Underdogs

[Trinity Talon]

"Well I just don't want Jake getting spooked and you getting thrown from him. Or did you forget that one parade we did and someone had the bright idea to bring their pet Sehlat to watch it and we had that whole team of horses get spooked and we took out that coffee cart?" Trinity said and a cocked head and crossed arms. "Besides... horse crap is hard to get out of the dress uniforms. Hey you married a former Yeoman, you know I don't send anyone out unprepared. And Dougal, please... promise me you'll make the boys wear underwear under their kilts. I know it's not 'traditional' but still. Last time you let them wear kilts 'regimental style' they felt like they could take a piss on any tree. This is the 25th Century... and they are not dogs."

[Ethan Talon]

Ethan laughed at her, "We're men my dear. Peeing on trees is our God given right as males, and I doubt knickers would make any difference."

Dougal busted out laughing.

[Trinity Talon]

"You got a point there babe..." Trinity laughed and shook her head. "Just be gentlemen... alright?"

[Ethan Talon]

Ethan glanced at his chronometer. "Mr. MacDonald gather your men if you please sir," Ethan said formally. "Colonel Lei call the division to order!" Ethan smiled at Trinity, and gave her a crsip salute, "You belong with the Division Colonel. You are welcome to join the march."

[Trinity Talon]

"It's alright... let the men rally around Kalia." Trinity replied with a salute. "Besides, I need to meet up with Kat and your mother." she gave him a wink. "Maybe pick up a pregnancy test."

[Ethan Talon]

Squeezing his right let and a left pull on tje reins Ethan sidestepped Jake over to Trinity and he leaned over in the saddle and kissed her. "You'll know where to find me."

The tapping of drums issued formation commands saving the officer's voices and negating the need for comms. The 78th would lead the formation, and Ethan reigned Jake up to the front next to a mounted Seargent Major Diego Garza who looked thoroughly uncomfortable in the saddle. Ethan nodded to him and reigned in next to Kahlia. "Is the Division ready Colonel?"

[Kalia Lei]

"Ready and spit shined and looking fine General." Kalia replied. "Let's make some noise."

[Ethan Talon]

Ethan nodded, and gave the order for the troops to move out. Drum lines from the various regiments tapped out a cadence as several hundred head of horses and a thousand more pairs of feet marched down the street. Flags of the Alliance and regimental colors flapping in the breeze. The command unit leading the way on horseback. Surprised citizens stared at the spectical googling the 82nd.

A shout in a deep Scots accent rose above the drums and clatter of feet and the pipes blared up playing "Scotland the Brave". Further back Ethan could just barely make out the tweets of the Irish Brigade's fifes playing to the tune of "Garryownen." Ethan knew the other regiments had their own songs that they would play, but he couldn't make them out.

https://youtu.be/Ya3Znwsdnoc

https://youtu.be/YHYgkt6P-MI

[Jonathan Price]

Jon Price was having his morning tea with Bella when he heard the troop's music almost a mile out...

"Wot the bloody 'ell.." Jon muttered as he looked around. "Who approved a parade? Let alone... bagpipes and drums? Bella!" he called out. "Did anyone say anything about a military parade?" he rubbed his head. "Should not have drank with Malcolm and you last night... iron livers the lot of you."

[Ethan Talon]

The Division marched up to the presidential residence and Ethan shouted, "Division halt!" The order was relayed and drums tapped out the order.

"Division... Right Face!" The whole unit snapped to the right to face the residence. "Officers... Draw... sabres! Division... present arms!" The division saluted the president as appropriate to the individual marine's role. Officers with their Sabres pointed to the ground, support staff with their traditional salutes, and Infantry with their rifles.

Silence fell as they held the position of respect for the president. The bands took up playing the Alliance anthem, which was an odd mix of bagpipes, fifes, indian flutes, and Narlin horns that was weird but, somehow sounded perfect for the situation.