Rukia Kuchiki (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
damn_juicebox) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
melodiesoflife2016-11-17 06:46 am
damn_juicebox) wrote in melodiesoflife2016-11-17 06:46 am
Entry tags:
Sky Colonel
WHO: Rukia, OTA
WHAT: After over a year of military service, Rukia is promoted to the rank of Colonel. She's super proud about it and drags along anyone who wants to attend the ceremony.
WHEN: November 19th - 21st
WHERE: Esdham
NOTES: Feel free to mingle with each other too! I'll set up some extra links for it below. In the meantime, have some prompts.
The Journey
The special airline that carried passengers to Esdham departed early in the day on the 19th. The skies were clear and the air was crisp, tinged with the scent of woodsmoke from hundreds of piping chimneys. Rukia had packed a small suitcase, staying up late the night before to iron her uniform, polish her boots, and go over everything three times to ensure that she was prepared for this trip. She'd been promoted in the military before, but to achieve a rank of this caliber was truly something special to her. It was reminiscent of the pride she'd felt when she'd been assigned to the 13th Division under Captain Ukitake. The only difference was that she'd made it here on her own merits this time, rather than being accepted simply because of her adoption into a noble family.
Both of her chocobos were neatly groomed, but left at the stables for the time being. She wasn't sure if she was supposed to bring them to Esdham with her, but if she did need either one, her Beastmaster job would allow her to summon one of them to her side.
At the docks, Rukia waited patiently as the gangplank was lowered, then climbed aboard the ship and surrendered her luggage before moving to the side and grasping the railing. She took a deep breath of the cool morning air and smiled. Once everyone was aboard, they could depart. Her heart was already pounding with excitement in her chest. She'd seen Sephiroth's ceremony previously so she knew a little about what to expect, but that did little to quiet her nervous anticipation. Once she arrived in Esdham, she'd have to pay a visit to the salon to make sure her nails and hair looked their absolute best if she was going to be any kind of representative.
* * * * *
The Ceremony
Though the other Heroes likely weren't permitted on the stage unless they were in the military themselves, they'd at least get a good seat. It was a brisk and formal affair, with a brass band to play the Esdham anthem when the ceremony began. Rukia stood off to the side with her hands clasped neatly behind her back, her posture straight, her chin held high. Though she schooled her expression to be serious, every now and then a little grin would sneak onto her face.
The promotion of the lower ranked officers took place first, and she applauded them with her gloved hands. When at least they called her name, she stepped forward, ascending the short trio of steps that led up the dais to approach the podium. She was radiating pride, her countenance aglow when they pinned the new insignia to her pristine uniform. Humbly she accepted the ceremonial sword of Durendal in both hands, bowing low to signify her gratitude.
Then she turned to bow to the stands, and her eyes briefly sought out the section where her friends were seated. Catching their gaze she smiled before she dipped forward and straightened with a salute. Once the applause started, she couldn't help herself from smiling brightly.
Turning to shake the hands of her superiors, and General Varaha's as well, she realized that the president was conspicuously absent. "He" had been there for Sephiroth's orientation, hadn't he? It was unusual, but Rukia decided to wait until after the ceremony to ask. There was likely a good reason for it. For now she accepted a scroll neatly bound with a red ribbon that assigned a ship to her name, a small contingent of soldiers, and her own private military quarters. She was simply too happy right now to be worried about much else.
* * * * *
Afterwards
Once Rukia had time to settle into her new quarters and change her clothes into something less formal, she was eager to meet with her friends. The news she'd received about the president's condition concerned her greatly, as did the refusal to allow her to visit in person. They'd said the information was confidential and only on a need-to-know basis, and she meant to uphold those orders for now.
But it still seemed as if something more should be done.
For now, she would have to push the matter aside and focus on tonight's celebrations before the airship departed on the morrow. It was much warmer in Esdham this time of year than it was in Aqures Ixen, so she might as well enjoy the good weather and better company while she could. Fretting could wait just one day.
WHAT: After over a year of military service, Rukia is promoted to the rank of Colonel. She's super proud about it and drags along anyone who wants to attend the ceremony.
WHEN: November 19th - 21st
WHERE: Esdham
NOTES: Feel free to mingle with each other too! I'll set up some extra links for it below. In the meantime, have some prompts.
The Journey
The special airline that carried passengers to Esdham departed early in the day on the 19th. The skies were clear and the air was crisp, tinged with the scent of woodsmoke from hundreds of piping chimneys. Rukia had packed a small suitcase, staying up late the night before to iron her uniform, polish her boots, and go over everything three times to ensure that she was prepared for this trip. She'd been promoted in the military before, but to achieve a rank of this caliber was truly something special to her. It was reminiscent of the pride she'd felt when she'd been assigned to the 13th Division under Captain Ukitake. The only difference was that she'd made it here on her own merits this time, rather than being accepted simply because of her adoption into a noble family.
Both of her chocobos were neatly groomed, but left at the stables for the time being. She wasn't sure if she was supposed to bring them to Esdham with her, but if she did need either one, her Beastmaster job would allow her to summon one of them to her side.
At the docks, Rukia waited patiently as the gangplank was lowered, then climbed aboard the ship and surrendered her luggage before moving to the side and grasping the railing. She took a deep breath of the cool morning air and smiled. Once everyone was aboard, they could depart. Her heart was already pounding with excitement in her chest. She'd seen Sephiroth's ceremony previously so she knew a little about what to expect, but that did little to quiet her nervous anticipation. Once she arrived in Esdham, she'd have to pay a visit to the salon to make sure her nails and hair looked their absolute best if she was going to be any kind of representative.
* * * * *
The Ceremony
Though the other Heroes likely weren't permitted on the stage unless they were in the military themselves, they'd at least get a good seat. It was a brisk and formal affair, with a brass band to play the Esdham anthem when the ceremony began. Rukia stood off to the side with her hands clasped neatly behind her back, her posture straight, her chin held high. Though she schooled her expression to be serious, every now and then a little grin would sneak onto her face.
The promotion of the lower ranked officers took place first, and she applauded them with her gloved hands. When at least they called her name, she stepped forward, ascending the short trio of steps that led up the dais to approach the podium. She was radiating pride, her countenance aglow when they pinned the new insignia to her pristine uniform. Humbly she accepted the ceremonial sword of Durendal in both hands, bowing low to signify her gratitude.
Then she turned to bow to the stands, and her eyes briefly sought out the section where her friends were seated. Catching their gaze she smiled before she dipped forward and straightened with a salute. Once the applause started, she couldn't help herself from smiling brightly.
Turning to shake the hands of her superiors, and General Varaha's as well, she realized that the president was conspicuously absent. "He" had been there for Sephiroth's orientation, hadn't he? It was unusual, but Rukia decided to wait until after the ceremony to ask. There was likely a good reason for it. For now she accepted a scroll neatly bound with a red ribbon that assigned a ship to her name, a small contingent of soldiers, and her own private military quarters. She was simply too happy right now to be worried about much else.
* * * * *
Afterwards
Once Rukia had time to settle into her new quarters and change her clothes into something less formal, she was eager to meet with her friends. The news she'd received about the president's condition concerned her greatly, as did the refusal to allow her to visit in person. They'd said the information was confidential and only on a need-to-know basis, and she meant to uphold those orders for now.
But it still seemed as if something more should be done.
For now, she would have to push the matter aside and focus on tonight's celebrations before the airship departed on the morrow. It was much warmer in Esdham this time of year than it was in Aqures Ixen, so she might as well enjoy the good weather and better company while she could. Fretting could wait just one day.
no subject
I'm glad to hear it. Your shoulder seems to be functioning a lot better as well, it seems.
[It took her a while to recover from Raven's crystallization too, but she's not about to compare his pain to hers. She, at least, was somewhat used to Raven's frequent absences, so it hadn't hit her nearly as hard.]
Well then! As the veteran colonel between the two of us, do you have any good advice on what to do, what to avoid, and who to pay attention to?
no subject
[It might sound a little dismissive, but he's been stabbed at least once since, thanks to the events surrounding the Night of the Thirteen Moogles; albeit that was much more of a 'superficial' wound and not something that could potentially have disabled him longer-term.
Or perhaps he was being more ambiguous than literal; in that both physical, emotional and mental knocks to all Heroes of Light aren't going to stop coming on account of a broken heart.]
Well! [Immediately he straightened back into that role he has, as the topic turns back to work. Tilting his head from one side to the other smally as he gives Rukia a few pointers that he took longer settling in with, all that time ago when he was promoted.]
It's not so imperative to attend every single briefing that the top-brass announce as otherwise you'll find your focus split every which-way with no realistic pursuits for those resources you've now been assigned. There are minutes written, reports published, which can be looked up at the archives.
[It sounds obvious, but he'd been so keen to make himself useful back then. Still is, in those fields of interest he's resources from his own army assigned to.]
Oh, and find for yourself a handful of good lieutenants. Sharp eyes and perception when you can't be everywhere is crucial.
no subject
Yes. I suspect delegation may be the most difficult skill to learn. I'm so accustomed to receiving and fulfilling orders. Giving them is...new.
[And yet she's so bossy with her friends...]
...I don't have to attend every meeting?
[That one causes her to blink in surprise, then she rubs her chin with a smile.]
That does make matters easier. I had supposed it was a requirement now that we were considered next to top-brass ourselves. Thank you.
[Rukia inclines her head.]
And don't hesitate to alert me if my crew can lend yours any aid.
no subject
[Though he was often called General within some ranks of the military back home, officially Sephiroth had only ever been SOLDIER 1st Class, which, though a coveted title in it's own right, hadn't much of a rank outside of the specially enhanced division. Though he performed with excellence, to a fault and was often depended upon for the same, he'd certainly never taken on even a whisper of the duties Varaha did at Esdham.
He nods at Rukia and offers a gentle smile as she cottons on about the meetings. Indeed, given the duty-rota one might makes for oneself, how could one potentially be in more than two places at once?]
Right. And likewise; it should be beneficial indeed, to have aerial and ground forces to utilize in close coordination. Especially given the larger objectives.
no subject
[She inclines her head in agreement, her expression sobering.]
I understand we'll need to travel to where the Heran capital once stood, and face Garland there once we've settled all of our affairs. The job might be more easily accomplished with someone who can teleport, but given the circumstances and how much the land has changed, teleporting may not be possible as there is a prerequisite of having visited the location once before.
[She folds her arms, furrowing her brow.]
I'd like to gather intelligence on the area, but I wouldn't wish to risk the lives of the men assigned to me on a reckless and pointless mission if there's no need.
O.o I had to check the timing re crystallization
[There isn't much preventing the flash of a disapproving scowl that shoots it's way across Sephiroth's expression for a moment there. He's never much liked the whole notion that they've been put on a set path to follow and that it's leading them to an inevitable climax at the end of all of this.
He tries to stay engaged and nods along with Rukia, mostly in agreement about sending any sort of organized force out in that direction.]
I wouldn't say that there isn't a need. It's more a question of reasonable distance that might have to be employed.
no subject
[She supposes it was one of them who called it Pandaemonium to begin with, as her own knowledge of the area is severely limited.]
Have you spoken with anyone who's been there?
no subject
[He's sure he'd sent a letter about it, to all as well, back at that time. But Heroes came and went so he'd given up keeping a log of what he'd sent. Spencer would be able to tell him for sure, no doubt.]
I'm under the impression that often Esdham sends patrols via airship to monitor, but with all the other pulls on resources that have come up since then it wouldn't surprise me if it might have dropped in priority.
There are a few reports that were made, probably since filed in the archives, I should think.