Mustering Grounds
Ranger HQ, Kashyyyk
Recruits had been mustered. Equipment had been procured. Command structure had been set. Company designations had been chosen; Lion, Wolf, Drake, Bear, Gryphon. The mustering grounds saw hundreds of eager recruits assemble into neat formations divided into each of these five companies, each led by an experienced captain, and each platoon under them led in turn by a competent liutenant. Filling these positions turned out a time-consuming process to the recently promoted Major Heavenshield, as he wanted the best commanders he could get his hands on, especially when it came to experience with fighting the Bryn'adûl.
Not many returned from such experiences with all their wits, or limbs, intact.
It took weeks to assemble his team of officers, but once satisfied the rest quickly fell into place. Special equipment promised by Ranger Command sat waiting at Logistics, and there was no shortage of recruits ready, willing, and able. There was but one stipulation enforced by the recuitment officers: Anvil.
Almost exclusively, the 88th Battalion drew their recruits from the world of Sev Tok and the city of Anvil, for they already shared brotherhood by having experienced that bloody slaughter together. About half the recruits were militiamen fortunate enough to survive the battle for their homeworld and were now eager to take the fight to the invaders, while the other half consisted of what remained of the inexperienced Ranger companies that had been deployed alongside the formerly Lieutenant Heavenshield.
This motley crew would train together, eat together, and sleep together until each man had earned full status as an Antarian Rangers, then immediately proceed with was dubbed Jaeger training: Unconventional use of experimental weapons and tactics exclusive to the 88th, many of which drew heavily from their commander's homeworld of Midvinter. Brute force, aggressive tactics, and a hunter's instinct would be instilled into each man so that they may finally become Jaegers - Monster Hunters.
"ATTEN-TION!"
Before his men appeared the young Major, wearing the new black and red armour denoting him as a member of the 88th, with the addition of a white wolf pelt draped over his shoulders. His helmet had also been custom painted to depict the visage of a wolf, further emphasizing his status as leader of the pack. A scar upon its right eye added to the individuality, and upon removing said helmet several more such scars adorned the right side of their commander's face, all of which were earned on Sev Tok.
"Soldiers. Rangers. Brothers," he began as someone on his staff offered to take his helmet. "At ease."
"I will be brief. You all know me, I prefer to let my rifle do the talking. You're witnessing the inception of this great new undertaking of ours. The 88th Battalion consists entirely of men and women who fought at Anvil, who bravely suffered for the sake of others. Each of us bears scars of that day, be it on our bodies or on our souls. Regardless of planet of origin, species, or who you were before, this battalion is now your family. Treat the fellow standing next to you as such."
His eyes wandered as he recalled the memory.
"I am reminded of something a wise man once said: Out there, on the battlefield, I named you all brothers and sisters. Now, as I come before you, I also name thee sons and daughters. Being a leader means being a commander in battle, yes, but it also means being a brother and a father to your people. To those willing to shed their blood with me, I salute you!"
The Major offered his salute to the men, all of whom bestowed the same honour on him.
"Very well," he nodded softly before his face stiffened into a stoic expression. "Report to your company for further instructions! Official training begins tomorrow at 0600 hours! Welcome to the Bloody 88th!"
The entire battalion replied with a unisoned "OORAH" before standing at attention as Thirdas stepped down from the podium, leaving the recruits in the capable hands of their company commanders. He remained to watch the controlled chaos of inexperienced recruits attempting to look professional as they marched off one platoon at a time, spotting quite a few failures to march on beat. The Major shared a chuckle with some of his staff, recalling a time when they too were just as green.
This was not a career path that young kid from Midvinter could have possibly envisioned for himself all those years ago, but it was one he would see through to the very best of his ability.
