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Messages - jussr

26
"While you are correct to say that we should postpone any discussion of the details, you will continue to address me respectfully, Valenae," I say softly, after taking a moment to unclench my jaw.  "Master Karlach or sir will suffice, for the moment.  And I will, of course, handle any necessary expenditures."
27
I half-turn to my three subordinates and raise an eyebrow at them in question.  "What is this of which she speaks?" I ask calmly.  "And why am I only hearing of it now?"
28
"Corporal, inquire about as to a decent inn," I order, deciding he is more likely than Palatinate to share my view of what may be considered decent.  I survey our surroundings as I add, "One with a private dining room available.  Ghost..."  I sigh.  "You are entirely too conspicuous.  Have you no way of disguising your nature?"
29
"Some thirty years, next month," I reply.  "I enlisted at sixteen, of course, and have remained since.  Although I am accustomed to commanding rather larger groups, these days; this mission is certainly proving interesting."
30
Re marching order: I think, unfortunately, that Karlach would go up front, probably with Olegov, which is a terrible idea since he's a striker but oh well.  What about Val and Pepper behind them, and Mari off to one side so that she can at least get out in front if need be?

    K    O
M
    V    P
31
As the sun peeks over the horizon, I shut the small journal I have been writing in during our turn at watch, and stand.  "See that Captain Olegov is awake, Corporal," I instruct, making for my tent.  "And send Soldier Palatinate to pack up the tents; I want to be on the road to Irontown within the hour."

Back inside, I see to the packing of the more delicate and sensitive items myself, working around the elf woman, after setting tea to steep for myself and Olegov.  After a hard day's ride, and relatively little sleep the night prior, I was not and am not in the mood for inconsequential conversation, tersely answering any such attempts.  Once we are underway, however, and I myself am refreshed by the tea and brisk - correction, bloody cold - early morning air, I decide I had best continue acquainting myself with my new subordinates.  And our tagalong.

"Have you served long, Captain?" I ask mildly.
32
Okay, Aden got his schedule confused, so we're going to do the talking another time.
33
Aden and I are going to write Val and Karlach talking some during their turn on watch together; anyone else wanting to do something similar on their watches before we do?
34
Before going to bed, I leave my tent and track down Olegov.  "Captain," I greet him.  "Wake me when it is my turn on watch; Soldier Palatinate - she has received a demotion for her disobedience today - will take first watch, accompanied by the ghost if it will cooperate.  You and the corporal take second, and I will join him for third."

[I'll just take ten for my perception check on watch for a total of 15.]
35
I think I know what Karlach will do, yeah.
36
I am home!  And I have had three units of blood, so I am basically a VAMPIRE.
37
Once the soldier has left, I permit myself a brief roll of my eyes before putting the map aside and taking up my dinner once more.  That one will be trouble, I think, and take a moment to wish I could take charge of her properly; over a century and a half without a discharge in spite of apparent blatant disobedience, and there must be something about the elf that has made her commanders willing to endure her presence, but I doubt I shall have the time to make much of an impression on her.  Not if I wish her to remain functional, at least.  And my second reasonably cooperative, since he seems the type to worry over the feelings and well-being of his subordinates.  And the mission must come first; a pity.  Well, with good fortune we may have this wrapped up inside a fortnight, and I may resume my leave after reporting back.  Best send another letter to Lady Ebba once we reach Irontown; Thranians should not be so foolish as to attack an Orien courier, but I will leave nothing to chance in this matter.
38
"Then your mandatory service is, indeed, complete," Karlach replies, seemingly unmoved by the number given.  "Now.  Report to your corporal, see if he desires any assistance with his injuries, and assist as required in finding reasonable ways to meet his... nutritional needs.  And bear in mind military regulations regarding the requisition of supplies, food included, in peacetime; anyone he dines upon must receive adequate compensation.  Dismissed, Soldier."
39
Whoops, sorry!  Not sure yet about mending or not, but I am alive (and potentially going home tomorrow); my blood counts have been misbehaving, so we're just waiting on them to stabilise.
40
Am I thoroughly understood?"

Another one of *these*.  Otto, save me.

"Sir.  I understand that I fear neither you, nor the lash, nor the gallows.  I expect death everyday, which is why I have survived the entirety of this war that we still yet wage," I respond in a matter of fact tone, "Strike me down if you desire.  My desire is to succeed in this mission even if it has been severely compromised.  Success is yet possible."
Karlach regards Pepper for a moment, and then smiles faintly.  "Oh, I doubt the gallows will prove necessary, what with the war being over at this time.  And I fear I left my whip back at my prior posting.  But as a former sergeant, you will have served your two years, yes?  If you prove yourself unfit to be a soldier, a simple dishonorable discharge will suffice."
41
Incidentally, I am currently in hospital; it has wifi and I have my laptop so I can check in, but I'm pretty tired a lot of the time.
42
"Compromised by enemy action, Palatinate, refers to an inability to give orders," Karlach states, voice turning somewhat chilly.  "Not the issuance of an order with which you disagree.  Do you know why Captain Olegov is in command over you, Sergeant?  It is because, in the judgement of your superiors, he is better placed to make certain decisions - a judgement which events of the day clearly support, as you not only disobeyed a direct order, but utterly failed in your stated goal, putting not only your life and all that we have invested in your training at risk, but doing the same with those of your entire team, commanding officer included!"  By the end, Karlach's voice, though still the same volume, cracks like a whip; he takes a short moment to return it to calm control before continuing.

"Had you succeeded, of course, this would likely have mitigated your offense in the view of some; I am not among them.  That said, it seems we have two tasks before us: you must prove to me both your competence as a soldier - a competence which includes your ability to accurately judge your own capabilities before undertaking a course of action - and your ability to follow orders, both on and off the field of battle.  Should you fail by disobeying one of my orders in a situation directly involving the enemy, the rest becomes a moot point; I will execute you myself.  Should you fail in one of the other two matters before the end of our mission - well, in that case I suppose you shall have to try and prove yourself worthy to a different commanding officer if you wish your former rank restored, Soldier Palatinate.  Am I thoroughly understood?"
43
"Palatinate," Karlach acknowledges, drink and food set aside as he peruses his map.  He does not look up from this study.  "Captain Olegov reports that you disobeyed orders to surrender, Palatinate.  Do you have anything you wish to say in your defense?"
44
[lol yay, now pepper knows his rank at least, if not his name]
45
"I gave orders to surrender--she continued to attack the enemy, putting herself and the whole company at risk that they would reject our surrender and kill us all."
Karlach hisses in response, grip tightening on his glass.  "Unacceptable," he says crisply.  "We have a job to do at present, but there will be consequences for her actions, Captain Olegov; you will have my support in this.  And I will make clear to her what shall happen, should such actions be repeated over the course of our mission.  In fact - is there more you wished to discuss tonight?  If not, I will bid you a good evening, and ask you to send the sergeant in to meet with me."
46
"I was not informed, no. We were not briefed on the composition of our company, beyond name and rank."
"I see," Karlach replies.  "And Palatinate?  What did you mean about her being a lone wolf?"
47
Quote
me:  martin
do you wanna play civ
and kill england together
48
...and then go vote in this stupid referendum today!
I'M GOING BACK TO BED
49
"Corporal Valenae? Oh sure, he's a vampire. But you don't rise in the ranks quaffing one's compatriots."

I take a long draught of wine. "At least, not without permission. Still, it's probably best to find out if what Astra says was an idle threat or not on the part of the corporal."

"And the girl's suspicions that his... status was unknown?" Karlach asks, refilling Olegov's wine.  "Were you informed?"
50
"Oh, you may be dismissed as well, Palatinate," Karlach adds as an afterthought.