"We haven't quite decided on the centre pieces of the tables yet." Bree runs a finger down the page. "Or the decorations in general other than bonfires, lanterns and fairy lights."

"You've cleared this with Max?"

"Yup. He said our plans were actually rather mild than some of the idiots in this faction."

Issy grins, picking up a pencil and a scrap bit of paper. "Let's get planning!"

Over the next few weeks Clark, and on occasion Harrison, take Issy through the different types of reports she may have to complete.

They go over missions first and Issy was surprised at what was included in the report. The first few reports for the missions is which squadrons are involved – if there is more than one – with each of the members' names, roles in the squad and contact details of next of kin just in case something happens while out in the field. There's basically a running commentary that needs to be updated after every patrol during the mission so the Leaders know what's going on. On top of that, there's the running commentary of which members are taking the mission seriously outside of the patrols. The captains also have to make reports of which members are taking charge of the patrols and which don't. this apparently shows which members have potential, further reports on members that show potential just in case it was a façade and who needs to be pulled up for re-training from being sloppy during work. Then there's the reports of what weapons are being used and the amount of ammo being used. If there is more than one squad involved then all captains have to fill out the reports, which means a lot of data passed back and forth…

It sounds painful and Issy's instantly reminded that Clark had to do it all while at Amity… It's a miracle he found time to sleep let alone anything else…

Next, they go over reports for sector and routes. This generally revolves around the Factionless. Examples are is the amount of Factionless normal or strange for the sector/route? Is there no Factionless when there usually is? Are there any signs as to why that may be? Do any of the Factionless react badly to the patrol? Are further patrols from Squadron 001 needed to make sure a riot doesn't break out? Then there's does the route/track/road need resurfacing due to difficulties leading to the patrol being incomplete?

It was crazy thinking about it all but at the same time it all made sense. Harrison explained that there's been a change to the system. He didn't start about the change to training for new wannabe squaddies but rather how the rotations are made. Originally it was down to a squadron captain each time to create it but when it was made clear that it was too much work to figure out, Harrison's assistant took it over.

One less thing on her plate.

Also, sometime during those weeks, the current members of 226 got new patrol jackets with Issy's patch on the shoulder. Issy had grinned until her cheeks hurt and then some. It had been a sad moment when Issy had placed the Sun's Pride jacket and placed it in her wardrobe. Although it made Issy feel like it was becoming more and more her squad. There were also moments when Issy was smiling until her cheeks hurt when other captain and squad members alike commented on her patch. Though she and the rest of her squad had a permanent grin on their faces when the rest of the squadrons had started referring to them as the wolves. Issy doesn't know how it came about but it was either due to her wolves running along her bike of the wolf on her patch and Issy just loved it. Prompted by that new name for members of 226, the rest of the squadrons started calling her Beta more. Even members around the compound, people she hadn't seen ever called her Beta. It soon was that only her family and friends called her Issy anymore.

Training moved forward a step and Clark tagged along with the squad as they went on a few mock patrols so Issy could understand what she had to do. She mainly used Clark's structure of placing members around the truck but every so often Issy changed their positions on the truck so it made them pay attention more.

Now, Issy was walking through the compound after another mock patrol with Clark sitting in the cab rather than watching her by her side. Then, with the report after they had gotten back into the garage, Issy was exhausted. Her eyelids were drooping sleepily and so she didn't notice when someone walked into her. Usually, Issy would have snapped at them and told them to watch it or sent a glare over her shoulder. This time she didn't acknowledge it until that person started laughing and when Issy turned to see who it was, she groaned.

It just had to be Four…

He was still smug about shooting her down during Manic and liked to remind Issy about it every time he saw her. It was grating on her nerves. All the little comments and snicker and Issy really wanted to punch him. She doesn't say anything to Four and waits for the comment that's bound to come.

Four grins at her tired expression. "If I had known you'd be less of a bitch if I shot you in your legs and back, I'd have done it a lot sooner."

She sighs heavily before walking off and Four cackles behind her. She doesn't say anything to the people that pass her, saying Beta in greeting. She ignores the people that try to pull her into a conversation during the lift ride up and she ignores the main reception on the desk. Issy doesn't even knock before she opens the office door. She doesn't care that there could be a meeting inside and thankfully there's not.

Eric watches her in amusement as she drags her feet over to him. He doesn't say a word when Issy light pushes him away from his desk so that she can sit on his lap. Eric stays silent as she curls her legs up and over the arm of the chair and rests her head on his shoulder, her handing coming up to hold onto his other shoulder. When Issy stops moving and sighs, Eric smirks down at her, wrapping his arm around her and with his other arm, he pulls himself closer to his desk. Issy burrows her head into the crook of his neck when she realises he's filling out a report. Moments later, when Eric wraps his other arm around her, she knows he's finished with the report.

"Okay, what's up?" Without looking up, Issy can see the grin on his face.

"Four's starting to piss me off." Eric shifts in his seat but stays silent. "He's just being really smug about taking me out in Manic and its driving me insane."

Eric growls lowly. "I still need to kill him for that."

"You can't," When Eric turns to her she smirks. "I've already asked Max and he said no."

Eric laughs loudly then. No words are said between Issy and Eric after that. Eric gets back to work and Issy stays curled into him as sleep pulls her eyes closed.