"Thanks, Sergeant. I have to get to the Commander's debrief." You unstrap from your seat and rise to face him. "I appreciate all your support today. Do you have anything specific you'd like me to include in my report to the Commander?"
"No, sir," he says. "Pretty routine mission."
He turns and leaves, heading through the main compartment of the drop ship and down the ramp, already barking orders.
"Thanks again for your great work today," you say to Halliday as you follow Shah out of the cockpit. "I'll see you around."
She's turned back to her console, but at your voice she looks up and waves.
You unlock your rifle from your seat, sling it over your shoulder and stroll down the after ramp, gazing around at the massive strike deck. Your drop ship is parked at one end of the vast space, and twenty-four others stretch away to your left. The nearest is bustling with activity, like yours, as fellow Hoplite troopers disembark and ground crews move in to service the craft. The other drop ships are all parked in perfect formation, noses pointed out toward their airlocks, waiting for their next missions. Across the strike deck are twenty-five more drop ships, and between the two lines you gaze at the awesome arsenal which makes up an entire Astral Corps regiment. Tanks, mechs, and even a training ground crowd the central deck of this space. You're reminded in no uncertain terms of the power of the military force in which you serve.
Some of your troopers glance up at you as you descend the ramp. Salutes aren't required on the strike deck, but you do notice a few nods directed toward you. You return the gestures, keeping your expression professional as you fight down the grin which threatens to explode forth.
Trooper Amori spots you and jogs over.
"I can take your rifle, sir," he says. "Sarge says you have to get to a debrief."