Cinnabar was furious as she stormed across the clean, stylish flat with its concrete floors and lovingly kept furniture.
She had been so hopeful, going into the Spec Ops meeting. Finally, a General Sovereign to take charge of the scattered officers and unify them into something truly dangerous... a new weapon for their arsenal more powerful than any other...
But that was not what they had gotten. Instead, their new 'leader' had revealed herself as a tyrant, trampling over every shining possibility for unity and efficiency to leave nothing but back-stabbing, robot soldiers, and ashes. And what's more? A gutting of over half of the Spec Ops senior members.
"At this rate, there will be no one left in her damn branch!" Cinnabar snarled as she paced, struggling to hold off the wave of anger-fueled darkness that threatened at the edges of her vision. It got worse when her rage spiked, but she couldn't afford another blackout right now, not while she was still reeling from her abrupt dismissal from the Spec Ops branch. She was going to need to talk privately with Chalcopyrite after this... maybe this was a good time to run some tests with the problem asserting itself so forcefully.
"Schörl!" She called over her shoulder, her tail lashing as the tips of her fingers dug into her hips, holding her heavy coat back out of the way of her legs. "Should I have held my tongue? Are we just supposed to just stand by and say nothing while she ruins everything we've worked for? I didn't think voice my concerns was grounds for a dismissal!"
She didn't ask if she'd been out of line... of course she'd been out of line. A good soldier would have done as told, without questioning it. Soldiers didn't need to know the why of things, they just needed to follow their orders. But after all this time and everything she had put into the Negaverse, the recognition she had earned... she had expected some measure of respect in return.
But then, she had never been a very well trained soldier. Painite had not felt the need to keep a firm hand on her lieutenant, and later captain, and Cinnabar had never cared to bow her head to anyone anyway. Which was why here, and why Schörl. The blonde had a better head for these things... the ability to see further than Cinnabar could.
The apartment looked as neat as it ever did. Despite the angry storm Cinnabar was as she paced about, she was careful to keep her path of possible destruction away from the furniture and things that belonged to the other general.
She had brought those of her own that had wanted to come, and Violane at least, she had pushed towards one of the chairs. She didn't say it, but she was concerned for the girl. So new to all of this yet, her corruption barely settled... She didn't like how she had been handled. Chalcopyrite had gotten off easier as a witness, but no doubt he had questions she didn't have answers for right now... and her lack of composer was probably not helping his impression of her.
[[ OOC: If you were at the Spec Ops meeting and want to attend this informal one directly after, feel free to join in! Generals can assume either an invitation came through their crystal from Cinnabar in her angry rush, or maybe they came on their own to see each others reactions to the dismissal. Lower ranks can assume their general brought them or make up some other reason to be here! ]]
Ivynian
Sorry for multi-quotes! Added Violane and Chalcopyrite as having come with her.
Kolina
hanging gallow
Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2016 7:18 am
The invitation had come before the general had had a chance to properly drop off the lieutenant she'd had with her at the meeting. A surprise, though a welcome one. She'd spent a moment to fill in those under her commande who hadn't been present, then left immediately after with Natrolite in tow. Typhon, having not been in her immediate company at the time, had been summoned after she and the lieutenant arrived at Schörl's lovely flat.
Unlike some, Xenotime hadn't felt the need to remain powered, not surrounded by allied, and not in someone's home. She'd powered down as she'd taken a seat in the middle of the couch, legs crossing, and drew Natrolite(or Layne, if he had followed her example) down on her left. Typhon, upon arrival, would be beckoned to take the seat on her right. Seated between the two she should have looked as small as she physically was, but even now she held onto that confident air. As sure of her self as Porsha Webber, as she was as general Xenotime.
She was watching Cinnabar pace, the rage flowing off the half-youma General in near visible waves, and she only half believed it was her imagination making the air feel so very charged. This much contained power in one room, under this much tension, it wouldn't have been surprising if their collective fury could have powered the whole damn city.
"It shouldn't be grounds for dismissal," she offered in a carefully level voice, taking the glass of wine offered to her by the quiet dancer that was flitting about among them.
Delphine, living under Schörl's care and command, hadn't needed a single word of explanation to know that the meeting had not gone well. She'd been a quiet shadow to her mistress, offering what comfort or assistance she could provide, and when the others had begun arriving, the dancer had disappeared briefly, only to return with an aged bottle of red from one collection or another.
She was moving between the gathered agents now, long stemmed glasses in her hands, offering drinks to those that would want them. It was not a role she had ever stepped into in the past, but it was one she would play tonight. Whatever her lady general needed, Delphine intended to provide.
cheekiebirdiee
silent spy
whimsical blue
ivynian
Beejoux
Wrathful Demigod
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Kolina
Inquisitive Agent
Offline
Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2016 8:05 pm
Arriving at the unfamiliar flat surprised the Lieutenant. She hadn't particularly considered where Cinnabar had been going so maybe to someone's home (her own maybe?) wasn't really out of the question. It just disoriented the young woman a bit to find herself in an unexpected location so swiftly. The whole teleporting thing, while very convenient, was still something she was trying to grow accustom to. It seemed her General wasn't going to give her much time to ponder anything over before Violane found herself ushered towards a chair.
Letting herself drop into the piece of furniture as it was obvious Cinnabar seemed insistent of it, Violane let herself relax into the cushions. As her muscles began to relax, despite the angry energy radiating from her General, Violane could feel several sore points. Probably where I hit the ground. She mused quietly to herself. In fact, she could feel the tell-tale sign of a headache coming on originating from where she must have hit her head when she collapsed. Truthfully, despite having her starseed ripped from her the way it had been, she had fared rather well. Some bruises and a headache was the extent of the damage. Still, she'd be lying if she said she wasn't somewhat nervous with how quickly and easily Hessonite had managed to practically kill her.
Violet eyes watched Cinnabar whom was clearly in the middle of a angry rampage. She'd never seen the General like this. In fairness, she barely knew Cinnabar so maybe the woman had a temper she hadn't shown until now.
Of course, Violane had witnessed her General being dismissed from the branch, and she could probably piece together some of it, but there was still a large gap that needed to be filled. "I am assuming I missed something in that meeting." She said to no one in particular as her eyes shifted from each person in attendance. Of course, if they were too busy to bother filling her in, she'd piece together things as she listened in and come up with something that would probably be close to accurate.
Whimsical Blue
ivynian
Beejoux
Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2016 1:12 am
Once more he found himself somewhere because of his general wanting to be there. Honestly Natrolite really didn't care about specific branches just yet but he did understand the frustration. It was easy to grasp after hearing the generals that had been dismissed introductions, knowing his own general, and really witnessing the meeting and how the new GQ presented herself. She was not someone Natrolite was looking forward to following that much he was sure of.
Xenotime powered down and moved away from him towards the furniture as they arrived at a rather swanky flat. While it wasn't like he was planning to go rogue any time soon, Natrolite did not follow his generals lead in powering down. Instead he stayed in the blue and grey looking police getup. But he did move to her left hand side to sit and listen, or rather try not to laugh at a pacing half-youma general's temper.
When a woman with wine approached him Natrolite gave her a wink but promptly waved away the wine. The taste of wine was always s**t to him unless it was the three dollar kind and this place looked a little to snobby for that. Shifting back into the sofa his hat was removed and a hand feathered through brown hair. For the moment he was silent since he had nothing to add to the present conversation.
Beejoux
Cheekiebirdiee
Mysterious Kitten
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Ivynian
Cat
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Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2016 6:32 pm
"Different leadership styles assert different wrongs and rights."
Schörl melted into Stroud, though lacking a uniform did not change the surety of steps in her own space as she held out a hand to the seating, or to the lush low table over thick carpeting surrounded with kilim floor cushions and couching. Hookahs and shisha waited hard by on display for common use. Any were welcome to use or request help to use, where they did not know how, any of smoking or drinking paraphernalia in the social zones of the industrial loft.
"The Strategic Studies Institute of the Army War College reported plummeting company-grade officer retention rates, especially the high-performing officers, from as far back as the 1980s. It is a management and culture problem. What Hessonite has done is what the military has been bleeding of for decades- the loss of top performing officers, unit coherence, internal safety as well as battle efficiency. She's defining her 'performance' as a zero-defect mentality, meaning she'll retain only risk-averse and unthinking officers, and leads to perpetual mediocrity. She wants blind, slavering Youma and sycophants, not officers. "
" The way of War for officers, instead of ground pounders, emphasizes independent judgment in the frisson of battle, rather than obedience and rules. We've been divested to the GenOps, we decorated and high-performing officers, so what are going to do with the parable of World War II hedgerows in front of us? "
"I propose this: General King Zinkenite once stated to me to make a team. The time then was not right., now it is. We make a team and we make it a point to recognize each others' strengths and weaknesses without pride. We run more counteroffensives with each others' support. We draw our cords tighter than they were. There is nothing in the training manuals or the designations forbidding officers other than SpecOps from pursuing traitors or from heavy martial training. We form our own Green Berets, Rangers, and Delta Force. Our need of a sovereign for promotions can be brought to Laurelite, as it was before these new drew in to Destiny City. We do our job. There are some here I have not closely worked with —now is the time. There is still an empty seat at the helm of General Operations- General Sovereign, Prince or Princess Ascendent."
If we do well, even one among us may be raised. That can be a carrot of ambition here to entertain those for whom ambition is the primary motive. And for the rest, the assurance of no Hessonite getting in our way with ice breakers.
Whimsical Blue
Kolina
hanging gallow
Beejoux
cheekiebirdiee
silent spy
Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2016 1:49 pm
Hearing the smooth voice of Xenotime in response to her rampaging cooled the fire, reminding Cinnabar she wasn't alone with Schörl here. She might have let her angry energy run it's course had it been just the two of them, but there were officers here, and even her own subordinates, who didn't know her well. The words reminded her of the impression she was giving these virtual strangers and the pacing slowed to a stop, tail still lashing but the energy tamed down to something more presentable.
She wasn't a raw lieutenant any more, out of control and blind with it. She had responsibilities now, and a history of slow growth into the person she was today. Taking a step back was unbecoming.
The half-youma general turned to sweep her eyes over the group that had gathered, her hands shoving deep into her pockets now that she wasn't storming around. She could feel starseeds rolling around her hands and like a worry stone, she fingered them to calm herself further. Xenotime sat on the couch with her lieutenant and a glass of wine, Violane watched her with curious eyes and the question she voiced produced a mental flinch.
What had happened? The general queen had delivered her expectations as though speaking to misbehaving children, after demonstrating in a brutal, but ultimately harmless, fashion one of the faucets of Spec Ops. On lieutenants with little training. Hardly something worth getting up in arms about when you looked at it from the outside. But tone could be everything, and when you considered the respect their promotions should have earned them... she felt at least half justified.
"I voiced my concerns, Violane." Cinnabar said, loud enough her voice would carry. "Leucite, Xenotime and Schörl did as well, but rather than address them, the General Queen dismissed us."
There was a feline hiss at the end of the words and the half-youma had to close her mouth to stop the sound. Red-black eyes shifted from the group to the general in green and she watched as she dropped her powered form. The civilian was as familiar to her as the general, and it was the mind inside that lovely head that she cared about right now.
What are you thinking, Stroud...
It was gratifying and a further balm to her wounded pride that her flash of temper was not dismissed or rebuked. Truthfully, she had half feared it... she didn't have Stroud's level of zen, or ability to think much past immediate dangers. She was good for fast, level-headed responses under the stress of battle, but when emotions ran high... it was ever a weakness.
Stroud spoke of the troubles of normal military keeping officers and Cinnabar's brows drew together in thought as she absorbed it. It made sense, but did little to offer a solution to the current problem... but Stroud had an answer for that too.
Cin's dark look cleared and surprise smoothed the frown from her face. Stroud had mentioned teams before, but a lack of interest officers, and even Cin's own offer to partner had been gracefully declined. So now, to have her offer... surprising, but not unwelcome.
"A team, Stroud? That's... well. Not as odd an idea as it seems, I think. I've worked with both you and Xenotime before, to notable success..." And now that the idea had been proposed, there were many benefits to it... and an amazing potential. Both Xenotime and Schörl were strong and experienced generals. Working together with her... Cinnabar's eyes narrowed as a hint of a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.
We could put the fear of god into our enemies... and inspire our own troops. If one general is something to be respected and feared... what of three?
"What do you think, Xenotime? If this group can work with synergy and mutual trust, I would put everything into it. I trust both of you, and by extension, the people you trust below you."
Moonstone had received an invitation and arrived in plenty of time - and bloody - so she had powered down and made use of the facilities to clean up; as such she missed the initial vitriol from Cinnabar and Xenotime, but did come out in time to hear part of Schörl - no, Stroud's speech...and all of Cinnabar's response.
Pandora frowned as she swiped a drink from Stroud's pretty blond pet and moved to the edge of the room, close enough to be part of the conversation but not so close as to seem overly chummy. She was somewhat annoyed at hearing about how Hessonite dismissed others for voicing the same concerns she had, after following the strong and stalwart Titan out. "Truly, the woman is an idiot and had no idea how to lead, no concept of the value of soldiers, nor the worth of those loyal and true."
"I would very much enjoy having her starseed in my hands." She smiled, clenched one hand tightly, and lifted her glass towards Stroud for her brilliant idea of a team with the other, "Barring that, if a team is formed I would be interested in joining." White teeth glinted wetly as Pandora smiled. "I was under General King Zinkenite, once. He would be pleased, perhaps even proud, to know you held onto his recommendation."
Kolina
hanging gallow
Beejoux
cheekiebirdiee
silent spy
Ivynian
Whimsical Blue
Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2016 7:59 pm
Sipping her wine slowly, Porsha's eyes continued to follow the back and forth pacing of the half-youma until her anger seemed to abate enough for her to slow to a stop. This was met a very small smile, mostly hidden behind the rim of her glance, but there all the same. Now really wasn't the time nor the place to find the other woman's passion endearing, but that didn't make it any less true. It was what had interested the fighter in joining forces with the other general in the first place, and why that initial meeting had ended the way it had ended.
The glass lowered to rest on her knee as she listened to Cinnabar explain to her lieutenant what had happened while she'd been mostly dead on the floor. She was curious how the lieutenant felt about that, but not enough to interrupt things to ask. Perhaps later.
Her attention shifted to Stroud as she too began to speak. First an observation on current military trends, and then the possibility of forming a team of their own. Working together as a unit to continue the work they had already been doing before Hessonite's arrival. A violet brow lifted, intrigued at the prospect, dark lips pursing as she considered it.
A glance to her side, pale eyes raising to glance briefly at Natrolite. Typhon would do what she told him to do, follow who she told him to follow. He was loud and brash, but he was obedient. Marcasite would present no problems either. Natrolite, he was a trickier hurdle. Obedient to her, but was well aware of the consequences if he wasn't. Considering Cin's strength, Schorl's ruthless efficiency, perhaps it would be a non issue. "I'm not opposed. There's some very real potential in this room."
Delphine, after handing out wine to all those that were interested, moved wordlessly through the small crowd until she could take a seat as near to her own general as was possible without simply claiming a place on the floor beside her feet. The remaining glass in her small hands was offered up to the tall woman, a very small smile touching her lips.
Attentive, she was paying attention to every word the generals were exchanging. Whatever was decided here tonight, she got the impression that she would be seeing more of these officers in one manner or another, and it would be in her best interest to have some idea of what she might come to expect. Where ever her general sent her, the corrupted senshi would go, no questions asked.
Super Sailor Typhon, the corrupted Senshi of Hurricanes made his way to a far wall and depowered while mulled over his frustrations and options, only half-attentive to the conversation at hand as the rest of his attention was filled with violent imagery of the newest General-Queen.
"I'm down for ********," Dustin chimed in. "But personally would like to see Hessonite's pretty little head crushed." Although typically a loud mouth, he often shied away from talks amongst leadership for god forbid he would accidentally volunteer himself for responsibility or enable the illusion that he gives a s**t. But tonight? He gave a s**t to speak up. He was livid.
"General Operations, Special Operations, Magic ******** Pony Operations, I don't care. I know where my loyalties lie, but it isn't to that c**t. You don't threaten my teams and get away with it. Hashtag-bye-felicia, hashtag-squad-goals."
Dustin went silent to take a sip of his wine. Although for Dustin, sipping wine is chugging the glass and waiting for a refill. Maybe some vodka in the next glass instead.
"Who does this b***h think she is, walking in and saying s**t is broke and demanding respect?" he continued to rant. "I don't know her sorry a**. She deserves nothing from me. The b***h has got to go. My loyalty is to Xenotime and the rest who have helped me. ******** Hessonite. Just my two cents."
His focus then went onto more calming things, like Delphine's legs, or also her a**. He gave a gesture of approval to Stroud.
Ivynian
Beejoux
Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2016 8:57 pm
Stroud was what they were calling her and one blue eyed agent was narrowed in on her with attention. Natrolite not being one that paid much attention said something, or would if his General whom was glancing over noticed the stare. Stroud had mentioned Zinkenite and the general king had made an impression on Natrolite, regardless of how brief their meeting had been. This giving her some props in his hesitant book. Plus the woman used a lot of fancy words, was good-looking and he didn't really care for Hessonite.
Go team!
A flurry of colorful language entered the room and he couldn't hold back a wide grin. Eyes following the voice to look upon a man he had never seen, handsome little loudmouth. Still wearing a grin Natrolite leaned against Xenotime giving his own two-cents, "why not..m'sure it'll piss her off..." He was all for that but reminding the others this likely wouldn't blow over well even if they were allowed to do it.
whimsical blue
Beejoux
silent spy
ivynian
hanging gallow
kolina
syrie
Cheekiebirdiee
Mysterious Kitten
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Ivynian
Cat
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Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 4:11 pm
Stroud's mouth turned in a sidling, private smile at with Pandora's violence. The woman's strength was heavy weighted to her club. "Allow amphibians to boil themselves. Hessonite is recognized by Metallia, and called to her task of leading the SpecOps to some other direction. If she fails, then there will be call to deal with her. "
"And it seems, that when that time comes, we all have an accord. We form a team among us. One that works like an actual team. We can help to combat train each others subordinates, Generals- Can we contrive a meeting between us in the Colosseum to train as a group? A first foray. Or a supply mission where we can review training of techniques and employ them, draining or starseeding, and see how well we all do at gathering? We should take stock of what we have access to. Even a group hunting night, and see how many of knights and senshi we can bring down or capture to Our Queen's grace. "
"Unity through symbols help. A token, like a pin, or band on the arm or leg of the uniform that we can each wear? " A wink to Typhon, "I lean towards a garter, to decorate our members. There's history to elude to and draw on from the Order of the Garter- 'Honi soit qui mal y pense.' Shame on him who thinks evil of it. It has a ring for us. Other suggestions? First moves and housekeeping? "
I have a Crown Tokens I'd happily donate to a first team event 1st, 2nd, 3rd place winners. I can also art up a quick badge/garter/pin whatever for members to put into journals~
Whimsical Blue
Kolina
hanging gallow
Beejoux
cheekiebirdiee
silent spy
Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 6:09 pm
As the petite woman who was handing out wine offered, Violane didn’t hesitate to take one of the glasses to sip on. Not necessarily her favorite alcoholic drink of choice, but she wasn’t one to pass on anything with an alcohol content when it was being freely given. Relaxing into her chair with her new drink, Violane powered down. Her uniform shifted into a pair of short washed out denim shorts and a basic, black, scoop necked tank that was dressed up by a few necklaces of varying lengths. A pair of tall gladiator black sandels finished off the attire.
The seething temper of her General, though not being witnessed before by the new Lieutenant, was not completely unexpected either. A fiery, assertive temper seemed well suited to her General. Maybe it was her physical, half-youma appearance or the way the woman had made her first impression upon Ildri, but the purple eyed young woman mentally approved of such a trait. Still, she was damn sure she never wanted that temper directed at her if it could be helped in the future. Ildri was not under any illusions that what she was seeing here tonight was probably just the tip of the iceberg.
“Ah, fantastic. Sounds about right from my own experiences with people in power.” She muttered. She wasn’t necessarily condoning Hessonite. Hell, she herself wanted the strength to do exactly what that General Queen had done tonight. Did it cause a small fire to burn in Ildri herself at the demonstration she had been put through? Certainly! There was nothing worse than looking the inferior.
Listening intently, trying to soak up as much information as she could in such an intimate setting, Ildri was intrigued when the topic of a team was brought up. A white brow rose as the topic was elaborated on. This...this right here was a golden opportunity. From what she gathered of the Negaverse thus far, Lieutenants mainly focused their training with their own Generals, but if Ildri could learn from a multitude of people at once? Well, that was something that would have made having her starseed ripped out worth it.
Joining in the approvals of the idea Ildri shrugged. “I can’t see anything wrong with the idea of a team. In fact, it will probably help a lot of us out in the end with so many differing lessons to be taught. Variety is the spice of life, right?” She said, her eyes shifting from the woman named Stroud and back to General Cinnabar. She offered a half grin to her General whom she was sure also saw the beneficial nature of a team besides having a place to replace the void that being dismissed from the Spec. Ops. probably left.
“A garter?” She questioned lightly with a raised brow. She didn’t really have any other ideas on the matter though, but a garter seemed...gaudy? Well, then again, it would depend on how the things were designed. “I suppose that would work, but I personally would find a pin or some other smaller form of identification better. Personal preference though. I don’t much mind what the consensus decides on.” She shrugged. Ildri was well aware she was probably at the bottom of the totem pole here and she wanted to remain in the good graces of those who would be her teachers so she could milk out as much knowledge as possible from them.
Moonstone didn't belong to any of the generals present, so it was a small surprise to see her here. Surprising, but not unwelcome. Cinnabar appreciated her fierceness and dedication.
What she found questionable, however, were the suggests of harm being done to the General Queen. The mouthy corrupt Xenotime had brought seemed to agree with her, but his wording was far more harsh, drawing a frown across Cin's face. Stroud's comment echoed her feelings on the matter, a growl rumbling in her throat.
"Hessonite thinks she's a General Queen, which, like it or not, she is. Chosen and lifted by Metallia herself." She snapped at the young man. Her chin lifted as she eyed him, the flick of her tail showing her agitation. "She has every right to demand respect, and get it, but a proper leader shouldn't have to do it the way she did. A smarter leader would have seen the benefit of keeping us and our teams, but you, and you too Moonstone, should save your blood thirst for the real enemy. Stroud is right... she'll fall on her own if she continues this way."
Her face darkened as her lip curled in disgust.
"This disloyalty to fellow officers that she's promoting is my biggest issue... A solid, loyal group is more effective that isolated, distrustful singular officers. But she'll find that out on her own." Red-black eyes flickered to Stroud and the darkness lightened, settling into determination. "There are things that each of us can teach... and a stronger whole it'll make. A first meeting sounds appropriate, to evaluate strengths and what skills are missing. I would lean towards the Colosseum and a controlled environment, to start. Timing is up to those of you with schedules. I'm always available."
Tilting her head again, she considered the suggestion of a symbol. It had an appeal...
"A band is nicely visible and distinctive. It can be worn however the wearer pleases, arm or leg. Color preferences? I will need to contact my other officers before I could promise all of them to this..." Cin shrugged, straightening her coat. "If any of them wish to remain in Spec Ops, I don't think I will discourage it... It could be useful to have an eye on what Hessonite is doing."
Ivynian
Kolina
hanging gallows
Beejoux
Cheekiebirdiee
silent spy
Syrie
Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2016 9:24 am
A violet brow arched as Dustin's voice cut in, and she turned on the couch to look back at him, lips pursed in thoughtful amusement, and then delighted pride as the rant continued. He was a loud mouth, brash and vulgar, but he was hers and always had been. The corrupt's loyalty ran deep. Leucite had suggested she do something to curb his behavior, but Porsha wasn't sure it was nessicary. He did as he was told, always, and wasn't obedience and skill more important than a silver tongue?
Perhaps she had a soft spot for him, but she did for all the agents in her care. Reaching out, she beckoned to him, and if he'd oblige she'd draw him down on the couch beside her. "She has the rank to demand anything she likes, but that doesn't mean respect will follow?" She countered Cinnabar smoothly, smiling up at the other general. "That's something that has always needed to be earned." Those that ruled purely through fear did not rule long. History had shown them that.
Falling quiet again, the fighter listened intently to Stroud and those that had a opinion on what sort of badge they might pick to show their combined loyalty. A another sip of wine, the downward dip of silver eyes as she walked fingers over Natrolite's knee, then she'd look up again.
"A pin or a band would be my preference. As for contributions. Aside from my own particular brand of combat training, I can offer free membership to the gym I have partial ownership of, as well as rent and utility free living arrangements should anyone be in need. The apartments aren't half as nice as Stroud's lovely home, but they're nice enough."
Delphine, a silent fixture at her geberal's side, felt the weight of a heavy gaze. She turned, caught Dustin leering, and instantly flushed a rather impressive shade of Crimson as she tore her gaze away from him again.
