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Post by Benjamin Kírix-Unda on Nov 26, 2012 23:05:03 GMT -5
Things were crazy in Unda and this time it wasn't because a party was about to happen. At this point Unda was preparing for war.
Benjamin had gotten back to his country and declared a state of emergency right away, the idea of Duo being back frightened the entire country. Troops were being pulled back and put on high alert, the fleet in charge of patrolling the Santo-Lucian borders had all been mobilized in anticipation of something terrible happening.
"But sir, do we have actual confirmation that he is back?" One of the generals questioned Benjamin. It felt like he had been over this a billion times.
"For the last time, General. We're not taking any chances, Duo ruled this nation 1000 years ago... let's not give him the chance to do it again..."
He gave a great sigh, he wished Brea would take care of this. Talking to military generals annoyed him greatly at points.
Benjamin sat up and stepped away, ignoring the generals requests for him to sit back down he moved to his private room, here he was to meet his new appointed captain.
He sat behind his desk, never before had he enjoyed the silence as until now. He glanced over to the door, his new captain would be entering soon.
He straightened his jacket and poured himself something strong. This day was just getting started and already it was giving him grey hairs.
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Post by Zaria DeGantz on Nov 27, 2012 0:19:23 GMT -5
A young girl with blue hair stood before the door of Benjamin's office, straightening her uniform as though to look as presentable as possible. This was her first meeting with the president, and considering the circumstances, she was quite nervous. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door leading to the President's office.
"I understand you wanted to speak with me sir. May I come in?" She asked.
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Post by Benjamin Kírix-Unda on Nov 27, 2012 11:53:09 GMT -5
"Yes, yes. Come in," Benjamin motioned for her to enter before standing up from his chair. He stepped around the desk to Zaria, "I have heard great things about you, Zaria." Benjamin began while reaching his hand out to be shaken by her, "It's a pleasure to meet you."
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Post by Zaria DeGantz on Nov 27, 2012 15:16:40 GMT -5
Zaria straightened up and walked into the office. "I'm flattered Sir." She smiled, shaking her superior's hand. "It is also a pleasure to meet you. This is truly an honor!" Although she was nervous, she did her best to come across as professional. At her age, it was not easy to Obtain respect from authoritative figures.
Being one who liked to get down to business, Zaria did not want to waste time with small talk.
"If I may ask, Sir: What was it you wished to speak with me about?" She had a feeling it had something to do with the current crisis at hand, but she knew it would be polite to let the President speak.
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Post by Benjamin Kírix-Unda on Nov 27, 2012 15:49:57 GMT -5
"Right, right..." Benjamin said as he moved back and sat on the edge of the table, "How well do you know your history, Zaria?"
Benjamin shook his head and decided to elaborate, "I'm sure you know of the time when Duo ruled over Unda. Let's try to cut through all the explanation and get down to it: he's back, I don't know how, but he's back."
He stood back up and shrugged, "I'm looking for a capable body guard, and my generals have suggested you. So to put it straightly: would you like to become my new captain? I understand this is a tough decision and I don't blame you for not answering right away."
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Post by Brea Cao-Wei on Nov 27, 2012 17:47:28 GMT -5
"Ouch! Am I not enough, anymore?" A voice called as Brea Cao-Wei walked into the room. He had been training recruits down in the yard, given the current situation, the more able troops they had, the better. Either way, his work showed in his appearance, his armour was smitten in dirt, with marks here and there, and a small scratch adorned the breastplate. His face was a similar story; one small scratch on his left cheek which had already stopped bleeding and was scabbing over, and a smudging of dirt on his right cheek and left side of his chin. If anything, he was far from presentable. Save for the distinctive headband, swords and Captain's insignia on the left hand side of his breastplate, one would think him just a member of the guard back from sorting out a bar brawl, rather than Benjamin's Captain, Bodyguard and Commander of his Marines. Still, the easy-going smile as he entered showed the true nature of his words, and as he inclined his head in a display of respect, he spoke again.
"And here was me thinking I was all special..." He looked across at the new Captain candidate, immediatly noting the distinctive blue hair. 'She has Unda written all over her...' He thought to himself with a wry grin. "Y'know, Mr. President... Between the last surviving member of an ancient order of warriors, and a Bluenette... You're going to get a reputation of running some kind of circus, really." The smile still hasn't faded from his face as he looked from his President back to the new candidate, the thought suddenly hit him that this woman hasn't given a response.
"Don't do it; he's a tyrant, trust me... Works me like a dog." He said, a small wink shooting across to Benjamin.
Some would question the casualness of Brea's attitude, but it was simply how he was when it comes to authority. In public when respect was on the line, he would play his part, but here he could be himself, he knew and he assumed Benjamin knew, that Brea was here of his own accord and wouldn't be someone's lackey, the only reason he stayed was because the President respected his freedom. Brea didn't see himself as a soldier, he was a man, a human being. He liked to make sure people knew that.
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Post by Benjamin Kírix-Unda on Nov 27, 2012 18:16:44 GMT -5
Benjamin smiled as Brea walked in, "Zaria, this is Brea," Benjamin said as he stepped between the two, "If it wasn't for this man right here I am sure I would've collapsed from stress by now."
"Besides Brea, I need to get somebody that I can trust to watch your back for when I send you into the fire." There was seriousness in his words despite the smile he kept up. Benjamin was nervous, the evidence to that was how his arm would shake around a little bit.
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Post by Brea Cao-Wei on Nov 27, 2012 18:36:57 GMT -5
"We've been over this before, Benjamin... Fires cower around me for warmth..." He gave a small closed-mouth smile as he placed a steadying hand on his President's shoulder. Brea's experience on the battlefield made him wiser beyond his years, and he sometimes wondered whether Benjamin needed Brea more than Brea needed Benjamin.
"Born and bred in Ignis, remember? The fire is my element." He gave Benjamin a nod, moving his hand before inclining his head towards Zaria. Noticeably less than he had to Benjamin, more like a short, curt nod rather than a bow. "So you're the one whom the men have been talking about..?" He questioned with a raised eyebrow. "I thought you'd be taller, the men speak of a strong-willed, determined woman who'll step on toes... Or heads rather, to get to where she wants to be." He paused, realising he was not giving her a chance to speak.
"Apologies, you still haven't made your decision yet and I'm going on."
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Post by Zaria DeGantz on Nov 27, 2012 22:43:11 GMT -5
Zaria eyed the man who entered the room. She had to smirk at his confident, almost cocky nature. "Pleasure to meet you Brea, Though don't worry about me. I'm not afraid of work. I'm sure I can handle myself well enough." Hearing the way he spoke made her feel more at ease, simply for the slightly informal way he presented himself while still remaining the professional he was.
She turned back to Benajmin. "My answer is yes sir!" She spoke without hesitation. "It would be an honor to serve you!" She was not about to pass up such an opportunity. This was the chance she had been waiting for!
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Post by Brea Cao-Wei on Nov 28, 2012 2:04:12 GMT -5
Brea's smile broadened into something more resembling a grin as Zaria agreed to the President's offer. All joking aside, Benjamin was working him hard, not because he was cruel, but simply because it had to be done. With the threat of Duo looming, all hands were needed on deck, and considering that Brea was one of the few people alive today to have experienced Duo's cruelty, he had been doing everything his could to make sure that Unda would be prepared for ever possibility, he needed to be prepared for every possibility.
Having a second Captain would hopefully lessen his workload somewhat. It meant someone could protect Benjamin whilst he trained troops, that someone else could be organising the guard whilst he prepared strategies, all of these obviously worked in vice-versa. But all-in-all, Brea was just generally happy that there would be extra hands about, and he was rather sure that having a second Captain would make Benjamin feel a whole lot safer as well. The swordsman knew that if it came to the point where Duo did attack Unda, no amount of Captains would keep them safe, but it was certainly good for morale to prove that with enough determination, anyone can make it in this world, even women, given this male-dominated society. The latter was especially important to Brea; gender equality had always been key in the Itan-Sha, and his mind drifted to the orange hair of Alta, and the bubble gum pink hair of Crasa.
"Well, this is most wonderful news!" He beamed. "Another pair of hands for you to get dirty, Mr. President, Sir!" He gave Benjamin a playful nudge on the shoulder, the casualness of his action contrasting with the way he addresses Benjamin. "Perhaps now you can stop breaking my back over unblocking your toilet and get Ms. DeGantz here to take care of it!"
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Post by Benjamin Kírix-Unda on Nov 28, 2012 11:31:07 GMT -5
Benjamin smiled when she accepted the role of Captain, there was a sigh of relief as he clapped his hands together and four maids came into the room. Without asking or even waiting for Zaria they began taking measurements for the armor that she would be given. The maids were fast and effective and before Zaria could voice any feelings of violation they were quickly out of the door.
Benjamin looked at Zaria and simply shrugged, "You think that was awkward, try imagining that very scene with Brea over here. That was a sight to see."
With that Ben turned his attention over to Brea.
"Brea, you're one of the last people alive who fought Duo, so needless to say you know the consequences of holding up instead of fighting," Benjamin stepped over to his desk and sat down. His eyes were cold and his face stern, it was a sign that the time for playful jokes were done and there were serious matters to address, "I want you to go out and join the fight... and I want you to take Zaria with you."
Sending both captains away was somewhat of a suicidal thought and Benjamin quickly moved to calm those voices of concern, "I know it's a risky move but let's face it: if we don't act now my death, along with my entire country will happen. So no matter where we look at it, my death will approach me with you by my side or not."
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Post by Zaria DeGantz on Nov 28, 2012 20:52:05 GMT -5
All things seemed to be going considerably well, Zaria thought. After all, it is not every day one is appointed to be a captain for such an important figure. She was feeling pretty good, though now was not the time to be patting herself on the back. It was time to work.
Before she knew what was happening, a hustle of maids were taking measurements of her slender, yet toned stature. She was surprised, though not uncomfortable. "Oh not at all, Sir." She had been in much more uncomfortable situations.
With Benjamin's solemn words, she nodded- realizing that this was no more time for small talk. "I am ready." She responded. "Thank you again Sir." She said to Benajmin. "We won't dissapoint you." She turned to Brea. "Captian Brea, You will have to lead me, as I've no idea where we are headed."
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Post by Brea Cao-Wei on Nov 29, 2012 18:35:01 GMT -5
"Ugh..." Brea groaned with a slight furrow of his brow at the prospect of leaving Benjamin here alone, but he knew the stakes perfectly, and the President was right. If they did nothing, they were just as dead anyway, so they may as well do something. He nodded, his hand protectively touching the hilt of his steel katana, it seems that his swords would be blooded again, he just hoped that his spirit wouldn't be added to the many of his swords. "Well..." He muttered. "Maybe things will be best that way..." He gave another slow nod before turning to Zaria, who was being measured... For some reason... He waved the maids away irritably before addressing the new Captain.
"We're equals here. Rank means nothing, so we'll stick to just 'Brea' thank you, just as I shall simply address you as 'Zaria', alright?" He smiled warmly. "I don't know what you've heard of me, but rank and hierarchy isn't one of my strong points. Those who warrant respect get it, so long as you fight with honor, and have a sense of humor, I'm sure we'll get along just fine!" He gave Zaria a light punch on the shoulder, before turning back to Benjamin, his eyes closed.
"I'm guessing you want me at that massive power surge..?"
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Post by Benjamin Kírix-Unda on Nov 29, 2012 18:44:46 GMT -5
"Correct, find out what's going on... use your own judgement on this. I'll clean up any political mess you make, do what you have to do to stop Duo." Benjamin leaned back in his chair and shrugged, "But I'm sure I don't have to explain this to you."
It wasn't too long ago that he had met Brea and for some reason he knew a moment like this would come. He hoped this wouldn't be the last time they met, he hoped to see them both back soon. Yet there was a nagging feeling that the outcome would not come out in that favor.
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Post by Zaria DeGantz on Dec 1, 2012 1:11:36 GMT -5
Zaria smirked, rubbing her shoulder where Brea had punched her. It wasn't that it hurt. It was more of a show than anything. "Very well then. I'll do my best to humor you."
She watched the worry shown on Benjamin's face, and could tell he was trying to hide it. Turning back to Brea, She motioned towards the door, aching to get in on the action at hand. "Shall we?"
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