Rising, Aren walked over to the young woman, extending a hand to her.<br/><br/>"You must be Jalith. I'm captain Aren Tobak, commander of the 1st mech squadron. Welcome to the team. Your file says you're one of the best heavy mech pilots in the Midlothlian army; you'd better be the best. It also says you're one hell of a mechanic; that's good, because we expect you to repair and mod your own mechs in this unit. I'll let the rest of the team introduce themselves to you." Although he made an effort to be cordial, he knew it would take time to grow accustomed to the new face around the base. He could feel the grief over Balix welling up, if he had just checked the monitors, he would've known she was in trouble. He should have done something, should have tried to save her.<br/><br/>Aren returned to his seat, blue eyes shining. As the team rose to greet their new member, a flashing light from a com panel down the hall caught his eye. Rising from his chair, he quietly took his leave. In his quarters, he punched buttons on the keyboard on his desk, revealing a screen emblazoned with the Midlothlian army's logo. Continuing to type, he glanced up as the general's face appeared on the screen.<br/><br/>"Captain Tobak, I have a new mission for the Shadows," he said briskly, "I'm sending you the specs. I understand that your new heavy pilot arrived today, correct? How is she?"<br/><br/>"Alive," Aren said, absentmindedly, as he pulled up the specs , scanning them as he spoke. "She's here, and being introduced to the team as we speak."<br/><br/>"Aren, give her a shot; she's a damn good pilot, and she'll fit in with the oddballs you've already got. Look, if she doesn't fit, send her back to CT, and pick someone new."<br/><br/>"Right," Aren said stiffly. He had memorized the assignment; and he wasn't pleased by it. "Tobak out, sir." Shutting off the monitor, he sat in silence, pondering attack strategies. He leaned forward, and punched a key on the board; at once, jazz filled the small room, and he closed his eyes. What he needed now, was some time to relax.