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

After washing and after drying himself off, the Captains features were much more visible without the grime and camouflage paint he had worn when he had first entered the tent. He was more recognisable as a civilised member of the Imperial Guard. Verena nodded as he explained. She would have to get used to it, and develop a thick skin. She wanted to be respected by the men of the 13th, not feared, and although she would have to be stern she did not want to be overly harsh. There was far too many tales of what happened to Commissars that were cruel and disliked, especially if the regiment they were attached to hailed from a deathworld as the Draconian did. Policing their language was certainly harsh. In time, and the longer she spent with the regiment, she knew she would find herself starting to adopt their slang as her own. Verena took advantage of his invitation, walking over to one of the chairs that faced him. Adjusting the chainsword which was currently hidden under her fastemed greatcoat she sat down and crossed one leg over the other, resting her hands together in her lap. As he spoke, she paid careful attention to what he was saying. Taking in the information and filing it away using the techniques she had been taught at the Schola so she could remember and recall it later. She was surprised to hear how small a regiment the 13th actually was, but it did mean that there were fewer men and therefore less infractions she had to deal with. Her only worry was that as they were an experienced group, they would be set in their ways and it would likely prove a struggle for Verena to correct any behaviour she disliked. The Commissar nodded along as he spoke to demonstrate that she was listening and paying attention. They had experience with the Tau too, that would prove useful. She would have to get the Captains opinion of them sometime soon, his assessment of how they fought. Yes, she had the academic background knowledge regarding the Tau Empire, but actual experience fighting this particular form of xeno was much more useful. The Commissar nodded, I see filling away the names for later. Yes, lets. Better now than later, then you can get some well deserved rest. Verena smiled softly as she uncrossed her legs and stood to her feet, waiting for the Captain to reequip himself and lead the way out of the tent. She resisted the urge to put her gloves back on and followed him back out into the snow. Verena followed him as he led her through the camp and she took in the sights of it, noting the way they had come. Men were sorting or cleaning their equipment, others were talking or playing cards and other such recreational activities, while some slept. The Captain and the Commissar ran into a few NCOs who the Captain stopped to talk to for a few moments each. Verena never spoke to them, nor did they to her. They were obviously wary about her status and position, but she was amused that some of them seemed to notice that she was a woman before they noticed she was a Commissar. Some barely hid the questioning looks on their faces. She would show them that she was every bit worthy of the position, despite her sex and stature. They continued to move towards the command tent, the Captain leading the way. Verena took the time to question the man about the situation. Have there been any major engagements with the Tau on Cassell so far despite the negotiations? She thought it best to know whether it would be likely if the regiment she was attached to would sustain casualties any time soon, she needed to know of anything that would affect morale. This led her to asking another question as they passed through a quieter area as they headed towards the command tent. Tell me Captain, has a female Commissar ever been attached to the regiment in the past? She thought for a moment. Why am I here, who am I replacing? What happened to your last Commissar? It was best to find out if it was a friendly fire incident as soon as possible.