Location - Somewhere in the Federated Commonwealth.

October 3rd - 3037

The wheat weaved back and forth in the soft wind.

The sky was blue with just a few scattered puffy clouds slowly moving across the sun warm sky.

She stood in the streets of the rain-soaked city, surrounded by the constant hum of urban life. Neon signs flickered above, attempting to capture attention amid the bustling commotion. The air was thick with the scent of rain and pollution, a stark contrast to the idyllic scene portrayed on the aging infomercial.

As she spat on the ground, the droplet mixed with rainwater, creating a small pool at her feet. Her boots, covered in grease, reflected the grittier reality of the urban environment. The incessant movement of vehicles on the street created a symphony of honks and engine roars, echoing through the city.

She glanced back at the infomercial, its portrayal of a perfect world standing in stark contrast to the challenges and struggles of the one she found herself in. The rain continued to fall, washing away the grime of the city, but leaving behind the undeniable reality of a life shaped by the urban landscape.

As she stood near the infomercial station,the threat hung in the air as she faced the slightly older street urchin and his two accomplices. Rain continued to fall, casting a melancholic ambiance over the alley. Despite the precarious situation, a subtle smile played on her lips.

"Pay up Depp!" The demand was accompanied by a breaking voice that betrayed the youth of the speaker. The veiled threat of "nasty things" lingered, but she was no stranger to challenges. The urchin trio, with their encircling stance, seemed determined to intimidate.

She balled her fists, the muscles in her arms tightening. Shifting her stance, she prepared for whatever might come. A glint of defiance flashed in her eyes, a silent acknowledgment that she had faced adversity before and wasn't about to back down. The rain continued to fall, indifferent to the bad vibrations building in the alley.

"Depp? Meine name is not Depp"

The tension in the alley reached its breaking point as she corrected the misnaming of "Depp." The atmosphere crackled with a mixture of rain and brewing conflict. As the first punch was thrown, she deftly turned the situation to her advantage. The calculated distraction made the older boy lift his guard, shielding his face from an anticipated attack.

Seizing the opportunity, she struck low with a swift and well-aimed kick, targeting a vulnerable area. The boy winced, the higher pitch of his breaking voice betraying his discomfort. However, before the kick's resolution, she didn't pause; instead, she executed a quick follow-up move. Using the downward motion of his head, she propelled herself upward and met his forehead with her own.

The alley briefly echoed with the sounds of the scuffle—raindrops merging with the muffled grunts of the older boy. The two smaller boys, momentarily stunned by the unexpected turn of events, hesitated in their encircling posture. The mouse had shown its teeth, and the cats were left momentarily uncertain in the face of a more alarming opponent.

Her swift and precise counterattack had a profound impact, leaving the older boy sprawled on the ground with a broken nose and a geyser of blood. As he writhed in pain, she stood there, unyielding, and delivered a clear message to the remaining two boys. Her name echoed in the alley, a declaration of identity and defiance.

"My name is Elke Hahn... And who's next?" The challenge hung in the air, and for a moment, time seemed to slow as the two smaller boys exchanged uncertain glances. Elke's stance, marked by confidence and readiness, created an imposing figure in the dimly lit alley. The stress lingered, the rain continued to fall, then after a two second pause the two remaining boys took off into the night.

"You've got some moves kid...You come work for me, and I'll make you into a legend"

Elke turned towards the source of the voice, her eyes narrowing as she tried to discern the figure emerging from the shadows. The scent of alcohol and tobacco lingered in the air, adding an additional layer of mystery to the stranger. Despite the apparent challenge in the alley, there was a certain confidence in the way he spoke.

"Work for you, huh?" Elke replied, her tone cautious yet intrigued. The rain continued to fall, creating a rhythmic patter against the backdrop of the city. "What's the catch, and who are you?" She remained on guard, her eyes scanning the alley for any signs of additional threats.

"My name is Kommandant Fischer, and I have a few bunks to spare on our dropship" The voice explained as the near middle aged blond haired woman walked out from the shadows. "Your not Steiner trooper material, but it's a new world a new day and I'm sure my beloved can learn to adjust"

Elke eyed Kommandant Fischer with a mix of skepticism and curiosity. The mention of a dropship and an offer to join something outside the typical Steiner trooper path intrigued her. The rain-soaked alley and the neon lights reflected in the puddles added a surreal atmosphere to the encounter.

"And what's your game, Kommandant Fischer?" Elke questioned, her guard still up but her interest growing. "What's in it for me, and what do you want in return?" Her rebellious spirit remained unyielding, but the possibility of a new path beckoned.

"Warm bed, 3 meals a day, training, creds in your pocket and a chance to become a I need is loyalty."

The woman offered her hand towards Elke as if to seal the deal and she offered a warm smile.

Elke regarded the offered hand for a moment, contemplating the offer and the potential shift in her fate. The warmth in Kommandant Fischer's smile and the promises of a different life echoed in her mind. After a brief pause, Elke's tough facade softened, and she reached out to shake the offered hand.

"You got yourself a deal, Kommandant," Elke declared, a glimmer of anticipation in her clear blue eyes. "Let's see what kind of legend I can become."

The room was bathed in a dim light, casting shadows that seemed to dance around the couple as they engaged in a conversation that transcended the boundaries of leadership and partnership. The gravity of their discussion hung in the air, marked by the losses they had suffered and the challenges they faced in their endeavors.

Rhyan, positioned halfway under the sheets, voiced his concerns about the recent recruits, his words laden with a sense of traditional military standards. He began with Elke, criticizing her non-regulation style, branding her as a menace with reckless and headstrong tendencies. Moving on to Lea, he emphasized her Draconian heritage, a point that seemed to carry weight in his assessment. Lastly, he concluded with Lorelai, labeling her as a petite fashionista.

Carol, draped over the half-covered sheets, listened with a soft chuckle that cut through the seriousness of Rhyan's assessment. Her response reflected a pragmatic perspective that echoed the realities of their sell-sword life. In this new chapter, practicality and financial considerations often took precedence over traditional military ideals.

The room, filled with the quiet exchange of thoughts and concerns, carried an air of understanding between the couple. Their connection, forged through a lifetime of warfare and challenges, was evident in the way they navigated the complexities of their roles. Carol's acknowledgment of Rhyan's commitment to tradition and honor was met with a sense of understanding, creating a dynamic partnership that blended their strengths.

As they continued their conversation, the room held a mixture of resilience and acceptance. The challenges they faced were not only on the battlefield but also in the nuances of leading a mech for hire company. The quiet intimacy of their private quarters became a sanctuary where they found solace and support in each other's presence.

The mood shifted, and the weight of their responsibilities seemed to lift as they engaged in a more physical form of connection. The grown adults, with a lifetime of shared experiences, found a different kind of release as they grappled with each other, the wrestling becoming a testament to the strength of their bond in the face of adversity.