The scrapping and scratching of pen scribbles echoed through the wide room. Gently the iron chandelier with its melting candles rocked to the sway of the ocean. A pair of burgundy red couches parallel to each other stood hugging the cabin walls. At the end of a large patterned woven rug sat a desk. Directly across the way stood a door; it thrust her head on with whoever entered. The sturdy wooden desk was carved of Lominsan lumber. Atop its worn varnished top a chronometer ticked away. Stacks of paper were neatly arranged in a row before her. She sat hunched over with her nose barely smacking into the sheet. The sounds of her scribbles warred with the chronometer ticks. Their rhythm swung back and forth as if racing to finish each other's sentences.

She hardly noticed when there came a knock at the door. Her head snapped up as she laid down her pen. The knocking redoubled in force.

"Come in."

In strode a giant pale skinned Roegadyn man with tree trunk legs and a barrel chest. His combed beard absorbed the lower half of his face. The squeaking leather of his boots followed his every step; as if they were fit to burst. Adorned in red, it turned his light complexion sickly. He wore no officer's rank save for a feathered beret. The sergeants covet that hat no matter what they look like, she thought.

"Good Af'tenoon First Lieutenahnt! This 'eres yer new second. Sorry 'bout the wait."

"All is well, you…you…er-"

"Chief Storm Sergeant Rhotsyn, ma'am."

"Right."

From the corner of her eye she spied a set of blue Miqo'te ears poking behind the sergeant. They flicked then went still. Piercings shined on them. She craned her head and searched for a face. Sergeant Rhotsyn turned aside, revealing a bright eyed woman. Her face was round with a sharp chin and black curved lines under her slit pupils. A Seeker of the Sun, she thought. The woman stepped forward to the muttering of "Go on girl." by Rhotsyn. With great enthusiasm she snapped at attention and saluted. Her thick accent made Sokhatai's face pinch. The sound hissed its 'H' and purred its 'R' as if spitting and nearly gargling.

"Second Lieutenant Vaste Valescoere. An honor to meet you, First Lieutenant. I'm attached from the Foreign Levy."

"Yes, quite. Welcome Second Lieutenant, I'm sure you'll do well here. Have you any experience with adjunct work?"

"No I've never done much of that. What is it again?"

Sokhatai's horns blushed and could have steamed then lit ablaze. Her lips quivered ever so slightly as she swallowed a laugh. Instead she settled for widening her eyes in bewilderment.

"It means to be another's subordinate."

"Then no, no I can't say I have."

She watched as Vaste stood straight and held her head up. If she felt embarrassed, she held it well; though something told Sokhatai she'd merely accepted her ignorance. The sergeant, (What had been his name again?) remained at ease in silence. He shifted awkwardly and slowly drifted his eyes back and forth between them.

"You may leave us Sergeant."

"Ma'am."

He about faced with precision and strode out, shutting the door behind. They were left alone in an unfamiliar air. She scrutinized Vaste's appearance. The woman was lean, with muscle built on a lifetime of gutting vicious desert worms, training, and combat. The red and black of her uniform gave her a sharp look. Beneath her face tattoos were faded pink markings resembling whisker lines. As Sokhatai's eyes traveled upward, her neck began to crane; until her head tilted severely. Vaste kept staring ahead, fixing on the Maelstrom banner behind Sokhatai's desk. She fidgeted her fingers. Sokhatai hummed and tapped her chin in contemplation.

"Remain at attention Second Lieutenant. There is something I would assess."

She rummaged through her desk, opening one drawer at a time. In moments a yalm stick emerged in her grip. Vaste's eyes widened like golf balls as her face crumpled in terror. Her teeth clenched and she recoiled backward. Her arms shielded her face.

"This isn't some punishment is it?!"

"Hold still or I won't get an accurate reading."

She threw down her arms and stiffened in place. Without hesitation Sokhatai planted the starting end of the stick toward the ground. Vaste searched her face for an emotion. There was none save for a blasé, almost vacant stare. It made her skin crawl. Sokhatai hummed and flit her eyes across the measurement marks. After a pause, she nodded her head, then pulled away. Finally, she rested the stick on one shoulder, before touching the side of her hand to her forehead. Vaste's eyes shot down her nose as she followed. It slowly stretched and stopped just below her chin. Again Sokhatai nodded as if agreeing with herself then lowered her hand.

"The gap isn't very large. I'm comfortable taking you on as an adjunct."

"T-Thank you First Lieutenant…"

"Well now, you may start by delivering my daily report once it is complete."

Vaste hurried to salute, her janky gesture bordering on comical. She replied with bursting enthusiasm.

"Yes Ma'am!"

"And from now on you should stand beside me in ways that maximize my height."

Her eyes widened in realization. She scanned Sokhatai's diminished stature from head to toe. A laugh stifled and died within her; its remnants manifested as an awkward grin.

"I shall!."