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RP: 5th Fleet [Chapter One] Reinforcements

Kai

Kai

Retired Staff
Location: Cargo bay of the Courier-class, YSS Yukimaru, in orbit above the planet Lkihungfv.

The first waves had already deployed, and all that remained for the moment were the second-string squads, the backups, the reinforcements. Squad XIII was one of those squads- understrength, under-trained, they had yet to even perform proper simulations as a unit. The Squad at this point only existed in case extra manpower was absolutely needed. As it was, only eight figures were left on this particular sub-division of the cargo bay, and two vehicles: a battered, scorched Type 33 Yusou Grav-APC, and a shiny Origin Starbryte shuttle wearing OriSec markings. The former was the craft that would take the squad down to the planet when they were called, and the latter belonged to the security detail of an Origin representative who was on the ship to observe the deployment of some of the company's latest technology in its first real battle.

Of those eight figures, Three were in power armor. One tall Daisy with a Face painted crudely onto the visor, an almost dainty looking, unfamiliar armor, and another Daisy, this one happening to have a blonde-capped head sticking out of the top, a smile beaming through the freckles on the young woman's face. Some of those before her would recognize the face; they had seen it little more than a week ago when they had first arrived at Pisces station, a Heisho named April Jackson.

"Well, Sirs," the blonde spoke to the two other armors "It seems this is all we've got fer now." the Daisy to April's right nodded solemnly, not speaking, just seeming to take in those assembled. At her words, the short, slim looking power armor moved and banged twice on the side of the transport with an armored fist - the hatch soon opened, and she was graced with the appearance of a shortish, roundish Nepleslian man in a slightly disheveled SAoY uniform, some ancient form of helmet plopped on his head, a microphone extending from the left side toward his mouth. Though his eyes were hidden by the tinted visor, the squad could see a bit of stubble on his chin. he seemed to appraise the group before him, scratching the side of his helmet.

The Nepleslian pilot turned down to the strangely short power armor and asked her, gruffly, "Whaddya want?"

Shockingly, he was even taller than the puny power armor, assuming it was even a power armor to begin with. Standing so close to one another, it was clear whoever this is was easily half a foot shorter than the Nepleslian, and he was only around five and a half feet tall to begin with! Looking more closely, it was almost as if a girl had dressed herself up in a form fitting costume. One that just happened to be made out of armor grade plates. "We're boarding soon," a flatly unamused and familiar voice spoke.

It was Sif. Turning around, she addressed the rest of the squad, her voice strong and commanding, "Everyone, suit up now - you'll all be briefed as soon as we launch," she ordered with a clipped tone. At that, the oddly puny armor strode deep into the transport and sat, waiting.

The tall Daisy armor followed Sif into the APC, leaving the unhelmeted April available to help anyone if they needed it. The APC's pilot, as well, tramped back into the craft, leaving just the lower ranked soldiers outside, to get themselves ready and hurry in.
 
Cargo Bay

Anzu jerked awake as soon as she heard the unmistakable sound of a voice in charge giving her orders. She yawned and stretched, uncurling from the spot she'd settled in during their long wait. Although it took only a few moments for the Neko to reach her feet, by then she seemed wide awake. She gave a mischievous, fanged grin to her squad mates before moving to where their armor was stowed, dragging along her possessions.

It was easy enough to locate her Daisy. Not only was it the only one that looked like it had seen frequent use, but there was no mistaking the bazooka stored with it. She did pause for a moment when she spotted a rather out of place suit with wings, glancing back at the similarly winged soldier before shrugging and getting back to business. Simo stowed her belongings and properly packed the suit's butt pack first, before beginning to suit up. All of her various accessories were removed before she slipped inside, wearing just the undersuit and basic black infantry uniform.

Anzu was still smiling as she began running the routine checks and double-checks. The little 'vacation' on Pisces Station had been nice, but it had only made her more eager to get into the field. She was a bit disappointed that this mission required armor, especially since it didn't seem to be anything particularly important or urgent. Eventually the grin disappeared into her helmet, the armored Neko securing the collapsed bazooka to her back and carrying her rifle as she headed to join the others inside the transport.
 
Damien was calm and relaxed following his morning meditation. He had found time to work in it after his morning exercises. He felt that it was a good way to sharpen his mind in addition to his body. It helped him find his balance and Damien held balance as a key to a truly fulfilling life.

Now however it was time for the military part of his life. Hearing the call, Damien gathered his things and moved over to his armor. It was new and it was his. He would treat it with respect. Caring for your armor and equipment was something that had been beaten into him during basic.

So Damien was always thorough with his equipment checks and took them very seriously. Today was no different. He looked over his armor and rifle, inspecting each part to make sure it was ready. Damien stepped into his armor and began to "button up". After a quick range of motion check, Damien turned to see his squad mates loading into the transport. He secured his weapon and moved in behind them, taking a seat next to Anzu.
 
The odd armor sat at the very front of the transport, its little rump perched precariously on the back of the seat Sif had picked, legs crossed as her hands were down by her sides, further propping her up.

Even seated like this, turned about to watch them all, the dainty power armor looked facelessly impatient as they all went about their business. As Anzu and Damien had made their way into the transport, a familiar voice could be heard directly behind them, directed out of the craft and at the others still suiting up. "Stragglers. Hurry up," Sif spoke, her voice commandingly flat and unamused at their perceived sloth. She was standing in miniature at the lip of the rear hatch - back where they saw 'her' moments ago, the armor somehow still sat upon the back of the seat looking at them, perfectly still!

Like a peregrine, albeit even smaller, she stood, arms crossed and watching with sharp eyes.
 
Unlike Anzu, Aya had been wide awake for a good deal of the trip. She was positively dying for a chance to get stuck into things, and now the opportunity was tantalisingly close. Returning her fellow Neko's grin with one of her own, Aya sprang to her feet and jogged after Anzu.

It took her a little bit longer to find her armour, but she found it all the same. Checking the Daisy II over and finding it satisfactory, the Neko began to get in. Sif's prodding made Aya speed up her entry. Before long she was making her way into the transport, murmuring an apology as she did so. Settling into one of the seats, the Nekovalkryja looked straight ahead, her skin tingling with excitement and her mind feeling even more alert than it had been beforehand.
 
Anzu settled in and started to prepare for their ride, trying to get comfortable. It took some doing to sit with the bazooka still strapped in place, the weapon longer than she was tall, even in its collapsed state. The barrel jutted several feet above her head, her Type 33 also taking up a decent amount of space. The Neko's LASR was laid across her lap, her hands resting on top of it.

A yawn was unnoticed inside her helmet. Simo hoped there wouldn't be any boring details to go over on the ride down. She was looking forward to another quick nap before they got down to business.
 
Zozo was excited to know the people he met by chance on that day would be the same ones he'd be fighting along side with. It especially would of been nice if he could speak with both Aya and Damien. However, now wasn't the time for him to strike up a casual conversation, at least, not with the cute but sharp tongued Sif around, carrying a metaphorical whip in her hands and watching their every move. There will be other times for him to get along with his squad mates, for now, he had an armor to put on.

The Elysian's armor was relatively easy to find, given that it stood out quite a bit. An Anthedon Power Armor that stood taller then most of Daisies around it. It was quite striking, imposing even. Something truly suited for the Patrician upper class, in which this Caelisolan was not. The only reason he had one was that it was a gift from his master when he first joined the Elysian navy. Proof that the bonds between his family and they served were quite deep indeed. He would of felt humbled to be the one to wear such an armor if he wasn't already overwhelmed by a sense of embarrassment. Wearing this would completely alienate him from the rest of the group and their matching daisies, putting to moot any effort he would make towards fitting in. The fact that it was a bit awkward to get into didn't help either.

Masking a silent groan, Zozo popped open the chest plate and prepared to make a fool of himself.
 
Small, sharp eyes watched them all like a spaceport worker checking over the passengers for tickets. And perhaps illicit luggage.

This scrutinizing gaze eventually fell on the Elysian however. "Do you need help getting your wings into the suit, Zoroaster?" the little Neko flatly asked. She was clearly not joking or amused in the slightest, going off of the borderline sour note in her voice. For someone so small, she gracefully leaped, Sif's little feet carrying her from point to point until she was right at his rack - looking down on him from above, she spoke again. "It seems that you have suited up, but have forgotten the other half of your orders. Get to the craft."

With that, Sif took off, eventually bounding across the threshold and skipping from helmeted head to helmeted head before landing at her own Power Armor's shoulder. A lengthy pilot pod or plug slid out of the back of the neck. Without so much as a look back, she vanished into its opening before the pilot pod smoothly, slid back in with Sif inside. Even when riding inside a Power Armor as though it were a Giant Mecha, her impatience at the group showed.

The armor's finger tapped away.
 
Fieke chuckled to herself in relief as Sif disappeared back into the depths of the APC and presumably was confined once more inside her own PA. The Origin Security Officer really hadn't wanted to slow things down by prompting what would end up being a heated argument between herself and the tiny neko – with things the way they were now she could most likely enter the shuttle quietly and just sit down and wait for launch no problem.

Checking her data pad – which now seemed awkwardly small in the hands of her PA – the Abwehran read over the status update she was sending to Representative Merkur for the last time. It mentioned that she was heading to “ground level attachment duties” and would be available for a full debriefing – with all relevant logs from her PA along with her – once she was finished with her integrated observation period.

Nodding confidently to herself as she finished reading and sent off her report Fieke and her Impulse power armour walked forward with a Origin Issue ASGR resting against her shoulder. When she reached the entrance to the idle old Type 33 the security Corporal waved at Zozo to encourage him to hurry up before ducking inside and snagging a place close to the exit.
 
Sif's impatient tapping wasn't the only movement of fingers. with the Non-entry of Zozo, the grin-emblazoned Daisy motioned to April, whom was still standing at the door. She nodded, and walked out to the wayward Elysian.

"I'm sorry, Sugar, but we kinda need ta get goin, ya know?" the blonde informed the Elysian, grabbing his arm and pulling him- half-donned Anthedon and all- into the Yusou Grav-APC. She banged hard three times on the wall of the craft, and the rear door closed itself swiftly. Before April and Zosimos could sit down, the vehicle suddenly and firmly lifted off the deck, gently rocking as it worked to stabilize itself, apparently fighting against some flourish the pilot was attempting.
Sure enough, there was a bit of yelling and complaining from the cockpit area, and a few choice expletives in Nepleslian wafted across the cabin before the APC settled out and once again began moving, shooting forward with a suddenness that made the liftoff seem tame.
Unperturbed, the tall, Grinning Daisy at the front of the cabin observed the new soldiers in his unit before addressing them. As some might have guessed, the voice was that of the Juni they had met on Pisces just over a week prior.

"As you all should know, we are now dropping onto a planet called Lkihungfv, which has been a Mishhu outpost for many years. while the garrison we're fighting may not be especially large, they are quite dug in, so don't expect this to be an easy fight. We're going in behind the rest of our platoon to act as backup and reinforcements, so our job on the battlefield will be flexible. You must all be ready to pick up and move onto a new objective at any given moment, are we clear? As of right now, we haven't been assigned an objective, but we will be picking up some stragglers from another unit before heading out, so make sure you remember who they are before we go. And, lastly, I think Sif has something to explain to you. Something to do with making your helmets invisible or something."

With that last note, the Juni waved his hand dismissively, as if he could care less about whatever the Minuscule Neko was going to teach the rest of his squad.

The odd power armor, practically sitting on the same platform where the pilot and co-pilot's chairs were mounted, moved its head ever so slightly to look over the motley group. "Though your suits are a newer model which are further refined for mass production, they have certain new features which you may find useful - in particular, an addition to the heads up display," she started to explain. She almost seemed annoyed at having to explain it in the first place - almost. "Observe." Gesturing at them all with an upturned hand, everyone's faces suddenly became visible as though their helmets had became transparent. Save for faint outlines, they could see one another clearly. Just as quickly, she waved it away however - it was going to be a feature they were going to choose to use. Or not.

Save for Sif and Kai themselves of course - it seemed they were disinterested in the feature themselves for the time being.

"Other features include an integrated fusion reactor and thruster system, as well as a crude collapsing cudgel," she added in clipped tones. "It is designed to be better than your fists. That is all."
As if on cue, as soon as Sif's explanation was over, the Grav-APC began to shake and shudder. the pilot turned back toward Nakamura Juni and yelled gruffly over the noise of the squeaks and clanks the insides of the used shuttle made "We've jus' passed into the atmosphere an' already there's about five missile locks on us. Nothing Chatterbox and I can't handle, but just letting you know the ride might get a bit bumpy" He informed.

"We don't have any guns on the belly, but there's such a long travel distance to us, we can work something out to shoot the things down!" a turquoise headed Neko shouted over her shoulder. In all honesty, there was no real reason to - though the interior was mildly noisy, it could still be talked over. "Oi! Hime-sama, get a proper seat and buckle up!" the co-pilot shouted at Sif, quickly reaching a hand up to adjust her out of place leather cap. "It's going to get bumpy!"
With a momentary, faceless glare, Sif did just that and buckled herself in.

"Thanks, Lou." the Juni replied, simply, ignoring the turquoise-topped Neko and looking out the forward window at the rapidly approaching planet's surface. Indeed, there were a few streams of fluffy white missile contrails snaking up from a point on the ground. That point suddenly became a dot of light before turning to black; Having given away its position, the missile battery was summarily destroyed. The Yusou itself began to shudder and shimmy, a stream of defensive gunfire pouring out from its mounted weapons as the pilot, Lou, began to work the controls, turning the ground below them into a blur of motion.

"A few more degrees Lou! Rotate a few more degrees and I'll hit it!" the talkative Neko exclaimed. A white puff in the viewscreen showed that Chatterbox had indeed taken out one of the missiles, but there were still more and the Yusou banked sharply to avoid one and the last moment, rocking violently as a wave of overpressure knocked it slightly off course for a moment. "Stupid squid missile!"

"Oi! I tol' ya to shoot them down, numbskull!" Lou yelled at Chatterbox.
"Not my fault the bugs shoot so many at us!" she loudly yelled back at the man right next to her.

"An' now we got two behind us! Get the bugger in front before they nip us in the ass!" Lou complained at his copilot, working the controls furiously, but, before he could continue complaining, a sudden and literal hail of cannon rounds rained upward from the landing zone below, obliterating the two missiles in tow.

"Well, Damn, the new shit works" Lou muttered, noting that the fire had come from a Type 34 SPAAG that he had finally come within range of. A second burst across the bow of the Yusou caused Lou to reel the craft upward, but it had the benefit of taking out the final missile. Among a few curses about the SPAAG gunner's mother, Lou managed to bring the Yusou quickly down to the ground, where he dropped it to the ground with an unceremonious thud, opening the rear door to let the troopers out.

"Get out and get bent, and thank you for riding Benjo Box airways." Lou spouted, ushering the power armored troops outward with his gloved hand.

"Louuuuu!" the troops heard the Neko moan as they departed. "My eyes went all googly when I used both turrets at once, and now my left one is all droopy!" she moaned.

"And ya still weren't the one that saved us, so quit yer bitchin'!" Lou retorted with a bit of a frown.

Another voice made itself apparent over the Bickering. "Allright, Unluckies, You heard the man, Let's get our asses out of this thing!" Nakamura-Juni stood up (as much as he could within the Yusou anyway) and attached an oversize Katana to his Daisy where the Buttpack normally went, hefting a much bulkier rifle than the LASR, Origin's ASGR, which April and Fieke also brandished. As soon as the group left the Yusou, the craft took off, speeding away to disappear in the distance, on some other errand.

The squad found itself in the middle of the LZ, which was more or less just a flattened area on a flat plain, where there were a large number of boxes, vehicles, and powered armors around. A few tents and portable buildings were clustered off to one side, a large pile of crates to another. right nearby there were several wheeled vehicles, including the SPAAG that had helped them on their way down. all were rather similar, based off the same platform but obviously built for different purposes. The SPAAG, two different types of APC, and one that had what appeared to be a tank turret mounted to the top of it.

Besides the things that were around, there was a surprising amount of activity going on. Other Grav-APC's dropped off troops, the wheeled vehicles came and went, personnel moved items and cargo about, but the most profound sight was that of a number of Power armor pouring in- all of which were covered in blood. Often, one armor would be supporting another that was missing several limbs or peppered with holes, barely able to move itself, but more disturbing was the pairs of armors carrying a third armor between them- Limp armors, poked with holes, missing their heads, charred and blasted. These were the casualties. The dead. the latter of which were, for the time being unceremoniously laid in rows along one edge of the LZ, technicians picking over the armors for salvageable parts, and others taking down the information of the deceased, to put out a call and have them revived.

"Welcome to war" the Juni stated, flatly.
 
Damien listened to the briefing that Sif gave on the way down. He thought that the helmet feature was rather cool and could be useful for identifying friends. As the transport got closer to the ground however, the real action started. Damien knew that the insertion phase of the operation was probably more dangerous than the actual ground combat. In their giant metal coffin they were extremely vulnerable to all being killed in one go.

Damien shook such thoughts as he descended towards the ground. He was silent as he was in most drops. He slightly prayed in his armor as he prepared to disembark. He completely blocked out the pilots chattering as he concentrated on his own thoughts. For a Star Army trooper, he really did hate flying... After what seemed like an eternity Damien finally felt the craft touch down.

Instinctively he acted on the go order. Damien was confused on why they were being called the "Unluckies" he figured it probably had something to do with their squad number and some sort of superstition or something. He tried not to worry about that too much either. But as he surveyed the scene and saw the causalities piling up, he began to get more and more worried about what would happen to them.

He had learned in his short time in the army that whenever command needed, "reinforcements" it was because most of the force they had sent was already wiped out. Thus they needed new cannon fodder to shove at the enemy. This was one of the major things Damien couldn't agree with, but this was the way war was fought. Like it or not, this is what he signed up for.

Damien readied his weapon as he heard the Juni say,
"Welcome to the war"
Click to expand...
Damien would certainly try to make the best of it and not get himself or one of his new squad mates killed. That was the best he could do or ask for at this point.

"Roger that. Ready for action" Damien said, trying to sound enthusiastic about being dropped into this hell hole... He wasn't but again, it was just job and he took his work very seriously.
 
Anzu grunted as Sif's tiny form bounced off her helmet. She waved her hand above her head, as if she was shooing the Mini-Neko away. "Careful shorty. You don't wanna get swatted by mistake." She giggled, grinning inside her helmet. Simo didn't often run into people shorter than her, much less a Neko that could stand on her head. The fact that Sif outranked her only made it more amusing.

She turned her head to note Fieke's civilian armor joining them in the transport. Great. This squad had to be the weirdest one yet. A bunch of newbies, a pint-sized XO and some tag-along that would probably get herself killed checking her email on that pad in the middle of a fight. Anzu almost forgot about the bird, until he was hauled into the transport, half-dressed. She snickered and shook her head before closing her eyes.

And, right on time, the boring instructions started. Boring instructions for a boring mission, it seemed. Simo still had her eyes closed when their helmets were turned invisible, completely missing the demostration, although she was already familiar with the option. As the ride continued, she was able to block out most of the chatter, ignoring the noise. Her armor shook and wobbled, guns and shield jostled about during the turbulence. There was nothing she could do about this, so why worry?

Anzu stopped dozing and sat up straight when she felt the transport thud to the ground. The armored Neko stood and piled out onto the surface with the rest of her new squad. "Ah...this is more like it." She was happy to have her feet back on solid ground for a change. Simo always felt more comfortable planetside. She checked to make sure her weapons and supplies were all properly settled, taking in their new location. It didn't seem to bother her.

She idly nodded at Kai's comment, looking over at the three Santo Hei. She couldn't help but snicker at Damien's attempt at bravado. Anzu wasn't sure about the Yamataian, and who knew what the bird was even doing here, but at least she knew what to expect from the Neko. The officers probably knew what they were doing, but she'd have to keep an eye on Aya. Simo was only about a year older than her, so she had a good idea how the younger Neko felt right about now.
 
Departing from the Yusou, Sif's power armor was the last to step foot on the planet. Other personnel carriers arrived as well, contents within disgorging at their own pace. Oddly enough, a few even ambled over to join the squad from their own vehicles..

Unlike most others however, her armor already started to move with purpose. Walking over to the pile of bodies, she started to speak to the others again. "Transport directly into combat will arrive shortly," the dainty, armored figure explained flatly. Her faceless helmet panned over the pile of corpses still in their Daisy power armors until a glint caught the Mini-Neko's eye. "While in combat, you will all do the bulk of the work. Keep a level head and follow orders that you are given."

The odd armor, finally named, bent over and reached into the pile of bodies and limbs as she spoke. Uncaring of them, she rolled one off to the side before pinching a small silvery bit jutting out of the chest of one deceased Daisy. Putting a foot to the body's waist, a single swift, smooth tug produced a foot long serrated blade segment, slick with red as it slid out of the breastplate. Examining it closely, she spoke again, voice laced with a hint of disappointment at the find. "Should you severely falter, I shall intervene. After the fact."

The words hung in the air like a thinly veiled threat as the ruined blade was cast back into the pile of dead. "Questions, anyone?"

There wasn't even any mocking sweetness in her voice.
 
Aya was faintly impressed by the Juni's ability to pronounce the planet's name, which seemed like a bit of a mouthful. She paid close attention to the briefing, trying to memorise every detail (no matter how mundane or basic it seemed).

When Sif took the opportunity to explain the transparency feature, Aya gasped appreciatively. She imagined it would be handy for something, even if no ideas came to her immediately.

The somewhat hairy descent filled her with even more nervous energy (even if she couldn't affect the outcome, it was difficult to ignore it), so that by the time the Yusou landed she practically sprang out of it, trotting to a stop alongside the others. Her enthusiasm was dented, however, as she witnessed the injured troops clad in power armour.

She might be a Nekovalkryja, but she was still mortal. It was hard to look away, which made Sif's interjection all too welcome to Aya, as intimidating as it was. Rather than responding, Aya settled for remaining silent, attempting to keep focused on the mission ahead, the squad's stated objectives, and the advice rather than the corpses. She could do this, couldn't she?
 
As she stepped out of the squad's trasnport, Fieke got a good look at what exactly had saved them all from being a couple of missiles' grease stains the Corporal felt a short burst of triumph. It seemed quite clear that Origin's newest goodies were already doing their part to keep the Fifth moving. Her elated mood didn't last long and, as was seeming to be making a habit of itself, the reason for that was found to be coming from the shortest member of the 'Unluckies'.

“Good to see someone's maintained their high expectations throughout their career.” Fieke muttered to herself, quite safely in the confines of her PA's helmet, as she glared from behind her visor at what was apparently Sif's thoughts on how to prep a squad for combat.

The Nightwalker resisted the urge to shake her head and instead just let out a short, irritated sigh. Looking once more towards the small neko that helped lead the squad Fieke did her best to squash her simmering dislike. After all, weren't cats and demons supposed to get along naturally?

Dropping that line of thought completely, the Abwehran cleared her throat and made it so her helmet was no longer a safe realm of sarcastic comments that only she could hear. “How's the squad going to setup and operate once we're running feindselig – er, that is, hostile? If there aren't any objections I'd like to volunteer for point duty; my armour is making use of a FATE type S system and it would catch anything I might miss.”
 
Anzu was barely paying attention to the display Sif put on, although the gleaming blade did catch her eye for a moment. Most of her attention was on the seemingly random soldiers that wandered over to join them. She vaguely remembered something about picking up stragglers, so these strangers must be planning to ride along with them, back towards the action. She stayed quiet for now, just giving them a once-over while waiting for the people in charge to say something.

Simo couldn't help but roll her eyes as Fieke volunteered herself. Normally she'd be more than happy to blaze a trail, but it seemed the civilian wanted to show off. She decided to keep her mouth shut and let her take the risk. Anzu would just have to be extra alert to pick up all that slack. At least Fieke would be the one to step on a mine or walk into an ambush. That'd be a good laugh, and scratch the babysitting job off their list at the same time.
 
"Uagh! I...uh, righ- ah I mean, Yes, Ma'am. Understood." The Elysian, still half way into his suit, ineptly responded to the tiny Nekovalkyrja looking down on him. Not wanting to further slow the squad down, Zozo focused on getting the rest of himself into his armor even as April dragged him by the arm towards the carrier. Once fully suited up, he locked his chest plate back into place just as the doors sealed themselves. The suddenly lift of the carrier taking flight forced the tall man to briefly flail his arms as he steadied his balance.

Zozo was too caught up in his own humiliation and paid only a small amount of attention to the briefing they were being given. He had to remind himself that the others could not see his redden face hidden behind his helmet, or at least, until it became exposed after a single gesture, causing him to quickly turn his head away. Truly, he knew he was being rather uncouth. This was not how an Elysian, no, how a Zoroaster should be acting. Filling up his thoughts with grace and dignity, he calmed himself and tried to catch the remainder of the briefing.

This is it... Zozo idly thought as the armored personnel carrier entered atmosphere. After so long, he was finally going to take his first steps on the battlefield. To think, when he first joined the Elysian Navel Fleet the enemy he had been trained to fight were the ones that he now called allies. The memories were still fresh in his mind. That day he finished basic training, the same day the Yamatai-Elysian treaty was signed and then later was told he was now a part of Yamatai's military, it crushed him. He would of resigned on the spot and returned home instead of serving as a soldier for the enemy if it wasn't for that incident aboard that transfer station. Striking that neko from back then in the face changed his life. Before, he believed Elysian were superior to the other species but thanks to her, he became a believe of equality and peace.

It seemed hypocritical that an Elysian of peace would be fighting in a war, but this was was the best place for one such as him to be. At least here, even as a soldier, he had the chance to find peace for the wondrous worlds teaming with all sorts of life. If Zozo had just gone home nothing would change. True, the life of a servant in a noble house was a safe and happy life, but he could not just stand by and let the universe remain the way it was.

When the carrier landed and the doors opened, Zozo took in the horrid sight in front of him. Gripping his weapon as Kai welcomed the squad to war, he exited the carrier speaking softly to himself. "Yes, this is exactly where a person hoping for peace should be." After reaffirming his emotion and drive, he spoke out to Sif, "Just one, how long do we have until transport arrives? I'd like to be given permission help those injured here, Ma'am." He asked, serious in tone for once.
 
Damien listened quietly as his squadmates began to speak up. Damien was pleased when the civilian offered to walk point. That mean that he didn't have to do it. He had noticed that most of his former COs always volunteered him to walk point. He had a sneaking suspicion that they were always trying to get rid of him. Damien had dismissed this paranoia as simple coincidence though. After all why would a Star Army officer try to get rid of a soldier?

Thinking about that scenario worried Damien. They had always told him that he thought too much. As Damien watched and listened to Sif instructions, he did begin to wonder again. "Thoughts like that will get you killed" recalled Damien from what one of his squad leaders had told him once. He shook off the thought again and focused on the mission at hand. He didn't have any questions, he just didn't wana screw-up and get himself or someone else killed.
 
"Standard operating procedure upon contact - establish a base of fire while other individuals outmaneuver the enemy," the Mini-Neko replied crisply, explaining what she expected not only to Fieke, but to the rest of the squad as well. "And as you please, Abwehran," Siv idly waved an armored hand.

"Though I may be incorrect, I do not believe you fall under my direct jurisdiction." Her faceless helmet slowly turned to fall upon Kai momentarily, perhaps questioningly, before coming back to Fieke. "However, as you are offering your services - Itadakimasu," she spoke, her smooth but utterly serious tone of voice oddly mellowed by the word of choice.

'I humbly accept.'

Off in the distance, a small dust cloud was building, its source nearing the bivouac. It seemed she ignored it however, as one of the handful of other Daisy armors that had gathered about raised a hand. "We're part of another squad operating in the same area Ma'am! We just came back out of the tanks and need to go out to replenish their ranks," the Neko inside the armor explained. By now however, the vehicle rolled near.

It actually rolled near. On wheels. Sif stared in silence before speaking.

"You will ride atop the vehicle with me. Everyone else from Thirteen will get ins - " The vehicle's driver hit the breaks while turning the wheel, sending the infantry carrier skidding about, its rear end turning to face them all. Before the squad leader could so much as say another word, the hatch dropped down. The walking wounded stumbled out, while those that were worse were carried. No such courtesy was extended to the dead as they were dragged along by necessity.

"N-nevermind. We found our squad," the Daisy from the other group spoke up. She and the others rushed off to their aid as Sif moved to eye the interior of the vehicle - Blood and hemosynth pooled at the 'blood tray' at the bottom. Even as she observed, the crimson liquid slowly dripped out onto the ramp and the dirt of this world below. She turned to the squad.

"Everyone, in. Now," the Mini-Neko spoke, her voice rising to just a hair away from a bark. The fact that she was far, far removed from anything nearing happiness emanated off of her like psionic waves. It was simply best not to test her patience. "And no sharing Elysian - those supplies are for the squad alone or key personnel," she remarked, a faint heat of harshness in the words as she turned to face him. "Do not squander supplies. That is all."

At that, she leaped, landing atop the vehicle with feather footed feet before vanishing from sight.
 
Simo nodded as Sif and the unknown soldiers spoke. Well, that explained what their job was going to be, and who their new friends were. She smiled to herself as the vehicle rapidly approached, skidding to a halt to unload. "Now this place is starting to feel more like home."

Anzu slapped Aya on the back, helpfully pushing/guiding her fellow Neko into the vehicle. "C'mon nub, into the Ro! If we're lucky, this ride'll be even bumpier than the last." She giggled, quickly finding a seat. If she was one of the first in, she might even get one without too much blood on it. Settling in for another trip, she wondered how long they'd be at their destination before being zipped somewhere else.
 
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