The Weight of Expectation
Commander Balboa's quarters, after the attack on the base begins...
Commander Balboa: Allow me to formally welcome you to my base, Commander. I trust you'll enjoy your stay. Tea? Or perhaps you're a coffee gal?
Kirsty: I'll pass, thanks. Instead, let's discuss why I'm here; I'm unaware of anything I've done to earn such a forceful invitation.
Commander Balboa: I do apologize—though you must admit you've resisted my prior overtures.
Kirsty: Yes, I've been rather busy of late. Apologies if I gave the wrong impression.
Commander Balboa: Perish the thought. I merely hoped to get to know you better—as two commanders of the Svenitlan forces, you understand.
Commander Balboa: This seems a perfect opportunity for us to indulge in a bit of small talk, yes?
Kirsty: Oh, do go on.
Commander Balboa: Are you aware that some within our great nation are toiling to dethrone the king? Imagine the sheer audacity of it!
Kirsty: I've heard vague rumors, though I tend not to put much stock in them.
Commander Balboa: If I thought you truly believed that, I'd have cause to reevaluate my opinion of you. But I think we both know better.
Commander Balboa: I expect you are quite familiar with the movement I refer to.
Kirsty: ......
Commander Balboa: I won't bore you with questions. All I wish to know is whether you're with him or not.
Kirsty: And who, pray, might this mysterious "him" be?
Commander Balboa: We're both busy people, Commander— too busy to waste time on cheap farce. Answer my question.
Kirsty: You've taken the words out of my mouth, Commander: I haven't the time for this.
Kirsty: I demand to know on what grounds I am being subjected to this interrogation.
Kirsty: You and I are equal in rank, and I had intended to offer you every professional courtesy—but always remember that I do not answer to you.
Kirsty: Also, if you refuse to extend the same courtesy to me, I'm quite happy to answer in kind. Is that how you want this to go?
Commander Balboa: You fail to understand your current position, Commander.
Kirsty: And what position is that?
Commander Balboa: You've failed twice now. First regarding the alliance with Dyrenell, and now with the procurement of new weaponry.
Commander Balboa: I'm beginning to question your capabilities as a commander— and I'm not the only one.
Commander Balboa: You're likely one mistake short of being asked to resign. A mistake like, say, if the enemy were to lay claim to your base?
Kirsty: You wouldn't!
Commander Balboa: Yes, I hear roving bands of armed bandits are on the prowl of late. I pray they don't cause you any trouble.
Kirsty: Are you threatening me now, you dog?!
Commander Balboa: You're welcome to take it however you wish. Now let me repeat my query:
Commander Balboa: Just where does your allegiance lie, Commander Kirsty? Is it with your king... or perhaps somewhere else?
Kirsty: You know damn well I serve no master but Svenitla herself.
Kirsty: And this conversation has convinced me that I will crush every last locust gnawing at her body with my own two hands.
Commander Balboa: Will you, now?
Commander Balboa: It's a real shame, Commander, to see that you're not attached to your position OR the lives of your men.
Kirsty: Neither they nor I are so weak as to fall for your sad, two-bit schemes.
Commander Balboa: Oh? Then I shall look forward to the show. It will be quite the delight to see how long your precious men last... Heh heh heh.
Noelle: R-reporting in... *scribble* Here!
Formal Joachim: ...We're completely outnumbered. Not only that, but the enemy—they may be dressed like common bandits, but it sounds like they're actually the army in disguise.
Formal Joachim: Thanks, Noelle. Given the timing with what happened to Kirsty, it's probably safe to assume these are Balboa's lackeys.
Formal Joachim: So, how hosed are we, Aggie? How are supplies looking?
Aggie: If we're just eating and sleeping, we've got enough to last a month. But if we're, you know, actually FIGHTING, our weapons aren't going to last.
Formal Joachim: Not surprised to hear it. So if a protracted siege is out, we'll need to settle things in one quick, decisive battle.
Marsh: Bring it on! We'll show these curs how Kirsty's soldiers fight!
Marsh: Grab your weapons, boys and girls! Defensive formation, just like in training!
Everyone: Yeah!
Formal Joachim: Everyone slow down! These men are working for Balboa, which means they may be well-informed on our army's standard tactics.
Aggie: You have a different plan, then?
Formal Joachim: I'm thinking we give 'em the old fake-out, and here's how...
Enemy Soldier: The commander's too good to us; I can't believe we're all gonna get promotions just for mopping up a few traitors!
Enemy Leader: Sure, IF we live. These are well-trained solders we're going after here, which is why we all have orders to kill on sight.
Enemy Leader: So look sharp! The commander says they'll gather their forces at one point and launch a defensive—
Enemy Leader: Huh?! What's that sound?!
Formal Joachim: Looks like they're biting. Aggie! Marsh! You know what to do!
Marsh: On it, sir. RAAAAAAAGH!
Enemy Soldier: Sir, they're flooding out of the base from every which way! They even seem to be sprouting from the GROUND!
Enemy Leader: Hidden tunnels, is it? Well, this is their turf, so they were always going to have the terrain advantage! We'll just have to use our numbers to overpower them!
Enemy Soldier: Yes, sir! Sealing approach rou—AAAH!
Enemy Leader: What now?!
Enemy Soldier: Concentrated mana, sir! It's from an extremely long range, but it's coming in faster than anything I've ever seen!
Enemy Leader: Impossible. The brief said there were next to no mages stationed here!
Enemy Leader: WHAT?!
Formal Joachim: Well, looks like that's got 'em shook. The fact they know all about us means they're even less prepared for magic.
Aggie: They weren't kidding when they said manacasters were big news... You're a one-man diversion, Joachim.
Marsh: At the very least, you made 'em think twice about coming any closer.
Formal Joachim: Hey, it's all the manacaster, not me. Save the kudos for Chanzelia and Kirsty.
Aggie: Aw, don't be so modest! I knew we'd be fine with you calling the shots.
Formal Joachim: ...What?
Marsh: Er, is that weird? I mean, you ARE Kirsty's right-hand man, after all. Why wouldn't you take command with her out?
Formal Joachim: Because you and me are practically the same rank, Aggie!
Aggie: Only 'cause you turn down promotions like they're going out of style! But we all still know you've got what it takes to lead.
Marsh: Yeah, you're the most decisive one here, so let's keep the pressure on these guys. Awaiting orders, Mr. Acting Commander!
Formal Joachim: ...Let's all do what we can.
Formal Noelle: (Oh man, Joachim seems a little... Well, I just hope he's okay.)
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