[i]"What's the contract's duration?" What sort of supervision are we getting? What kind of operations are we being trained for?"[/i]

	"The initial contract lasts for six months," Colonel Leung had answered. "When it's expired, the Panthers can decide to renew it or take another. However, depending upon the circumstances, you may be asked to stay on standby longer. You will be compensated for any extra time spent in XCD service. 

	"We're keeping the unit on a long leash," he continued. "You are asked to follow the conduct outlined in your guides when present on the base, but you will not be subject to routine inspection or surveillance... Unless absolutely necessary. In the field, you will be expected to cooperate with XCD personnel and understand battlefield protocol and standard operating procedure, also in your manuals. Your training is for your Battalion HQ to decide. Expect to accompany other units during combat exercises. Doing so will familiarize yourselves with operations and protocol of the 26th Regiment."

[hr]

[center][i]The Samigina - Present[/i][/center]

	It is currently nightfall. The [i]Samigina[/i] has been en route to Fort Huangdao for approximately six hours, and should reach the island by morning. The briefing with Colonel Leung has left mixed feelings in the guts of the units pilots, but the general consensus is that the risk is worth it. Anything that will help kick-start the Panthers back to top-tier is a valuable investment. 
	Still, not all is tranquil aboard the landcruiser. Uneasy tension can be felt between pilots as cases of PTSD, homesickness, depression and other mental ailments hamper the unit's ability to function. Richard Bentz prays he can keep his unit together for the next six months and run the contract's course without taking any more losses.
	As night envelops the [i]Samigina[/i], the pilots of the unit are left to their own devices, preparing themselves for their new role as auxiliaries of the XCD's 26th Armored Reconnaissance Regiment...