How The Star Captain Got His Groove Back: Part Two

[hominilupusinexilio]

[1
Pine Forest
Siberia]

In a straight up duel between mechs, Resnick was like a fish in water. And speaking of fish in water, he was firing a live shark from the stubby barrel mounted on his mech's left hand, downwards onto the cockpit of a squat Linebacker. He'd used his inferno missiles to corner the laser-heavy mech then jumped in to deliver the coup de grace at point blank range.

He clicked on his comm, asked the other mechwarrior if he wished to surrender as the vicious and improbable fish chewed through his cockpit glasstic with relish. He received several enthusiastic 'aff's in reply so he angled the other arm and bisected the poor creature with one of his lasers. Even so, its head continued horribly chewing and the other mechwarrior had to eject, though she survived with only minor burns. From the distance came the whine and chop of firefighting VTOLs.

[2
White Chalice hangar]

In a space cleared in the hangar, a group of Wolf warriors watch as Loremaster Daphne Vickers approaches. She has the strong jaw of the Vickers line too and a confident bearing. Resnick is wearing the Wolf ceremonial mask, not strictly a requirement for this but fitting with his instinct for dramatic presentation. He is kneeling.

"The wisdom of Kerensky has been made clear. The bloodname of Vickers is awarded to Star Captain Resnick. This decision shall bind us until we all shall fall. Seyla."

"Seyla." echo the other Wolves and he rises and removes the mask/helm, to greet those who've come to the ceremony. He's back in action.

[3: Network]

Greetings, Chalice. I have an announcement. As of today, I have won my bloodname. This ensures me a place on the Clan Council, and more importantly, guarantees the use of my genes in the Clan breeding program for the Warrior Caste. You may address me now as Resnick Vickers.

She seems to have picked up the Spheroid bent towards humility, so I think I must reveal this to you as well: Star Captain Ranna has also earned a bloodname, that of Kerensky. This is the most prestigious bloodname possible in the Clans, as it descends direct from our founder, Nikolas Kerensky himself.

[4: The Bar (does it even have a name?)]

And in celebration, there's a rip roaring good time had, with overflowing cups of dark ale, toasts, and the potential for alcohol poisoning. Resnick is seated at the center of the gathering like a king. He raises his mug in salute as he notices you.

Comments

[wardeninexile]

"One less foe to worry about. Our Touman would be able to find some relief in that."

Normally having battles would not be such a chore, but as Terra was fue of foes, one less means the beleagued Clan could use some breathing space.

[hominilupusinexilio]

"Aff. We are getting a little...overstretched. And that damned slander is not helping." He takes a pull, full of irritation. Damn the WoB, never coming out for a straight up fight.

[wardeninexile]

"We have had worse, this will pass us by more easily compared to the prior one, I think."

[hominilupusinexilio]

"And yet inevitably there will be another after this. We are bred for war, Ranna. We have no defense against an attack from that front." Despite the lighthearted mood of the celebration, he grimaces a little at the thought of this lone dark cloud on the horizon. He's aware of what his skills are and manipulating public opinion isn't one of them. It's not something the Clans have had much experience with.

[wardeninexile]

"We are also bred for intelligent thinking, quiaff?" That almost sounds like gentle chiding. Then again, that coming from a Kerensky is not unexpected either.

"We have adapted, and we will do so again to ensure we emerge victorious."

[hominilupusinexilio]

"Aff, our famed adaptiveness. I suppose this is more a problem for the Merchant caste. I hope they deal with it right though or we will feel the consequence." He takes another gulp, regarding her over the rim of the glass with a raised eyebrow for her almost parental (horror!) admonishment. He's remembering all those years on garrison duty in the OZ, the Mimir rebels who would try suicidal attacks on their garrison. One thing you can say for him, he can hold his liquor. "Laura Ericks had some things to say about how this is normally handled in the Earth Sphere."

[wardeninexile]

"Oh? What is the usual response then?"

[hominilupusinexilio]

"They use something called a..." He snaps his fingers, trying to remember the word. "...a public relationship specialist. They are like entertainers but they also advise leaders on how to present their actions to the lower castes. They have a number of tricks for doing so." Clearly having to explain himself to anyone who isn't a Warrior is not an attractive idea to him, but being stranded without allies is even less so.

[wardeninexile]

"Ah, some what similar to a 'diplomat' except they twist words even more?"

Ranna does not sound impressed.

[hominilupusinexilio]

"Aff. Typical of barbarians...but perhaps necessary. I do not relish being stabbed in the back by guerillas."

Or blown up by them. He's learning, a bit. Not everyone responds to a call to honorable battle.

[wardeninexile]

"Neg. I think our direct dealings is refreshing, and may yet prove effective over the long period if we establish our reputation as one who do not deal in falsehoods."

Outside the battlefield, at least.