Interlude : Promotions

> You gaze down at your reflection in the still waters of the creek your unit was following.
> The unit had recently finished a skirmish and been forced to stop while your command units caught up.
> Standard procedure for all Warforged units.
> Highest ranking Warforged is assigned temporary command and sent ahead of human commanders.
> Warforged unit engages in battle with temporary commander.
> True commander catches up and seizes command again.
> Usually it worked well enough.
> Still, when your mission was something like border patrol it did have a way of shutting down your unit.
> So with nothing to do but wait you simply gaze at your reflection.
> You had lost an eye during the skirmish, the mark of a blade running down your face.
> You would need to speak to the repair specialist about that when he got here with the captain.
> There was some other minor damage as well, but it was nothing that couldn't be fixed with an arcane repair spell.
> You really needed some better plating.
> Honestly this was getting ridiculous.
> Every other engagement saw you replacing a limb, an extremity or an eye.
> It was quickly getting to the point where you were considering putting in an official request for improved equipment.
> Not that it would do any good.
> Warrant officer or not, you were still a Warforged.
> They may have recognized your ability to fight and command troops, but that didn't mean they would shell out the funds to keep you from sustaining damage.
> Especially since it was easier and cheaper to just purchase new ones or refurbish old ones.
> In fact, it was cheaper to just build and train a new Warforged.
> Kind of lowered the incentive to cough up the funds to improve the ones you had on the field.
> You run a finger over the gash and empty socket.
> Maybe you'll keep this scar.
> You're sure it makes you look pretty damn intimidating.
> Not that you didn't already.
> Six feet three inches tall, glowing red eyes and armed to the teeth.
> A longsword at your side, a maul over your back, a spear over it as well.
> A tower shield under both of them, though that was rarely used.
> You count yourself lucky that your repair specialist was a talented artificer, rather than some hack with a wand that could cast repair light damage.
> Other wise you wouldn't have enough hook points to carry your gear.
> The man had a gift it seemed.
> You hear new foot steps approaching.
> One set.
> It is an even quick stride, quiet and subtle.
> The gait of a trained and experienced soldier.
> You don't need to turn to know who it is.
"Greetings Sir, would you like the standard report?"
> The footsteps stop followed by a smooth male voice, the slight accent of Cyre on his words.
> "I have already received it from Scout, I trust his report was accurate."
> You nod.
"Is there something else I can help you with than, sir?"
> You hear a few more measured footsteps before a hand is placed on your shoulder.
> "You can turn and shake my hand for starters."
> You turn to face the captain, but with the sun in one eye and the other gone you can't even see him, just a vague human shape and a bright corona.
> You put a hand up regardless and he completes the motion.
> "Congratulations Warrant Officer, you are being promoted."
> You cock your head to the side in confusion.
> "Sir?"
> "I have been pushing my commanders to have you promoted for a long time, it seems they have finally listened."
> He continues.
> "You and I will be returning to Cyre for a brief leave of absence followed by your officers training and refitting."
> You can barely make out a smile on his face.
> You turn your head to look over his shoulder.
"The rest of the squad?"
> "They'll be coming back as well, they'll re-fit, repair and assist new Warforged in their training."
> You nod.
"When do we leave?"
> "The rest of the squad is already moving, but you will be traveling with the rest of the command group. Don't worry they have been given their instructions already."
> He takes his hand off your shoulder.
> "Now come on, we have a lot to discuss."
> You take one last look at your reflection in the water before turning to follow.
> The news hits you all at once.
> You were going to Cyre to be promoted and trained to be an officer.
> A tremendous honor and responsibility for any soldier, but for a Warforged?
> Virtually unheard of.
> All your earlier thoughts are pushed to the back of your mind.

> Right now, you couldn't be more proud of yourself.