Terran Foreign Legion Ship Twilight Rose

The day passed, after a fashion. Gryzzk had precisely thirty-seven minutes of calm while he worked on the duty roster before he went to the mess hall for lunch; that was when Delia arrived looking far too pleased with herself. Her salad was only slightly outside of her norm, with a small amount of Vilantian cucumber. For their parts, Charles and Gabe were outwardly shadows in the light, but there was an air of concern.

"So Major, what exactly do you know about art?"

Gryzzk motioned noncommittally. "I know it exists, but I've never delved deeply into such things. My clan and greatclan have always been farmers and herders since the Great Civilization."

"No change?"

There was a shrug. "During the generations of war, we would move to production of grains and peljara that served as the base for the war rations, and after we would return to production of more tasteful things."

Delia paused for a moment. "I'm unfamiliar with peljara."

"They are burrowing insects; we like to call them the farmer's friend - edible, numerous, and nutritious. They till the ground under the surface during winter for roots, and in the spring they become active within the gardens. They prefer flowers, and a byproduct of their life cycle is peltine, akin to your honey. Their diet imparts flavors, and - " Gryzzk caught himself. "Apologies. I was leaving the subject, but suffice to say that on our lands the peljara has importance. You were saying?"

"Well, I was only on Vilantia for a few days, but I noticed something - your art, it hasn't changed. You have two main forms. War Art and Peace Art, and both of them speak to a singular theme; apathy."

"Apathy?"

Delia nodded, warming to the subject. "Quite. During your wars with the Hurdop, it's always the same images and themes - grand victory, sacrifice for the betterment of all, keeping the whole a whole. In the times of peace, it's similar - unchanging obedience, perform your tasks, have children, die content."

Gryzzk found himself on the metaphorical back foot. "The Clan Way teaches us this - it has been a foundational guide. Through it we are connected to both the past and the future. Without it we have no connection to those who gave everything to ensure our lives are spent in safety."

"Curious. Mister Larion claims you are a revolutionary. Forgive me, but that doesn't sound revolutionary."

There was a sigh as Gryzzk nibbled at at steamed carrot. "I do not prefer to think of myself as such."

"How do you think of yourself, then?"

"As someone in an awkward position that I would rather not dwell on too deeply. I will save philosophical contemplation for my sunset years."

"Fair. But I will say your current feelings are mirrored by a large portion of the planet. You live in interesting times, and the majority don't like it. Well, the majority of the nobles, in any event. The servants seemed to have a sort of cautious satisfaction. In any event - your art. Quite frankly, the only way to really determine the age of a particular piece is by analyzing the composition of the source material. As far as music, the instruments change but the notes stay the same."

Gryzzk had an inner chill. "You intend to do something about it."

"It's the Vilantians who will truly have to do something. For my part, I simply...spoke to a few individuals."

There was a soft sigh from Gryzzk as he processed this. "Miss Delia, I would appreciate it if you didn't foment a revolution on my homeworld."

"I did no such thing. I simply showed a few individuals different eras in human history, and the art representative of that history."

"On Vilantia, there is very little difference."

Delia smirked. "Says the Vilantian who went from commoner to Greatlord in less than a year."

"I am no Greatlord. I am...a Freelord who stewards a Greatclan with the assistance of a minister." Gryzzk didn't like the direction this was taking.

"Comfortable or no, that is the situation." Delia paused to take a delicate bite of lettuce. "In any event, I am told there is unscheduled excitement once we leave R-space."

"There is. I will not ask how you know, but I will tell you to remain in your quarters for the duration of the excitement. During combat maneuvers a third of the injuries are due to unexpected ship maneuvers."

"Of course." Delia agreed rather too quickly before she continued on. "However if there is opportunity, I would like to inspect one of the ships. I believe Hurdop ships have a different style that may be artistically significant."

Gryzzk paused, sensing a trap. "I have doubts - however, I will allow it if and only if there is a boarding action and if the target ship is confirmed safe. The needs of this ship and personnel will come first and in combat there is a great deal of uncertainty. If we fight a ship carrying the greatest art Hurdop has ever produced that ship will be disabled and destroyed if necessary, and I will sleep easily that night because my ship and the clan it carries is safe." He looked to all three of them to ensure they understood.

It seemed they did, at least if Delia's nod was enough. "I will trust your expertise in handling odd situations, Major." She glanced at her tablet. "Now, your XO has been kind enough to send me a message reminding you that it is your recreation hour." Her face colored slightly. "In quite...unique language."

Rosie's voice came over the comm. "I told her to let you out of the box or you'd have a coronary that'd kill her in two minutes on account of it'd take Kiole a minute and a half to track her down and half a minute to kill her without making a mess."

Gryzzk's fur fluttered in embarrassment. "My XO is...protective. If you'll excuse me." He carried his tray to the recycler and went aft to the dayroom where Gro'zel was dancing with Kiole and her squad to some odd Terran music - though describing the music as odd made the presumption that there was normal Terran music. Someday Gryzzk hoped to experience it.

In the interim, Gryzzk tried to make himself small and unobtrusive, simply moving through a few games and joining now and again with a few members of various squads and listening to sense the mood. Overall, it was casual - even though there was discussion of what would happen once they left R-space, it was overall confident.

It didn't take too long for Gryzzk to relax, which was both assisted and hindered by Kiole coming over. She leaned into his side cautiously.

"We will need to speak soon."

Gryzzk lowered his voice slightly. "I have no intention of taking any of Aa'Lafione's wives as my own."

"That is a relief, but not the topic I wished to discuss."

Rosie's voice came in over the comm. "Aw, c'mon Freelord - the author of Hirsute Harem Part Fourteen is gonna be so disappointed."

"XO, kindly remove yourself from this conversation before I make time for a discussion in the conference room."

"Fer what?"

"For what is and is not considered an appropriate time to interject your opinion. I have not yet approved the new energy budget for Chief Tucker, and I'm sure he'd like to know if he had to delay his project for other priorities that I can find."

"Freelord that's dirtier than a playoff slew-foot that actually gets called."

"I'll take your word for it XO. Now if I may continue speaking to Corporal Kiole, I'd appreciate it." Gryzzk was keeping his voice low, but part of him did want to shout like a Terran.

"Fine...but you'll never find out what happens after seven sweaty dustmops try to fluff up for round twenty-nine."

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

"Energy budget?"

"Right. Rosie out."

Once Rosie had cleared communication Kiole gently took the tablet from Gryzzk, placed it on a nearby chair, and sat on it. "Now then. Freelord, I have question with respect to the duty roster this evening."

Gryzzk winced slightly. "Go on."

"You specifically removed me from the roster for the forward defense and boarding party. Why?"

"Because...I did not want any harm to come to an expectant mother."

"Really? There are currently several newly pregnant women on this ship. I am the only one who has been excluded." Kiole reached up with her artificial hand to stroke Gryzzk's face. "You spoke about attempting to avoid favoring me when I joined. But this would do a great deal of damage. Let your soldiers soldier. Even if one of them is also your wife." Kiole paused for a moment. "And also a sailor."

Gryzzk paused, then nodded. "I...I was not aware of the number of pregnancies currently aboard." He exhaled. "We'll need to talk further about this when we're back at Homeplate."

Kiole nodded and then gave him a sneak-nuzzle. "Good." She stood, giving Gryzzk his tablet back. "Now then, you and I both have duties to attend."

Gryzzk cleared his throat. "I, ah. I did have a question."

"Oh?"

"Yes - Jojorn from the Great Triangle orphanage is also in-system. She...well, according to the Sergeant Major and Sergeant Edwards, she may have developed an emotional attachment to me. Is that possible?"

There was a soft chuckle. "She desires you because you are desirable and her heart is young." Kiole touched Gryzzk's face again. "Her feelings place you in an awkward position. Don't worry about her, I will have a conversation with my clan-cousin when we are on Hurdop."

"Please, be gentle."

Kiole smirked. "I took care of her and fed her for several years, Twilight Warrior - her and the rest of her ship's crew. I think she'll listen to me."

Gryzzk relaxed into her for a moment. "Thank you. I'll be on the bridge if I'm needed." He squeezed her prosthetic briefly, causing her to start and her scent changed to something warm.

"I still forget that this hand can feel." She smiled and let the touch linger. "Such a miracle of a thing."

"No less a miracle than you being here." Gryzzk left the dayroom and went back to the bridge, where things were waiting for him. Chiefly, Rosie.

"Freelord Major, I have a complaint."

"Regarding?"

"Corporal Kiole."

Gryzzk's eyebrows lifted slightly. "Continue."

"She sat on your tablet and it took me zero-point-six-eight seconds to shut down the link. The entire time all I could see and smell through your tablet was her ass."

"XO, remind yourself of the conversation that took place immediately prior, and then undo the roster adjustment I made concerning Kiole's duty schedule."

There was a pause. "Complaint withdrawn. However, if she does it again..."

"If she does it again you will have done something to earn it." Gryzzk paused, feeling slightly immodest. "Speaking candidly, I have a deep appreciation for Kiole's form." Gryzzk held a smile in as Rosie was rather dumbfounded. "Now then, turn your attention to our previous engagement on Moncilat - pull the review from After-Action Report as well. I'd like to start putting a plan together based on what we know of their tactics."

The bridge became a tactical schoolroom of sorts; the bridge squad watched and commented, making notes on their tablets. Occasionally a time index was slowed or reversed as Edwards or O'Brien would get a second look at a particular formation. Hoban requested a fast playthrough to show various maneuvering strategies. Yomios remained quiet for the most part, looking at the communications-specific portions.

After another break which resulted in the rest of the bridge squad coming back in with containers of chocolate covered coffee beans. This was apparently their version of a snack of some kind, though O'Brien did give Yomios a look as they came back in. It seemed as though there'd been a conversation of sorts that didn't involve him.

Interestingly, Jonesy also sauntered on to the bridge and gracefully launched onto Gryzzk's lap, turning and making herself comfortable before purring heavily and deciding that this was in fact a good place to nap.

Finally Rosie kicked on the holo so they could watch the episode of After-Action report. Bob and Doug were decked out as if they were on vacation with sunglasses, casual shirts, and their feet up on their desks with a fair number of beer bottles surrounding them. Bob started the discussion.

"Oh hey so tonight, we're watching the summer blockbuster everybody's talking about - Don't Try This At Home, starring Major Gryzzk and the Terran Foreign Legion. This thing was first viewed by me in 3-B - three beers and it looked pretty good. Doug, what can you tell the folks watching about this?" Gryzzk noted with mild surprise that this holo had a scent-recording as well. It seemed as though the Vilantian-Hurdop contingents had finally brought a bit of their own technology to the Terran worlds.

"It's got everything; fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles..." Doug blew across his beer bottle to make a hollow whistle sound.

"Annnd you need to drink less. Or more. So what's it really got Doug?"

"Well, we're not gonna spoil it too much, but it's got one of the most creative blockade runs I've seen in awhile in addition to some hot hostage rescue action and some insight into how the Vilantian/Hurdop legions are taking to the concept of improvising." Doug's scent was one Gryzzk had encountered several times - the scent of someone holding a good surprise back.

Bob rolled his shoulders and put his feet on the floor before moving several beer bottles to the side - Gryzzk noted absently that there were several brands from Vilantia and Hurdop prominently mixed in with Terran beers; it appeared that someone was selling a subtle advertisement. "So. Start of the engagement, you got the two ships of the Foreign Legion here, vectored toward the jump point for Homeplate. And back over here around Moncilat IV-B..." the holo-view pulled back to show the entire distance before zooming in, "well, they start with seventy-two ships. Now this is the first interesting bit - before the engagement thirteen ships bail the fuck out of the incoming shitstorm, which makes me want to find out what they discovered. Still, they got a tight ball of yarn style blockade in high orbit, and they're weapons warm."

Bob kicked back a bit with a swig from his bottle, looking toward the camera with anticipation. "Now for first part of the engagement proper. We swivel back to the Legion - you see 'em spin up for an early R-space jump, but they jump in-system to Moncilat IV-B. Let's all pause for a second to think about this one. It's been tried before and it never worked out well. Best case scenario's been that the drive timing doesn't work and they jump out of system. Worst case was when the R-space singularity auto-ejected and separated the engineering section of the Willie Porter from the rest of it. Cap Walter pretty much called it a career after that. But, back to Operation Hold My Beer And Watch This."

Bob drank deeply and cracked open a fresh beer while Doug took over the narration. "So in the space of about point-three seconds, two ships go from Moncilat Prime to IV-B. Blockade shot in the ass, check. Immediately after, shuttles are dropping and the plasma is raining fully, taking out ground ships and probably making the pirates stationed there start updating their wills."

"Now the base assault's gonna be taken by our buddies Jules and Vincent over at Ground Pounders, and for those of you in love with the boots on the ground you're gonna need your favorite calmative when that episode's done. Meanwhile in orbit it looks like the sensor suites on the blockade ships need a good dusting because while Moncilat IV-B's weather calls for the spicy pink rain, the upper orbit's coming down with a bad case of General Dynamics MRG-295 railgun hail. 'Sometimes the only way out is through the hull; give your target lots of ways out with the MRG-295.' You got Hoban doing a flip-and-burn against their orbital velocity and pulling it off beautifully, while Thrace is accelerating with their orbit so they're splitting and attacking when they're on the ass end of thirty to one."

Bob emitted a low belch to announce he was ready to take over, and used his beer bottle as a pointer while analyzing. "Now here, we can see the immediate effects of the Legion's little move. Twilight Rose looks like they're down a bit on their normal acceleration curve, but since they're pretty much Older Brother here they're doing the heavy lifting. Stalwart Rose is better off because they're getting grav-assist with their orbit. Forty seconds into the engagement and the Legion's inflicted heavy casualties - but numbers count. You can see here on the far side the pirate ships are forming up in a little all-direction kind of set as soon as they see an asskicking on the horizon. Solid defensive set-pieces here." Bob pointed his bottle to zoom in on a set of Hurdop ships that were forming up into a geometric formation that seemed to be a variant of the Throne's Star with two ships being connected on the X, Y, and Z axes of approach. Bob took another healthy swig as he continued.

"The problem is that between O'Brien and Stalwart Rose's gunner Bilona - apparently he's a Hurdop with a good set of eyes - thirty-five ships are either orbiting dust or dead in space after seven minutes of engagement time. Precision shots, countermeasures out at the perfect time, and every one one of those pirates who's outside of weapons range is singing 'So long and thanks for all the fish' while taking the fastest route to the Draconis jump point."

Doug kicked back, cracking his own beer open. "Alright, now the after effects - overall, the Legion ships both pack a punch comparable to a Self-Defense Fleet ship about a third bigger then they are. Thoughts?"

Despite the decent amount of beer that they appeared to have consumed, Bob was still enunciating well. "It's the Vilantian power-plant with a couple genius engineers in charge. Plus if you'll notice the combined weapons usage. Both gunners are doing time-on-target; launching the plasma rounds and then firing a railgun slug right where the plasma round hits. The ships that have both weapon turret types are few and far between, but a couple more engagements like this and the style's gonna change like disco. The in-system jump is gonna be a thing too if you're willing to pay Skunkworks for the docs. Seems like Major Gryzzk decided the manual was short a few chapters. Captain Rostin's good, but he's not there yet. Still not comfy with what he's got. In his defense, this was their shakedown cruise so we'll give him a pass for not stepping on his own dick. Also for those of you looking to add this to your own doctrines, note that both ships managed two jumps before they both suffered catastrophic failure which resulted in them getting towed once they got back to New Casa. So that's a thing to add to the calculations."

"They'll need to fix that. Anyway, final grades - Profitable, unique, and stylish. Overall the Legion gets an A on this run. So join us next time on After Action Report, where we're checking out Captain Drysel of the Foreign Terran Legion as he learns that hit and run means you have to actually run and not just saunter vaguely forward."

The holo finished, and Gryzzk moved the playback to the sections on the Throne's Fortune formation. As they watched, found patterns, and discussed counters the evening shift came in. Gryzzk looked at the time and realized that it was getting late. He lifted his head slightly in embarrassment.

"Morning team, dismissed. We'll be exiting R-space in about five hours, plan accordingly."

Gryzzk shifted slightly in his chair. "Evening team...we have a plan."

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