Following the grand melee, the Trial of Bloodname begins over a period of several weeks. Khan Phelan Kell has continued to provide free transportation for those onboard the Chalice for those who would like to pop by time to time or to view specific matches.

(1)
Ranna is in the observation room, watching another sort of ritual going on. Two of the warriors are in a room with a bowl like implement, and they both input a coin at opposite end at the top - the mechanism is released, as both coins spin downwards towards the bottom, which is coin-sized.

One coin lands on top of another, and the warrior whose coin is at the top announced "I choose for us to fight in our mechs" and the other said in response "Our location shall be in the outskirts of the city at the north-eastern clearing".

As the next few pairings occur, it seems that not only mechwarriors are involved - Elementals and aerospace pilots too, going by the type of combat that was chosen.

(2)
For a day or two each week for the next few weeks, the observation room would be open for viewing of individual matches. It seems the nominees are given some time to prepare themselves after terms have been dictated in the 'ritual'.

Ranna will be on the Chalice between each of her own match, standing-by for any sorties as usual. But you may find her in the gym or in the simulators practicing more than what was typical of her before.

Disturb/join in?

(3)
Ranna's matches through the Trial has been rather eventful. Then again, those who watch 'live' or recorded replays of all the matches will notice that they have all been eventful - it seems that all those nominated for the Kerensky bloodname were there for very good reasons. Not only were many of them good warriors in their chosen vehicles, they were excellent strategists as well.

Her own highlight is a second round match against an Aerospace pilot, him in his fighter and her in a mech. She had chosen a custom configuration with 4 lasers, and sheared off one wing of his fighter in a single pass - no fault of his, for he had attempted to juke around on his approach. Unfortunately, lasers travel at the speed of light, and she is an accurate shot.

Her final match is slightly different, as those from the White Chalice are invited to the site of battle itself, sitting behind a transparent screen a 'safe' distance away, with supplementary holo-displays. They are not the only one though, as there are a sizable amount of spectators too.

Sandra Pryde is there as well, watching her former foe engage in the Trial.

Ranna's Warhawk exchanges fire against a Direwolf, and for many minutes the two mechs hunt each other in the wooded terrain. Ranna keeps her distance to avoid the heavier mech's autocannons, and in the end her marksmanship proves to be decisive as a salvo of particle bolts cuts cleanly through the Direwolf's weakened left leg, collapsing it front first into the snow.

She pilots the Warhawk back towards the hangar as her victory is confirmed.

Wach the Trial with Sandra and/or meet Ranna in the hangar?

((Sorry for such a late follow up! Work has been busy.))

1)

A few days after the battle against the Inspectors, a dropship (similar to but not the one attached to the Chalice) bearing the insignia of Clan Wolf arrives.

One Ranna is there as the dropship unloads some supplies, weapon pods and mech part. While the technicians transfer them onboard Chalice, a woman wearing the Wolves' formal dress uniform alights the visiting ship without much fanfare.

Ranna salutes her. "Galaxy Commander."

The other woman returns the salute before smiling, "I come bearing word from Khan Phelan Ward - it is official, we have entered into an agreement to fight these 'Inspectors' you reported on."

She then hands over what appears to be a datadisk. "Furthermore, this is a message from your House. I am aware this is rather irregular, but we do live in irregular times - since I am already making the trip, I offered the House Leader to carry it here."

For once, Ranna appears almost speechless, before she nods, "Aff. Thank you."

The galaxy commander chuckles with some familiarity, "Perhaps you will gain a promotion after this, Star Captain, quiaff?"

A grin. "Perhaps, Jocelyn, perhaps."

After some chit-chat, Jocelyn will board the dropship once more, leaving Ranna with a contemplative look as she idles in the hangar.

2)

Some time later, invitations are send out, either in person by Ranna or left at your room/locker/email.

Dear comrades,

There will be a formal event taking place in Wolf City in the coming weeks, and I would like to extend my invitation to you as guests, friends and allies to visit our enclave in Siberia on the next dropship departure.

Should you not wish to witness the event, feel free to look around the city. As of now, we have yet to integrate our currency with the rest of Terra, so if you wish to trade and barter, you may do so using my requisition chip.

I do encourage bringing goods that you can spare in order to trade - it will aid us greatly.

Ranna

((OOC: There will be a post a few days later for the actual visit.))