Chapter Two:
The Journey and the Arrival
“You know sometimes I think you’d be better off piloting a Zoid, rather than studying to become a Doctor Levana.” The familiar voice of Lieutenant O’Connell spoke with a slight teasing tone, although what he was stating was more of a fact.
“Yes, but my passion and my skills revolve heavily around being a healer, rather than a fighter, Lieutenant O’Connell.” Levana answered with a kind smile, as she conversed with the teal haired Lieutenant over the screen link that was in her temporary, borrowed Zoid.
The Zoid was a white and grey Command Wolf; it was an older model Zoid and it hadn’t been used much by the Republican Army as it was lacking strength in many area’s and no one wanted to waist a lot of time and money to update the older, useless Zoid. Levana had used the Command Wolf several times before and upon her request the older Zoid hadn’t been discarded as an old piece of useless scrap metal.
Captain Rob Hermann had raised an inquisitive eyebrow at the odd request, at first but he granted it nonetheless and now Levana used the so called “hunk-of-junk” when the small group of soldiers moved from one base to another and when she was needed quickly after a battle. In turn for saving his “life” the older Zoid had, seemingly taken on a life of his own and when Levana was in trouble, with her lack in battle skills, the Zoid would convey the skills of an expertly trained and well seasoned fighter Zoid, much to everyone’s greatest surprise.
“But you have to admit, even just a little that you like piloting that walking scrap heap.” The Lieutenant laughed with a small smile, when the aged Zoid looked over in his direction and growled in a deep warning tone. The Zoid had obviously taken an offence at being called a “walking scrap heap”.
“You know O’Connell, if you keep on insulting that Zoid he might just attack you one day for revenge.” The jovial voice of Rob Hermann was heard, just a second before his smiling face appeared on both the Lieutenants’ and the nurse’s screens.
“Yeah, he is unpredictable sometimes isn’t he?” The young Lieutenant laughed along with the blonde Captain, causing another soft growl to rumble in the white Zoids throat, making Levana chuckle quietly, before reassuring her Zoid that they were just teasing and meant no harm. The older Zoid quieted down after that and patiently ignored the two men’s comments for the rest of the journey.
Four hours later, the small Republican convoy stopped in the middle of the desert and left behind a large cluster of dusty brown “Sleeper” Guysak Zoids. Levana didn’t particularly like leaving the dangerous Zoids behind, even though they were technically at War, her job was to help and heal people, while those Zoids were the exact opposite of everything she stood for.
Levana had voiced her concerns to the Captain before they left and he, along with Lieutenant O’Connell assured her that the Zoids would only awaken and attack if they sensed Imperial weaponry; easing Levana’s worry slightly, but still death was something that Levana had a hard time with, being that it was one of the main reasons why she had chosen her specific field. She wanted to help people and keep them alive. Although she knew perfectly well that she would encounter a patient one day that no amount of medical skill and expertise could help. She wouldn’t say that she was ready for that dreadful day, but when it came she hoped and prayed that she would have enough strength to endure the aftermath.
From then on their journey seemed to finish a lot more quickly than it had started. By the time that the convoy had reached the Red River Base, the sun was just starting to creep above the horizon. When the fortress was finally within sight, everyone sighed thankfully in relief, that they were neither attacked nor spotted by the Imperial forces, which were positioned on the other side of the river. They were so close that it immediately sent everyone on edge, but at the same time everyone was relieved. It was an odd feeling to feel both relief and nervousness at the same time, but none of the soldiers or Medical Squad would complain.
“Alright men, I want half of you to set up a proper perimeter, while the rest of you unload the Zoids and equipment.” The tall blonde Captain ordered as soon as all of the soldiers and Medical Squad stood in line before him, patiently awaiting their orders.
“I want the Medical squadron to unload and have their equipment set up immediately. Lieutenant O’Connell, you and ten men will assist them. Everyone you are dismissed.” With his last command, everyone saluted their superior respectively, before disbanding in a composed and experienced fashion, after he returned their salute. Everyone knew their assignments and they would carry their orders out just as perfectly as they had practiced so many times before.
“Ms Henley, when we’re done unloading the equipment I’ll show you to your quarters. I’m sure that you’re tired and would like to rest afterwards. Don’t worry about the Command Wolf; he will be taken good care of, I’ll see to it personally.” The Lieutenant told the young blonde haired nurse in a formal and business-like tone, using her surname. They may have been good friends but they were still soldiers and right now respect was to be given to the higher command and formalities were necessary.
“Thank you, Lieutenant O’Connell. I appreciate your kind offer and I accept it with much gratitude.” Levana returned with a small thankful smile, using the same formalities as the young Lieutenant. Traveling had always exhausted the young woman for some unknown reason, but she had been training her body to not tire so easily and it was working, perhaps not as quickly as she might have wanted but progress was progress, small or not.
“It’s my pleasure, Ms Henley.” The teal haired Lieutenant replied returning his best friend’s smile with his own. Everyone was exhausted from the long trip, but the Medic’s health was directly at the top of the list of important priorities, just under weapons and ammunition. With tired Medic’s on hand, accidents and unnecessary deaths could occur, so it was the soldier’s duties to keep them healthy and safe at all times and the same courtesy was shown in return to the soldiers, when they needed medical attention.
