[b]Readjustment[/b]

Claes watched the spectacle outside her door with a deal of mirth. Bayaz was useful, no doubt, and had a way with the recruits, but appreciation of specific talents does not immediately engender fondness, and for his personality and adjacent reasons she found herself rather enjoying watching him soil himself.

Laurence was considerably less amused, as evidenced by his drawn sword, but that was to be expected. With the incident resolved, the smooth grey blade found itself back in its scabbard, and the furious, near-purple face of her Personnel Major stood across her desk, sputtering with incredulous fury only now being subdued by what appeared to be a rather significant force of will.

"General, what the [i]fuck[/i] was that?"

Claes was as calm as ever, not batting an eye at the profanity and uncharacteristic disrespect.

"I am aware of your situation, Major, though I had hoped it would be less of a problem. I do not expect you to like our new Lieutenant, but you will treat her as any other officer, and show her no impolite behavior."

The Major did not look pleased with the response. "Treat her as any other officer? Then I'll have her hang for that, threatening and striking an officer!"

Laurence's serious countenance showed the faintest sign of incredulous amusement at the word 'striking', but the General paid him no mind, and he made no motion to interject.

"You know very well that will not happen. She will prove crucial in these next weeks, whether we like it or not. I will speak to her directly informing her of how things are done in the Winds, do not trouble yourself."

Bayaz's temperament seemed to cool ever so slightly, but as he made to speak, the General cut him off.

"Dismissed, Major. Do not reprimand your subordinates outside too harshly, I will need morale as high as possible before we set out."

Clearly frustrated, the Major turned and left, the door slamming with a volume just above acceptable. Laurence reclaimed his seat after their last guest departed, and Claes resumed her relaxed posture. A smirk returning to his face as he adjusted in the uncomfortable seat.

"That must have been difficult for you, General. I'm surprised you didn't chop her hand off, all considered."

"That particular facet of this conversation is not to leave the room, [i]Captain Candlestick[/i]."

"Oh of course. She was, at least, less presumptuous than Councilor Decatus, though of all things I did not expect [i]lesbianism[/i] from one of the most dangerous convicts on this island."

"On matters of presumption, I doubt we'll ever see Decatus' like again. Though, at least then we had the last laugh, so to speak."

Laurence's mouth ticked up at their shared memory of a particularly spectacular victory several years ago, of which Councilor Decatus was an 'unfortunate casualty'. Claes continued. "To be perfectly honest, however, neither did I. It is certainly fortuitous; I'll look into any possible utility."

A suggestive glance from the reclined Colonel was met with an unimpressed, stern glare, and wilted quickly, his expression quickly matching the seriousness of his commanding officer's. He spoke without the previous joviality, his voice lowering ever so slightly to deny the ever-present specter of listeners at the door.

"Bayaz is going to be a problem, General."

"Bayaz has been a problem since I promoted him, Laurence, and I am well aware of it. This may simply be the straw that breaks the horse's back. Do you have any suggestions for new personnel officers?"

"A few, General."

"Excellent: keep them to your self. I'll keep a watch on the situation. Don't act on this until I give the word."

"Absolutely, General. Though, I find myself in the unfortunate position of agreeing with the man. A lack of discipline in a junior officer is a dangerous thing; proper procedure must be followed, especially in this case."

"She seemed cordial enough with me, Laurence, and I don't think it is for [i]that[/i] reason. I'll give her a unit under Sim: he has more than enough sub-commanders that our new friend would find acceptable. I somehow doubt we can begrudge a berserker for finding our friend the Major less than acceptable."

"In fairness, I'd have probably hit the man by now too."

"Exactly. A gentle reminder and a hospitable commander and all will be well, I'm sure.". Claes slapped the table as if to forcibly close the issue, and moved on with vigor. "Anyways, the moon is far too high to bother with such things. Go fetch one of the Vensavi First Seedings from the Cellar: whatever that smoke was, the stench it left needs a fruity accompaniment, and I suspect you need a rematch"

Laurence rose, nodding as he did so, and left with a smile. Claes shifted around until she was as comfortable as possible, and closed her eyes, once again enjoying that most rare state of being at ease.