Hello, let's begin the story, please comment on what I can improve
Home is not where you live, but where they understand you-Christian Morgenstern
Ruby woke up that morning to the smell of… not the usual porridge for sure, she got up and looked over towards her table. On top were a plate of pancakes and a small jar of syrup. Of course she wasn't complaining as pancakes were certainly not too far below cookies on her favorites list. Finishing up her breakfast Ruby went over to the closet where she left the tracksuit that doctor had given her. Opening the thin wooden doors she found the tracksuit replaced by an Overseer uniform, albeit blank of any insignia or webbing. After hastily throwing on the uniform she rushed downstairs to be greeted with the morning crowd of other Overseers emerging from their rooms, most were heading out of the door to what she assumed to be the canteen while a few select people (one of whom she recognized as Overseer Ross) whom were presumably making their own breakfast.
It was barely 10:27 when Ruby finally made it to the so-called 'Induction Room' which tuned out to have its own number designation (E37). In fact when she asked for directions at first she was pointed to the bloody Deliveries/Mail room, and so on it went; nearly taking her two whole hours to find the damn room. But that was beside the point… she had finally arrived.
The room itself wasn't all that elaborate, not in the fashion you'd usually think of anyway. It was carved completely out of whatever grey rock the mountain had and consisted of rows of slowly rising stone benches forming a V-shape around the flat center. Within the middle lay a thick slab of stone, a different one to the room though; it was white and appeared smooth in contrast to the somewhat uneven benches on the sides of the room. The only illumination came from a few torches on the walls in addition to a rather large bonfire behind the white stone; the whole ensemble pointing their shadows at her and darkening the faces of those present to a near unrecognizable black…
Ruby jumped slightly as a voice boomed through the chamber "Ruby Rose, we have been expecting you… Come forth" she stepped closer to the altar, behind it stood a masked Overseer (Although judging by his red uniform it was most likely The High Overseer). "Ruby Rose you are here to join the Overseer Order of Mycelle, is that so?"
"Yes, sir" answered Ruby
"Do you agree to serve the People, the Order and Yourself?"
"Yes, sir" repeated Ruby
"Will you take the test?"
"Yes, sir" repeated Ruby before realizing 'wait…. what?'
"Then bring on the test" said the man before walking to the side and taking a seat
Ruby was somewhat confused as to what this test was until a black fluid began dripping down, it congealed like a stalactite before forming a sword…upon seeing the High Overseer's nod she picked up the sword; the metallic blade unsheathing from the black goo like a butter knife.
The shadows in the center of the room also began to mush together; their warbling from coming to a stop at the appearance of a relatively basic Beowulf. The beast's red eyes opened and with a howl it pounced on Ruby. Coming out of her confusion Ruby side-stepped and the Beowulf landed a few meters to the side of her. Gripping her blade Ruby ran at the beast; decapitating it in a single pass.
But having read enough books and watched enough movies Ruby knew that it wasn't over. Or so she thought as the High Overseer came back up to the white slab and addressed her "Ruby Rose, you have passed the test, Come up here and give your oath". As she made her way further towards the slab he took her hand and placed it on the slab; placing his own palm on top of hers he said quietly "Repeat after me… I Ruby Calista-Rose"
"I Ruby Calista-Rose"
"Hereon proclaim allegiance to The Overseer Order of Mycelle"
"Hereon proclaim allegiance to The Overseer Order of Mycelle"
"And may He aid me in my Endeavors and teach me on my failures"
"And may He aid me in my Endeavors and teach me on my failures"
"Thus I Ruby Calista-Rose proclaim this pact, so mote it be"
"Thus I Ruby Calista-Rose proclaim this pact, so mote it be…" a slight thud was heard as she collapsed onto the grey stone floor…
Ruby opened her eyes only for them to meet with the familiar celling of the Infirmary; the sterilized air still smelling and tasting as bad as ever. She sat up seeing so one around her aside from the cold-plastic curtains, still in their trademark green. Looking to the side there was a bell (Like the sort you'd see in shops) laying on her bedside table alongside a bottle of water. She pressed the bell, a kurt ring emanating from the device before the curtain was drawn back and she faced Dr Emir's semi-concerned face "You awake?" he asked, stepping to the side of her bed
"Yes… (Moan) what happened? I blacked out at the ceremony?"
Dr Emirs nodded in response "Indeed, you've been out for about two hours now. Don't worry, this is relatively normal as the Oath improved you… mentally and physically, don't ask how as I have no idea"
"Are there any side effects?" asked Ruby, she was unsure as to feel happy or not to this new development but she had to know
"Well hormone levels are known to increase so expect mood swings for the rest of the day, but that is all we're aware of… If you do experience anything you're worried about come back here and tell me; it will go far into our understanding of the procedure"
"Alright then, may I leave?"
"If you're feeling up to it. But first I have to give you this" he handed her a decently sized envelope "This contains various things such as your room's keycard, your ID card and a debit card with your salary on it. Don't lose any of them, we charge for replacements. It also contains a handbook for new recruits which should explain how things work; be sure to read it." He checked his watch "I've got to go now, scheduled surgery you see, bye" and with that he was gone
Ruby looked away from the package to the hook where her new uniform hung, it was exactly the same aside from the shoulder-boards being pure black instead of the single gold line Phill had on his uniform, Upon them was a white- embossed letter proudly proclaiming she was an… R? Perhaps it meant 'Recruit', yeah that was probably it. She thought as she put it on, the trousers were much looser than what she saw some of the others wearing, to the point of being pretty much trousers. Yet she could feel the cloth's firm outside compared to its soft inside, it was obviously made to protect, if not from a blow then from scrapes and scratches. Her Overcoat was standard black with gold rimming's. A patch on her chest containing her name in gold lettering.
She left the infirmary to visit her new abode in the barracks. Walking through these doors she was no longer an illegal, swiping her card she passed through the inhabited but relatively empty common room before heading up the stairs to room 47 and swiping the card… nothing happened, she swiped again, the machine let out a beep and showed a red light, obviously barring her entry.
The card (as it turns out) also had a barracks number; with her being assigned to the third. She was currently in the second and so it took her a few minutes of walking and many 'a gaze at the map the guidebook contained to reach it. Soon enough she reached a similar set of steel doors which opened to reveal a similar common room except there were even less people here; the only present person currently sleeping on one of the couches beside the artificial fireplace. The Barracks turned out to be exactly the same as the one she was in earlier, this made it quite simple to go up to room 47. The card clicking and the reader displaying a red light confirming her entry.
The room in itself was not amazingly spacious (No bigger than 4x7 meters), yet whoever built this place managed to fit a decently sized closet, desk, small kitchenette with a mini-freezer and chair within. In fact there was even a second door to the side which led to a small bathroom. And wait a third door? Yes, this one contained a bed and a small dresser beside it. The whole complex being lit up by soft light bulbs which hung naked from the ceiling by a single thick wire.
First order of business was to unpack whatever was in this envelope of hers; she had nothing else as she brought only the essentials to the forest. Sitting down at the small table she opened the envelope and shook it. A small pile of papers fell out to cover her desk like a bed of snow; once it was organized into a neat stack she began to read through it. It was mostly introductory guides to various aspects of Overseer life; there was also a note from the quartermaster to visit sometime in the evening. But seeing as it had only just hit 12:04… oh yeah it was time for lunch.
She went down with the aid of her guidebook's map she soon arrived at the area's cafeteria, she had taken one of the leaflets with her to read while she ate as to not waste this time. She joined the back of the que with several other Overseers standing in line in front of her. Soon enough she was at the serving area and a worker in a blue apron asked "what you having?"
"What do you have?" asked Ruby, looking over the platters
"Chicken soup, Mash and sausages and a little something special for vegetarians. So what will you be having?"
Ruby liked the sound of chicken soup and grabbed herself a bowl. Plopping herself down on one of the tables she opened the leaflet and began to read it…
The leaflet showed this…
Chapter 3- Service Branches
Within the Overseer Order there are a total of six service branches with several minor branches, all branches are equally valuable to the Order but they serve different functions as will be described below.
Branch-Uniform/and color-What they do-Sub-Branches-Notes
The Administrative Branch-Standard black topcoat with Golden trims and sometimes armor-The Administrative branch are the ones organizing other branches and the running of wherever they are stationed-Field Commanders, Base commanders, Logistics, High Overseers, Administrators, other office professions -none
The Manufactory Branch-Overalls of various sorts with Grey tabs on the collar- The Manufactory Branch's main job is to supply other branches with the tools and equipment necessary to do their duties, they work within workshops of ten or more people (Depending on the demand of what they are producing-Mass Production, Firearms, Arms, Consumer goods, Trade goods, Automotive goods, several other minor sub branches-This job is popular among those who want to serve but cannot due to physical or mental conditions
The Service Branch-Whatever their job calls for but usually a reflective vest sometimes with a tool belt-The Service Branch encompasses all who work to maintain our living conditions and equipment-Maintenance, Medical, Culinary ,Janitorial ,Logistics-The Janitorial Sub-Branch mostly consists of those who are assigned to it as a punishment
The Warfare Branch-Standard Black topcoat with webbing and mask, sometimes armor -The Warfare Branch is the combat arm of the Overseer Order and preforms whatever combats and guard operations are necessary-combat, hunter, recon, assault, specops, military police, guard, support-none
The Mechanized Branch-same as Warfare Branch but a crash helmet instead of mask-A recently formed branch which was earlier recognized as part of the Warfare Branch, it is responsible for all vehicles and their crews and works primarily alongside the Warfare Branch-Mechanized Infantry, Tank, Mech, Aeronautics, Naval-none
Turn over for Minor Branches - P23 –
She read on even when her bowl ran dry until she got a tap on her shoulder. Turning around she came face to face with a man Dressed in a standard Overseer's black coat with his mask and sword at the side, two soft round ears were perched on his brown and unruly hair. "Ruby Rose?" he asked
"Yes, who are you?"
"Your new teacher, the name is Briar Roswell. You mind shifting over a bit" she moved to the side and he sat on the bench beside her "The way things here work is that for the first year new recruits are drilled on the basics of combat and their bodies are brought up to par with the standard… however considering that you're an ex-huntress, we have decided to skip that part seeing as you would have likely already undergone this. As I have said I am your teacher and will be so for the coming year, at the end of which you will be made a Probationary Overseer. This is when we decide whether to send you back for another year or grant you the status of a full Overseer… any questions?"
"So… what would me being a student entail?"
"Erm" he scratched his ear "you will at first be given your new weapons and I'll teach you to use them. Then we go on missions together as training, the whole time I will also be teaching you other miscellaneous things that you will need to be an Overseer" he thought before adding "That would be it I believe. Anything else?"
"No… what now?"
"Well… I see you've begun to read the given leaflets, that is good. It's all important stuff in there" before Ruby could ask anything else he added "You start training tomorrow, head to my room in barrack three and we'll go from there, my number is 23. That is it"
"Alright, so… I just read through this for now" said she pointing at the booklet
"Yeah, that would be a good start. For now though focus on whatever needs doing in terms of bureaucracy - I guarantee you'll thank me later… anyway that will be all. Come around 9:00; we'll get breakfast together and discuss your training"
And with that he was off, Ruby was left somewhat confused but agreed with her new teacher that she should probably read through all the leaflets before asking any questions. But first… bureaucracy"
Ruby had returned to her room in order to find the remaining leaflets; she had finished the previous ones and now it was time to pick up the next set. Wondering in her memory was refreshed by the familiar note asking for her attendance at the Quartermaster's. she had some time now so why not?
Taking hold of the note she read through it again "New recruit is to present herself at the Quartermaster's as soon as possible. The quartermaster's office can be found on the lower floor of Barrack one, right corridor next to the vending machines" Putting the letter on the desk she looked over herself once more to ensure she looked presentable and set off towards the Quartermaster's office.
With a pinch of luck (In having grabbed her Guidebook and some assistance from a few Overseers loitering in the corridors she was able to make it to the staircase and head down to the first floor where the letter said the office would be. Walking out of the doorway she entered a new area, brightly lit with tables, chairs and dining equipment. On the wall there were a few signs but one stuck out and pointed her in the right direction. After navigating this maze of signs and black suited fellows looking at her curiously she found herself before an ordinary looking door with a small chrome plaque with 'Quartermaster' on it, remembering her manners she swallowed her worries and knocked. The door was opened moments later a woman dressed in a similar topcoat but with golden trims peered out
"Now who might you be?" asked the Woman, her glasses flashing off the bright corridor lights "I haven't seen you before, new recruit?"
"Yes mam Recruit Ruby Rose Reporting for duty" said Ruby in a slightly wobbly and nervous voice only to be surprised as the woman burst out laughing
"Oh no (giggle), this is too much (another giggle), that was bloody adorable!" she burst out laughing and gestured for Ruby to come in "(quietly giggling) Reporting for duty… Ha, we aren't the bloody army"
"Is everything alight mam?" asked Ruby still unsure at the woman's laughter
"No, no, everything is alright, but that came out so perfectly (giggle) no?" She sighed and went back to the comfy looking chair behind the thick wooden desk surrounded by shelves and shelves of stacks and stacks of close to collapsing pieces of paper "I'm sorry about that, I needed a laugh, but seriously don't do that, we're family around here, call me Wendy" she said motioning to a chair in front of the desk "I'm here to give you a basic overview of how things work around here"
Upon closer inspection Ruby found that the woman was actually quite good looking, noting how the blonde undyed hair and blue eyes fit perfectly together and finally looking up to her face which she found to be string right back in her eyes. Ruby let out a little eep and looked away and at the wall of papers behind her.
"Ruby Rose… Member only inducted… today? I thought they'd give you some time to be with friends and family" seeing as how Wendy seemed to not care Ruby looked down at her and followed her read of the paper in Wendy's gloved hand "Blood type blah blah blah, ah here we are, you are assigned to Briar Roswell" letting out a little humph and mumbling 'never thought he'd take on a pair' "and residing in room 47, Barrack three. Okay now how much do you know so far?"
Facing this unexpected Ruby blurted out the first thing that came to mind "nothing" she knew nothing of this place, she had left her life back in vale "nothing" she sobbed, Wendy looked at her confused "I have nothing" sobbing only harder, tears welling up within her bright silver eyes.
Wendy knew what she saw, not that uncommon in the order, PTSD was something she often had to deal with… But so young? Never the less she looked down on the girl in sympathy meanwhile pressing the button under her desk to call a guard. As he walked in Sabre drawn she gestured at the girl, then at the corner and then put a finger to her lips. The guard nodded and moved into the corner, sheathing his sword and not rustling the papers with practiced ease. She did not enjoy having to call him in but when people had breakdowns they were unpredictable and safe was surely better than sorry. "Ruby? What's wrong? Talk to me sweetie" she said in her most mother like voice "I'm here for you"
"Summer? Mom, I'm scared, my friends tried to kill me" said Ruby her voice trembling and sobbing
"Now, now Ruby, tell mummy what's wrong" She replied in her kindest voice while trying to process what was going on
"They tried to kill me, they left me in the forest, and Yang abandoned me" she wept
Wendy thought on what the girl told her, the case was obviously that her friends abandoned this poor girl and that according to her file she was an orphan, so she must crave family and belonging? Yes that will work she thought. She sat up and walked over to Ruby's shuddering form and hugged her "Ruby, if they left you we will be there for you, we can help you, we are all family here, even you Ruby" said Wendy softly as her hug broke "In the Order everyone is family Ruby, from the lowest cleaner to the High Overseer himself. And you have joined this family, no matter what we will be there for you"
"Really?" sobbed Ruby hugging back, clinging on for dear life
"Yes, we will help you Ruby, you just have to help us, and then we'll both be happy right?"
"Yes Wendy… Thank you…what have I been saying? I'll be fine now"
"Yes Ruby, now I think you should get some sleep, go back to your room and..."
"Please" said Ruby weakly "It's been too sudden… could I stay with you here? Please?"
Wendy simply could not refuse the Puppy eyes from a crying girl, she could let her sleep under a blanket in the chair in the corner or something "Alright you can stay but…" but the girl was already asleep. She gestured for the guard to leave, which he hurriedly did with some tears shedding on the way out. She lifted Ruby up and laid her on the bed of her bedroom (which was connected to her office by a small door) and went back to her desk after silently shutting the door.
Wendy sighed, the girl was safe but what now, was she even fit for the corps? (Sigh) she would have to bring it up with the High Overseer tomorrow. She went back to flicking through more papers in an attempt to distract herself from her guest's trouble but there was nothing she could do… "Mom, I'm scared, my friends tried to kill me"
You may be surprised by that last bit, but I assume a 16 year old being betrayed by all she had would never cope with it as well as I've seen some characters of a similar age do. Thus this segment was a reminder… Ruby is still human… and she will act as such…
