Tan's Titans - Batavian Redoubt

Epilogue

Batavia Spaceport,

Batavia, Crucis March PDZ

1550 Hours, 27 Sep 3066

"Ten-hut!" barked the drill sergeant of the Batavia CMM. The color guard snapped to attention, and the flags were raised as the national anthem of the Federated Suns arose from the gathered instruments of the band. The afternoon sun glinted off the parade scheme of the Titans' units, awing the assembled spectators.

It had been another seven months on the contract until the militia battalions had received enough units to become fully operational, and the Titans begun a draw-down in operations leading up to the takeover parade. The two units, mercenary and militia, had both cross-trained with each other, sharpening their skills. The rebuilt vehicle units had needed the practice the most, acclimatizing to new vehicles and new crew members who were replacing the casualties incurred in the first Battle of Batavia. Two more raids had come, but the pirates retreated hastily when the Titans' aerospace fighters showed their teeth alongside the 'Sneaky Paws'. The newly-acquired 'Merchant'-class JumpShip was kept busy on runs to the neighbouring units, and made trips to Outreach to pick up new vehicles for the Warmongers.

The new tanks were state-of-the-art, produced by a relatively new faction who had sprung out from the Periphery. The United Systems Republic, as they called themselves, might have come from the outer fringes of the Inner Sphere, but they had technology not far behind the Clans. Captain Derek Walter was personally delighted with the acquisition of a lance of M1 Abrams Battle Tanks to replace the vehicles of Striker Lance. He was so happy with the tanks that he insisted that the Titans order two more to add to the guard for the Mobile HQ.

The entire parade ground was still as the flags were run up, and the Governor walked up to the podium, accompanied by Major Tan and Brigadier-General Swinton, the Militia CO. Clearing his throat, the Governor swept his gaze over the assembled throng as he began to speak.

"Fellow Batavians, Titans, and Militia members..."

-----

"What an eight months, eh?" whispered Bryce Robertson into the ear of Dawn-Marie Small. The two were standing at the bar, watching couples dance on the floor to the soft music performed by the orchestra. Major Tan and Leftenant Lim was in the crowd, the two holding each other close. "Pirates, training, love..."

"Aw, be quiet Bryce," retorted Small. "They look cute together."

"Maybe," he allowed with a broad grin. "Want to dance? We should observe them more closely."

-----

The sun was dim when the Titans finished loading their DropShips with their units. The crowds were still outside, however, waiting patiently for the crew members to appear and say their last goodbyes to the friends and admirers that they had made in the last few months. There was no fancy send-off parade this time; merely people on foot milling about to greet the departing members.

Diondi looked at his parents, already behind the barrier separating the assemblage of people from the DropShips. His sister was the only one left now, standing in front of him with that exasperated expression all little sisters seemed to employ on their belligerent older brothers.

"So, where are you going to go haring off to?" she said, mildly curious herself.

"Frankly, I don't know myself," admitted Diondi. "My agent says he has another contract, but he refuses to tell me what it is and what it entails until I get back."

"Well, wherever you go, take care. I don't want to lose a big brother," she admonished. The two siblings hugged for a moment, and she left to join his parents behind the barrier.

With one last wave, Major Diondi Tan strode up the ramp to the main bay, and prepared to lead his unit home.

A/N: Thank you to all who reviewed my story! I hope you enjoy it, and keep your eyes peeled for the next one!