Generations

[Mao]

Chapter VII
~Colonial blood~

In the next years, Mao got no word from Simone and he was unaware of what is going on with her and her daughter. He had his own problems. The company he was working for had to reduce its personnel and he was fired. Unable to find something else to work, he had to take a hard decision. He went to the Taus to gather information about the Colonials. He found out how they evolved and established the Republic. He also found out that they are recruiting pilots for the military. He took the chance that the colonials were offering. He decided to invite Aina to live with him on MInato, a base built by the colonials in Tau-44.

Aina, my love, I know how to move forward and forget about the problems.
I'm all ears, said, with irony, Aina. Where are you?
I'm in Tau-44. Listen... the colonials established the foundation for a new republic here. This is my chance, baby. No... it's our chance. I will be joining the military fleet.

Aina looked away from the screen and said something...

Are you OK? What is it?
No, no, I'm fine...
Oh good... Anyway, I want you to pack our things and come to the Taus. I already sent the application and the recruitment officer told me there are great chances for me to get in. This is great. I'm so excited. I can't wait to see their new ships. I heard they have one named Nyx...
Hai, hai... I have no money, how will I be able to come there?
Wrong. I sent you some credits. Check your NeuralNet. They also gave us this apartment, said Mao while turning the camera so that Aina could see the room.

It was a large room with a wall of glass. You could see some plants on the other side.

Minato is a planet?
Eh? Wha... oh, the plants?
Yes?
Ah, there is a biodom on the other side... Just come here, you'll love it.
Fine, Mao. I will pack today.
Love you!
Love you too.

After three days, Mao was a cadet in the Colonial Fleet. He returned to the bar on Sulawesi after his first training mission in a Nyx. He was with a couple of new friends.

Did you see that last shoot? asked Ryan.
No man, I was busy running from that guy... Atreides or something. He was kicking my ass too bad for my first day, answered Mao and all of them started to laugh.
I think we did well for our first day.
I don't, said a man standing in a darker corner of the room. You are too slow. One of the worse recruits I...
Who the hell are you? asked Mao.
...ever had to instruct.
Damn! I'll be outside, said Ryan.
Relax, cadet! I'm not using my rank in the bar.

He was Captain Pavel Broden, one of the officers that had to teach the rookies.

And about you, Mao, we'll meet in the simulators. Watch your back.

After those last words, the guy finished his drink and left the bar. The two cadets looked at him till he was out of sight and then they started to make jokes about their superior. A news alert on the holo-monitors captured Mao's attention. He went to a table and used the commands to see the full news buletin.

"Another transport was attacked today in Kyushu. Kusari officials reported that this is the work of the Golden Chrysanthemums, a local organization that fights for the rights of women in Kusari and for instauration of matriarchy. Today's attack ended with the death of the crew and the passengers. We currently have no information about colonial citizens on board of that ship but the destination was Minato Harbor, Tau-44. As soon as we receive new information, we will provide them to you..."
Man, this is bad, said Ryan.
It's worse. Aina was on that ship. God damn it! No!
Who?
My fiancee, Aina Masami.
What... man, I'm sorry.

Mao went to Minato docking commandment.

Is it true, that was our transport?
Yes. Who are you?
I'm in the fleet.
Oh... I'm sorry, sir. We are a bit crowded with all the events. How can I help you?
Do you have the passengers list?
Yes. Wait a minute... here you go. Anything else?
No, thank you, said Mao and went to his apartment.

He found Aina on the passengers list. He was devastated. In the following weeks he was interested in the investigation, trying to figure it out who attacked them and why. He found out that Aina was on the missing persons list so there was a chance of her still being alive but weeks passed and those hopes vanished.

With nothing to live for, Mao started to focus on his military career and soon, he became Captain in the fleet. He and another captain from the 88th battlegroup, Marc Williams became best friends. He and Marc were named simply "The Two" and were known to be the biggest "enemies" of the current commanders. They were actually requesting explanations for every order they received. This ended when their superiors decided to take actions against one of them. The unlucky one was Mao. In front of the battlegroup, Flight Captain Broden steps forward and starts to speak:

Fellow pilots, we have gathered here today, for a rather unpleasant event. The Quorum have received a number of complaints over last weeks, regarding one of our captains. Obviously, a few good words were not enough to help the man change his attitude, therefore, we have decided to take rather more effective approach to the matter. Charges are following: insubordination, bad judgment in combat, setting bad example to men, unacceptable leadership behavior, way too out of line insulting other fellow pilots and personnel, stirring up negative attitude about various topics. Note that this charges do not come from combat performance only, but rather from all aspects of ones life. Therefore I hereby announce that Captain Mao Rinkamo is effective immidiately demoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant. Hand over your stripes and keys of your Gunboat Fl. Lieutenant. Until you prove yourself clean of the charges set above and until your attitude changes in general, you will stay at this rank. Continue, and you may see the door from the Republic. That would be all. Dismissed!

In front of all those accusations, Mao decided not to accept this, knowing that Broden had some unfinished business with him. His answer came and it wasn't on such a lovely tone.

You scum! You bring your personal vendeta here?! Very professional, captain. So let's see... Insubordination?
I always followed orders from my superiors. Next? Bad judgment in combat? There's no proof to stand for this statement nor an actual complain coming from one of my comrades. Setting bad example to men? Another statement that has no background. Unacceptable leadership behavior? "Leadership behavior", you idiot! Leader's actions are not judged. That's why they are leaders. Way too out of line insulting other fellow pilots and personnel. Pilots that can't find even their head?! Insulting was too easy. I should have kicked them in their face for the mistakes they made. Stirring up negative attitude about various topics. Well, this is the only true statement in here. That's me and my attitude. But I don't find this a reason to demote me. Looks like I touched something here... You don't like when people start asking questions about some aspects of what you do... But I will not stay and talk with people like you. Consider this to be my resignation from the colonial fleet. May the Gods look after your souls. Adios!

Broden signaled the two marines to escort Mao out of the room.

Thank you, I know the way out of here.

He didn't want to leave but he did. Marc followed him and they both ended up working in the defense wing of IMG. Same enemies, less restrictions.

I think this was a good choice, said Marc.
Well... we still kill outcasts everyday, no?

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