Chapter 1 - The Edy Detachment

Fort Amatriain, the Gallian Army's main base. The afternoon was a quiet one, a rarity due to the fact that the Second Europan War had all but engulfed the small Principality of Gallia. Most of the Army and Militia's forces had been deployed to various regions throughout the country, with the exception of Squad 7 of the Militia, which had just returned from operations near the trade route to Randgriz, the Gallian Capital. Standing outside the Officer's Building were two members of that squad...

"It's been barely a day since the we helped out Presentwell Village and now the Captain wants to see you personally, Miss Edy?"

Private 1st Class Edy Nelson sighed. "That's what the message says Homer. I doubt it's a good thing though. I bet everyone put in their reports that I had acted irresponsibly or something. I'm sure Captain Varrot is gunna dismiss me from the squad for sure." She tugged on her left pigtail with a gloved hand.

Engineer Homer Peron gasped. "Oh please don't say such things Miss Edy! Who's gunna hit me if you're gone?!"

Edy giggled as she ran her fingers through Homer's dark blonde hair. "Oh I'm sure Jann would love to beat on you if you let him."

"P-please don't joke about that Miss Edy!" Homer pleaded as he backed up a few steps. "Anyway isn't it time for your meeting with the Captain? It wouldn't be smart to keep her waiting."

Edy looked up at the white building. "Alright, Homer...Wish me luck darling..."

Homer flashed the shocktrooper a thumbs-up as Edy began to walk up the steps to the building. "I'll be waiting here for you Miss Edy."

As Edy began to slowly walk through the halls of the Officer's Building she began to wonder what she would do if she were dismissed. Go back to her small hometown and resume her semi-celebrity lifestyle there? When she had first joined the Militia, that had always been her intention, but after surviving countless battles with the many people she had met from Squad 7... She wasn't so sure thats what she wanted out of life.

Her thoughts were interrupted when she suddenly found herself in front of the door to Captain Varrot's Office. After a few hesitant moments she lightly knocked on the door. "Come in." Answered a voice from within. Edy turned the doorknob and slowly creaked the door open. Inside she saw Captain Eleanor Varrot sitting behind her desk, looking over a few pieces of paper.

Probably reports about me... thought Edy as she shut the door behind her.

"P-private First-Class Edy Nelson reporting ma'am..." Said Edy, clearly nervous.

"At ease." Said Captain Varrot. "Please, have a seat."

Edy quietly sat in the wooden chair that was located a few feet in front of the Captain's desk.

"I've finished going over the Squad's reports regarding the incident at Presentwell Village that you were a part of. Imagine my surprise when I found out that you were involved in this, considering Squad 7 was not supposed to be anywhere near the village to begin with."

"I-I can explain, Captain! Please!" Edy begged.

"That won't be necessary." Said Varrot, putting a hand up. "From what I've read, it seems that a small detachment of Imperial troops separated you and five others from the squad, and that you gave chase...Am I correct?"

"...Yes." Said Edy. "I thought it was a good idea at the time, given the situation."

"Good enough to put you and five of your squad-mates in an extremely hostile situation that could easily have claimed the lives of every one of you? And this isn't the first time Private. I don't think I have to remind you about your little escapade in Kloden when the Lieutenant and Sergeant Melchiott were separated from the squad. Or Fouzen. Or Marberry."

Edy sighed as she looked downward and covered her face with both of her hands. This is it, she thought as she felt tears well up. Now she'll say that I'll be discharged and the curtain falls on my performance as a Squad 7 Militia Shocktrooper..

"Normally, those kind of actions get people killed and cause missions to fail." continued Captain Varrot. "However, in your case, every single incident resulted with no casualties and improved the overall situation for the Squad. Also noted were the many civilian lives that had been saved."

Edy looked back up at the Captain. "You mean I'm not fired or anything?"

Captain Varrot laughed. "That discussion did come up, but the Lieutenant and I had a better idea. Seeing as how you seem to perform and lead well enough with a small number of soldiers, it's been decided that you will be given a small detachment from Squad 7 to do various tactical missions, ranging from basic reconnaissance to infiltration if the situation calls for it. If you're up to it that is."

"O-of course!" Edy gasped. "I'll be happy to!"

"Good. I'm promoting you to Corporal as well." The captain handed Edy a small folder with several papers inside. "The first thing I want you to do is to pick out five members, one of each class, to accompany you on your missions. The Lieutenant, Sergeant Melchiott, Corporal Stark, and Sergeant Potter can not be chosen for obvious reasons."

Edy nodded and took the folder, trying to process everything that was happening.

"I already have a mission ready for you, but there's no need to rush. Take a couple of days to figure out who you want and report back to me in 48 hours. That is all."

Edy saluted and rushed out of the office. Wow, I totally didn't expect that! Homer will never believe this!

As Edy left, Captain Varrot let out a sigh. Whether it's skill or dumb luck that's gotten Edy this far... I guess we'll find out soon enough.