Dragon of the Reach

Back to the Argo

Disclaimers: I do not own Battletech

A/N: Finally, we are back on the Argo ready to take off. I get that there hasn't been any mech combat despite their being the ninth chapter but we're getting there. Nico and the crew have to navigate the process of going from mercenaries to professional military and it's not an easy one. But they will get some action while on the way to Fjaldr along Nico and Kamea begin to show early hints of their relationship of friendly and professional turning into something else.

Back to the Argo

Two Days Later

It was done in a hurry, a lot of people got pissed off and a lot of parts had to be moved around, but finally, it was done.

Tomorrow, the ACS Argo would finally ready be for its maiden voyage as an official military vessel, and Nico was going to check every nook and cranny to make sure it was up to par. His first stop of course was the heart of the ship, the mech bay.

It wouldn't take him long to get there seeing everyone, both old crew and new, got out of his way when they saw him coming. Since most of the old crew were just former mercenaries with no military background whatsoever, a number of them forgot to salute him as he walked by but Nico didn't care much for that. Kamea informs him that she would be having military instructors and such come on board to help maintain proper order and discipline and to help get everyone up to military standards.

Nico made a mental note to have a closed-door meeting with them the minute they all arrive, anything to get his mind of certain matters.

As he reaches the elevator which would lead down to the bay, a voice calls from behind him.

"Colonel Strong, sir! One moment please, sir!"

He turns around to see Captain Andris bounding down the hall toward him while weaving in and out of the way of the crew with half a dozen data-slates in her hands. The woman comes to a halt in front of him and leans over to catch her breath.

"I thought you would have been in better shape, Captain Andris", Nico voices.

"I...have been running all day, sir. Trying to get everything situated for my troops and all. All the other company officers have delegated this task to subordinates but I figure I might as well do it myself to make it go smoother", she says as she catches her breath, "Also, I'm not used to being on a ship this way, sir. I got lost a couple of times."

"I see", Nico nods as he brings up his communication watch to his mouth, "Sumire, this is Dragon."

"Go ahead, Dragon", the Executive Officer answers.

"I want a communication watch to be assigned to Captain Andris, as of this moment, she is the official liaison for all of the army detachments on board the Argo. Get everything set up."

"Copy that, Dragon", Sumire acknowledges.

Nico still looks over at the surprised Captain, "That should make your task easier."

"W-what just happen, sir?", Andris questions.

"Simple, you have been promoted in a way. You answer directly to me for all matters regarding the army units", Nico told her.

"But why, sir?"

"Because you haven't changed since Panzyr. You are still trying to do what is best for your men", the mechwarrior explained, "I respect that."

All Karen Andris could do was stare at the man as the elevator door open up and he entered into it.

"The elevator is going down, captain. If you have something to tell me, I suggest you get on."