CHAPTER 7
Author's Note:
I apologize for the lack of update the last few weeks. I was distracted by some teenage-girl anime show (but to my defense, the music is fantastic :) ) But now that's out of the way, I will update this story more regularly.
Also, we have a guest author: TheColonel382, my longtime Battletech friend / collaborator / partner-in-crime provided some 'side story' (I don't know if it is the proper term) to the main storyline. The first part of this chapter is written by him. He's a good writer, and I'm excited to expand this story with his addition.
International Sector
Solaris City, Solaris VII
Freedom Theater, Lyran Alliance
January 19, 3075
The tower of Interstellar Concepts was a shining beacon of beauty even against the other towers and high rises of the International Sector of Solaris City.
A newcomer to the corporate world of the Inner Sphere, a conglomerate of other companies and smaller corporations from around the Sphere that banded together under one banner in order to share resources, connections and innovations so they could compete against the larger sharks in the water.
The primary entity of this alliance was Strategic Technologies and Research Systems, a small company that started out on Terra but fled off planet when the schism between ComStar and The Word of Blake happened that resulted in the loss of Terra to the WoB in 3058.
The head of S.T.a.R.S. found kindred spirits in the leaders of other small corporate entities whom were struggling against the juggernauts such as Iran Battleworks, GM/Blackwell and others, and thus I.C. was born.
Settling in on Solaris VII soon after the eviction of the WoB forces at the end of the Jihad, I.C. acquired an unfinished project in the International Sector of Solaris City and finished it into the shimmering spire that exists now.
It was in this spire on one of the upper floors that a figure looked out of the full wall windows into the gloom of a typical January day in the winter season on Solaris VII. A light tone from the desk drew his attention and he slowly walked the length of the spacious office.
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry to disturb you Director, but you wished to know when Ms. Beniko arrived; she is waiting for you in board room 3."
"Thank you Jin, I will be there momentarily."
"You're welcome, sir."
Releasing the button and ending the conversation, the middle-aged man slowly sat in his large chair and gathered his thoughts while collecting his PDA and a folder, as well as ensuring his glasses were in their case residing in his jacket's inner pocket.
Right, let's see what Lana has been able to confirm about this Combine Unit that suddenly showed up. With what feelers they have put out I doubt that they are simply here for R&R. And if they are looking for resources and support, we need to get that to them before any others on this Gods forsaken planet do.
A few moments, and a short walk from his office to the board room the doors opening automatically due to a signal sent from his PDA, the Director entered and nodded at the sharply dressed blonde woman seated comfortably in the many chairs around the massive table.
"Good afternoon, Lana, I am guessing that you have been able to gather that information I asked."
Attempting to rise but stopping as the Director waved his hand at her she sat back down.
"Good afternoon, Director, I have indeed gathered the information you requested."
The Director sat at his accustomed place at the head of the table as Lana insert a portable Datakey into the slot next to the illuminated keyboard in the black surface of the massive table, she began to break the information down as it appeared in the holographic display above the table.
"DCMS unit Ryuken-go. Arrived on Solaris VII January 15th, presumably for some R&R for the members and refit and resupply for the unit's hardware and consumables. Someone higher up the command chain in the Dieron Military District seems to think that the unit does not warrant any help and they have been left to their own devices."
The Director snorted in disgust as Lana continued her briefing.
"The commanding officer, Sho-sa Scarlet, has left one of her subordinates a Tai-i Noloty in charge while she deals with some other business. This Noloty seems to be capable of handling the assignment but I'm concerned that the various less than savory elements of this city may take advantage of her and her unit's current situation. Word has gotten around about the needs of this unit."
Sitting back and steepling his fingers as he absorbed what has been said while studying the information floating above the table displayed.
"So the sharks smell blood in the water and are circling."
"It seems that way sir."
The Director's brow furrowed for a moment then relaxed.
"Alright that settles it. Lana, I want you handle this personally, innate contact with the officer in charge and invite her and some of her close confidants in for a meeting. Let's see if we can get them the logistical and technical support, they need in a way that won't cause the unit dishonor or to lose face. Set it up for the Snowbird in the Kobe district for tomorrow night, I believe a nice dinner will help ease any tension or apprehension they may feel."
Standing and collecting her things Lana nodded.
"Of course, sir, I will arrange the details and let you know. But if I may ask sir, why this particular unit?"
Standing and gathering his own belongings the Director smiled.
"I have it on good authority that this unit is destined for great things. And I want to ensure their success."
Lana nodded.
"Of course, sir. I will contact you once the details have been arranged." She nodded a final time and exited a side door.
Kobe,
Solaris City, Solaris VII,
Freedom Theater, Lyran Alliance,
January 19, 3075
There were many bigger drug stores at Kobe, but Risa received some pointers that this particular store had the best collections of field surgery kits. The store was not big; the appearance of the building exuded antiquity, as opposed to the ultra-modern drug stores across the street. But this one was locally owned, founded by a retired field surgeon that partook in Operation Bulldog in late 50's. As such, the store offered OOPs and contrabands not available on the shelves of chained stores. And that was the way she liked it.
Risa's first act as Chief Medic of the Ryuken-go was to stock supplies. It was a job best suit for interns, but the Ryuken-go didn't have interns. It barely had a skeleton crew of ragtag medics. So Risa took it into her own hands. She was slated to become a doctor, but her experience with wounded soldiers in the field of battle opened her eyes about her true calling. She had yet to get proper training, but with books and tutorials she had been reading for the past month, she felt she was going to the right direction.
"Ma'am, do you need assistance?" the shop attendant called for her.
"Uh, no, I'm fine," Risa replied. She checked her cart, making sure she got everything she needed. "I'm ready to check out."
The shop attendant, a bubbly young girl with strawberry curly hair, expressive blue eyes, and white apron looked at Risa's cart with emotional concoction. She checked a few items for a while, then started ringing them up. Risa hoped the girl didn't pay attention, but her hope was crashed when the strawberry-haired girl chimed, with a childlike gusto, "Are you a medical professional?"
"No," Risa replied shortly. "What makes you think I am?"
"I notice that you emptied our inventory of these," the shop attendant pulled held a box of drugs. "This is good stuff. Field medics used to use these on the field with the greatest of effect. Unfortunately, people don't make these anymore, in exchange of more expensive but less potent junks you typically find in the counters. I reckon you must have the knowledge or experience in using them."
The shop attendant went on to grab something from behind the counter. "This? This has never been approved by Kuritan doctors, but this is one of the best anti-inflamation ointments around. Seeing that you have a penchant for the 'unseen', I just thought you might like this."
Risa thought of Keiichi. His injuries - his burnt hand and his busted lips and morbidly-swollen face – did not warrant a powerful ointment, but Keiichi was not a combatant. His injuries were mostly self inflicted. He got hurt trying to prove something he was not. A soft giggle escaped her lips, thinking how the silly chief tech tried to look tough sometimes, but failed miserably.
"I'll take all you have," Risa removed the over-the-counter anti-inflamation stuffs out of her cart.
The shop attendant filled in the cart with the 'contraband' ointment, then said, "So where do you work?"
"Ryuken-go Battalion."
The shop attendant's eyes flapped open. "Do you have an opening for a paramedic? I have some training in nursing. I'm not qualified in medical diagnostic or medicine yet, but I am good at first aid. Please refer me to your superior. I would love to serve a real combat unit in the battlefield."
Risa observed at the girl from head to toe. She didn't appear as somebody who could stomach the horror of war. She has the quality of being an airhead, an attribute that could spell doom during pitched battles. But she paid attention to details, evident from her observation that Risa's shopping cart was full of rare, OOP stuffs. She might be a good addition to Ryuken-go medical staffs.
"To tell you the truth, I am the Chief Medic of Ryuken-go," she said hesitantly. "We do need medical personnel…"
"My name is Joy," the girl interjected, extending her arms for a warm handshake. "It is very nice to meet you! I would like to work for you! Please please please accept me in your unit!"
"I uh…" Risa was stupefied by Joy's frankness. Noloty gave her the authority to pick anybody she liked to join her medical squad, but she was not ready to exercise that. She didn't even know what she needed. She was afraid that Joy would just use up resources for other Ryuken-go members. "I have to think about this…"
"As a worker, I am low-maintenance," Joy continued blabbering. "I am a team player, I work hard, I am detail oriented, I don't eat a lot, and only need a small space to sleep. I did some charity works for disabled mechjocks. I take good care of people, from children to cranky old mechwarriors. You will not be disappointed having me as your team member."
"Do you have experience in medical procedures?"
"I changed bandages, made beds for sick people, prepared food and medicine, cleaned up medical tools, selling medical supplies. I know that's not the answer you're looking for, but I can learn quick. I catch up quick with job requirements. I always do."
"This job requires extensive traveling to any parts of the Inner Sphere…"
"I don't mind travelling. I have no relatives in Solaris City. Nobody will miss me… I mean, I have no family members here that would miss me. And I will not miss Solaris City. Life is good, but I am not spending my entire life here. I want to serve, and I will go wherever you go. Please let me work for you. I guarantee, you will not be disappointed."
"Why are you so eager to leave your life behind and start a new one?" Risa frowned. "Who are you running away from?"
"I'm not running away," Joy smiled as she dreamily looked through the window. "I just thought that I am meant for greater things. I like my job as a shop assistant and part-time nurse in Solaris Veteran Affairs, but there are things out there that I can contribute. We are in the time of war. Soldiers and mechwarriors give up their lives to heal the Inner Sphere from the disease that is the Word of Blake. And I can take part in it. I should take part in it. I believe if we do the best we can in our own way, we can achieve great things."
Joy's enthusiasm won Risa over in the end. "Very well, Miss Joy, your intention is duly noted. But understand this: the Ryuken-go is a military unit. It requires unconditnional loyalty and total commitment with minimum pay. If that is not what you're looking for, you're welcome to back out."
"Swear me in and I'll do everything you ask me to do," Joy replied without hesitation.
"Then there's nothing left to say," Risa said. "I'm Risa. Welcome to Ryuken-go."
