Military Etiquette 71%:
1d100 3
Espionage: Perception 66%:
1d100 79
Aaron spent the bulk of his time mingling with the Emperor and his family, though he made sure to introduce himself personally to each of the officials there. He was a surprisingly gregarious soul, especially for someone who loved to spend their free time neck-deep inside machinery. He had no particular desire to do any kind of recon or intel gathering, for he was there simply to enjoy the rare moment of relaxation. Someone had asked about the custom APC that Aaron built and that of course was his cue to launch into that story with full gusto.
Perception 41%: 1d100=93
Military Etiquette 42%: 1d100= 30
Viego follows General Underhill around for most of the party. He keeps quiet unless spoken to or asked questions. He tries really hard to not rush the cake, and makes sure to wait till others have gotten any before he gets some.
---Everyone---
Everyone was fairly oblivious during the party. Except for Marcus, but whatever he noticed or picked up, he kept to himself. The Empress was one of the nicest women any one had ever encountered. She seemed enamored with Marcus and Aaron, not in an inappropriate way, but in a motherly way.
The High Command were polite and pointed with questions about combat, the coalitions enemies, and their powers. They even drilled Marcus on strategy and tactics, that seemed to entertain and impress them for a bit.
Poor Nolan seemed mentally stunned by all the leaders of the Coalition being in one place. He ate an abundance of cake, a little more than was polite, but he didn't make a complete fool of himself. He simply tried to stay quiet and stay out of sight. Luckily no one really approached him or it might have gone poorly.
Khayman did the same, though with quite a bit more grace. He simply stayed out of the way and managed to respond with 'yes sirs' and 'no sirs' at the right times.
After the sun had set, the Emperor and his family made their departure followed by his high command. The command was to await orders and enjoy a few weeks of R&R before the boys got their first mission. So with that said, full of cake and glad to be done with school, Khayman and the boys all headed back to their rooms.
---Nolan---
Nolan hadn't received any further instructions, but he had ample information for a report. Which was to say not much. He had observed the boys all day and outside of their formidable and unusual psionic powers, he detected no magic. So it seemed fairly clear cut. As he reached his car, he saw Minister Joseph leaning against another black hover car. The Minsters car was very nice to say the least.
"You seemed a bit … unfocused during the party. I imagine that was an act." He smiled,
"Good you didn't over do it." Without missing a beat he continued,
"So, what did you see?"
"Those boys have formidable psionic powers, but as far as I can tel observing them for the day, there is not one dram of magic to be found there. The psi-stalkers confirmed that for me as well, as you well know their hungere would have overtaken them otherwise, There is no way those woman could maintain composure like that for eight years with magic present to feed on. It shall be interesting to see what they can do on the front lines"
Jioseph had no idea Nolan could actually feel magic himself, the ruse was that it was merely Nolan's deep knowledge of lore and powers of observation. He would maintain that ruse at all costs, to reveal it to this man was a death sentence.
---Nolan---
Joseph nodded,
"I see. That's something at least, though the alteration of these men still doesn't sit well with me. This goes against Coalition law. Granted the government has certain liberties and sanctioned projects such as this can be approved- but still."
He sighs and takes a sip of something from a flask.
"Well, at least there is no magic involved. Which brings me to the next part. These boys are the most powerful subjects to come out of these projects. So they are going to need guidance. So we're moving you here to take charge of their unit. Considering your experience with magic and their abilities to combat it, we will be sending you and your new unit to sensitive spots along the border with Tolkeen. Maybe into the magic zone, or any potential magic threat. Congratulations Lieutenant, You are now in charge of our new anti-magic strike-force. So go get packed. Your room is already set aside for you. Just talk to the Guard Commander and he'll show you to your quarters. Report back here by tomorrow. Any questions?"
Marcus strolled back to his room feeling a bit of an excited buzz. All those sweat, blood and tears they shed to get through training and school. It struck again as it oftentimes did, that he and his two brothers were the only survivors out of ten other kids. Friends they had been children with, friends that might as well have been brothers and sisters. It was an odd emotion, the sadness those memories brought mixed with the joy of finally being set free to see more of the world. To prove to those who helped make him that he was not a mistake.
He sighed, stopped and looked back at his two brothers and the Sarge, "So … He said we have two weeks before a mission right?"
Nolan suddenly feels like he is gonna throw up, but he hides the unease he feels. He schools his features to show no reaction to this extremely risky assignment. All eyes were going to be on this unit. That was scrutiny he did not need. Taking this assignment could cost him his life, but refusing this assignment would cost him his life.
"Understood sir. I will have my effects brought over immediately. Thank you for the assignment sir. Your trust in me is appreciated."
If it is appropriate he will finish this with a salute.
That is correct...Corporal. Or was it Colonel? One of the Cs. Aaron squeezed between Marcus and Viego and threw an arm around their shoulders. He too was proud that they had finally proved their strength and were graduating, but he was also eager for a chance to get out and experience more of the world. Sure there were the temp assignments to forward bases, the wilderness survival training and the occasional..."Clandestine Outreach Programs" (AKA sneaking out to visit to Chi Town's bars and brothels), but this was to be a huge step up in responsibility and freedom.
Why? Got some plans on your mind, brother?
As he slipped past the Sergeant, Khayman slapped Aaron in the back of the head, Don't make jokes like that Aaron, He muttered, then nodded to Marcus, He indeed said that, but keep your heads on swivels wandering around Chi-town, as the Emperor's pet project, you will be watched, have no doubt about that.