Claire was a member of the Talos Squadron, with only one other person older than her remaining. She was talented with a rifle from a young age, raised by a military strong family, the oldest of four with three younger brothers, of course growing up with three brothers meant having to keep an eye on all of them. Of course this turned her into a tomboy and the strict regime of her father ended up making her just as tough as any guy. She entered the military as soon as she was able and didn't believe that any other sort of life was for her.

She got entered into Mech School, it wasn't exactly expected, but she ended up taking a liking to the raw power presented by the scaled weaponry of the goliaths and soon the mechanoids. Her talent as a sniper earned her a place in the prestigious Talos Squadron where she met Carl. Everyone knew it but turned a blind eye to the relationship that formed between the two. At first they were simply a spotter and a sniper, relying on one another, until it became a little something more.

Of course all that ended days ago as Claire watched Carl's Mark 3 get blown to pieces while they retreated. On their return, she drank herself under the table and spent the next day sobering up, enough time at least to try and get her head in order for the next day that was to come. Carl was gone, and now they were getting some newbie, some-one they didn't know. Claire didn't like it, in fact all it did was irritate her and made her think how quickly the military and its shareholders simply wanted to replace a lost soldier. A lost number. She had gotten to the base bright and early, but she paid no attention to others, simply sitting and stewing in her own misery while she waited for their leader to show up.

Among the Talos Squadron there was a rather different young man. Jerry Marston, foster child, punk, sometimes even called moron, but the military straightened him out, or rather, the same man that had died had straightened him out. He'd almost died in some stupid street war until Carl Smith made his appearance, sending the two opposing gangs fleeing and grabbing one by the collar. He gave Jerry a hard talking to, inspired him into joining the Military and from there Jerry found a love for electronics, explosives and ranged warfare.

It turned out that Jerry was almost wasted potential, perhaps a quirky young man, but otherwise a rather bright individual with a future as a pilot in his own Mark 3. His love for explosives was shared in the Talos Squadron with another young man his age, Trigger. Their positions on the battlefield ended up making them fast friends, Trigger kept Jerry's mouth in check, especially near mentions of Claire's bust that would have gotten his neck snapped otherwise, while on the field Jerry was tantamount to a personal bodyguard for his friend.
He had spotted the new younger woman on the base, but his attempts to talk and joke with her fell flat when she didn't even respond. It was hard to stun Jerry, so when he shut up for a few moments, it no doubt surprised a few people.


Ambrosia moved with purpose to the Talos assembly area once she realized that the Land Shark was returning. It had aided in shielding the retreating squad members, so it had taken some damages, some solid patch jobs and fresh coats of paint made it at least look like new, but none of the crew were too happy with what had happened. Carl was the Talos Squadron's big brother in terms of personality, he partied a little when there was something to celebrate, he boxed Jerry around the ears when Trigger wasn't there to do it, he even treated the engineers and scientists on board like family.
A lot of people assumed it was because he lost his own family due to attacks by Midland forces, it might have been, but he was a sincere and trustworthy man, his sacrifice likely motivated by the desire to protect the new family he had gained on the Land Shark.

But Ambrosia knew nothing about such things, she only knew the reports, a man had died, she was entrusted with his position, a front-line combatant. The files given stated she had a clean record, in fact a clever man would have considered her history, background and record too perfect.
A daughter of a civilian family with an older brother, her mother a restaurant owner, her father a lawyer and priest. Her brother had gone on to run a small business. She entered the military as soon as she was able, above average test scores and recommendations from several Military personnel, many of whom were backers of the shareholders, however. Even her psych evaluation painted her as a loyal and obedient soldier.
A clever man had good reason to be suspicious of her. Very good reason indeed.

She stood at attention, calm and quiet, hands at her sides as she stared ahead of herself, listening and waiting. She could almost have been mistaken for some mannequin or doll with how unmoving she was, all but for the rise and fall of her chest and shoulders as she breathed silently and patiently.