“Brothers... Our day has finally come. We have been called to war!” 

The new lord commander had already begun as the last captain finally entered the room. Yet Tormon Vosk was not to be denied or stopped once he began, and Veniktor Haines did not pause nor wait for any sign from him as he marched at pace straight to his position aside the table. 

Veniktor listened in silence, as did the rest. His violation remained unspoken, yet he knew any subsequent infractions after being late would cost him. He stood motionless in his yellow and white, his helm under his arm. His pale skin, black hair, and somber frown contrasted comically with his armor, yet his reputation and demeanor dared anyone to verbalize that fact in his presence. 

Veniktor too, was older than this new chapter's master, by a century. That fact meant nothing to him, but one had to wonder. The former sergeant, now captain, was more quiet and brooding than he used to be, and it was difficult to read him. Speaking with Veniktor gave a disquieting fear of some distant impending revenge for an unrecognized slight. Even to those that outranked him, Veniktor was intimidating. 

Captain Haines saluted and replied to Tromon's address with practiced ease. "Lord Commander. The brothers under my command already know how to fight, and under my leadership, they will be able to improvise in any situation, even when in the absence of my direct orders. My men are well aware that there is no hand-holding in my company, and that I have come to expect a measure of independent intelligence. Every marine is charged with the responsibility to maximize his own potential in battle. Adaptation is our ideology, and with that, we stand ready to face any confrontation." Duty and loyalty were clear, yet his words seemed overly direct, as if posing a challenge. 

"Given the nature of our enemy in this engagement, I request the use of scouts and long-range heavy weaponry, missile launchers. These 'Trogs' will fall easily to krak ammunition." His expression was flat and businesslike.