12-03-2013, 03:31 AM
Michael turned in his chair when he heard the Captain approach the guards outside. He had been irritated by the last attempt on his life, he had little tolerance for further surprises and anyone taking orders directly from the Ascendancy himself would no doubt be full of them.
He did not rise when she entered. It was not a marked disrespect, although it had been a sore point between soldiers he had found. Nor was it an ill-conceived attempt at masochistic rebellion because he thought himself an anarchistic hero.
No, it was far more simplistic than that. He was no soldier. He was a strategist, but he had not risen through the ranks of military hierarchy. He had never wanted to be involved with any armies, but his unusual talent had forced him into unique circumstances. It also gave him a chance to evaluate a person's character.
As such, his first impression of Captain Weston was favourable. She was precise and professional but he saw doubt in her expression, a sign she would not take orders blindly. It was not something he would have usually noticed, but he had decided to take particular note today.
"Commander Vellas?"
The question made Zokoskev smile, but Michael's expression did not change. In fact, it was something he himself had contemplated in the minutes before Captain Weston's arrival.
His voice was cool when he answered. "Michael will do, Captain Weston."
He allowed Zokoskev to explain, since he was the one that had put him in this position. The man's voice turned professional. "Michael Vellas is officially an advisor. He does not possess any formal rank at this time. However, I assure you that you will not be disappointed."
A dangerous promise, considering he didn't even know what the task was. Michael liked the situation less by the second, but now was not the time for anger.
He stood in the pause and gave Captain Weston a bow of the head. "What can I do for you, Captain?"
He did not rise when she entered. It was not a marked disrespect, although it had been a sore point between soldiers he had found. Nor was it an ill-conceived attempt at masochistic rebellion because he thought himself an anarchistic hero.
No, it was far more simplistic than that. He was no soldier. He was a strategist, but he had not risen through the ranks of military hierarchy. He had never wanted to be involved with any armies, but his unusual talent had forced him into unique circumstances. It also gave him a chance to evaluate a person's character.
As such, his first impression of Captain Weston was favourable. She was precise and professional but he saw doubt in her expression, a sign she would not take orders blindly. It was not something he would have usually noticed, but he had decided to take particular note today.
"Commander Vellas?"
The question made Zokoskev smile, but Michael's expression did not change. In fact, it was something he himself had contemplated in the minutes before Captain Weston's arrival.
His voice was cool when he answered. "Michael will do, Captain Weston."
He allowed Zokoskev to explain, since he was the one that had put him in this position. The man's voice turned professional. "Michael Vellas is officially an advisor. He does not possess any formal rank at this time. However, I assure you that you will not be disappointed."
A dangerous promise, considering he didn't even know what the task was. Michael liked the situation less by the second, but now was not the time for anger.
He stood in the pause and gave Captain Weston a bow of the head. "What can I do for you, Captain?"
"She saw a flaring halo around his head, radiant in gold and blue. It shouted of glory and power to come"
"No matter how fast light travels, it finds the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it."