Army of the Southern Cross

[Sherwood]

The officer shakes his head. "Just get your After Action Reports done and filed. You may be heading out on vacation, but the good ol' Green Machine still needs its paperwork to be done in triplicate. You can also expect to be featured in another news story; the team that was responsible for bringing in the High Lord is a real story that is just waiting to be written. Get moving back to Anton-17. We have enough troops here to oversee the evacuation of the area that we don't need your squad on site."

 

[Orikanyo]

"Then i'll get it done. Have a good day Major." and with that he set off to find his squad.

Having gotten his 'orders" he set off to collect his squad and bring them together for the trip back to Anto 17. "it seems they saw it fit to give us a much needed time off, in New Rio to be exact. I shall be talking to the captain in regards to it, but rest assured we will be having a few weeks to ourselves.. Along with a interesting story to tell the public of our heroism, his words, not mine." the good doctor called to the group over the comms headset, well, somewhat what he said.

it was in the same strain.

"Winged Hussars, our mission is successful, but we still have the trip back yet. Let's make certain we get back without a single problem eh? Ah yes, obviously you have final say what you wish to do with your time off.. But once this damn paper work is finished, your good friend heinrich will be most certainly taking this chance." he laughed, though he did wonder if they were going with him, it'd be one hell of a boring trip alone.. Though.. he could possibly fandangle some friends to come along.

Wonder what hoops he had to jump through to bring his feline friend(s) along~!

 

[Psychie]

Moira is quiet for a moment, trying to decide just how to respond. I know that vacations are supposed to be a good thing, but I am trained for combat, not relaxing somewhere with a drink in my hand. "What are we supposed to do on vacation? Its not a thing that I am used to as a Zentraedi warrior. We fight, or we train to fight. There are no vacations. I was once told that I needed to buy a bikini. Does that have something to do with this vacation we are supposed to take? I would hate to be out of my proper uniform when on vacation."

 

[AldarisLordOfLight]

Adrian looked at Moira with wide eyes. He was shocked that she and maybe the whole lot of the Zentraedi don't know what a vacation is; although his mind ran a couple of ideas on her being in a bikini. But before his thoughts would land on such notions, he shook his head and responded quickly, "You never had a day in the past where you would relax and unwind after a long mission, War Girl? We'll have to fix that with some nice cold beer, good music, and a hearty meal since a vacation is the time where you can be casual and forget about the seriousness of life for a moment; I know I do." He said the last part softly before continuing.

"As for the bikini," he coughed softly before continuing, "that's just needed if we're going to a resort with a pool or the beach; and by the Gods I think we should have a day at the beach when the fighting truly ends...and I'm rambling." He finished with a hint of a blush for rambling.

 

[Sherwood]

Eric lets out a laugh at Adrian's discomfort. "From what I remember, New Rio is on the coast, so you'll get your chance to see Cheesecake in her bikini after all! Count me in on a week of sun, surf, and tall, cool drinks!"

The trip back to Anton-17 is uneventful for once. Seems that whatever Zentraedi units are left out in the field are not feeling the urge to continue their unchecked aggression against the human forces in the area. In any case, it gives you all a chance to calm down and relax on your road trip back home.

After everyone gets their mecha parked in the armored bay, you are met by scattered applause and cheers for your good work in bringing in the High Lord. It seems that the techs are so proud of you that they are willing to overlook the damage to 'their' hover tanks that you endured while in the field. Also, as per Adrian's request, the main gun of his tank is going to be replaced with one of the new particle cannons, giving you a bit more punch with the cost of a slightly reduced level of flexibility provided by the older cannon.

Capt. Cruz is waiting for you in her office after everyone gets changed out of their mega damage armor and has a chance to clean up a bit. "I hear that congratulations are in order! Great job, team! I have the transfer papers for Corporal Kruger all set; Heinrich just needs to sign off on them to make it official. Plus, I have heard that there is some leave time in the works for you guys. Where are you hoping to go to?"

 

[Orikanyo]

"Thank you Captain, we're all but happy to have some time after that mission. it will most certainly make an interesting report. Will have to give the techs some praise for making our tanks waterproof, didn't expect to be pulling a dive inside of a zentraedi warship." he chuckled as he began to sign off on the transfer. "New Rio, Major Maxwell recommended to talk to you about it. Gotta say my team seems they set their hearts on it. Well, at least the lovebirds do." he finished his signing and stood at attention.

Regardless, our mission was only capable thanks to all who had their hands upon it, we were walking right into a hive of angry Zentraedi, alone we would've been lost, but all together we pulled through. And I for one cannot let the brave sacrifices made today go unheeded. This is a victory for all of us, and I am proud to serve amongst you all."

 

[AldarisLordOfLight]

Adrian spluttered a bit as he tried to deny the insinuation; although the redness of his face says it all. When the team got back to base, received a number of scattered congratulations, and got a chance to change and clean up, they had a meeting with Captain Cruz.

It took a part of his training not to splutter and embarrass himself in front of the Captain but he was absolutely glad and excited that they're heading to New Rio---not for the beach mind you, but for the chance to unwind from all the fighting.

He kept his silence at the moment as Heinrich continued, ignoring the man's jest. He mentally uttered a prayer or two for those who have sacrificed their lives for the success they now experience. He'll raise a glass or two for them when they get to New Rio. "The feeling's mutual, Doc. The feeling's mutual." He said with a small smile.

"It's a time to relax, Captain. But also a time to honor those who sacrificed for this victory. We'll be sure to act accordingly in New Rio."

 

[Sherwood]

Capt. Cruz laughs at Heinrich's comments. "Lovebirds, huh? Just make sure that everyone stays professional inside your mecha, got me? And there is no need to be so up tight, Sergeant. Relax and stand at ease. So! The next flight out to Brazilia Base will be leaving in three days. I can have you on that chopper, no problem. From there, you will take another transport to New Rio where you will have your seven days in paradise. New Rio has been a R and R spot for troops all across the region for years, and they know how to take care of us. Just don't do anything to ruin that, ok?" She provides you with a list of hotels that are frequent hosts for troops, and gives you a handful of locations that are good tourist spots to go to.

"In the meantime, I'll have you on light duty as you get ready to leave for your time off. So, as long as we don't have a general alert, you should be able to pack in peace and relax until its time for you to leave. Any questions that you have for me before you go?"

 

[Orikanyo]

"No questions to be had, thought it'd be a tad bit of a shame we cannot bring a few of our friends along as well." he scratched his chin thinking on the matter. "Dare I say you look like you deserve a vacation as well Captain, working you. Though I'm sure you'll have your hands full with the high lord and her associates." he chuckled, kind of wanting to see her reaction, she DID ask him to stand at ease. "Though... say if some friends stopped by and called on us during our trip I'll be sure to keep some drinks and spaces open for them. Have to be prepared for anything you know, even when you're out on the beach.

But that said, I'm sure we will have a time and a half at this place, too much work is bad for the health you know. And being shot at is even less so." he snorted abit, flashing a smile to the woman. " Though, we're it left up to me everyone would come, so perhaps I am a tad bit too generous yea? That aside Captain, I do believe I should be getting to my duties, and telling Marcus of his new position."

 

[Psychie]

With the meeting with the captain done, Moira heads back to her room that she shares with some of the other ladies of the base and breaks out a duffel bag. She then looks to her wall locker and lets out a sigh. All I have in here are uniforms. Nothing to prepare me for this vacation. I wonder if La Fuente has any of the proper stores in it to get me properly equipped? Not to mention, I'll need someone to help me find the right gear.

She sets out to find Adrian. Feeling somewhat embarrassed at having to ask for help, she says, "I have never been on vacation before, and I have a remarkable lack of civilian attire. Can you come to La Fuente with me to look over a few purchases with me so I don't get the wrong clothes? I trust that you won't let me look foolish with the wrong gear."

 

[AldarisLordOfLight]

When they were summarily dismissed from their duties in preparation for their break, Adrian returned to the barracks shared by some of the guys at the base, took a quick shower to wash off the dirt and grime of battle from his person, and started packing some stuff for the upcoming vacation. A number of shirts, a couple pairs of pants, a few shorts, and underwear were neatly folded and placed inside his duffel bag; he even prepared a small pack filled with some basic personal toiletries too. 'I'm glad to have packed some civilian clothes before being shipped out here. But I don't have anything for the bloody beach, dammit. Gotta buy some at La Fuente if they sell some.' He thought as he placed his bag near his bed and dressed up in civilian attire, complete with a sheepskin bomber jacket he managed to squeeze in to his belongings, in preparation of going out to town for some shopping. As he was about to leave the barracks, he quickly ran back to his corner and grabbed his wallet, identification cards, and personnel papers. He didn't want to be accosted by some FNG who's too overzealous in guarding the gates.

As he walked out of the barracks, he was approached by Moira and listened to her request. He was surprised that she came to him for assistance and not the others especially Fia since she's also a woman but he would not question it too much in his head. "Sure thing, War Girl," he said with a smile, "I'm planning on heading out anyway to buy some swimming gear since I didn't have any on me right now, so we can actually go together. We're gonna have to get some nice things for your first vacation! Come on, let's head on out while we still have some time."

 

[ViciousVip3R]

Marcus was relieved to hear that he had been officially transferred to the Winged Hussars, they were an elite group, and Marcus was proud to be given the chance to be one of them. He was just as elated at the prospect of a long awaited and deserved vacation as the rest of the team, "A vacation eh? Sounds good to me, I can't wait!" While the rest of the squad hurriedly packed their gear and civies in whatever bags they could find, Marcus went out to stretch his legs and familiarize himself with his new lodgings. He had already packed all his stuff to move over to his new barracks and had always kept a go bag, so he had nothing to pack. Well, almost nothing, he had overhead some others talking about needing swimwear, and he knew that Speedos were all the rage these days. Maybe he would head in town to see if he could pick anything out.

 

[Sherwood]

When Moira, Adrian and Marcus get to the motorpool to sign out a vehicle to go to La Fuente, the three of you all discover that you are heading into town for the same reason. You also find Eric there, elbow deep with grease stained hands as he is 'relaxing' by tearing into Adrian's mecha to replace the old 105mm cannon with the newer particle cannon. The big man gives you all a friendly wave and says, "I'd happily join you, but I need to make sure that this refit is done correctly and on time. Besides, I'll have a full week in New Rio to get my feet dirty on the beach and soak up some rays while downing a bunch of margaritas. Knock a beer back for me at the bar, will ya?"

The drive into the small town takes about twenty minutes, and soon you find yourselves on the main drag of the place. There is a moderate sized strip mall that has a variety of stores that tailor to the service men and women of the surrounding bases, including several clothing stores.

 

[Psychie]

Moira will insist on being the driver of the staff car to get to La Fuente. I have a hunch that I can shave off the time to get there by several minutes! "Fasten your seat belts, boys! Get ready for a wild ride!" She does her best to push her skills to the max on the winding road, seeing just how fast she can get. The wind in her hair and the screams of terror of her passengers; ah, how lovely!

 

[AldarisLordOfLight]

"Sure thing Eric!" Adrian gave the team's resident mechanic and big man a thumbs up before taking the front passenger seat of the staff car. Moira's driving was good, scary as hell, and exciting. 'She drives like the bloody Devil's on our asses! But who cares, this is actually one fun ride!' He thought as instead of screaming bloody murder, he was laughing his ass off in delight.

When they reached the strip mall intact and with a bit of adrenaline pumping in the system, Adrian gave a small cheer before saying, "Right, let's head out and grab as much as we can before our little trip. We'll rendezvous here in a couple of hours or so? Okay, let's enjoy our little day of shopping! Come on War Girl, I see some shops and a couple of boutiques that you might find a liking to. I'll help you pick out some nice civilian clothes and some good swimwear; and in return, you'll help me out in choosing some swimwear too for myself, deal?" Adrian said with a pleasant smile due to the thought of the incoming R&R and nothing else...nope, nothing else, he thought to himself.

Without even thinking, he took a hold of her hand in to his own and led her to the aforementioned shops. "See you in a few Marcus and enjoy!" He said as he waved his free hand to man.

 

[ViciousVip3R]

Not one to get in the way of two lovebirds, Marcus was fine being left alone. "Have fun!" he says with a wink and a quick wave, "Ring me when you guys are ready to go!" Hmm, I have plenty of time to kill, maybe I'll just walk around and interact with the local populace, I might even run into someone I know...

 

[Sherwood]

As the squad files out of the Captain's office, Capt. Cruz points at Heinrich. "Sergeant, stay for a moment." She waits for the rest of the team to leave before continuing. "I wanted to ask you, have you ever considered going for OCS and training up to become an officer? Your team is certainly making a name for itself, and having an officer in charge of such a unit couldn't hurt." She offers you a tablet with a set of papers already drawn up on it, a request to put you into Officers Candidates School, and all it needs is your signature to make it happen. She says, "I think you would do well in the program. What do you think?"
Orikanyo

 

[Orikanyo]

Sherwood

As he waited for his squad to leave, it was all he could muster to say. "Well, seems like I'm in trouble." accompanied by a small chuckle. Though it was indeed not a reprimanding, nor a disguised chance to have him alone with the quite attractive Captain, but the offer of schooling! Equally as good, he might say. "Well, it would most certainly aid in my career, though going through school again... returning to that battlefield won't be too easy." he noted, as he picked up the tablet and began to sign the papers. "But, can't say I've been one to sit back and let an opportunity pass me by. Though I wish my personal life was meeting equal as growth of my career.." the good doctor sighed before finishing his signing.

 

[Sherwood]

Capt. Cruz smiles as she takes the tablet back from you. "Excellent! That will be submitted ASAP, and we'll do our best to get you into the next OCS class, assuming it has any space available. But, even with that pending, I can still do this for you now." She opens up her desk and pulls out a small envelope, and from that, she pulls out a pair of lieutenant's bars. "This is to show the world that you are now a officer in the ASC. Albeit a provisional, temporary, 3rd lieutenant, but still, an officer. Enjoy the new rank on your vacation, and once you get back, I should have your new orders cut and dried, ready to send you out for training. You might give your team a heads-up for that; they will probably be pulled back to Monument City to get stationed there as you go through your classes with you."

She comes around the desk and has you stand in front of her as she pins your new bars on your collar. "You'll need to get your sergeant's chevrons taken off your uniforms and get some new dress uniforms. Plenty of time for that, though." She steps back and gives you a snap of a salute, followed by a wicked smile. "The really good news is, you won't get in trouble if you just happen to ask that cute Lt. Esparza from the Black Cats Squadron out on a date now, or any other officer that might catch your eye. Fraternization between officers and enlisted being a bad thing still, you know."

 

[Orikanyo]

Heinrich was all smiles, until the Captain started turning wicked, he cleared his throat and patted down his uniform, trying his best to get the small blush on his face to settled. "Ehmn, thank you very much Captain, I am ready to serve." he quieted down a tad before adding. "...Would be a shame going on one only to be separated by such a far distance, new Rio is quite far away you know." he looked quite.. embaressed right now.

"I am lucky my squad is so keen on finding a bathing suit that their not around..." he sighed. shaking his head. "What a cruel Captain you are, work us to death and still you tease me." he chuckled, coming around to being playful once again. "But, i do believe I should soon share the good news with my squad... And with a certain Lieutenant... I just so happen to be lucky enough to owe her a few drinks..." he cleared his throat as he readied to leave, but waited for any closing words from the suprisingly coy Captain Cruz.

 

[Sherwood]

Capt. Cruz lets out a quiet chuckle. "Best of luck with your new bars, Lieutenant. With any luck, this is just the first step of many on the path of your career. Now, I have a ton of paperwork to go through. Seems that some sergeant has done well for himself and has gotten a promotion, and now I have to fix his payroll and a bunch of other things to square his file away. Not to mention the reports coming in from the fighting around the ruins of that ship you were in." She flashes you a grin.

"But, before you go..." she turns to her filing cabinet and pulls out a bottle of Scotch and a couple of glasses. "It is customary for a newly frocked LT to share a drink with whomever it is that pins them with their new rank tabs. I wouldn't want to be remiss with my duties and miss out on a good drink." She pours each of you a splash from the Scotch bottle and raises her glass up for a toast. "To you, Lieutenant Heinrich Schnieder! Long may you lead, and congratulations!" Cruz clinks her drink glass against yours with a wide smile, then takes a slug of her drink.

 

[Psychie]

Not knowing that she might be making him uncomfortable, Moira says, "Marcus, you don't have to go running off... We are all a team now, and having a few drinks with you would be a good start in getting to know you a bit better. Stay with us, and enjoy your time with the Winged Hussars Squad!"

 

[Orikanyo]

"Well I'm awfully sorry to make so much work for you. Don't spend to much time toiling away for my sake." the newly establish lieutenant winked. He reached for the cup and rose the glass for a toast. "And to you Captain Cruz, the finest captain I've served, likely will serve as well." he chuckled, downing his own drink. "Don't worry, every shred of paperwork you do to have me along will only be double I'll have to face down the line, thats for certain. Got a feeling I'll need that increased pay, I've drank with Lt. Esparza a few times already."

"Now then, thank you for everything captain, but I suppose I should be off to tell my squad the good news, and to keep an eye on them, i heard something about bikini shopping abit before the meeting, don't want our poor Moira getting caught up in something she shouldn't now. And I have a fellow Lieutenant to find." he gave the woman a proper salute before setting off to hunt down his squad.

 

[ViciousVip3R]

Marcus looked inquisitively at Adrian for any cues, the last thing he wanted was to get between them. But on the other hand, he wasn't sure if refusing drinks would be considered offensive, especially to a Zentraedi warrior. "Hmm, I could go for some drinks. We have lots of time before we leave for New Rio, shopping could be done later. I heard good things about a new bar close to here called The Goddess of Victory. We could gather up the team and head over, I did promise to buy the first round earlier" said Marcus with a wink.

 

[AldarisLordOfLight]

Adrian was a bit surprised at Moira's offer to the other male. He thought it was alright since he's the new guy and the building of rapport was important after a harrowing mission is a good thing. Also he wasn't like the stereotypical male that snarls and beats his chest at the sight of other males especially those close to the woman he fancies; just look at the man's team for heaven's sake! So having the newbie along is alright for the most part. "The Goddess of Victory, eh? A perfect place for you, War Girl, since you're our team's Goddess of Victory." 'Especially to me.' He thought as he gave her his cheesy grin.

"Right, come along then Marcus! We'll have to buy some clothes and stuff first before we can have some sweet nectar in our system." Adrian said as he gestured for Marcus to come along.