Thread: In the Emperor's service [Ghostwolf and Dionysius]

Ghostwolf said Verena listened intently as the Captain briefed her, explaining what the situation on the planet was in more detail. The more she knew and understood the better. If she knew the conditions the men were operating in, the likelihood of them being engaged in a firefight and other, the better she could gauge the morale of the men, and the easier she would be able to respond proactively to any negativity within the regiment. As he told her about the geography and layout of the local area around the Hive, the Commissar made a mental note to look over the maps of the area when she had a spare moment later. It would not do for her to have no idea of where things were situated. Verena nodded, returning the Captains smile with one of her own. I understand. New things can be strange and take some getting used to, but Im sure they will in time. He returned to talking about the enemy they were currently stalemated with, but was pleased to hear there had been no major engagements yet, only a few casualties here and there when the tension between the two forces became even more strained. It sounded as if the Tau hadnt yet used or mobilised any of their more destructive warfare, which was something at least. Rena had read about the destructive power their weapons held, the uncanny mobility of the suits some of them piloted. So that was what had happened to her predecessor, the person whose shoes she was filling. She fought the urge to sigh in relief at hearing his death was not due to the actions of the men of the regiment. Instead, with a solemn look on her pretty features she nodded. It sounds like you respected him. Dont worry, I shall try my best to be every bit the Commissar he was and serve the regiment well. She smiled softly as the Captain before they entered the tent. Verena immediately noticed the Colonel, his attention fixed on the command table as they entered. The very height and stature of the man made the petite Rena feel like a child in comparison. As he looked up, she fought the urge not to stare at the bionic that shined brightly within his skull. He spoke, his voice gruff and harsh. Yes Colonel. Commissar Verena Tyber. A pleasure to serve alongside the 13t. She saluted the man. Although she was not required to, it was better to show respect and get off to a good start. No doubt there were lots she could learn from him. The Colonel continued, commenting on her height, and she was unsure how to respond. Her back straightened further, pushing a chest out a little, as if she was trying to increase her height and make herself look more impressive. At least he wasnt commenting negatively on her being a woman. She caught the apologetic look from Marcus. Well, she supposed you didnt become a Colonel by being polite and friendly all the time. You had to get to the point and get things done. The Colonel continued, filling them both in on the situation and what was happening. She watched the Captain from the corner of her eye, assessing him, watching his response. Until the Colonel spoke to her, dragging her attention back to him. Yes Colonel, more than ready. I graduated from the Schola top of my class, including the combat training and exercise, and I am proficient with many weapons and styles. I will do whatever is needed to ensure the success of this regiment. The Commissar smiled a little as she talked, gazing at the Colonel from under the peak of her cap, proud of her achievements at the Schola and confident of her ability to lead and inspire the men, and fight alongside them. Click to expand... She seemed ready enough, Marcus thought, keen to do her job and do it well. Yes, I suppose I did he thought out loud he was a great man. I hope so he added. Indeed, Worth had been good, excellent in fact. Though not a native to their own homeworld, the Draconians had given him a true regimental funeral, cremated on a wooden pyre whilst they all stood around saying the ancient prayers which all children on Draco learnt to keep the darkness at bay. Verena seemed to handle the Colonel well, something it usually took newcomers a long time to, though he noticed that the Colonel didn't bother to return her salute. In a pause whilst the older man poured over the maps, Marcus explained. We don't salute in the field, even in a basecamp. It's practice for when we're on the move, you don't want Tau scouts knowing how the leaders are, never worthwhile Flyte himself spoke up, his voice growling louder than Captain Blake's softer tones. Get the quartermaster to issue her some field gear Captain, particularly a camo cloak. We all wear them whilst on ops, it's hooded and helps to keep us safe. We're light infantry, Commissar Tyber, and my men see action up close and personal. Pretty little uniforms are all good in the Schola, but won't do you much use up here when the battlesuited-bastards are flying overhead. However well you were able to shoot targets He added rather dryly to the Captain You have men to see to, before our field briefing. I'll send a runner to keep you appraised of the situation with the other Companies should anything come up. Dismissed Captain Blake showed her out of the tent, following close behind Excuse the Colonel, he's rather set in his ways. Until the others are back you're welcome to meet some of my men he explained, retracing their steps to the camp. One platoon were always on duty should they need to deploy, and even after their long days of exercise he wasn't letting them off of that duty just yet. Stopping by the stores on the way, he had them issue Tyber with the appropriate gear for combat. Sergeant Monroe, the Commissar would like to meet the men, get first platoon ready for inspection please he asked, the Sergeant, a giant of a man even compared to the others, relayed the order at approximately triple the volume as the ranks of grey-uniformed men scrambled up.