"Leave him! We have. To. Go!" Another beam soared just over his head singeing the back of his neck, "Now!" He emphasized. The team medic administered another vial of battlefield booster into the fated soldier he once had the privilege of calling a friend, a brother. He grasped the man's broad shoulder, or what was left of it, as they both nodded. They both had a job to do. There was just no other way.

"Doc! C'mon!"

The medic turned and ran on the heels of his commanding officer, leaving yet another good man to die.

How many more, he wondered, how many more young boys would he watch die before this war was over?

His concentration on the life-long question was interrupted as a pair of hands snatched him from the streets and into a pile of rubble.

"Doc! You need to snap out of it! We're almost through! We just need to - DOWN!"

~-.-~

Recruit Lima 7 snapped awake, blinked his eyes several times, allowing them to readjust to the light around him. Seeing the ever-familiar dull gunmetal gray ceiling above him, his hands relaxed, releasing the sheets from his grasp. He turned his head slightly over to the left where his holographic clock stood. 0449 Hours.

Just time enough to get a quick set in.

The recruit threw off his sheets and tossed his legs off the right side of his rack. He stared at his feet for a minute before massaging his face with his right hand. He could feel the onset of a stubble starting to grow and made a mental note to shave before the ceremony. He hobbled over to the sink and observed the details of his facial features in clearer detail. His eyes wearily observed the scars he collected during the war still etched into his face. The scar on his bottom lip, just a few hairs to the right of the center, running down to the barely noticeable cleft of his chin, the small slash running horizontally on the right cheek, and the various other knicks and knacks he accumulated over his relatively short career as a grunt.

It adds character at least, he thought to himself. As he had told himself every day since he could find a mirror.

After splashing some of the frigid cold water on to his still groggy face and swishing out all of the cotton-mouth feelings, he threw on his gray fatigues, combat pants and boots and went out for his run. Other recruiting companies were already well into their exercises, drills and the like while he enjoyed his freedom of a leisurely jog throughout the base. He checked out with one of the gate guards he knew and continued out through the countryside.

"Humanity sure has come a long way haven't we..." Lima Seven mused to himself. When the last World War broke out, it was hard to imagine if there would be any sort of resemblance of peace like these countrysides left standing. And yet, here it was, here he was. Blessed to have lived to see another sunrise in the countryside.

The long stretch of dirt road he frequented and practically trail blazed was still partially wet from the morning dew but he paid it no mind as it brushed against his combat pants and spotted his boots with field seeds and the like. His goal was now in sight, he allowed himself to crack a small smile as he outright sprinted through the field and up the hill to tag the lone tree that stood there.

As he was catching his breath, Lima Seven took a glance at his Personal Assistance Device (PAD) for the time. 0610 Hours.

Not bad.

He rested some of his weight on the old Oak tree for a bit and leaned his head back slightly to look up at its leaves and branches. He closed his eyes for a moment to listen as the morning breeze tickled the branches into stretching their stiff limbs. He scoffed at a thought of a memory that had long since past and decided to take this time to relax. He went around the old oak to find a particular notch in the tree that he was fond of. It was a hollowed out part of the tree, a deformation in its growth, that he found the most comfort in. It would be here, as he sat in the dirt at the base of the hollowed tree that he would find his peace and quiet. Finally, away from the noise, the bustle of the base, the constant barking of orders from his CO's and other superiors that assumed command over him, and everything else that life seemed to demand of him, he would simply sit, and relax.

Here he would also find all of his considered contraband items still safely tucked away behind a false door fitted from a small slate of plywood and some scraps of sheet metal.

Among his contraband items were mostly personal effects. A small duffel bag worth of items from his time in the service. First, he withdrew a well-worn leather holster. He traced with his fingers lightly each crack and split in the leather, from the shoulder straps to the holster itself. This and the firearm which it held had seen many days of patrols through the hot mountains and valleys of previous deployments. He withdrew the personal-custom pistol he had been able to salvage from a pawn shop before even his first deployment. It was a relic, by all means, the company who had manufactured the firearm was bought out and the product was never remade to its former glory. It was a miracle in itself just finding it and twice over still having it. He felt the heavy weight of the double-stack 1911 in his hand, worked the slide and locked it to the rear and open position. Ensuring the firearm was still empty, he pressed with his thumb on the slide release lever and felt the satisfying weight of the slide returning to its natural position. He only kept one mag loaded in his bag with the two spares empty within the shoulder holster. He slammed the full mag into the well and holstered the weapon back to its home. He redid the thumb-break strap to the holster that naturally wrapped it between the hammer and firing pin then set it aside.

Just beneath the holster set were two sets of knives. He tried to limit his slight addiction for collecting over obtaining practical utilities but some things just couldn't be helped. One was of a foreign design. Originally a farmer's tool reshaped to give it a deadly bite. Though it may be more frontwards heavy, it had a very special place in Lima Seven's eyes. Lima Seven reminisced briefly the first time it ever saw action. All of his squad-mates doubted he would ever have to use it, then the day that it was used after deployment, everyone seemed to want one. Their loss. He sheathed the Kukri back to its Kydex sheath and inspected his more frequently used blade. A Ka-Bar standing just over 5" in blade length from its hand-carved wooden handle. The sleek black blade had indeed seen its fair share of close quarter combat, as well as opened a few thousand cans of MRE's and the like. The blade edge was still sharp...well...As sharp as a knife can be without maintenance for a month, but still acceptable and ready for immediate use. The serrated back of the blade carried some chips and scratches but was no less deadly than its front. As Lima Seven returned the blade back to its proper home, he stopped to admire the inscription written on the base of the hilt. There, it was written, "John 15:13". It was more etched in than written but the quoted verse flowed through Lima's head like a river finding a stream. It had been so long since he had ever thought of it. He grimaced at the once forgotten thought and replaced them back in the bag.

Lastly, tucked safely away in the inner lining pocket of the duffle bag, were three pictures. They were so old, worn out, and had suffered so much abuse from weather and other environmental hazards. It had come to the point where the only way to preserve it was to laminate them. He didn't dare copy it anywhere else digitally for fear of it coming up in a conversation with...anyone on base.

Lima checked his PAD once more.

0745 hours

If he wanted to sneak this in before the guard change, he had better start walking now. He placed all his items in the bag with all due haste, picked up his duffel and continued his journey back to base. But not before he had etched one word into the hollow of the tree with complete satisfaction.

"Axios"

The tree, however, neither knowing nor caring for the word or its meaning, was tickled only by the breeze that swayed its branches and danced among its leaves.

~-.-~

Lima Seven entered the auditorium with the rest of the other recruits he had worked with throughout his tenure here. There were rows upon rows of seats along the borders of the stadium that were being filled with the hustle and bustle of excited civilians that came to see their loved ones graduate. Some were dropouts who didn't pass selection but were lucky enough to gain entry to see the ceremony. And on the main floor were the rows and rows of seats that would not be filled. Of the 400 strong company of men and women that initially entered the academy, he took a moment to feel a sort of humble pride to know he was among a very, very, select few to have finally passed.

He snapped back into focus as the formation leader called out the marching orders to the recruits. Left foot, right foot, left foot, right...as much as Lima Seven had a slight disdain against ceremonial marches, he could in the same sense appreciate the inspiration it gives to aspiring civilians hoping to join the ranks. He was once the same way not too long ago.

The recruits filled the first four rows of ten on both sides of the main floor but leaving a few seats in both of the front-most rows to be occupied by only very gently worn headpieces. The announcer asked for the attention of both the audience and the recruits, "Ladies, gentlemen, children, and recruits of all ages. Please, hear this. It is my proudest honor as Headmaster of this facility to present to you the future Commanders of this year." He allowed the applause and ruckus of the crowd for a few moments before continuing "But it is also my somber responsibility and hallowed duty to remember that such success, was not without a cost. The empty seats you see before you," He paused to allow the camera crew around the stadiums show the several angles of the headpiece occupied seats a view "is the price these brave and valiant recruits paid in their search for glory and adventure in the name of duty, honor, and sacrifice. Let us hold a moment of silence for the fallen as their names and pictures will be displayed across the boards."

Names, Lima Seven thought to himself, even the dead had their names returned before us. A swift mental kick of the thought and it was banished from his mind as the names and faces of the recruits who had passed due to various "training related incidents" flashed on the overhead screen. Only the graduating recruits knew the real story of their honorable passing. Somewhere behind Lima Seven he heard a sniffle and a stifled cough.

After the moments had passed, the ceremonial farewell salute cannon was fired from way above the ceremonial ground.

The headmaster cleared his throat and said, "Without further ado, please welcome to the stage, your new commanders. Commanders, please go to the Secondary staging area immediately following the ceremony. Congratulations to all."

Without skipping a beat, the 80 some graduating commanders thumped their fists over their chest and barked in unison "Worthy we stand, as duty demands!"

Finally.

Every section leader waited for their cue to initiate follow-ups to allow the graduating commanders to receive their "Diploma" and medal. The awarded citation was their designation followed by a reissuing of their civilian name back to active social status. All the crowds that were not friends and family stayed in the stadium to watch the entirety of the ceremony as the rest were directed to the Secondary staging area to meet their graduated Commander.

Lima Seven, however, had no one. And so he quickly bypassed the staging area, being excruciatingly careful not to attract any unwanted attention from his graduating comrades, and went straight back to his dorm with his Diploma in hand. Back to the peace and quiet he knew and loved so ever dearly. He scanned the back of his Diploma and allowed his PAD to work on the decryption of his first orders as a Commander.

He removed the his covering off his closely shaven head and had it resting on the bottom right corner of his desk. He allowed himself for this breach in protocol to lean back his chair and throw his feet up on his desk. He stared blankly at the ceiling, his eyes lazily tracing each edge and corner of the ceiling tiles.

I did it. I finally made it. Now the real work be- His thoughts were abruptly by a trio of knocks to his dorm.

Already?

~-.-~

The two ladies stood in front of the doorway to their new assigned Commander. Well. That is. One human lady, and the other, a T-Doll. The human female brushed away whatever dirt or grime she might have missed the first go around before finally planting her feet with confidence in front of the door. She prayed silently and gave herself all the well-wishes she could think of for the first encounter. The T-Doll standing beside her simply lifted an eyebrow by the smallest fraction possible in the faintest trace of amusement. Not that anyone would notice it.

The Logistics officer gulped for one last breath of confidence, and knocked. One second. Two seconds. Thre- Just as she was about to knock again, the door swung open and revealed the newly graduated and promoted Commander still in his Academy Formal Dress Uniform. All three persons snapped to attention and gave their very best salute.

"Sir, Logistics Officer Kalina reporting for-"

"Ma'am! Commander Lima Seven reporting for-"

They both stopped in the middle of their salutatory greeting abruptly thinking they had just interrupted one another. Neither of them spoke for a few moments waiting for the other to start. The T-Doll behind Kalina waited patiently before the Commander dared to look down breaking his bearings in search for an indication of rank. Seeing none, he decided to go first with the introductions to get this circus over with.

"Ahem, 'scuse me, ma'am. Commander Lima Seven reporting for duty. Under whose authority will I have the pleasure of working for?"

Kalina was at a temporary loss of words not expecting to be greeted in such a similar fashion so quickly by the commander. The question also threw her for a loop and all this excitement-?

She let out a quick puff of air and said hurriedly, "Sir! Logistics Officer Kalina and Enhanced T-Doll Model Springfield M1903 reporting for duty! Your new orders are being delivered from Ms. Helian at Griffon! An urgent mission has been declared for you! Briefing will be read in through your PAD! Please, follow me to the armory to get you ready! I look forward to working with you!"

She held the salute as confidently as she could. The heat starting to rise to her cheeks thinking how she botched up the first meeting. She went over in her head how it could have gone so much better if she was calmer. Maybe it was the coffee from this morning. Maybe it was the little speck on her jacket she couldn't get off. Maybe-

Commander Lima Seven relaxed his stance and lowered his salute to give a warm grin and extended out his hand. "A sure pleasure to meet you, Ms. Kalina, I look forward to working with you too."

Kalina blinked a few times looking from the Commander's smile to his outreached hand. She took the hand gladly and shook it firmly just as she knew how. "I won't let you down, Commander! Now come on! We have to get you ready!"

The Commander nodded to Kalina once the handshake was over, then nodded to the Enhanced Springfield model T-Doll who had already lowered her salute. She nodded politely in return with no emotions reading from her facial features.

How cold...The Commander thought to himself, then he quickly reached for his duffel in his dorm and followed both Ms. Kalina and the T-Doll down to the Armory. He tapped in his ID Credentials into his PAD to receive his new orders. The first message was from the decoded encryption from his Diploma which simply read: "Congratulations Commander, please standby for reception."

And the second message that had just finished its decryption was the briefing. A blue screen flashed twice on his PAD then yellow words reading: Your Ears ONLY, Standby

The compacted Bluetooth headset was immediately in the Commander's ear as he listened to the recording.

"Welcome back and congratulations on your graduation and promotion, Commander," A female voice said in an all too familiar manner, the message continued, "Unfortunately, there is no rest for the wicked or the weary. We do hope you have received your enhanced T-Doll in good condition, however."

The Commander stole a glance to the T-Doll model walking in near perfect and even stride with Ms. Kalina's hurried pace. He returned his attention the PAD for his debriefing. "Griffon will be sending you on a scouting assignment near the Alps. It's a relatively small town of Appenzell located in Switzerland. We had a recon team try to investigate why one of the lookout towers went out. We're thinking the Sang's are doing something there. You need to go in and find out what. In your kit at the Armory will contain a few beacons as well as another congratulatory gift. Do enjoy but please take care of your Springfield Model, she is the only one of her caliber ready for field-use at the moment. Thank you and good luck, Commander. We'll be in touch soon."

The video terminated and erased itself from the local databanks of his PAD as per usual. Damned spooks, he thought to himself. Kalina had led him to the Armory as promised and had begun running through the briefing with dimmed lights as the holotable lit up in the center of the room. The Commander wasted no time undressing out of his ceremonial uniform and into his operational kit that was so kindly provided by his...sponsors. Springfield stood to the side of holotable opposite of Kalina as she began her debriefing. Her back towards the Commander and shielding his lack of modesty from Kalina. He linked his PAD to the Holotable to watch the debriefing peripherally as he changed.

"Sir," Kalina began "I know this is extremely short notice but this is an urgent request that came straight from the top and was marked for your expertise and experience as the only available Combat Assessed and Operational Commander in the region to respond to this situation." The satellite image showed the town of Appenzell in 3D and the area's estimated terrain and environment. "You'll be doing a night time insertion by the time you get there. One of the frontline Watchtowers have gone dark and any basic recon units sent to investigate have gone dark. We need to know if the Sangs made it through the mountains and are starting to push in again. Once you have confirmed the situation Griffon HQ will respond accordingly. We are having forces rerouted to secure the location but they won't be available until they know what they're running into."

Kalina exhaled sharply after having delivered a successful debriefing without biting her tongue or slipping up. When she looked up from the Holotable, she blinked several times in confusion as she stared at near bulking figure of the Commander standing across from her. When did he have time to-oh... Kalina thought to herself quickly piecing together what had happened while she was debriefing.

"S-sorry Commander, did you want me to-" Kalina stopped short of her question when the Commander shook his head slightly saying "No I heard every word of it. You want me to find out why the tower there went dark and get an estimate on force troops coming through."

"I-uh-Yes! Yes! That's right Commander!" Kalina said quickly regaining her composure and began shifting the picture on the holotable.

"Now, since this is considered one of the more developed towns in the region, if we have lost the Watchtower in the region that means we have to divert another few Echelons to handle the problem. In which case we will be conscripting another Commander from your graduating class to support the effort of sealing the gap. Good thing you all graduated to-Oh! I have to go meet that Commander soon to fill him in! Sorry Commander uhh-" Kalina panicked as she forgot the name. She laughed nervously and tried to look for a hint but was shocked when the Commander seemed to appear out of nowhere beside her laughing. Laughing! He wasn't frustrated, he wasn't angry, he wasn't disappointed, he was...laughing!

"It's Sevs, just...call me Sevs."

"U-uh. Y-y-yes sir Commander Sevs, sir! A pleasure to work with you! I won't let you down! Sir!" She gave another hasty salute before turning to run out the Armory. Before she completely disappeared, however, she turned around bowing once more and said, "Please, call me Kalin! Sir!"

"Sure kiddo. Sure!" The Commander said calmly with that once more warm smile. Kalina smiled just as the door to the Armory closed. She began running down the hall to chase down the supporting Commander but promised to do her hardest, for the Commander with the smile.

~-.-~

"Commander, according to your profile, Sevs isn't actually your-" The Springfield model began to correct but was interrupted by Sevs. He seems to make a habit of doing that she noticed.

"Actual name?" Sevs completed for her. She nodded in agreement and stood silently, most likely waiting for an explanation. Sevs massaged the back of his neck briefly and let out a small sigh. "Yeah, yeah you'd be right. The paper doesn't say 'Sevs' anywhere, but...I just don't feel like I've quite earned back my name. Not yet. Besides. This little nickname beats having to call me Lima Seven right?" He laughed lightly. Springfield declined to follow suite-or agree for that matter. Ah...tough crowd huh, Sevs thought to himself.

Sevs noticed the Holotable's dim, orange glow and then the darkness that surrounded them. Using his PAD, he slowly returned the room's ambient light to full half brightness to allow him to see his new Springfield model T-Doll more clearly. She sure was a gift alright, Sevs gave a brief glance at all that his new partner was all equipped with and raised an eyebrow slightly at such advancements over the regular Springfield T-Doll Model he studied and was familiar with. There were very few things about this particular Model that resembled the original. Not that he had a problem with it.

"Spring." Commander Sevs said suddenly as he stared blankly into the Springfield model's optics mounted on her ballistic helmet.

"Sir?" The Springfield T-Doll asked unsure as to what he meant by the word.

"Spring." He repeated. "I'm giving you a new name. I'm sure you have a fine model and serial designation to go along with all of your enhancements. But I want to give you a name. So I chose Spring. It's nothing fancy, I'm not the best at making names but...it'll have to do for now. If you come up with something better I will be more than happy to-"

"Understood commander. New Unit field designation 'Spring' accepted. This unit will now answer to designation 'Spring'. I look forward to working with you in battle Commander." She bowed slightly, hands clasped in front of her battle dress. The barrel of her rifle tilting forward too to meet the Commander.

"And I with you, Spring! Now c'mon, hope you've got everything," The Commander said as he made for the Armory exit, "Let's catch the Tube and to the Airfield for dust-off, don't want to miss our ride to our first mission do we?"

"Of course not, Commander." Spring answered professionally. Hmph...stiff. Sevs thought to himself as he opened the door to the hallway. He motioned for her to pass through, "Ladies first!" He said with some amusement behind his smile.

"Commander, that isn't necessa-"

"Oh come on and humor an old man won't you?"

"Commander, humor isn't necessary for passing through the door, and your profile age would differ to your definition of 'old'." She said matter-of-factly.

The Commander winced slightly at the ignorance of his new partner to catch on to his humor. Maybe I've just been out of the game for a while. He thought to himself, continuing to self-analyze his interaction with his partner. "We. Uh. We'll work on it. Spring. We'll work on it, for now, please. Step through first."

"As you wish." Spring answered and complied immediately taking each stride with purpose and direction. She turned when she reached the opposite hallway wall and waited for the Commander. Sevs turned around at the door shutting off the lights and clearing the debriefing info for the Holotable. He grabbed the rest of his equipment and began walking off to the Tube with Springfield close behind him.

"Alright. Let's get a rundown of who we are so we can do our best in the field!" Commander Sevs suggested all too gleefully for Spring's taste.

"How do you mean, Sir?" Spring inquired

"Well, I mean. Our personalities, our strengths, weaknesses, our current gear and equipment set up. Y'know, the likes."

"Sir, I'm...not quite sure I follow." Spring said confused and cautiously. Sevs picked up on the caution behind the question and decided to lead by example. "Well Spring, I mean like this. So for me, for an infiltration mission such as this, and especially Night Ops, I like to dress in dark clothes, tighter to the skin and carry only the bare minimum in ammunition and gear."

They had reached the Tube transportation by this point, the polymer doors opened and revealed surprisingly comfortable seats to both sides of the Capsule for the occupants. Technically it can hold 8 with reasonable comfort but enough space was made to rush units en masse in the case of immediate mobilization of local units and forces. Commander Sevs waved Spring through which took some encouragement by means of a cough and a pitiful "Please" was asked before Spring was satisfied to enter first.

Once the hatch to the Capsule was closed securely and speeding on its way to the Airfield, the Commander resumed his explanation. "Anyway, what I mean is. Notice my equipment and set up." Spring did a quick visual assessment of her Commander's gear before nodding the assessment was complete.

"Since this is an infiltration mission, all my weapons are equipped with a suppressor. I too have my own NOD's, thankfully, provided by some special...friends. I have my Vector for my main, a 1911 for my secondary. And a few knives. So what can you tell about my combat style?" Commander Sevs asked patiently for Spring's combat assessment which did not disappoint.

"It shows by your set up that you prefer to do close quarter engagements."

"Exactly right! And with your long-range setup you are an ideal supporting unit for my operational...style."

"Sir, I should hardly think one unit such as myself would be considered 'ideal' as you say." Spring answered with some concern to her Commander's rather enthusiastic response.

"Why not? I'm not going to be able to march in there with an army, but with you? I won't be needing one!"

Spring blinked several times trying to process this new information. Was the Commander just so gung-ho as his profile described him, or did he just have that much faith in her capabilities? "I will do my best to not disappoint, Commander." Spring said humbly, opting to choose a neutral response while she continued to process what was said.

"I'm sure you'll do just fine Spring, I'm not worried in the slightest!" The Commander leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes as he rested his head on the head of his seat. They sat in relative comfort and silence the rest of the trip to the Airfield.

When they had arrived, Sevs waved her forward in which she finally went through first without any hesitation or repeated asking. Sevs followed suit and stretched his limbs quickly before checking his PAD for his assigned Airpad number. Twelve, Air Pad Twelve was where he needed to be. Spring didn't seem awed by the view but the Commander took in a moment to watch the scene as it lived and breathed. There was a constant bustle of Aircraft traffic all up and down the lanes, vehicles moving quickly back and forth between Aircraft Pads, Traffic Lanes, and Aircrafts carrying all types of cargo from incoming or outbound shipment packages. Orders being given, wrenches, soldering, repairs, refits, and the constant droning of engines and helicopter blades whirring about.

"Sir! Are you the commander for Air Pad 12?" A busboy yelled over the commotion as he pulled up in front of the Commander and Spring in his 4 wheel jeep.

"Yeah! That's me! She's with me!" Sevs replied as he pointed to Spring who stood patiently by.

"Climb in! I'll get you there ASAP! Chopper is set to go, this whole base is getting ready to support you once you bring in the intel! Can't wait to watch you work sir!"

"It'll be my pleasure!" Sevs replied as he motioned for Spring to enter the vehicle.

The tires squealed as the busboy peeled quickly away from the Tube line and laughed as he joked with the Commander, "I'm sure it is sir! I'm sure it is!"

They made it to their designated in almost no time at all thanks to the busboy's more enthusiastic driving. The Commander seemed quite familiar with such reckless behavior, Spring thought otherwise as she gripped to the frame of the jeep with what strength was left in her.

Once they were dropped off, Spring did her best to recollect her self to show no signs of faltering before her Commander. The Commander had seemed to barely notice. As they approached the Airpad they were met by the automated mechanical pilot.

"Sir, this unit and it's transportation is fully prepped and ready for dust-off."

"Excellent! Let's be on our way immediately, two souls coming aboard."

"Acknowledged sir, two souls coming aboard. Please enjoy your flight." The pilot snapped a salute before motioning for them to stay low as they approached the bird. Sevs and Spring piled in and chose their seats opposite of each other. The transport shield doors slammed shut once they were confirmed onboard by the human co-pilot and the darkness of the transport bay was replaced by a dim red light not too long after liftoff.

After a few minutes of flight in silence. Sevs looked directly at Spring quite thoughtfully. As if considering a notion in his head that he had yet to find a way to verbalize. Spring took the bait, "Commander, is something wrong?"

Sevs opened his mouth once, slammed it shut. Then opened it again and spoke a bit more hesitantly, "Spring, what are your current mission parameters?"

"Sir? To protect the Commander at all costs." Spring said in confusion.

"I. Understand that. But what are your parameters concerning secondary or even tertiary objectives?"

"They are as you set them, sir." She replied matter of factly.

"Hmmm." Sevs took a moment, continuing to stare at Spring, his eyes looked at hers, as if searching for something through the dim glow of red that surrounded them.

"Spring."

"Commander."

"Change your priority parameters to ensuring civilian, non-combat T-Dolls, and Combat rated T-Doll safety before my own."

"Commander! That command is-"

"I know...unorthodox and unprecedented and unnecessary. Yes, Spring. I do realize this. But please, confirm that your priority parameters have been changed."

"I..." Spring furrowed her eyebrows in frustration and ever growing confusion. What commander would take his own life, especially a Field Combat assessed and ready commander, to be prioritized last? The Commander sat up in his seat, and smiled.

"Just trust me on this one Spring. It'll be fine! I p-know it will!"

"I. Understand. And acknowledge. Priority parameters have been rewritten." Spring said in defeat. All her training, to do whatever it took...all gone. For what, she wondered.

"Excellent. Then I hope you also acknowledge that within that Command, that also includes...yourself."

"What! No! Commander!" Spring yelled in surprise. She felt tricked, her processor was running on overdrive. Threatening even her very core to implode.

"Spring, please understand! It isn't that I have a death wish or anything, it's the very opposite! You are valuable, not just as an asset, but as a person that you and I know you are! I need you to maintain your own safety as a priority too! I know the training and simulations that my sponsors run you through have taught you to bring home the Commander at any cost. I'm asking you, to think about yourself too. Just. Consider that. Okay?" The Commander finished his seemingly unreasonable request while maintaining his gaze on Spring as she stared back coldly.

"I will...Consider it, for now, sir."

"That's all I ask." This next smile, she noticed, was...weaker. Heavier. Sadder. And in an instant, he returned to a full genuine smile as he joked, "Hey, Spring."

"...Sir?"

"Wake me up when we get there okay?" And with that. He laid across all four seats and passed out. There was no gradual slipping away, no graceful or peaceful gesture. He simply lied down and passed out.

This Commander was...different. To say the least.

Spring blinked several times to ensure that her eyes did not lay witness to any illusions. When she was sure it wasn't the trick of the light. She huffed to herself quietly as she inspected her weapon several times, considering the Commander's request.

It was going to be a long night. She just knew it.

A/N: Alright! Finally, a good conclusion to the first chapter! Please review and I definitely accept CC! Apologies for taking a while and the inconsistencies. I will try to post another chapter up by next week! Edits happen. Very often! Please do review so that I may make this story improve and as always Commanders, please give your T-Dolls headpats as often as possible. And mind your wallet with Kalin...just sayin.

For legal purposes, I own none of the characters to the game. Sevs is indeed a Starwars reference (for anyone who might have thought it a familiar name) ALTHOUGH this is not a crossover in the slightest.

The places and actual weapon descriptions will be as detailed and accurate as possible to the 2018 information available. Some changes will be made to the detail of the geographical locations to fit the story but will be geographically the same as it appears on the 2018 world map / satellite.

Ciao!