04-22-2015, 04:59 PM
Armande could see the thoughts play out on her face. It was amusing how transparent she was to him. She made no effort to disguise her reactions and feelings as she worked through things. It was so very typical, the brash, open and uncaring manner that seemed to characterize her and her brethren. Which worked very well where they were, he supposed. The hunts themselves were very effective.
What was lacking was cohesion and finesse, the ability to sublimate the needs of the individual in order to accomplish something far greater and more effective. Armande smiled on the inside. Alexander at Guagemala. Marius at Vercellae. Napoleon at Austerlitz. The Atharim against the gods of old. Time and again, the victory went to the more maneuverable, dedicated and disciplined force, despite their smaller size.
That was what he was doing here. Instead of legions and centuries, cohorts and phalanxes, he would have his Orders and his Canticles, pieces to be used in the war against the Abomination and its seed that was sprouting up in the earth.
Good officers would be required. This woman had the mettle. But did she have the discipline, the will to submit and be part of something larger than her own selfish ambition. He watched the pieces click into place and at last she spoke.
He did not feel relief of course. It was enough that another hunter would not be wasted. The metal had to be good to forge the sword. No matter the skill, poor material made poor weapons.
He looked her in the eye and said nothing for a long moment, letting the tension draw out. At last he spoke. "I will allow it." His face grew hard. "Bear in mind what I said. You exist as a soldier. Your life serves a greater cause. And sacrifices may sometimes be necessary." He let the words sink in. "Do not make me regret my decision. It will be the last painful mistake you make."
He dismissed her. She would receive her orders soon enough. In the meantime, there was another hunter to meet with. He sent a message to send in Yoshimura. More testing to be done, he guessed.
What was lacking was cohesion and finesse, the ability to sublimate the needs of the individual in order to accomplish something far greater and more effective. Armande smiled on the inside. Alexander at Guagemala. Marius at Vercellae. Napoleon at Austerlitz. The Atharim against the gods of old. Time and again, the victory went to the more maneuverable, dedicated and disciplined force, despite their smaller size.
That was what he was doing here. Instead of legions and centuries, cohorts and phalanxes, he would have his Orders and his Canticles, pieces to be used in the war against the Abomination and its seed that was sprouting up in the earth.
Good officers would be required. This woman had the mettle. But did she have the discipline, the will to submit and be part of something larger than her own selfish ambition. He watched the pieces click into place and at last she spoke.
He did not feel relief of course. It was enough that another hunter would not be wasted. The metal had to be good to forge the sword. No matter the skill, poor material made poor weapons.
He looked her in the eye and said nothing for a long moment, letting the tension draw out. At last he spoke. "I will allow it." His face grew hard. "Bear in mind what I said. You exist as a soldier. Your life serves a greater cause. And sacrifices may sometimes be necessary." He let the words sink in. "Do not make me regret my decision. It will be the last painful mistake you make."
He dismissed her. She would receive her orders soon enough. In the meantime, there was another hunter to meet with. He sent a message to send in Yoshimura. More testing to be done, he guessed.