"My thoughts exactly," Bentz replied to the recon pilot. "We can't afford to get by on table scraps any longer. A partnership with the XCD will get the unit back on its feet. This is the most practical course of action the Panthers can take."
	
	Richard pressed a button on his PADD and the holo-table's display changed once more. Images of several FRAMEs were imposed in the air, along with datasheets and promotional videos depicting the models in action. Cecilia recognized some of them: all high-end XCD machines. They were leagues apart from some of the old Handous that were decaying in the [i]Samigina's[/i] bay. 

	"Director..." Cecilia gasped. "The XCD is actually supplying us with [i]these[/i]?" 

	Richard smirked, still studying the holo-display. "The option is there, if you feel the need to retire your old-timers. In any case, if we're going to be operating as an auxiliary of the XCD, it'd save us a lot of trouble to get familiar with their equipment. When in Carth..." *

	"I've made arrangements for Fort Huangdao to receive the [i]Samigina[/i]," Colonel Leung said. "The Panthers will be attached to the 3rd Battalion, 26th Armored Reconnaissance Regiment. For the duration of your contract, the Panthers will receive orders from Battalion HQ. As an auxiliary unit, you'll have some degree of autonomy under Captain Bentz, but will be expected to abide by standard XCD Army conduct while on its premises."

	"The [i]Samigina[/i] will embark for Fort Huangdao, Nansheng first thing tomorrow morning," Richard added. "We should arrive within the day. In the meantime, I've uploaded material to your PADD clouds to familiarize yourselves with the way things are done in the XCD Army. I'd recommend studying up on the trip. If there are no further questions, I'll let Colonel Leung be on his way."

* FRAME-universe equivalent of "When in Rome," saying. 

[hr]
[center][i]Later, outside the[/i] Samigina[/center]

	"<Colonel? It's me.>"
	
	"<Sir. The Panthers have been briefed on the venture between themselves and the XCD. I just stepped off the landcruiser.>"

	"<With any luck, the Panthers ought to be a useful asset. I know it must seem like a risk to invest so much in them, but at least it'll keep them in the dark until the time is right. You saw how they handled Captain Tong's unit.>"

	"<I agree, Sir. Dangerous, but expendable. I just hope the Regiment HQ will have enough errands to keep them busy with.>"

	"<If not, we can always create some. I've passed instructions to Colonel Yu. I need you back here for the time being. We need to talk about the League.>"

	"<On my way, General.>"