
They were all quiet as they got into various vehicles and followed Ranma as he headed to the Sports Club, a bar/restaurant on base. When they got to the Sports Club, Ranma led the way inside. They walked inside and stopped at the hostess's area and waited to be helped.
"How can I help you today Sir?" The young woman at the entrance asked politely.
Ranma smiled softly at her. "Yes Ma'am, we'd like to use the Saotome room for lunch today." He told her.
"I'm sorry Sir, but we don't have a Saotome room." She said to him.
Ranma looked annoyed at her. "Ma'am, there is a Saotome room, only the Saotome family uses it." Ranma said, his annoyance creeping into his voice.
"Sir, I'm sorry, but there is no Saotome room here at the Sports Club. I don't know what led you to believe that there was one." She responded calmly.
Ranma started to become angry and was about to start yelling when Makoto laid a hand on his shoulder. Ranma looked at her and she shook her head and motioned for him to stand aside. Ranma nodded and stepped back, allowing her to come before the young hostess.
"How long have you been working at the Sports Club Ma'am?" Makoto asked politely.
The young woman looked back up at them, relief evident in her face. "I just started today." She answered.
"Then it is safe to assume you haven't been given the special guest orientation yet?" Makoto inquired.
The young woman nodded sheepishly, embarrassed to admit that she wasn't fully trained yet.
"Could you please call someone who has been working here for a while then?" Makoto requested in a polite, yet firm tone.
The young woman nodded as she pressed a button on her stand. Not a few minutes later an older looking woman suddenly appeared next to them.
"Yes how can I…..Oh Ranma! It's been far too long!" She said as she hugged him suddenly.
"Heya Konatsu! Still dressing like normal eh? Thought Uchan broke you of that habit." Ranma teased as he returned the hug.
"Oh you! I'm allowed to dress like this once a week now. But how have you been? We heard you got into some trouble, again." Konatsu said with a smile.
"I'm doing well. Is the room available for lunch? I've got a new command team to treat to lunch." Ranma explained.
"Of course Ranma, the Saotome Room is always open to you." Konatsu answered him.
"Hey Ko-chan, you might want to think about giving you workers the special guest instructions before they start working next time." Makoto said to Konatsu.
Konatsu had the grace to look embarrassed as he nodded. He then led them to a lavishly appointed room that was off to the side of the main dining area. The people currently eating there wondered who they were to rate such a treatment of getting the Club's only private room. Inside were chairs that were extremely comfortable, and there was a small kitchen set up inside the room as well. Everyone moved to take their seats around the large central table. Before they sat Ranma cleared his throat. Once he had everyone's attention, he took off his coat and laid it on a bench that was near the door.
"Within this room there is no rank, no social standing, nothing. Only respect for your fellow warriors. Speak your mind, throw blows, whatever you feel you need to do. Nothing that happens in this room shall leave this room, no consequences, no punishments. The removal of your jacket symbolizes the fact that we are all the same here." He told them.
Everyone followed Ranma in removing their jackets, though Ayeka did so very reluctantly. From there they all sat down and settled in for lunch.
"So what's for lunch Ranma?" Ryoga asked.
"Whatever the chef chooses to make man. You know how she is." Ranma replied.
"True. Its been a long time since I've had cooking this good!" Ryoga agreed.
"Well if you dropped by more often Mom would gladly make you something you idiot!" Ranma said with a grin.
"If I had the time I would visit more often you moron!" Ryoga responded with a grin as well.
Ayeka stared in shock, not quite believing what she was hearing as the door opened again, admitting Konatsu and a beautiful brown haired woman in a chef's outfit.
When she saw Ranma her expression lit up with joy. "Ranchan!! Its been too long!!" She cried out as she rushed around the table and gave him a huge hug. "Where have you been? Auntie wouldn't tell me anything! You have a lot of explaining to do mister!" She said rapidly as she let go of him and backed up.
"Its good to see you too Uchan. I'll explain it all later, promise. How about some lunch, we're all starved and we got a lot to work out today." Ranma told her.
"Right, no problem at all Ranchan." She said with a large grin. "Konatsu, go get more ingredients! We're making the Ranchan Special today!!"
Konatsu half saluted her and left to get the requested items while Ukyo fired up the kitchen and started to cook up a storm.
"Well seeing as introductions have already taken place, we'll just open the floor to any questions that everyone might have." Ranma stated.
"Ranma, how the hell are we going to get such a wide range of units like this to actually work together?" Ryoko asked.
"Lots of hard work and training. From an email I received from our Fearless Leader, We will have roughly three years to get everything ready. And that's only because the Navy is scratch building us our dropships and warship." Ranma said.
"Do you know what kind of units we'll be receiving?" Ami asked.
"Mech wise it'll be what ever they can cut loose for us. Combat vehicles, I expect mostly tracks with some wheel and hover for variety, but models I can't help you with." Ranma told them.
"This is going to be a crap load of work!" Ryoga exclaimed.
"Tell me about it! And I have to manage all the maintenance platoons in the battalion!" Washu said in exasperation.
"What about helicopters and fighters? Do you think we'll get a decent amount of combat birds?" Sasami asked excitedly.
Ayeka stared at her sister in shock, clearly unsettled by how casual everyone was acting.
"Not really. I guess you'll have to wait and see Sasami." Ryoga said with a grin.
As they talked the first of many dishes seemed to appear before them all. The wonderful smells that wafted up to their noses made their stomachs growl in hunger. Everyone dug in, enjoying the quality of the food.
"So when did you get married Ranma?" Mu Tsu asked suddenly when they were between dishes.
From the kitchen came a loud clang, while several people at he table started choking on food or drink.
"Married!?! You got married and didn't have the courtesy to invite your best friend!! You bastard!!" Ukyo yelled at him from the kitchen as she threw a shuriken-spatula at Ranma.
Ranma dodged the spatula and glared at Mu. "I'm not married Mu Tsu." He said bluntly.
"Then why does Makoto share your name? All of us who know you knew how close the two of you are." He countered.
Makoto finally cleared her throat enough to talk as she gasped out. "Brother….he's my brother."
"Brother? Wow, I sure didn't expect that one at all." Ryoga commented.
"That is going to cause all sorts of problems for this unit." Ayeka commented.
"What do you mean Ayeka?" Tenchi asked.
"She is his sister, he's going to favor her over the other company commanders. She'll get away with things that none of the rest of us could! Like how she's been flirting with a noncom since we got here. Her casual address of people who out rank her or hold a higher position socially!" Ayeka ranted.
"Miss Jurai,, I am professional enough to know when to treat her like my sister, and when to treat her like my subordinate." Ranma said almost coldly.
"And besides that, the relationship between Angus and I is just that, between the two of us. It was forged in the fires on Mersedas, and no little princess personality is going to ruin what we have." Makoto said as she leveled a glare at Ayeka.
Ayeka sputtered in anger until Tenchi laid a hand on her shoulder. "Ayeka, you need to understand that the four of us went through hell on Mersedas. We formed bonds that no one, except for those that have seen combat, understand. The relationship between the two of them has been approved of at the highest levels." Tenchi told her.
"But it's not proper! And a person of her lineage should know that and know better." Ayeka said, trying to hold onto the moral high ground.
Sasami sighed as she looked at her sister. "Ayeka, just drop it. Not everything is as black and white as you'd like it to be." She said in exasperation.
"Here, here!" Chimed in Ryoko.
"Umm, does anyone know who our First Sergeants or XO's will be, much less where we're based?" Ami asked suddenly.
"Hey, you guys that new unit we've been hearing about Ranchan?" Ukyo asked from her kitchen.
"Yeah we are, why?" Ranma asked.
"Well I've had a few senior noncoms come in and they were complaining about moving to the back end of the Fort where this new unit would be based." She answered.
"You happen to hear a building number Uchan?" Ryoga asked hopefully.
"Umm, I didn't but maybe Konatsu-kun did." Ukyo said, a little disappointed that she couldn't help her friends out more.
"I did indeed hear more Ukyo-sama." Konatsu said from right behind Ami.
"Eeep!! Don't do that!!" Ami exclaimed in surprise as she spun around.
"My apologies Mizuno-san. I'll try to remember to tell you if I'm behind you." Konatsu said with a small smile.
"Well if you've heard something, what is it man?" Ryoko asked.
Everyone stared at Konatsu, waiting eagerly for word on where they were to be stationed.
"Well I heard a First Sergeant complaining about having to move her mech and set up at Motorpool 1 and set up her company office at Building 2." Konatsu said quickly.
"Motorpool 1 and Building 2? Damn that's out in the boondocks of the base!" Ryoga complained.
"Isn't that where they field test all the newest mechs and vehicles?" Sasami asked.
"Yes it is! It has the most up to date equipment in that motorpool! I can't wait to see what I get to play with now!" Washu said excitedly.
"Is there an airfield there too? I have to keep my girls in shape and it wouldn't do for them to have to travel a good distance by truck to get on our birds." Xian said.
"Oh yes! In fact we almost have a fully capable spaceport! We should have enough space for every helicopter, aerospace fighter, shuttle, bomber and dropship we own parked there and serviced as well!" Said an excited Washu.
"Well seeing as we are all there truly is to the battalion right now, I declare that after lunch you are free to go. We'll get back together again tomorrow at 0630 at our new headquarters. Come dressed for heavy cleaning and painting." Ranma told them.
"But that is the work of the lower enlisted!" Ayeka complained.
"Hello! Earth to little miss princess, we don't have any lower enlisted, so guess who has to do it!" Ryoko countered hotly.
Ayeka fumed but nodded. Slowly the members of the 1st Dragoons left for home until just the original four were left. Ukyo approached them and sat next to Ranma.
"So Ranchan, do you have an official chef yet?" She asked.
"Well not yet, why?" He asked in return.
"Well Ko-kun and I still have our uniforms somewhere, and we're willing to come and work for you." She told him.
"You'd rejoin the Army to work with me again?" Ranma asked, touched that they would do that for him.
"Heaven's no! We'd swear Oaths of Fealty to you." She explained with a slight laugh.
"But I'm not a knight, nor a noble. I can't accept those kinds of oats from you until I am." Ranma told her.
"Then we'll just work for you and give you those oaths when you are able to accept them Ranma." She told him.
"You aren't going to budge on this issue are you?" Ranma asked in resignation.
"Nope not a bit Ranchan!" Ukyo said cheerfully.
"All right. I'll accept your offer then." He said.
"Great, we'll see you tomorrow bright and early then. We'll even bring breakfast with us!" She told him.
TBC
End Authors Notes: Well that ends yet another chapter! Whew that one took me a while to write down.
1st Note: An Oath of Fealty is something that a military person swears to either a Knight of the Realm or a nobleman. Once sworn, they continue in the Army as their rank, but remain in the service of the one they swore the oath to. The only way the Army can move them to a different unit is if the person who holds that Oath gives permission for the move to happen. It makes for a complicated, yet surprisingly effective military force.
2nd Note: MTOE or Military Table of Organization and Equipment, which is the list of people and equipment that a unit has.
3rd Note: HHC or Headquarters and Headquarters Company, this company contains the Headquarters elements and staff, as well as all the major support elements for the battalion, such as recovery, heavy maintenance, medical and in some units, recon.
Well I hope you liked this chapter. Don't know when the next one will be up, damn Army keeps messing with my time schedule so I never know when I'll get the free time to do more writing.
As always, comments are welcome, flames will be used to keep me warm on the cold desert nights.
Until the Next Chapter, Chapter 7: Vengeance or Friendship
This is Captain Dave signing off!
