Emmerich had spent his spare time waiting for the citizens' arrival with a few things. Random inspections, authorizing requests and practicing at the range among others. With no actual citizens to govern there was little for him to be doing now the groundwork was all sorted.
So here he was at the range, again.

The answer to what he was doing there had changed a few times. Before it had been a way to get himself focused. Emmerich found the weapon drills had a relaxing effect. So he practiced mostly with a Snub or Enforcer. Then he noticed that quite a few people were watching him, they weren't looking over his shoulder, but they were watching.

He'd asked the Onyx about it. A few of them spent their off time with other personnel so they heard things. According to them a good number of people were feeling more confident being lead by someone who could use a weapon. It was understandable given they were at war.

So from then on he was working on his aim and trying to improve his handling. His experience in the ruins had more than shown he needed to be ready to fight. Plus it never hurt for him to be seen doing something different to hiding in his office.

Today the citizens were arriving. So now he was at the range trying to distract himself. It had been a week since he'd been notified. He'd been restless trying to figure out how to deal with whatever might happen and come up empty.

Still he couldn't mope around the place, not for an event like this. So he passed the training MK3 Lancer back to the Quartermaster and boarded the convoy to the docks.

The convoy was different now. The Minotaurs and the Packhourses had black marks added since the Onyx had appropriated them. Their new additions were more violent in nature. The shape of Stomper GMG's or Chainguns in roof turrets.

Weapons had become common on all military vehicles, the Onyx included. Emmerich also knew a few DBI vehicles now mounted weapons. The COG at large might frown on allowing such things but he wasn't about to start cracking down on it.

Arriving at the port he could already see the first ships unloading. Since they had dredged the bay since their last visit there was no issue with them using the harbor fully. The ships carrying the settlers would have once been passenger liners by their design. Several were strung out in the bay waiting their turn to unload their passengers and cargo.

Back at the camp people who were off duty would be waiting at the housing area eager to see their families again. Emmerich however was at the harbor to meet with his assigned Lieutenant governor. Who he still did not want to meet.

'Are you alright sir?' Figueroa said, walking over to stand with him.
'It's that obvious?' Emmerich asked, rubbing his forehead.
'For the last week or so, yes. Something on your mind?'
'You could say that. Ever been promoted over someone who used to have seniority over you?'
'No sir? Why?'
'That's my problem Corporal. Neither have I.'

A few thousand meters above CO-254 had returned. Lieutenant Niamh Khan looked out over the world below. Place sure had changed. This time the tower was much more organized. She was setting up for her approach and with no trouble on the way over. She could have almost felt the escort was too much. Speaking of her escort.

'CO-254 to escorts. Connect to local Tac-Comm and await further instructions,' She ordered.
'Acknowledged.' Came the reply.

Either side of her Condor a pair of Kestrel gunships began to bank away. Seemed like someone wanted those birds on patrol already. A voice came over the wing channel.

'CO-254, CO-321, Letting your ducklings lose?'

She didn't have to look over to know the second Condor being assigned to this hunk of rock was following her. With one Lieutenant Toby Austin at the stick. Khan pressed to transmit.

'Affirmative CO-321 looks like the local command wants these things working. Might as well turn your's over too whilst you still can.'
'I hear that CO-254. Turning my escort over now. Out,' Austin said.

Khan glanced over into the cargo bay. The door was shut but she could still recall the new layout of her aircraft. She was flying a drop-ship now. No cushy seating or cargo straps.

Her ride was all DeeBee pods and the means to launch them. She'd never flown a Condor without some kind of seating for passengers. Most would be able to carry a DeeBee platoon. She could do two. What the hell was Command expecting out here?

The first load of passengers was disembarking. A tide of people moving off the ship, their luggage being brought by DeeBees and loaded into Minotaurs that would take them to the camp.

Alongside the citizens their robotic escorts were also unloading. Overhead the wine of an engine heralded the airborne elements. Pairs of Sentinels and Guardians passing over the crowds. The flying weapon platforms had their barriers down and were flying themselves to their assigned posts.

A rhythmic thudding announced the presence of the DR-1's marching out of the cargo holds. The Oppressors and Devastators, Armed with Tri-Shots and Salvos respectively, boarded waiting tucks for deployment elsewhere. The Protectors had stowed their Overkill shotguns and began helping unload supplies from the ships.

Out in the crowd a familiar face emerged. A suited COG Administrator walking over with an escort of Peacekeepers. She walked towards them, the crowd parting before the small group like a magic trick.

She walked right up to them. Her face was completely blank, 'Governor Emmerich'
'Lieutenant Governor Evangelina,' Emmerich responded with a curt nod.
'I see that the situation here has stabilized,' Evangelina said. Looking around.

'It has. How was the journey?' Emmerich asked.
'Quiet only a few small infractions,' Evangelina said. Her tone remained blunt.
'Shall we head to my office?' Emmerich offered.
'Indeed.'

As they passed the Onyx it was clear the two were trying not to even look at one another.

'What happened there do you think?' Hudson asked as he tracked the two figures.
Durham shrugged, 'Not sure it looks like they have some history?'
'Think that's what's been keeping the kid restless?'
'If it is, at least they're keeping it on the down low.'
'Yeah but for how long?'

The two Administrators were silent on the trip back. No questions about the journey or about what might have occurred on-site. Just silence. They were silent when they reached the camp. They were silent when they entered the Admin Center. They were silent right till the door to the Emmerich office closed.

Emmerich moved around, taking his seat behind his desk.
'Would you like a seat?' Emmerich gestured to the offered chair.
'I would prefer to stand. Sir' Evangelina replied.
'Did you want a drink?' Emmerich said, gesturing to the table with a small jug of water and a set of cups.
'I'm not thirsty. Sir'

Emmerich looked at Evangelina who was clearly trying to avoid looking directly at him whilst keeping a straight face. He sank into his chair. 'Do you want to hit me?'
'I don't not want to hit you. Sir,' Evangelina said looking stoic as the moment she'd arrived.
Emmerich pinched his nose, 'Is this really how we're doing this?'

'Believe that is your decision... Sir,' Evangelina's pause was telling.
'Your certainly making it hard for me to believe that.' Emmerich said, leaning onto his elbows.
'I will act in accordance with my duties as I understand them. Sir,' A textbook response but why did she keep stonewalling him like this.

'And what are your duties?' Emmerich asked, trying to pry the mask of calm from Evangelina.
'To support your work in ensuring the safety of Settlement 13 and the citizens therein. Sir.'

So she was going to keep with the sirs rather than say something outright. At least there was a way to force her hand. Emmerich braced himself, 'If I say you're free to speak, what would you say?'
'Fuck you. Sir.'

The cold venom in the words stunned Emmerich for a moment before he managed to respond, 'Evangelina, we're meant to be a team on this.'
'By the chain of command you are my superior. Not my teammate. Sir,' 'Evangelina said, returning to the same mask of compliance.
Emmerich had just about had it with her attitude, 'You can drop the sir for a start.'

A ghost of a frown crept onto Evangelina's face before she responded carefully, 'Very well. Governor.'
Emmerich took a deep breath. The last few weeks had been stressful. He'd managed to organize those already here. If Evangelina was going to
claw at him for no reason he'd had enough, 'Damn it Kristen do you think I want this fucking chair!?' Emmerich shouted as he stood up.

At his shout two of the Onyx burst through the door.
'Sir! Is everything alright?' One asked. Stepping forward looking from Emmerich to Evangelina.
'It's fine Private as you were,' Emmerich responded.
'Are you sure sir? We can stay here if needed.'
'As I said Private. We're fine. I'm just getting the Lieutenant Governor up to speed.'
'Yes sir... we'll be outside if you need us,' The other Onyx responded. The two moved back through the door pulling it closed behind them.

Evangelina for her part kept her face blank and calm waiting to speak until the door was closed, 'You are the one sitting there.'
'You know why I'm in this chair?' Emmerich muttered.
Evangelina huffed as she responded. 'Because the First Minister made a decision to appoint you to this position.'

Emmerich shook his head, 'I'm here because I was the third person within reach off a list.'
'I wonder why they skipped over the first two on that list,' Evangelina muttered.
The insulation in those words was cutting but why would she wonder unless. Emmerich dropped into his chair, 'You… you don't know?'

'Know what?' Evangelina looked at him her eyes squinting slightly with suspicion
'Sheila's dead.'
Evangelina blinked for a moment the words sinking in. 'No… she. She got out. With Ruperto I… I spoke with them a few months ago after the evacuation.'

Emmerich rested his head in his hands, 'I'd thought you would have known.'
'Known? Know what? They were fine. They were both fine,' Evangelina exclaimed.
'Shelia died during the attack on New Ephyra,' Emmerich said in a voice full of sorrow.
'But… how? How did she die!?' Evangelina screamed, slamming her hands onto the desk.

At the sound the Onyx re-entered the room.
'Sir what-' The first one started again.
'Private. My prior instruction stands,' Emmerich said. Gesturing to the door.
'But-' The second stared.
'Outside. Please?' Emmerich asked with a sigh, 'This has... become more of a personal matter.'

The Onyx looked at each other before backing out again. After a few moments Emmerich composted himself and began to explain what he knew.

'She had some internal injuries from the evacuation. Something about blast waves. During the attack the stress must have been too much. She… her heart gave out.'
Evangelina sat in silence for a moment, her eyes were damp but she held back any tears, 'And Ruperto?'
'He's still in New Ephyra. Her funeral was one of those after the attack. I sent my condolences. He's chosen to stay to help those who lost people during the evacuations.'

'I'm sorry I… I thought,' Evangelina looked down at the floor for a moment.
'You didn't know. I didn't know until I read a report about my assignment here,' Emmerich said shaking his head.
'They didn't think to tell you some other way?'

'Apparently they didn't know she had died until after the battle. Reuperto said a DeeBee had turned up and hounded him to see her. Took awhile to convince the bot that she was dead,' Emmerich muttered.
'They couldn't have sent someone? Why use a bot?' Evangelina asked.
'They sent a bot for me as well. When I was at my meeting at Government house the place was near chaos. I don't think they had anyone to spare.'

The two sat in silence for a few moments as the weight of the situation fell upon them both.
'And what about Luke, why didn't they send him?' Kristen asked, 'He was the Lieutenant Governor. Would he be more qualified?'
'Extended Wellness Leave.'
'Ah…' Evangelina looked away, 'I take it you've messaged him though I doubt they let your message through to him?'

Emmerich nodded, 'No but... I assume he's getting the help he needs.'
Evangelina fell into her seat. 'I feel like a total idiot.'
'What? Why? You didn't know.'

'I've spent the last few months hearing that the new Settlements are having issues. That our departure had been delayed because of it. You know I've been in charge of that group since the evacuation?' She asked.
Emmerich shook his head, 'I thought people were being brought to the capital?'
'Not everyone could be taken, some of us had to shelter in place.'

'At least you missed the Kraken.' Emmerich said with some measure of amusement.
'That was real? I thought it might have been something to keep the public in line,' Evangelina exclaimed.
'Ask the Onyx they saw the battle from their post.'

'Speaking of Onyx. You have a personal guard now?' She nodded towards the door.
Emmerich shrugged, 'Apparently I warrant it now.'
'And the rest of us just get DeeBees.'

'I could have them painted black if you want?' Emmerich said a faint bit of amusement in his voice.
'You haven't changed that much then,' Evangelina sighed.
'Don't know if you can say that. I had some... trouble getting out of the city.'

Evangelina's eyes narrowed, 'Trouble? What kind?'
'The kind that shoots back. If I hadn't been with the Onyx I'd probably be dead splattered across some bar in the old city,' Emmerich muttered, a tingle of his old fear returning.
'I thought they would have sent you out after it had been cleared.'

Emmerich shook his head, 'No there apparently wasn't any time. Site 13 was having issues. And with the connection not being constant they wanted someone onsite to get things in order. You know how it works. They wanted me here a month before I was assigned.'
'At least you got a formal assignment. I was just meant to cover until someone else turned up. Then I got told I was taking care of the citizens at the temporary camp we were being processed at until we got to the settlement. Half way here I found out you were in charge,' Evangelina said folding her arms.
'So you figured I got the cozy job watching the others work while you had to take care of the citizens?'

'Kind of,' She admitted.
'I wish it were that easy. It was totally shut down here when I arrived. No one was doing anything. Most of them were arguing over details like who ran the airport control tower,' He groaned at the memory.
'So they were arguing. People always gripe and whine. What did you do to get them back in order anyway?'

Emmerich swallowed as he remembered what he'd discussed with Hickman. The orders he had given. How the night could have ended.

'You remember the dispute over the flower arrangement for Victory Day about a year ago?' He said slowly.
Evangelina thought for a moment, 'Yeah we wound up with two planners who refused to agree on if we had, blue with white or red with black.'
'I used the same solution.'

'You got them in a room and threatened to have them arrested and spend the night in a cell?' She asked.
'Sort of... I may have implied I was going to order my Chiefs arrested. But everyone keeps saying I was going to have them shot,' Emmerich whispered
'Your joking…' Evangelina blinked and leaned back, 'You are joking right?'

'I wish I was,' Emmerich said dejectedly.
Evangelina tilted her head as she looked at Emmerich again, 'I was wrong you have changed.'
'For the better?' He asked hopefully.

'I don't know but the Swarm is not going to argue over flower arrangements. You showing a little more spine seems like a plus,' She said with a wave of her hand, 'So. What now?'
'Now. Now I get you up to speed on this madhouse. You might want to brace yourself.' Emmerich said leaning back.
'What could be worse than babysitting a few thousand people for a couple of months?'

'Of the top of my head. The sites unsuitable. We have a secret bunker that tried to kill us. Oh and the fact that the other settlers will be arriving soon,' Emmerich counted off.
Evangelina leaned forwards, 'You're going to have to explain those. In detail.'

Emmerich explained the current situation. Answering Evangelina's questions. Their site not being viable. The base and its secret nature and their soon to arrive allies of convenience from the Outsiders and UIR.

She told him that a man by the name of Ryan Fisher from the Ministry of Preservation was amongst the Settlers she'd arrived with. Fisher had been part of the old COG government and his team had been sent to help manage their local archive. It was possible he and his staff could help extract more information from the base systems. Emmerich pulled up his details then sent a request for him to join the briefing the next day.

Emmerich was already getting set up for the meeting the next day when he first met Fisher. The man was old and seemed a little on guard when they first met.

'I have to congratulate you Governor. I've heard about all the issues you've had to deal with thus far. I'm wasn't sure anyone could have been able to get things running. You've certainly made the best of a bad situation,' Fisher said. Hand stuck out for Emmerich to shake.
'Thank you Chief Fisher,' Emmerich said, taking the offered hand he found Fisher kept a strong grip despite his age.
The man leaned in closer, 'There was a rumor that you may have... encouraged Ramos and O'Connor to work together.'

Emmerich's eye's narrowed momentarily, 'We had a curt discussion and got things sorted out.'
For a moment Fisher looked at Emmerich judging him before he broke into a laugh, 'Ha ha! good man laying down the rules to your court. "In dark times steel shall be stronger than silver."'
Emmerich tilted his head, 'That quote it's Ceraro's isn't it?'

'Yes, from "The duty of rulers." You're quite well read to have heard of it. What did you think?' Fisher asked.
'Quite a bit of chains and lashes personally. But it was a product of its time,' Emmerich replied.
'Oh ho. You don't just know the work you have an opinion on it too. But what would be your preferred reading then?'

'Philosophy of the State by Lucianus. It can be bland but does give good guidance,' Emmerich said with a nod.
'Lucianus does give nice ideals. But she was from the age of silence wasn't she. Sad to say we may need to get a little more firm given our current situation,' Fisher said with a tut.
'I'll keep that in mind.'

'Still no need to focus on the big picture for a nation at the moment. We're out here and you are the lord so to speak,' Fisher said bowing his head slightly.
'Governor not lord. I don't plan any stockades to be a part of my future,' Emmerich noted.
'One and the same the people didn't pick you. If they start to act out of turn you may need to ensure they know what you're doing is for their own good.'

'I'll be sure to let the Union and Outsiders know that,' Emmerich said shaking his head.
'Why would they be involved? This is our settlement isn't it?' Fisher said leaning forwards.
'Re-designated as a joint venture at the First Ministers order.'

'Well well that is a surprise. Does Jinn like to keep tabs on us as well?' Fisher asked leaning over.
'The First Minister,' Emmerich said with emphasis, 'Does check in on our situation time permitting. There is a war on.'
'As you say Governor, as you say.'

With that introduction done and the arrival of the others them meeting began. For the most part the assignments were O'Connor was to continue with Military matters. Preparing their defenses and training their new Gears on the older equipment.

Chief Ramos, with some loaned Ravens, was scouting possible sites for the Settlement. She was also getting the remaining Bunker stocks processed for reactivation or salvage. Darnell was looking into the minerals in the area. If they could bypass the interference and get a clear image they might be able to work faster.

They had also made some attempts at decrypting the network at the port. So far all they had was a list of shipments going to the Kadar region. Lieutenant Governor Evangelina was to oversee getting the citizens settled in. Most were just happy to have solid wall and some basic comforts.

Chief Fisher was helping with what old COG codes they were able to pull from the records. His help had led to the decryption of the port records. And Emmerich was to prepare for greeting their next set of arrivals.