This isn’t like school - This is a full clan base as you are both considered Mech pilots, so ACT like it. You will both be assigned duties and when you don’t have work to do, you’ll be expected to train. You have one hour to get settled and are expected to be at the Commander’s office to receive your Divisions and be assigned your Mechs and bay numbers. There is a pilot inside waiting to show you around and to your bunks. Good luck boys.” As Gabe walks off and gets into the limo, Woodman turns to Woody. “What did we get ourselves into?” he asks. “The big leagues,” replies Woody as he grabs his belongings. As they walk into the building, a voice says “So, you’re the two new hotshots eh? Well, follow me. You don’t want to be late.” They follow the pilot to an electric cart. “These are E.Bs. They’re the easiest way to get around here. You’ll each have one outside your quarters. As you can see, it is a self contained city here. Here are your ID cards… Don’t lose them. They are your access cards and credit cards. As you work, credits will be given to you at the end of each shift. You will also receive credits for winning in-house battles. These credits allow you to buy anything from your groceries to new Mech parts. It’s up to you how well you do here. Every pilot’s income is different – NEVER ask what others make. Ok boys, we’re here. Because you boys are so much younger than the usual clan members, you will be sharing quarters.
You have five minutes to drop your things off and take a quick look around. I’ll wait here.” Woody looks at the door, and sees G2300. “Hurry up Woodman!” As Woody opens the door with his ID card, “This is AWESOME!!!!”, Woodman yells. “It’s our own apartment.” Woody quickly claims the room furthest away from the bathroom. “No problem bud,” Woodman says. As Woodman looks around the apartment, he mumbles, “Kind of sterile, but we can fix this up to be a sweet pad buddy. No windows though … (sigh) oh well.” “K Woodman … let’s go,” Woody says. Woody leaves, and as he walks up to the pilot, he realizes that they were never introduced. “Hi! By the way, I’m Woody,” As he puts his hand out, “I’m Blade. Nice to meet you.” “Come on Woodman, let’s go!” Woody says. “This is Blade.” “Hey man.” Woodman replies. Blade turns to them and says, “Pick your rides. As soon as you swipe your card, that E.B. will be yours. The only way to start it is with your cards.” Blade then yells “Follow me!” as he pulls away. Woody and Woodman jump into their E.Bs and follow Blade. Woody thinks, ‘Wow … he wasn’t kidding - This is a city.’ There seems to be freeways and side streets – Everywhere you look, E.Bs are rushing about. They then come to a parking area. Blade yells, “Park here boys. Oh … and don’t worry – Your E.Bs come with GPS. Just type in your destination and it’ll tell you how to get there.” “Thank GOD!” Woody blurts out. Blade laughs. “Well, you’re on your own. The Commander’s office is that way. Later guys, and good luck.” “Woody! This place is AMAZING!” Woodman exclaims. “Pull yourself together Woodman... Let’s go meet this Commander.” Woody says as they enter an office. “HEY YOU TWO … ID cards!” bellows a voice. “What???”, Woodman replies. “You need to swipe your ID cards to let the Commander know you’ve arrived.
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The light on the door will turn green, then you can go in.” “Who are you?”, Woody asks. “I’m the Commander’s doorman.” Woody steps up and swipes his card. Woodman follows suit. “No... only one at a time. You can sit and wait your turn,” the doorman says. Just then, a green light flashes above the commander’s door. “Ok, you can go in,” the doorman continues. Woody opens the door and enters into the office. “Good morning,” a voice says. ‘This isn’t the voice of a man,’ Woody thinks. As a side door opens, an older but attractive woman enters. “Sit down Woody,” as she points to the chair. Woody is caught off guard and answers. “Yes SIR … um, ma’am. “ “Commander is just fine,” she replies. “Well I have read your file – Very impressive. If you follow orders and do your job, you will do just fine. We’re expecting great things from you. We realize this is all new to you so if you have any questions afterwards, feel free to ask any pilot. Well … let’s get down to the nitty gritty. You’ll notice that your ID card already has credits on it. These are what’s left of your salvage rights from the battle, and your pay from your publicity tour. Minus, of course, the amount for your Mech.
Randy felt this was the best Mech suited to you. It isn’t new, but it’s operational. Your hanger # is G2300. Your Mech is waiting for you there. Now, your Mech is your property. You’ll be expected to keep it in top running order. The clan will supply you with all your ordinance. In any competitions you enter here on base, you’ll pay the entry fee, but you’ll keep all the winnings. These inner clan competitions are run and organized by the pilots. Any clan missions that you go on, the clan will supply all ordinance and repairs to your Mech. You’ll also receive a percentage of the salvage value in credits. Your manager already negotiated your contract, so train hard. You’ll receive your first mission soon. Make sure you and your Mech are ready. Your job title is Junior Mech Maintenance. You’ll report to Blade tomorrow. Shifts start at 8am. DON’T be late! ... Blade runs a tight shift. Any questions?” “Um … yes.” Woody replies. “Go ahead.” She says. “If while I’m on a mission, I find any salvage outside of the mission objectives, do I get to claim it?”, Woody asks. “Yes, but you have to do four things… log, date, time and location of the find. This way, there are no discrepancies in rights of salvage.”, she explains. “Another question ... Are we allowed to take outside jobs and enter competitions on our own time?” Woody continues. The Commander replies, “Yes, but always clear it with me first so that there are no conflicts of interest. As far as competitions, there are clan operated competitions. They will be assigned to the appropriate pilot.
Private ones that you pay out of your own pocket, no problem – Just remember, if you lose, you’re going to be expected to repair your Mech yourself. Your Mech is to be always operational. If that’s all, the rest of the day is yours. Get familiar with the base. Welcome to clan Exile.” “Thank you Commander.” Woody gets up and leaves. As he exits the door, he hears “Hey bud, how did it go”, Woodman asks. “She’s very nice and straightforward,” says Woody. “SHE???.. The Commander is a SHE?”, as Woodman swipes his card. The light turns green. “Go ahead in,” the doorman says. As soon as he steps in he hears, “Have a seat Woodman.” Woodman quickly sits himself down. “Welcome to clan Exile, Woodman. You are the youngest pilot on base ever – That, and the fact you were never a cadet at one of our training facilities. You’ll have to get used to our command structure. We’re not military, but when an order is given, you’re expected to follow that order. Is that clear?” the Commander asks. “Yes Commander.” “If you do that, you’ll do well. We’re expecting great things from you.
Well let’s get down to it. Your hanger # is G2300. Your Mech was delivered there for you. You’ll notice there are some credits on your ID card already. This amount is from your share of the salvage from the battle, and for your payment for your publicity tour. Your manager has worked out the details of your contract. Your job title is Junior Mech Maintenance. Report to Blade at 8am … DO NOT be late. He runs a tight shift.” The Commander goes through the remaining details as she did with Woody. “Well, if there are no more questions...", continues the Commander. “No ma’am … um, Commander.” “Well, the rest of the day is yours. Get familiar with the base and good luck.” she concludes. Woodman gets up and leaves the office.
Submitted by Woodman 1201# 832644