Alannah knocked on the door to Euron's office. "Sir, they're here as ordered."
"Excellent." Euron replied. "Send them in."
The door opened, and in walked Beryl Blacktyde, Freyja and Victarion Greyjoy, Bors Harlaw, and Isolde Botley, back from their individual assignments with the other GSF units. They found Fuka already there, a look of excitement on her face. Beryl scoffed at the tech/occasional Mechwarrior's presence. Bors, Victarion and Freyja smiled back at her, while Isolde grinned and waved to her. As they took their seats, Euron began the meeting.
"So, everyone, how did you like your assignments?" He asked.
Isolde began with her usual exuberance. "Oh my god, it was awesome! I thought things were going to be sooo boring at first, but the Hammers are pretty amazing. Did you know Kiah, I mean, Major Franks, sorry, fights her brother with live steel every morning? They also have these big communal feasts. Even the Clanners are cool, if a bit wound too tight. I had so much fun learning their tactics and attitudes. I think I might want to go back there again sometime."
Euron smiled. "Glad you enjoyed it. Sister, how was Loyalty Foresworn?"
Beryl responded coolly. "They seem to be having a lot of deployment problems. Duke didn't give me access to everything, but what he did give me was quite interesting. He's not that different from us, but he seems to hiding quite a bit. He did ask me to send word to Kraken's Arms about increasing production of Heavy Gauss slugs for his 'Mechs. I told him I would look into it."
"Well, I'll certainly put in word to Tristan to see that he gets them." Euron agreed. "Vic, Freyja, did you have fun with the Hands of the Goddess?"
Victarion answered. "Well, for Canopians, their forces are quite disciplined, though off-duty, the rules are a bit lax. We attended a few get-togethers. Freyja even taught them how to brew mj0d."
"Wait, mj0d?" Euron questioned. "Isn't that the stuff that smells like Heat Sink coolant, yet burns all the way down like rocket fuel?"
"That's the stuff. A long-standing Blacktyde tradition." Freyja chimed in. "I was quite impressed that a couple of them actually survived the first shot and wanted a second. One even asked for a third, but passed out before the glass was brought to him."
Euron cringed as he remembered his first experience with the drink. He'd passed out after just one shot and had been down for half a day afterwards. Jurgen had laughed at that, calling him a lightweight. "Moving along," He continued, "what about you, Bors?"
"Well, I will say Grandmother's got an impressive estate." The young man began. "I'd heard the stories, but they don't do it justice. Bully and Grandmother were very accommodating, Minamoto too. I even got to meet his wife and kid. Shiro asked me "How is the old man, Ironborn?". When I realized he was talking about you, Colonel, I told him you were young enough to kick his ass. He laughed at that and told me to tell you he's game whenever you are...sir."
Euron chuckled. "I'm sure he is. Thank you, all of you for your stories. Now then, let me tell you why I called you in here, as well as why Miss Hiyami is here too. I have been given permission by Clan Sugai to create a new permanent 'Mech security lance for Hilo City. Using machines Stygg Blacktyde and Master Sergeant Zhao helped recover from an Eridani Light Horse unit at Pegasus that had been ambushed by the Word of Blake, we have the extra 'Mechs necessary to make up that force. Miss Hiyami has volunteered to be a part of this lance. Hilo is her home and she has a right to contribute to its defense."
Beryl rolled her eyes at this but held her tongue, while Euron continued. "In addition, I have decided that the other three members will represent the 4 familes in this endeavor." Before he could finish, he heard voices outside the door.
"C'mon, stop, we're gonna get in trouble."
"Shut up, I wanna hear..."
Knowing the voices instantly, Beryl opened the door with a smirk. In tumbled Audra and Mira Greyjoy, Victarion's daughters and Euron and Beryl's nieces. Alannah pinched the bridge of her nose as the two teenagers stood up.
"Uncle Euron, I want to be part of the lance." Audra exclaimed as Mira tried to stop her and get her to leave. "Stop it." She said to her sister before pressing on with her uncle. "I'm of age now. I can pilot a 'Mech. I've been running the simulators since I was 13. I'm ready."
Beryl laughed. "You think you can just cut the line, Audra? War is a business for adults, not little girls barely out of their teens."
"Bully has a teenage girl in his unit." Euron retorted. "And she's had more experience than some of the adults on this base. While I appreciate your enthusiasm, Audra, Major Harlaw and I have already made our choices as to who will represent the Ironborn families in the security lance. To represent both Houses Greyjoy and Blacktyde, I have chosen Beryl Blacktyde."
"Sensible." Beryl nodded in approval.
"For House Harlaw, Bors, you will be part of the lance." Bors saluted. "I won't let you down, sir."
Euron returned the salute. "Finally, to represent House Botley, Isolde will round out the lance."
"Thank you, sir. I'll do my best." She looked at Fuka and gave her a thumbs up.
"Lastly, Freyja will serve as ready five in case any of you are injured or otherwise indisposed. Victarion, you'll be our liaison with Clan Sugai as we get the unit set up. Dismissed."
The assembled Ironborn began to file out. Audra was stopped when Euron said. "Not you, Audra. You and I need to talk some more. Mira, you can go."
"I told you you'd get in trouble." The 15-year old told her older sibling as she rushed out of the office.
"Now then, Audra." Euron said. "Two things. First, in this office, you call me Colonel."
Audra sighed, her head down. "Yes, sir."
"Second," Euron continued, "I have something better in mind for you. Major Harlaw, put me in touch with Jack Nakatomi, tell him...I have a problem student I want him to train personally."
"With pleasure, Colonel." Alannah responded.
Audra gulped, wondering what this meant.
"Not to worry, Audra." Euron finished. "What I want him to train you for, I think you'll find it plays to your...particular strengths."
