Private Morning Duty

[Katsumi Royal]

Tag: RG-11 "Regal"

The rising sun hit her eyes, she had been out here before the crack of dawn. It was her ritual of sorts, ever since she became part of the mobile infantry. Each and every morning here on base the woman would be working on matinence within the motorbay, to her each machine here was part of the whole. Everything held purpose to help protect the Republic, and by her own hands would her own machine cut down all who stood in the way.

She was a woman of stubborn contempt, but also of stubborn efficiency.

Being part of mobile infantry meant that she and her crew all needed to share the same skillset, if one went down the other was to take their place. And thus she knew the ins and outs of her tank by heart, checking everything from the weapons systems to the stun panels.

Eyeing her pride and joy, she nods to herself, ignighting her cigarra on the heat from the stun panel.

Still running, all systems green?

"Hmm.."

She thinks while taking a hit from her smoke, letting it flow out her nostrils while shaking her head.

"Nope."

Kat squats down, taking a look at some wires.


​

 

[RG-11 "Regal"]

LOCATION: Motor Pool
ORDERS: Systems tests

As the sun rose, it was clearly not a good day. No the weather was BEAUTIFUL, don’t get it twisted, but the crew of the Tactical Walker were up at this “unGAWDLY” hour and running drills. None of them seemed to understand the point. They were a Mechanized division, not Infantry. RG-11, “Regal” did. He stood on top of the behemoth as they were in their positions and were shouting.
“With respect, this is pointless!

Noted. Run startups.

“We just ran shut down…”

So, run startup again,

Was he a “pretty boy”? Sure he was. Would he finger gun every mirror he crossed? Sure he would. He was also serious about his work and that meant that he was going to do what had to be done no matter how annoying it may be. The startup test was complete and now it was time for the systems test which they had already done. He was well aware, but the more they ran these tests, the faster they went, and the better they got at it. Not to mention easier to fine issues.

Spoiler: Mission Report

What report? Just hanging out at the motor pool!

TAG: Katsumi Royal

 

[Katsumi Royal]

Tag: RG-11 "Regal"

Their woes didn't miss the ear of Kat, the woman letting out a smile for a moment while still looking at wires. Ah... brings back memories, surely that old kriffin sarge was lurking around here somewhere. Making sure those recruits knew the meaning of 'hell week'.

But who was this? She didn't recall meeting him before, but then again she was fresh into mobile infantry.

"Morning."

She calls out over to Regal, adjusting her grease coated attire.

"Have we meet before?"

The woman puts out her smoke for now, strapping a welding helmet on before starting to get the metal plate back onto her tank."

"You happen to have any fresh coffee started back there?"

She calls out louder, trying to speak over her welding. It wouldn't be too long until it all looked good as new, the metal welded to a professional's standard.

Kat gives herself a pleased nod, flipping her welding visor up to get a good look.
​

 

[RG-11 "Regal"]

LOCATION: Motor Pool
ORDERS: Systems tests

Startup… shut down… start up shut down, leg lifts, turret pivots… over and over again. It was a never-ending cycle of routine that seemed to stretch endlessly into the future. It was less entertaining than watching paint dry, or listening to an old person talk about anything that started with “BACK IN MY DAY…” but it had to be done for safety and operational efficiency.

Huh?He thought to himself. Who was this cigar chomper? She was a ground pounder, so that’s cool.The thought broke as the pair synchronized a fresh diagnostic sweep, panels hissing softly. The intruder’s footsteps faded, replaced by the steady hum of the engine. He steadied his breath, squinting at the readouts, ready to push through the drill with calm, precise focus.

“I want coffee!”

Run another sweep.

“Oh COME ON REGAL!”

What was that?

Jumping off the roof of the walker to the loading ramp, his boots made a “clang” and he made a face. A wince that the impact hurt because OF COURSE it did. The dude jumped off the roof!

Oh MOTHER….


Yeah, come on… I’m “Regal”…

Seeing him limp, even if it wasn’t that bad, was enough to satisfy the crew as he was getting his just desserts.

Spoiler: Mission Report

What report? Just hanging out at the motor pool!

TAG: Katsumi Royal

 

[Katsumi Royal]

Tag: RG-11 "Regal"

She raises a brow as the man took a leap off, flabbergasted as he began to limp.

"They umm.. They did put things like ladders on those."

The act was so on brand for someone with his looks and demeanor, she couldn't help but laugh a little.

"Jokes aside, you uhh good?"

The woman tosses her welding helmet aside to walk over and inspect the man for any outward issues, bleeding? Bones sticking out?

"Nothing outwardly looks wrong, here."

Out from her pocket she offers some painkillers, was it really shocking that she had something like this ready to go?

"Take two and give it a bit to kick in, otherwise you are gonna be limping around all day pretty boy."

Her tone bordered between being unable to tell if she was being rude or simply joining in to joke around.

"Captain Royal, mobile infantry."
​

 

[RG-11 "Regal"]

LOCATION: Motor Pool
ORDERS: Systems tests

Stretching and testing his ankle for mobility, Regal knew he just landed wrong, which happens. His crew had told him hundreds, yes, HUNDREDS of times it would happen. Yet it hadn’t come to fruition to that point, so he was just too good at it, right? RIGHT? Anyway, he appreciated the offer of help as he started to bounce a little.Yeah, I’ll be okay. Just … landed on a pebble or something…

A pebble… yeah…

“You good, boss?!” The call from the cockpit came through loud and clear with NO sympathy. He could hear the grin in the voice of his second-in-command.

Start the drill again! That sound was not the gears starting up with the engines, it was the collective groan of his team as he ordered them to do it again.

Coffee’s over here… pretty good actually. A mirror, a quick look, and then back to the task after making sure his hair was still in place and the collar of his undershirt was straightened, and of course the “finger gun” salute to the camera before going back to work.

“Oh COME ON REGAL!”

What was that? I don’t hear the motors running!

Pouring her a cup of coffee and handing it to her, Regal couldn't help but chuckle at his crew's exasperation, but he was determined to ensure everything was functioning. It’s actually surprisingly good.

Spoiler: Mission Report

What report? Just hanging out at the motor pool!

TAG: Katsumi Royal

 

[Katsumi Royal]

Tag: RG-11 "Regal"

Despite his actions, it was a fast way to have the capitain warm up to you by offering her a good cup of coffee in the morning. Even if the coffee tasted like garbage she still enjoyed it none the less, such comforts weren't always available after all.

"Oh? Maybe they got good beans... Or something."

Having been a grunt for years, she really wasn't knowledgeable when it came to fine cooking. She was good with whatever she could get, wolf it down and head out.

"You always finger-gun every mirror you see?"

He reminded her of those little toy figures that kids would play with, and or the person they would use for a recruitment poster... Gotta make sure there was a shine off the teeth of course.

Once again her tone was a tossup between rudeness or playing, many could tell you that it was hard to decide.

With such a reputation for being a hardass, you'd expect the woman to have no connections, none to vouch for her character. But alas, Kat was known by some here in the military as being both hard along with caring.

"So, Regal. How long have you been around? I was standard infantry before my move to this, guessing you have been in mobile for a while?"

She takes a sip of her coffee, it did actually taste pretty good. That bitter taste held a great sense of comfort to the captain, it was easy to see.
​

 

[RG-11 "Regal"]

LOCATION: Motor Pool
ORDERS: Systems tests

I think that I just like it because it’s not powdered. It wasn’t a lie, military had to take what they could get when it came to rations and supplies. That was the consequences of war, and of service in general. The creature comforts were few and far between, but the food was one of the few things that could be counted on

Meanwhile his walker was going through the last of its systems tests and finally ready for an actual sim. NOW they would have to wait. Which of course was one of Regal’s creature comforts, he knew that they hated being commanded by a Clone but he knew what he was doing and they would have to build a bridge and get over it.

Somebody want some caf?! The collective sigh of relief was palpable in the room as the announcement broke the tension that had been building up during the tests. The crew could not get to the machines fast enough.

Take your time, you guys were great. Not a rare compliment, he complimented his crew all the time, they just didn’t always listen. So to THEM it was.

“We found an issue with a the port auxiliary leg actuators”

...And? He sipped. They seemed to look confused for a moment, it was clear that they had expected him to be upset at the news. It was also clear that he wasn’t and so they felt the need to explain. They explained how they were fixing it. He didn’t flinch. He was still waiting for his answer.

Then finally, his XO admitted, it was because of the drills. They would not have found it so easily.

Offering them a smirk and a wink, he looked to Kat and grinned. They’re good people… and no, I don’t finger gun every mirror.

“Yes he does!”

Spoiler: Mission Report

What report? Just hanging out at the motor pool!

TAG: Katsumi Royal

 

[Katsumi Royal]

Tag: RG-11 "Regal"​

“Yes he does!”

It had almost made her laugh, the captain letting out an amused sigh before drinking more of the coffee.

"Well, we solved the question on the mirrors. But what about my previous one? How long have you been in service?"

​

They’re good people

She could see that, him and his crew held a special bond. With Regal seeming to be the 'loveable bastard' of the group, it was good to see such things... Ignoring potential futures.

"Smoke?"

The woman offers, seeming to carry with her some premium brand cigarras. She was either refined in taste, or unfortunately picky.







​

 

[RG-11 "Regal"]

LOCATION: Motor Pool
ORDERS: Systems tests

Hey! Just because you don’t like the ugly mug YOU! see…

There was genuine laughter among the crew as he managed to throw a joke back at the jokester. A lot of “He got you there!” was thrown out as Regal smirked and sipped.

He honestly thought that he DID answer her question about how long he was in service, but he tried a more thoughtful response this time. I don’t know, I think 2-3 years? I’m a clone of the fleet Admiral so… There was something about working with a clone that was unnerving to some, mainly how nonchalant they were about it all.

Like waving off her offer for a smoke. Naw, I try to live a healthy life. That’s not a slam against you though. No judgment. You do you.

Taking a sip himself, he asked. So what about you? How long have you been serving?

“Not all her life!” It was a joke, centered on him being a clone and he could laugh it off with a nod. Yeah, good one!

Spoiler: Mission Report

What report? Just hanging out at the motor pool!

TAG: Katsumi Royal

 

[Katsumi Royal]

Tag: RG-11 "Regal"
​

So what about you? How long have you been serving?

She smiles at the question, taking another sip of her coffee. The answer gave her both a sense of pride yet also dread.

"Twelve years."

The woman had started from nothing, a greenhorn to now a full on officer. This was her duty, her pride. Chances are that she may stay within the military until she dies.

"I've learned a lot sense then, seen a lot. Now I teach a lot."

Letting out a mild mannered chuckle she sets her empty cup down onto a crate.

"Sometimes I think about going back to simple things, when I was younger I worked as a head of logistics for a company. Sure the pay was good, but I just felt so trapped. But here? You get to feel, experience. I get a rush every time, even more so when I see whatever is ruining my day get removed."

The captain takes a lean up against her tank.

"Don't get me wrong, I love this thing. But when it comes to my duty? I'll do it no matter what, skies, land, or sea."


​

 

[RG-11 "Regal"]

LOCATION: Motor Pool
ORDERS: Systems tests

“Hey! That’s as long as YOU’VE been alive!” More laughter from the group of soldiers gathered around the table in the motor pool nearby.

More drills! Got it!

“Shutting up!”

There was more genuine laughter among the crew; they all took their well deserved break and enjoyed each other's company before heading back to work on the systems tests.

He honestly took in everything she said and it made Regal think, he was almost in awe. So, you get a thrill out of destroying things? No, he did not quite get what she was saying, but he was listening and trying to understand her point of view. It was interesting. He was curious about why she felt that way and if it was something he could relate to or not. He was literally bred for this.

He still wasn’t quite sure, but... So, you serve the people because you feel you need to? You get a sense of pride out of protecting?

Taking a sip himself, he asked. What’s that like? I’m not trying to sound weird or anything. I was literally built for this… He gestured around him at the tanks and vehicles being worked on, emphasizing his point.

Spoiler: Mission Report

What report? Just hanging out at the motor pool!

TAG: Katsumi Royal

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