[dcs_p]And unfortunately for his enemies, Sir Alec de Payens was also a man who
learned much from his mistakes. As a result, the Crusaders mercenary unit, as
they had been christened, were not a bunch to be taken lightly. They were
armed with some of the best technology the Inner Sphere had to offer and the
technicians to support that technological might. Furthermore they were strictly
self-disciplined. They brought their considerable force to bear on any targets
deemed radically dangerous to the people of the Inner Sphere, a mission some
had believed the original Knights of the Inner Sphere could have done nearly a
decade ago. So much for that dream.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]Alec shook the thoughts from his head and got down to business. He switched
on his pocket transmitter. The small device was set with various auto-functions
that allowed him to call for a status update at the press of a button. Unlike the full
blown emergency update system, this called only for updates from his two lance
leaders serving directly under him. As per the Crusaders new contract, a third
backup lance would also report in. That lance consisted of warriors ‘on loan’
from the Strider’s Strikers mercenary unit, the team with which the Crusaders
were currently under hire for.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]Within seconds Alec received his first response.
“Scout lance is green light and go,” It was Sir Rick Ridges. “You’ve got one
recon group simmering and ready, Sir de Payens.” Rick always chose formal
language during any and all transmitter conversations.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]”Well done, Rick.” The crack of Alec’s own raspy throat immediately reminded
him to recheck the room’s humidifier unit. “You are clear to start the day, Sir
Ridges.” Alec smiled at his own formalities. We’ve known each other for years
and still the guy hasn’t changed any. Rick would be running the routine morning
scouting of the foothills of the Gustus Mountain region nearest the unit’s makeshift
base.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]”Sir de Payens,” This time it was Sir Frederick de Saint Aldemaar, leader of the
assault lance and second-in-command. “Marc is settling down and the rest of us are halfway through the
first simulator battle of the morning.” Frederick’s voice was raspy too, no doubt
another casualty of the intense heat of the Stricken Desert’s early morning solar
radiation. The man paused for a moment, then continued, “With the
Commander’s approval, I humbly request to continue the scenario before my
virtual Cerberus takes any more hits due to lack of concentration.”
Alec shook his head. “Don’t wait for my approval, get back in there and do what
you have to do. As soon as we hear word from Rick and the others, then that
sim is over, got it?”[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]Frederick wasted no time in his reply. “Your will be done, Commander.”
Aldemaar’s usual serious tone was instead light and sarcastic. It was a common
side effect of virtual training for the team’s second in command. Something about
simulator battles, even despite their lifelike programming, just left the man in
stitches. Alec had still never quite figured it out.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]”I guess its my turn, Sir de Payens?” Holden Trumphay’s voice came over the
line like a dull roar. Either the man’s microphone input needed adjusting or he
was trying to make his presence completely known.[/dcs_p]