Waking the Dead 2.0 || August 12, 2063 || Friday || Seth's Rest

[anatomizes]

[Seth's Rest is definitely NOT your typical Zangyaku power base, but that's probably been obvious from the get go. The people around here are different too, and the fresh recruits definitely need some, ah, guidance.

Good thing you're here, Hounds.]


OOC Notes:
+ Going to have open threads for Maes and Alistair if you want to bug them, but this post is generally for the shenanigans that you guys had planned based on Robb Kearney's orders for the Hounds!
+ Ping me if you need details on stuff. ♥

Comments

[anatomizes]

["May I know a bit more about you, sir? To my shame, I am not familiar with your history."

The question was asked out of genuine curiosity, from the looks of it. She isn't challenging his authority: he has long won her respect simply by being in the position he's in.

A few of the others in her group are looking curious as well.]

[atlas_shrugged]

[ It's actually quite refreshing not to be known ]

No shame in that since I don't believe there's much on me. I only joined the Vigil as of late. Even if it had been otherwise, I've never been a fan of popularity. Just another good soldier.

[ He puts out his cigarette, even though it is only nearly done. ]

Still, thank you for asking. I'm Brigade "Roland" Stevenson. Member of the War Hounds. Netsach: 5th Circle Hunter. Methuselah: Auditor. Zangyaku: Senshi, Eda Oni-Tsukai, Juhi Nami. 122-year-old Promethean.

[ All is said flatly. No boasting. Just facts. The next words however have trace kindness ]

By the end of this day's class, I hope to know you all by name as well.

[anatomizes]

[One can tell who understands the magnitude of those credentials by the minute reactions. Some of the kids that were all hot air and confidence are looking even more put out now.

Good. Knowing one's place was essential in Zangyaku. Only then could one be allowed to break molds whenever it suited the situation.

"Thank you, sir." She glances around at some of her companions, who all nod in return. "We are ready."

There's a bit of shuffling from the rest. Seems like they're good to go too.]

[atlas_shrugged]

[ Brig nods and acknowledges that. ]

I'll admit now that my expertise is unarmed combat and weaponry. For firearms, I defer to my Blademates Brianna Lopez and Kaz Zobel de Ayala; they're much better shots than I am.

Everyone pair up and select a spot within the circle I made.

[ He lights up a cigarette and remembers the first day he met Kalika Shinta ]

We'll skip conditioning cause I expect you all to be in good form, being at the top of your class. We start with weapons and move to empty hands after.

I want to see you all try your best to kill each other but not do so. [ He looks at them all pointedly ] Mastery is not complete without having full control of your faculties. The hand that kills should be able to stop itself at the very last moment.

[anatomizes]

[The response, this time, is immediate from everyone: they're all straightening up, stiff as soldiers in ranks, then bowing once before breaking off. What Brigade may notice is the fact that the arrogant ones tend to stick together, even if they're making a big show out of not liking each other. The rest at least attempt to mingle.

Now Maes is going to choose this time to approach. Coming up from behind you and clapping you on the shoulder.]

Top of the morning to you, Brigade.

[No, you did not hear him coming.]

[atlas_shrugged]

[ Inside, Brig always feels slightly like his icon whenever anyone in the Vigil does that.

But years of training and, more recently, constant exposure to individuals like Hikaru Shinta, Elias Tagabigay, and a whole bunch of other people in the Vigil who can sneak up on him like god-only-knows make it nothing new to him.

Also, he thanks very much the existence of Autonomic Control. Wouldn't look good to look jumpy in front of the students. He knows though that Maes felt that tiny, automatic defensive tension with the urge to turn around quickly before his Transmutation kicked in as usual. He turns his head normally. ]

Good morning, sir. I was just busy with the new candidates. [ Brig's mind has already raced through the possibilities. Maybe Maes just woke up and saw him. Maybe Maes had been there the whole time. Nothing wrong with it though. This was Seth's Rest and he Godhand Mordechai. He could go where he pleased. ]

[anatomizes]

[Yep, he felt that.

Heh.]

Were you now? And how do they look?

[Easy as ever, as he's turning a suitably curious eye towards the kids in front of them. As if he hasn't been observing them all from a distance.]

[atlas_shrugged]

A bit rough around the edges, sir. But I don't think it's anything that can't be sanded our of them. [ He's not about to snitch on the kids. They seem like a good enough bunch, if a bit over-inflated. Nothing drastic enough which may require reporting to any of the Godhands yet. ] We were just about to start CQC.

[anatomizes]

Pretty sure some of those children know that already. Why don't you ask them?

[Unless Brigade had another motivation for running through the basics of the style again...?]

[atlas_shrugged]

Oh, I expect them to be good, sir.

[ Brigade looks over the candidates who are now busy trying to kill each other. He's happy to see that no major injuries have occurred and that they are in fact as skilled as top grads should be ]

But I want to see how they fight each other now that I think they have a clearer headspace. [ He's eye-ing the hotshots ] There were some chinks in character that needed some verbal hammering. With those out of the way, I think I'll be able to see their real mettle now.

[anatomizes]

Fair enough. I'm curious, though, as to what you might define as "chinks in character".

[That could be very, very subjective.]

[atlas_shrugged]

[ He's watching as they move, they really are good, then glances back at the Godhand ]

The thought that they're perfect warriors who have little left to learn, sir, and how because of that they choose not to be receptive. It stagnates learning and growth.

[anatomizes]

[Nodding.]

There is that. Any other "chinks"?

[atlas_shrugged]

[ Brig shakes his head ]

No, sir. I think they're all good kids with potential. [ He glances back at the one he raised his voice to ] Just a little tough love and truth to help them break past their plateaus.

[anatomizes]

Much like raising kids of your own, yes?

[Amused by his own statement, of course. One always gets a little... paternal, when it comes to new recruits.]

[atlas_shrugged]

Kinda' feels that way, sir. [ A smile of acknowledgment ] The only other times I taught were when I was in the backseat while a brainwashed other side of me just went through the motions for the Russians. [ Slight sadness at the memory ] Today I get to be a real teacher.

[anatomizes]

[Noting that bit about the Russians.

Anyway.]

What? You mean you're not one to the Hounds, then?

[atlas_shrugged]

Maybe at some point in the beginning, sir. [ When he was still getting the feel of everything and making sure he could support them in the areas they wanted and needed help with ] Right now, I just feel like an upper classman, a senior giving suggestions now and then based on experience.

[anatomizes]

Not a bad feeling to have. That usually means that they're growing.

[Half-smile.]

You must be proud.

[atlas_shrugged]

Very proud, sir. [ There's a curl at the side of Brig's lips ] They've grown very much. I don't think they know it, but I honestly feel I'm the one trying to catch up with them.

[anatomizes]

[Chuckles.]

That's not a bad feeling to have either, provided that you don't walk around with a chip on your shoulder.