fang

Mmhm. At least, to the best of your ability, you've enabled our team to complete this first mission.

And besides, the way you lead A1 to victory out there in battle, and then come back and have such a great, friendly relationship, that all shows what a great captain you are.

I mean, it's not like everyone's lucky enough to get set up in an reserve op team. Like me, I'm such a free spirit they won't even give me the chance.

So buck up, Captain Fang.

Nobody thinks you gave the wrong orders. You're just hung up on doing better.

If you would like to change, then learn from your failures. You definitely have what it takes to find a solution.

Huff... puff...

I got it.

I'll keep working hard to be a good captain, but I hope you will all keep giving me suggestions on how to improve.

Well... Like, I guess I didn't really get why you went rushing on ahead, and it sorta freaked me out?

Aciddrop, I think what you are trying to say is the captain should 'improve communication.'

Yeah, that!

Right... so I need to give clear and concise commands...

Yes, communication is important. You act and react decisively, but it's important to make sure everyone can keep up.

Get a plan in place and keep everyone safe...

Battlefield command is very difficult, but crucial. There is no doubt you have what it takes to be captain.

But we hope you will provide more encouragement to your teammates, such that they will have even more faith in you.

Yeah, like, beyond just training, you and the A1 girls do other stuff to build teamwork, right?

Hm... we do talk strategy, I guess. And we fight, and chat, and argue...

You argue? That sounds like a rather intense pastime.

Yes, like at times like these, they'll be so caught up in themselves, I have to push them to rest, or they'll talk right through their break time...

We have thirty minutes until the next mission, so you should be resting up too. I'll wake you when it's time to move.

Wha? But I wanted to hear more about you and your reserve op team.

We can't keep talking, you're wounded. You need your rest. Lay down, Aciddrop.

Ugh, fine. But after the mission, you've gotta gimme some real tight war stories, okay? I'm jonesing.

Alright...

Miss Scene wants to ask if you have cheered up? She hopes that conversation was helpful to you.

Don't worry, Scene, or Lens. I just need a little alone time to think.

Yeah... good call.

Fifteen days ago, Rhodes Island Training Grounds

...That's it for today.

Phew... alright.

Finally done... huff... I'm totally spent...

Kroos never misses a chance to catch a break... Why don't you take me up on my offer and have healthy meals with me?

You'll have more energy. We'll get you on a regular schedule.

No thanks. I might be better off living like you, Hibiscus... but I think I'd rather take it easy.

Shhh! Kroos! The instructors are still here!

Alright, no joking around in front of Instructor Grace. Everybody form up and head out.

Fang, hold back a second.

Huh...?

Yes, Instructor!

Poor Fang. Team leaders always have to stay late.

But Fang won't mind talking to the instructor for a while more. She's so responsible and serious. I couldn't handle more lessons, but Fang...?

(And her tail's still flapping away. Fang really has so much energy.)

Yeah, Fang's always worn her heart on her sleeve. Training doesn't get to her, not like us. We can't hold up in a protracted fight...

You're the one who's always slacking off.

(You two...!)

Ah! We'd better go! Bye, Instructor Grace, Captain Fang!

Sorry you had to see that, Instructor... I hope we don't come off too lazy...

Relax, you're doing fine. I asked you to stay not for Reserve Op Team A1, but for you yourself.

Me?

Correct. I've gleaned a few things from conversations with the rest of A1. There are some concerns about your leadership.

I... I don't want to make anyone worry.

Anyone can see that A1 has grown a lot. When you're done with training, we'll break out the team members for temporary practical duty with other squads.

And you haven't been doing too badly as captain.

But... I almost never do that kind of temporary duty alone.

Hibiscus, Kroos, and Beagle all had great temporary duty runs, and Lava gets out there on real missions, everyone can see how well she does alone.

But me? I may be captain, but I only pull it off with my team's support.

I mean, I sometimes think it'd be fine to just keep on leading A1, as selfish as that is...

I wish A1 could stay together, but I know everyone has their own futures ahead of them. I... I know we have to move on.

Yes, well, your teammates have all talked about how you feel. They know your sense of responsibility and duty.

And honestly, it's important for your feelings to get through to your teammates.

I've been around the block enough that I can tell you Rhodes Island's training regimen isn't just about getting your combat scores up.

Right, I know!

Instructor Dobermann always talks about how she wants Rhodes Island Operators to be strong and steadfast in battle, but also... to never blind themselves to the cruelty of war, to keep a beating heart.

Never see yourself as a pawn on the board.

What that means, Fang, is a lot more opportunities for you, not only for Rhodes Island to trust in your strength, but to refresh yourself.

Re...fresh myself?

Your A1 teammates recognize your strength, they trust in you. The understanding you have is unmatched.

Trust in yourself, but also trust in the idea that, no matter your teammates, no matter the odds, you can find a way to achieve the goal before you.

No one person is perfect, but two, or three... when they converge, the power in the center grows, maybe at the cost of some differences and disagreements.

I'm always pushing you one step further, Fang. Go make yourself into the leader who can guide that power in the center.

Instructor...

...Yes. I... I won't give up.

Not everyone can handle the burden of command.

Alright. Believe in yourself. And remember that feeling you had today when you dove in there. You can do it.

Um... But, Instructor Grace... I kinda feel like hearing this stuff from you... it's weird.

Ahaha... is it a little different from my usual style?

Not exactly, it's just... a little more... professional? Than usual!

Ah, you know me too well. And I think you can guess who's really telling you this stuff.

But even if 'she' isn't here to speak up and tell you herself, she definitely hopes you can get that courage and confidence from somewhere.

Alright! I got it!

Okay, go rest up. You'll have your first solo temporary duty assignment soon.

Huh? So soon?

You're not up for it?

Of course I am! I'll be ready...

Don't blame me for not reminding you, the first time you make a mistake. And don't cry in front of your team.

I won't! Thank you, Instructor Grace!

(And thank you... Instructor Dobermann.)

Whew... I almost lost it there. How embarrassing, hehe...

Everyone's encouraging me. And I really do believe I can do it.

Instructor Dobermann, Instructor Grace, I... I think I finally get it. I know what it means to be trusted by your teammates, and how comforting it can be.

I'm... the leader. I have to keep training, and take on more responsibility. That's my decision.

Half an hour later...

Phew... alright.

Team three, up!

Whew... glad we had some time to rest.

Y e s . . .

It may have been time to rest, but Captain Fang did not close her eyes. I took many shots of the captain's serious expression as she looked through her combat intelligence.

Erm... it's nothing special...