1
Third Donegal Guards Headquarters, Pandora
Pandora Theater, Lyran Commonwealth
10 April 3050
Tora Archer took a deep breath before she pushed the button to open the door in front of her. It opened with a soft whoosh as she stepped into Kommandant Nathaniel Archer's office. Tora immediately came to attention as she saluted.
"Kommandant," she stated. "Leftenant Tora Archer here at your request."
"At ease, Leftenant Archer." Her father said with a wave of his hand. Tora relaxed her posture and clasped her hands behind her back. She could tell by the formality of this meeting that it was not a personal visit.
Nathaniel rose from his desk and moved towards her. He had about thirty centimeters to her height, but being shorter was something she was use to. "Leftenant, this is the second time this month that you are in my office for insubordination; both times for disobeying your commanding officer during a training mission. If we are to rely on you in real battle this must end."
"Yes, sir." Tora said a little dejectedly. "Permission to speak freely, sir."
"Granted."
"I understand that I should have followed my commanding officers orders, but in both mission we did obtain our objectives." Tora pointed out.
"I will grant you that; however, you took unnecessary risks to accomplish them." Nathaniel continued. "Had that been an actual battle field, not just a simulation, you probably wouldn't be here to be reprimanded. You are confined to quarters for two weeks. If this happens again the punishment will be more severe. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, Kommandant." Tora answered, as she fidgeted slightly.
"This won't happen again?" Nathaniel asked as he put his hands on Tora's shoulders.
"No, sir."
Her father embraced Tora in a hug. "Then good luck and stay safe." He released her. "Dismissed."
"Yes, sir." Tora said as she saluted and turned to leave. As the door closed behind her, Tora leaned up against the wall and let out a deep breath. She waited until she was relaxed before she pushed herself off the wall and headed back to her quarters.
"Tora!"
Tora stopped and turned, her older brother and commanding officer was waiting for her near their father's door. She walked back to him and saluted. "Yes, Hauptman?" Tora asked.
He was taller than she was, with short auburn hair and dark blue eyes. The slant of his eyes and his light bronze skin bespoke of his Japanese heritage. Like her, he also wore a light gray jumpsuit, but instead of the dark blue shirt that she wore under it, he had black.
"Dispense with the formalities, Sister." Zachary said. "You know you don't have to be formal when we're alone."
Tora smiled slyly and looked up at her brother. "You were looking for me and you found me, but then you should have known where I'd be."
"Tora, you know it is my duty to keep the obedience in my company, especially in my command lance." Zachary explained. "If I didn't report you, that would show favoritism and people would think that was because you are my sister.
In the heat of battle, I can't have the members of my lance questioning my judgment, like you always do."
"I know," Tora said. She had heard almost this exact speech from him the last time.
"So, what did father say?"
"Oh, you know the usual." Tora said as if discussing the time of day. "That I should show more respect, not to take extreme chances, blah blah, blah blah, blah blah. You are restricted to quarters for two weeks. I'm not quite sure why it isn't longer."
The two of them laughed then Zachary because serious. "I have the answer to that one."
"What?"
"The invaders, the ones that call themselves the Clans, are sweeping through the Free Rasalhague Republic like wild fire. They have made a plea for help to the Archon. So, we are being sent to New Bergen to help defend it."
"We're being sent to the frontline in the FRR?!" Tora exclaimed amazed. "What about the Commonwealth?"
"Melissa Steiner feels that with the aid of the Suns, we can afford to send troops to aid."
"When do we leave?"
"Tomorrow, which means you need to go prepare your 'Mech for shipping."
Tora nodded, hugged her brother and hurried off to the 'Mechbay.
The 'Mechbay was quiet when Tora entered. Well, quiet was not the word for it. There was the hum of running machines as Tech repaired and refitted 'Mechs; but compared to what it usually sounded like. Tora smiled to herself at the familiar sights and sounds as the acrid smell of lubricant assaulted her nose.
She walked down the rows and rows of 'Mechs until she saw the familiar blue and gray paint scheme of her Marauder. The 'Mech had been her mother's until her unfortunate demise. The salvaged 'Mech was returned and refitted. The color scheme was kept the same to honor her mother. After Tora had graduated from the Naglering Academy, her father presented her with the 'Mech as a gift. Since that day, Tora had felt proud to pilot it.
She put her hand on Tygress's foot and leaned up against it. The name Tygress was also from her mother. Her comrades dubbed her the Tygress because of her strength and ferocity in battle. Tora had kept the name in the hope of living up to its reputation. "Well, Tygress, we are going to the frontlines. Hopefully our first test in true warfare will not be our last."
"Leftenant Archer." A male voice said behind her.
Tora looked up and saw a dark haired Technician approaching her. "Hello, Duncan."
"I figured I would find you here." He said.
"Yes. You're here to help me?"
"Of course. We have to get this girl geared up for battle."
"Thank you."
"Now get off your butt and get up in the cockpit."
Tora smiled, turned, and began to climb the latter on Tygress's leg to the cockpit.