Silver was about to reply further, but held his tongue as General Houseman emerged from the command vehicle. Turning back to the unit, Silver called them to attention, and then snapped into a salute himself.
"Sir! Roughriders reporting as ordered!"
"At ease, Colonel, and the rest of you too. After that mess, I think you can use a bit of relaxation." The lion looked over the gaggle of GEAR pilots and their machines, before assuming an easy posture himself.
"I'm sorry for the abrupt end to the exercise, but it was a necessity - it seems that there had been some level of interference in the parameters of the exercise. I think people are looking for you all to fail, rather than succeed, as the deployment of a mixed unit like this would challenge their own particular areas of responsibility and security in the command structure, despite whatever good you might do on the field. And from what I saw, you all acted admirably under the circumstances and did extremely well. Well enough that I got you something of a reprieve and an extended deployment" The lion frowned briefly, his tail lashing and ears flattening as he looked away. "Admittedly, it cost me some of my own favours, but I believe in this concept that Colonel Blade, Captain Garrett and myself have worked on. You worked together well in the field, against overwhelming odds, and used your mix of capabilities within the same unit to their utmost. You showed initiative, yet still followed orders to the letter of your plan - despite the interference from outside, on both sides.
"So, that in mind - your orders for full deployment have come in. The [u]Parvan's Claw[/i] has picked up the last members of your unit, and is ready and waiting for you. Colonel Blade, the rest of your orders have been handed to Captain Garrett. I have relayed the same message to her as well."
He nodded to all of them, straightening his back as he spoke a little louder. "I know you'll do well out in the field. I can just tell. Hell, I wish I was out there with you, fighting hard. It's been a long time since I was in a GEAR myself, and I miss it like nothing else. And I know how tough it can be as well, out there under the guns. So, I'll be back in Ourvan, fighting your corner and getting you the support you need, when you need it. Good luck, all of you, and I look forward to meeting your all again".
He dismissed them all, and returned to the command trailer, before Blade turned around to face the group.
"A'right, folks. Y'all heard the big boss: We did good, even tho' there were odds against us, an' like I said fore we launched, there's people aimin' fer us ta fail. But we stuck a big 'ol middle finger up at 'em an' told em we ain't gonna lie down so easy. An' that's got us our job. Alls we gotta do now is live up to our boasts - an' from what I seen today, that ain't gonna be a problem." He gave a confiding nod and smile to the group, tail wagging a little. "Y'all did well, an' I'm proud of what ya did in th' field today-" he glanced at Venessa and Winter "-all of ya, too, even if y'all weren't with us, y'all showed yer chops in a fight, an' that's what counts. Anyhow - I reckon we got some more recruits waitin' on the land-boat, like the big boss said. Let's go meet 'em, an' then I reckon the unofficial bar in the Common Room might well be open fer a celebration or two. Last one back has ta carry th' keg round the ship twice. Move out!"

*****

Blade run the [i]Harlock[/i] hard back to the ship. As he approached the low-slung and sleek shape of the 'pocket lancruiser', the light had begun to wane for the day, Arvara's sun dipping in the skies. Captain Garrett had welcomed their triumphant return with a double blast on the ships' air-horns, as the rear ramp to the GEAR bay had lowered, lights blinking to guide them in. 
As he mounted the ramp and was waved into his GEARs' stall, he noted a new GEAR had arrived, and that the required maintenance to Asher's GEAR that had kept it off the field had been completed. 
Maneuvering the machine into its' stall, he shut it down and then climbed out of his cockpit. The others had their orders, so he headed away from the busy hangar floor. Crewman were securing a pair of Fast Attack Vehicles with tie downs, as well as a handful of other ground vehicles that had come aboard. 
Before he'd got halfway to the hatchway that lead to the stairs, Irry had caught up to him, PADD in hand.
"Good job with the exercise, sir. Got some news for you now you're back - We have new recruits. The combat medic you'd requested, and an infantry unit to work together with you as well. They're all waiting in the common room - along with the beer. And Captain Garrett has authorised a small party as well. The mess will stay open a little later and put on a special menu and movies for all personnel. 
Following that, you've got briefing notes to review; but we won't need to sortie until we're well underway tomorrow. Enough time for the GEARs to receive their regular maintenance"
Rolling his single eye, he drew his PADD as they mounted the stairs and corridors, heading for the common area for the squad.
"Geez, what would I do without you, Irry? Have you done my laundry an' made my bed too?"
"Not yet," she replied with an impish smile and a wink. "It's next on my agenda"
"Har har. Anyway, make sure everyone knows about th' off-time. They oughta attend the party, but make sure they all get some private time an' all. Good chance fer everyone ta meet th' new blood an' all".
Irry nodded, and headed back to the hangar, while Blade continued onward. Entering the Common Room, he tucked his helmet under one arm as he looked over the newcomers to the group, casting an appraising glance at them all.
"Welcome to the 101st, and to the [i]Parvan's Claw[/i]. I'm Colonel Blade, an' I'll be yer commandin' officer. We'll all be workin' together in the field pretty closely from now on, so I look forward ta seein' what all of y'all can do. It's a shame ya missed out on the exercise, though it was a bit of a rough deal fer reasons beyond our control. We came through it though, and yer as welcome ta join us fer a wind-down shortly as those who were there. It'll give y'all a chance ta meet the others too, though they oughta not be far behind me." He gave a slight smile and cocked his head to one side. "'Course, I reckon by now y'all mighta realized I don't stand so much on formality offa th' field unless we're doin' our little showground routine fer the up-highs. Just so long as y'all do what I ask of ya, then I don't mind a l'il banter here an' there, an' I wanna hear what ideas an' opinions ya got... just so long as y'all don't push yer luck. Do yer job, do it well, and y'all will go far. That's all I need from ya folks. Glad ta have ya with us".