Home under the sun

[Incindre]

Kirikos endeavours had not gone unnoticed by the upper echelons of the Bretonia Police Authority. She had, in her short time employed in the organization, had worked exceptionally hard and achieved quite a lot. Ordinarily this would result in a promotion but this was an interesting case that required some thought.

As usual the Inspector who had been the most involved with the Officer, (having seen the qualities making them worth the rise in rank), put the candidates name forwards at one of the human resources meetings.
Inspector Lachlan McArthur brought the name up in the room while his comrades and the few Commanders present reclined in the dying afternoon light.

The name caused a bit of a stir, the rooms occupants shifting uncomfortably.
No, shes Kusari! one person stated angrily.
I didnt think a persons race dictated their suitability for promotion, McArthur retorted calmly, If that were the case then would you as a Libertonian be here in your current position?
This silenced the naysayer but the air was of general discontent.

Commander Lucy Silsbury trusted McArthur probably the most out of her colleagues but was dubious about this Kiriko, the recruitment office had only let her in as it could provide useful information and she could be used as a mole should a Kusari organization need to be infiltrated. On what basis have you picked her for promotion McArthur?
The Inspector stood up, walking around the ring table and through a gap into the centre. There he stood amidst a few stray holograms from the above projector.

He cleared his throat and launched into a rather impressive speech, maintaining decent eye contact and employing an impassioned tone.
Friends, you have all risen in the ranks because you have shown that you are capable of leading or because you have pulled off something rather special. This young Kusari born girl has done things that I wouldnt attempt and I daresay some of you others wouldnt either. He paused for effect.
In my time supervising her she has taken down, without assistance, several transports and pirates with endurance that I have rarely seen among our own ranks or even those of the BAF!

The air was beginning to change, many of the occupants of the table having been through the reports themselves.

Just last week she took on a Titan and three Decurions. Three ships were destroyed and the other fled.
Someone interrupted I believe a BAF gunboat was involved at some point.
Lachlan whirled to face the impudent Inspector Yes, however it only arrived later during the fight. Answer me this: would you engage four Corsairs who had been pirating and attacking all that passed by them in a Hussar with only the promise of support arriving soon?

Thats just plain stupidity! The response came.
Not when you consider her previous record against similar odds, more confirmed kills than many of you might I add.
There was more murmuring between the seated persons. Its that ship of hers! It does something!" came an outburst. "Shes not of the right calibre! someone called.

True on both counts, those who had flown with her had noticed her talking to the ship, the ship seemed to respond; however, those who had encountered her away from her ship were bemused by the thin slip of a girl who seemed to find everything frightening. She appeared nervous of conversation and often lapsed into stammering Kusari accompanied by the appearance of tears. Surely a Sergeant must be able to give directions to Constables in comprehensible English and remain confident in all situations.

McArthur was adamant.
Ive seen the potential here, it would be a crime not to promote her for her hard work, and her confidence will develop as she mixes with the other Sergeants.

The table did not seem convinced.

Come on lads and lassies, give her a chance, whether its all down to the ship or no, Constable Kiriko is the best pilot amongst the Constables, Im sure her leadership will pick up!
Alright McArthur, Silsbury spoke after exchanging looks with her colleagues well put it to the vote, but shes your responsibility, make sure she does improve.

McArthur held his breath.
All in favour of Constable Kiriko Hidamari ascending to the rank of Sergeant raise your hands.
Hands went up tripping holographic counters which relayed data to the projected number readout near McArthurs shoulder.

12

All against.

11

Lachlan let out a breath of relief while those opposed to letting a Kusari rise up scowled.
Well its done, send out the letter Mr Finck, Hidamari is now a Sergeant. Session over
The occupants of the room got up and filed out.
Silsbury and McArthur were left alone while the Commander went through the appropriate meeting termination sequence with the holographic system.
Thank you Maam! McArthur said brightly, back to his usual jovial self.
Lucy looked up, her expression unreadable but powerful as always, This is going to be your responsibility McArthur... I hope you made the right choice here.

And with that she left the room and a slightly concerned Inspector McArthur now fully aware that Kiriko had to succeed in order for him to maintain the respect his opinion usually commanded amongst his peers.

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Currently Retired

Signs and Portents