Turning True Blue

[Markam]

John looked in the mirror at a man not as young, not as hopeful. The glee he felt when receiving a patronage and place in the BAF Officers Academy from a local noble on Leeds feels like a distant memory, one from a different life. John had noticeably increased his alcohol intake - not exactly modest to begin with - in recent days and weeks. The pressure of the office, the pain wrought by the vivid imagery of what was now Leeds, now etched into his soul, had necessitated more "drowning". If he had not received the financial assistance in his youth, it was not lost to John where he would have ended up. The privilege of being an officer was not easily forgotten.

Returning to the mirror from his thoughts, John molded a mask and donned it.

The Naval Secretary, Junior Secretary Margery, whom had been attached to the newly starred Admiral, had informed John that Commander Elizabeth Hall had arrived at the Chateau, and was waiting for the scheduled meeting to begin.

"Margery, show the commander to my office, we will begin in earnest." John spoke softly to Margery, wary that the Naval Secretary Office to which Margery belonged, was an important functioning part of the Admiralty, and getting on their bad side was a sure-fire way of having a difficult time as an Admiral.

John called it an "office", but such was the nature of the previous use of the Chateau, it more or less resembled a casual business meeting room, with luxurious sofas, highly decorative chandelier and all the trappings of a villains hideout. John had checked for any trap door opening buttons and revolving bookcases several times on his more heavily inebriated nights.

John took his usual seat, and awaited the Commander.

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Markam is evil