Harrington sounded a level dejected when the intercom jingled for lunch, which was likely understandable given the reception of his previous announcement. Still, the man pressed on; one way or the other, shift change had to be delivered.

"Attention, all soldiers. You are to report to the cafeteria for your noon meal. Once again, we ask that you be prompt. Loiterers will find themselves without food for the day."

He might as well have yawned in the brief silence that followed.

"Thank you."

The intercom clicked off...

...to click on a beat later.

"Also, we will be having one of our own available to you for any comments or questions you might have. Feel free to approach her anytime this period and the next. Thank you."

The intercom clicked off.

[ NEWLY ACCEPTED CHARACTERS are free to reply to this with their introduction post. Please have your character wake up in a random room if we have not yet assigned them. Thank you! ]

Although it had been good to see his mom again, Claude entered the cafeteria with a dark expression on his face. He was glad she felt comfortable enough with him to share her experiences from last night, but that didn't make him any less angry at the military for using her to do their dirty work. Why couldn't those bastards clean up their own messes? Surely they had the resources for it.

Were they really going to have to fight someone else's war now?

His head buzzed with those sorts of questions as he moved through the room. Even so, with the help of his escort, Claude assembled a tray with a rather large hamburger, the appropriate condiments, and a cup of water. The cafeteria was still relatively empty, save for the soldiers on duty, so he took very little time in the line. It was probably just as well. He'd been so engrossed in his conversation with Rita during breakfast that he hadn't eaten much.

After finding an empty seat, Claude gingerly placed his tray and journal onto the table and sat down. As he lifted up his burger with his good hand, Claude couldn't help but think of Ashton for a moment. Where was he? He'd disappeared so long ago, and yet part of him worried the military had used him for something too.

Eyebrows furrowed, he took a bite and tried to focus on getting a decent meal in his stomach.

[For Guy!]