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 Posted: Sun May 05, 2013 3:54 pm
Special Operations Division Meeting
I. Introduction to SpecOps and Updates Howlite did not like to waste time. Her own, or that of others. They had a mission, and their team, in particular, was better spent training and patrolling than talking. However, it was a necessity, and so she had done something unheard of for the General-King. She had summoned each and every one of the officers in her branch for a meeting. It was held within Negaspace, rather than the familiar area of the Rift they had staked out for training and sleeping. The room was plain, without chairs, and just enough space for them all to stand in line by rank to be addressed. As troops. That’s what they were, though many throughout the Negaverse forgot it. Not her branch. If Howlite felt pride, it show itself as a brief burst of fierce warmth in her chest that straightened her back as the officers began to appear. When they had assembled, she addressed them, voice booming. “REPORTING IN, SPECIAL OPERATIONS.” In ranked order, they responded to her aggressive greeting, and she acknowledged each and every one with a smart salute after they called out their name. GENERAL WOLFRAMRITE, SIR It continued. After they had all announced their presence in the meeting, General-King Howlite spoke again: “The pieces are all falling into place! We have shifted from minor crimes and disorganized violence to making decisive, devastating blows at our enemies. Our army is assembling and our reach is spreading throughout the city. A noose, prepared to be tightened around the necks of the White Moon’s Court. We are Metallia’s hardest, sharpest tool, and never forget that our purpose is to serve her truly. The former Queen Beryl forgot such a thing, and she has been relieved of her duty. “ We are here to do what the other factions can’t, or won’t.” Her black eyes scoured the officers, searching for any sign of weakness or contention. “We must be constantly vigilant. Training our bodies and minds to detect weakness in ourselves and the other branches and burn it into ash. This means holding ourselves to the highest standards of fitness, combat readiness, and loyalty. We must be able to trust each other if we’re to accomplish our objectives.” Howlite’s voice softened, became more understanding as she considered them. “We may not always understand the greater purpose we serve, but know that we are all where we are supposed to be, and that hesitation is the enemy of efficiency. The other branches may seem separate, but our mission is the same. One purpose. Reach out to your fellow officers. Teach them to fight, watch them for doubt and show them the true path. If you need a place to stay, a job, or assistance in your civilian life, trust your Infiltration comrades to help you. If you have met an enemy that has taken you by surprise, report it to Intelligence. They may have strategy or information to help you.” “We are paragons for this battle. Show no weakness. Act without reservation. Report all you see. If you are ever unsure, Command is a word away. You have communicators. Use them! Lieutenants, speak to your Captains and Generals. Captains, to your Generals, and Generals,” Her gaze flicked to them. “Stay in touch.” "Each of you is ordered to resume the collection of Energy. This is to be done with care for the image that Infiltration has been crafting for our organization. Be discrete and effective. Take advantage of the skills of your Generals, and coordinate to use energy-draining items. We are preparing for Battle, and need all the resources we can get." Howlite took one last, hard look at them before nodding. “Act as a team, in every thing you do, and we will all succeed.”
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Posted: Sun May 05, 2013 3:56 pm
II. Player Announcements Howlite's attention returned to the Generals, and she lifted her chin to them, signaling that now was the time if they wished to address their troops. Quote: Wolframite stepped forward, turning smartly to face the group. "I would like to bring to attention that there have been knights showing up around Destiny City. Do not treat them the same as the senshi. Most have no allegiance to any leaders, do not align themselves to the senshi, and express an interest in protecting Earth. It would not be in our interest to make more enemies unless they side with the senshi. Approach knights with caution, do not drop your guard, but do not treat them as an enemy or with hostility unless they show it to you first or show allegiance to a senshi. If possible, befriend them and work against the brainwashing the senshi have been feeding them. These knights are fighting for our planet and their citizens just as we are and could become new recruits. If possible, find out what they know." Howlite allowed him to step back into the line before addressing the group, rather than the General. There was no trace of amusement in her tone. "Let us make one thing clear. Our job is to complete the mission parameters assigned to us. If you are told to kill, you kill. If you are told to allow escape, you allow escape.We will corrupt those that show no hostility, but we do not waste our resources trying to convince them to enlist. Anything not within the mission objectives is open to your judgment, but if you do not act in the benefit of our goals, it will be found out. It is not our job to coerce and seduce the enemy to our path, and if you wish to pursue such a career, you would do best to report to General-King Zinkenite." Quote: General Obsidian's words danced right behind, his wild green eyes burning into each officer he took the time to look at. "Take heed of the General-King's words, and the example of the late witch Beryl. Ambition is prized, confidence encouraged, and strength desired, but don't let it turn to self-serving arrogance. Never forget your duty. Keep it close to your heart, no matter your mission, and be wary of those that would sway you from it, no matter their allegiance." Not all who wore the uniform of the Dark Kingdom could be trusted. Obsidian knew that far better than most, his thoughts dark as he stepped back to allow Howlite to speak again.
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Posted: Sun May 05, 2013 3:56 pm
III. Upcoming Mini-Event "To facilitate more intense training, and recharge our batteries," There may have been a hint of one of Howlite's dimples showing as she spoke to them all, "We will be heading out to the mountains for a bit of a get away. Bring your tents, and prepare for a weekend in the trees." A camping trip for the entirety of SpecOps. It would serve as an opportunity to bond, build trust and respect, and also engage in various games of dexterity, strategy, and strength, away from the war within Destiny CIty and the darkness of the Rift. "A bus will be arranged by our friends in Infiltration to get us all there, and those of you that need this presented as a school related event to your parents can contact them as well, to arrange such."
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Posted: Sun May 05, 2013 3:57 pm
IV. Officer Questions and Announcements Howlite's eyes flicked over the assembled officers. "The floor is open." If they had questions or concerns, now was the time. Anything unrelated to the meeting, however, wouldn't be tolerated.
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Quicksilver the Archangel
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Posted: Sun May 05, 2013 6:31 pm
Lieutenant Serpentine had been to a total of three meetings, if the one he currently attended was counted. The first had been at Wolframite's beckoning, and after being initially impressed, he had left disappointed. The second had been at Howlite's command, and that had been to rebuke him for attacking Senshi. Now, he had been summoned a third time in order to meet all the other SpecOps officers.
His golden eyes narrowed as he listened to speaker after speaker proudly describe a reality he had never known. They had Order on the run? He was glad to hear it, but from his personal battle experiences quite the opposite was true. Knights were their allies? He had never been informed... and, in truth, had only ever met the one long ago. He was to woo that bubble-gum haired git who fought with a hair pin? No, that was the job of Buddingtonite's branch, Infilitration, from what he understood.
One aspect above all troubled the gold-and-green clad lieutenant, who stood silent and wound and unwound the rubber snake around his hand. Metallia? Queen Beryl? He knew neither of these names... but he could recognize the rank of 'Queen.' He had had a Queen? Why had he never met her? Who was this Metallia? The woman and two men told them they were a hard, fast team who needed to support one another and was held to the strictest loyalty... while in the same breath saying they had not only killed a high-ranking member of their forces but would continue to kill any who stood in their way? Serpentine did not feel much like a team member to anyone other than Buddingtonte, to whom he had been forcibly tethered.
There were aspects to the speech that made sense to Serpentine. The call to arms. The dismissal of weakness. Even the call to support and to provide direction--THAT he certainly agreed with as it had been notably absence during his tenure thus far. But there was so much that did not settle right, and he was not the type of man to allow questions to fester. The winding of the snake stopped as Serpentine lifted his head.
He spoke loudly and clearly, addressing any of the higher ranking officers who cared to answer, "Who are Metallia and Beryl? Why was the Queen killed, when such a rank seems higher than any other I know? It seems a traitor's action." The lieutenant did not flinch away from the words, speaking his mind as he ever did. If he offended, so be it. He may have been solitary by nature, but he was growing weary of being told information only when he was deigned worthy.
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Posted: Sun May 05, 2013 6:48 pm
No one had said that they had killed Queen Beryl.
Howlite's eyes snapped to the insolent speaker, an officer she had hoped would do well. He had seemed ambitious, if somewhat arrogant, and as he spoke, she made note to watch him more closely for signs of rebellion, as her opinion of his intelligence quickly plummeted. A lieutenant accusing their superiors of being traitors, before the entire branch?
It seemed ludicrous that he didn't know who Metallia was, the being that represented Chaos, that granted them power, and whom they all served. Each officer should know, from their basic training, and it was an inexcusable lapse, particularly after over a year of patrol. They weren't senshi, left completely on their own, and while she didn't personally have time to hold each new officer's hands, the information was commonly known and available.
Perhaps this particular officer had been too busy attacking dark mirror senshi to pay attention.
She contained any visible signs of rage, her voice eerily cool as she responded.
"Metallia is who has gifted you the power to stand before us, Lieutenant, so that you may foolishly accuse your superiors. No action at her order holds the taint of treachery, as she commands us all. Should you question her, she may see fit to strip it from you. I will repeat my earlier words to you, since you seem to have trouble with comprehension. Beryl forgot her place in the hierarchy and acted in the interest of herself, rather than the mission."
Such a thing had happened before.
The low tone grew colder still, "Do you understand, Lieutenant?"
After a pause, simply staring at him, the General-King waved a gloved hand. "Since it has been shown that your ears have been closed during your short tenure as an officer, you may spend some of your duty time relearning the names of your superior officers, as well as who is and isn't your enemy, rather than patrolling." Quicksilver the Archangel
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Posted: Sun May 05, 2013 7:17 pm
It seemed strange to be here, in the Rift again, after so many months of absence. Captain Mica actually felt as though she had little right to be here, but she would not refuse the order, even if it wasn’t the Negaverse that she had once known. But there was still hope. She seen officers, new officers, willing to do what they felt needed to be done, and they also encouraged her to rise up, to overcome her bitterness, and she was willing to try her best in becoming a part of the Negaverse, part of the unit.
It was going exactly as she expected it, and she made her salute and stood in her spot. She was grateful to be a part of Special Operations, as they appeared to be taking this entire ordeal seriously. She half feared that the new direction would have made even vanguard of the Negaverse into preening little sods, but no, they meant serious business. And Mica respected that.
The sight of Howlite’s new rank intrigued the captain, but she held her tongue and her judgement. She had no disrespect towards Howlite, and how could she when it appeared that she was doing her best to keep everyone in order? She could respect that.
She listened intently to everything, as most of it was new to her. She may have been a Captain, but all of this was different. Things had changed, and she was determined that she’d absorb all of the changes that had taken place. It didn’t matter if she liked it or not. Her personal interests were second to the Negaverse, and she meant every word of that when she said it to Euclase many moons ago. So, she listened and kept her thoughts and opinions to herself.
The news of Queen Beryl’s ‘demotion’ surprised her, enough to make her grasp her weapon with whitened knuckles. What had happened? When did this happen? If it happened so long ago, then why were they just hearing about this now? Her mind was shut off after that point and she heard and cared for nothing else, as all of her energy was focused on keeping herself together. Was that why the Negaverse changed? There was no Senshi or Knight strong enough to destroy Beryl, and her not have known...
This was why she looked to Serpentine when he spoke up. She was grateful that he spoke up- allow someone else to throw themselves under the bus. Allow them to be punished for speaking what was likely on everyone’s mind. She approved of his bravery, though his tact could have used some work... assuming Howlite didn’t simply rip his starseed asunder, she would have to help the lieutenant with that.
But Howlite didn’t. Howlite’s response was swift, authoritative, and by all means, professional. But this wasn’t the reaction Mica was expecting to see. The Negaverse of old would not have tolerated an act. And this left Mica conflicted. She waited until Howlite said her piece, and when she did, she still wasn’t sure what to think. That was it? That was his punishment?
So... weak. But still, there was opportunity there. She stepped forward, figuratively, of course, as she addressed Howlite and Serpentine. ”With your permission, General-King, I would like to volunteer to educate him. I have been absent and I am in the process of relearning myself. It would be beneficial to us both, I think... I could also help him learn to work with our own Senshi and our allies.”
She knew that she was taking a big risk, but she didn’t want to see such dedication wasted. Serpentine was willing to do what was needed, and yet, he was being reprimanded for it? It made no sense to Mica, but she did not openly question it. It wasn’t the time or place. ”Speaking of our allies... might I ask what we are to do with their Mirror Wraiths? I’ve witnessed one attacking our own men, with no Dark Mirror Senshi in sight. Are you aware of this?”
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Posted: Sun May 05, 2013 7:42 pm
"Captain Mica," Howlite acknowledged, with respect. The officer may have taken a leave of absence, but she had been a valued warrior, and hopefully would take up the mantle once more.
As the woman spoke, she nodded once. While she'd intended to give Serpentine more... extensive feedback regarding his lack of tact privately, she would not dismiss a no-nonsense captain offering to the job for her. Frankly, she was tired of wasting her time on lieutenants that hadn't yet clocked the hours necessary to have a valid opinion.
"Permission granted." Mica continued, and Howlite nodded, once.
"I am." The blonde paused. "I have spoken with Leto, a co-captain of the Dark Mirror Court. She has informed me that their Queen Ares is gone, and that without her, the Wraiths have become difficult to manage. They are working on this issue, and have assured me that it will be resolved soon.
Mirror Wraiths are fragile beings, and they pose little harm to our strength. One solid strike should turn them to dust. That said, our allies have requested that if we can avoid destroying them, to refrain." Howlite's gaze scoured the assembled officers. "They do not have the resources that we do, and it's their only way of collecting energy. Therefore, hunting wraiths is not authorized at this time, but when necessary, strike them down."
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Quicksilver the Archangel
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Posted: Sun May 05, 2013 7:54 pm
Serpentine snapped to attention as Howlite's anger descended upon him, and he accepted her belittling words. She was the highest officer in his branch, and he had clearly made a mistake judging from her response. The very idea of making a mistake publicly bit deep into his pride, but he held his tongue and accepted his verbal lashing. He had not called anyone a traitor--merely that killing a being ranked as highly as a Queen seemed a traitorous act. If this Beryl had betrayed this Metallia, who apparently was their true leader, then Beryl had been the traitor and killing her a justifiable action. He was willing to accept this as truth...though he could not help but feel it should have been stated sooner. His power came from Metallia? No, from Zinkenite--but if this Metallia had given it to him... yes, that must have been hat had occured. He forced his gaze straight ahead and tightened his hand into a fist. There was much he apparently did not know... and the fire of shame was not one that he wished to experience again. As proud and vain as Serpentine could be, he was in his heart loyal to the Negaverse. He accepted his punishment of increased study with no complaint. The only sign of his damaged pride was the stiffness of his bow, as he obediently replied, "I hear and obey." Her orders would be followed to the letter. A captain stepped in, one that he knew--and now, for the first time, he knew her name. Mica. No nonsense, amber-tipped spear Mica. The rainbow-haired man held his tongue during their interaction. If he was ordered to follow the Captain, then he would. He could complete the study on his own--or so he thought--but he knew better than to raise his voice a second time this day. Howlite's decision was quick and firm, and Serpentine merely repeated his former words as he took his place at Mica's side. "I hear and obey." He would not fail again.
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Posted: Sun May 05, 2013 8:11 pm
Both of Howlite's responses pleased her, and her nod was swift and curt, as she bowed her head to the General-King. "Thank you. I will not let you down."
And she meant it, though it wasn't entirely directed at the General-King. Part of it was to the lieutenant she had just volunteered to take under her wings. She trusted that his heart was in the right place- he merely needed to know when to keep his mouth shut. She could tell that he was angry, but he was smart, smart enough to know to use some discretion. There was hope for him yet.
In response to the second matter, she hoped that her smile wouldn't have been visible as she kept her head bowed. She straightened up only when she was certain that she could keep a straight face, and her reply was curt. Queen Ares was missing? How... interesting. It was a matter to discuss later... for now, she had to focus on the task at hand, and it was best to get this business taken care off as swiftly as possible. "I will keep that in mind."
She looked to Serpentine and gave him a nod. There'd be plenty of time to discuss other matters later.Quicksilver the Archangel
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Posted: Sun May 12, 2013 12:24 pm
V. General Chat After the comments had all been addressed, Howlite came to attention once more and saluted the officers. "Meeting adjourned! At ease, soldiers." They'd be free to mingle as they pleased, now.
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