[H1]Tar 'Mdalak[/h1]
[i]Paxopolis Simulated Training Centre[/i]
[hr]

As one might have expected, there was hesitation from all of the recruits. Ryssa was the one who hazarded an answer first, though his approach was more of a cold recounting of facts than an actual analysis of their performance. “The primary objective was completed and the security of the colony was ensured. We failed the secondary objective to rescue the Human hostages.”

The Major soon let out a loud huff, giving a dismissive glare towards seemingly anyone who looked at him. “It is a miracle any of you even survived.”

Tar chuckled. Now that the simulation was over, she could relax a little bit. “It certainly wasn’t a masterclass, but I never expected that. I expected an embarrassment, and at certain points it was. But on the whole, you acted bravely and completed the mission.

She looked at Ryssa. “You have the makings of a fine operator, but your leadership instincts need work. You were visibly nervous at the beginning, making a vital mistake that nearly lost me my life. You performed better as my second, freeing you up to focus on the fundamentals. My question for you is, do you want to be a follower forever, or do you want to lead?”

“Yes, commander.” Ryssa answered; though, even he realized the irony in the way he chose to respond. “I…will improve myself.”

She turned to the Major. “Your strength and valour make you a great asset. However, your style did not work in this scenario. We were fighting an invisible enemy, and needed to be as close to hidden as possible. Adapting how you fight is key to survival. As part of a garrison, we require these skills more than raw power and aggression.”

Jurna was next. “You’re good with that carbine, but your hesitation got you killed. We are a team, and should move as one. In the hands of a skilled soldier, a carbine is just as deadly up close as it is from range. Especially when your teammate is cracking shields” She pointed to Daha. “That was a good stratagem Daha, quick thinking.”

Tar surveyed them all. “But i’m still disappointed that we lost soldiers fighting an inferior enemy. When we work together as a team, we’re each worth one hundred Stalkers. I’ll see you tomorrow for another scenario. Dismissed.”

Initially in response to Tar’s criticism, the Major had just stared with a soft growl, but by the time they were dismissed, he had built up enough resentment to finally speak up. He stepped forward, standing out of line and clenching his hand into a fist. “And who are you to ‘instruct’ me? If I did not have a team of cowards behind me, my attack would have succeeded. You proved as worthless as they did.” He snarled, pointing a finger at Tar.

Tar snarled and stepped forward. “Who am i? I’m the one who’s killed more Brute vermin than you’ve ever seen! Believe me, your tactics have a time and place, but [b]not[/b] while you’re on my team.” She prodded the Major’s chestplate. “If you’re unhappy, I can have you guarding star ship armouries by tomorrow. You can go berserk at all hostiles - would you prefer that?”

This time, Tar’s threat just seemed to rile up the Major even more. He stepped closer to her, growling as he looked down on her. Physically, he was larger and stronger than most Sangheili: a fact that clearly influenced his confidence when facing down one who was his superior. “You don’t [i]have[/i] a place commanding a team at all. What do you know of combat? Of [i]real[/i] war? Even from the start, you spoke of leading from the rear like a cowardly Unggoy. Was it the Humans that gave you your position in this place? You act like them.”

"I paid for my station in blood!" Tar hissed, rolling her shoulders in a subtle attempt to calm her battle reflex. The Major was obviously incensed, and a fight would quickly get out of hand. "My blood and the blood of those I've killed. Three years of burning mongrel Brute hides in search of my father. So don't lecture me about combat - you wouldn't last five minutes on the missions I've endured for our kind."

The Major waved his hand to the side dismissively. “Empty words and lies. I watched you fight and I was not impressed. I could snap you in half; I am twice the warrior as you.”

“It was a test…” A voice sounded out nearby, much more softly than either of the two.

The Major growled as he turned his head back towards the other recruits. “What?”

While certainly hesitant to speak up against the Major, Jurna was still in agreement with Tar, and felt strongly enough to involve himself. “The…simulation was a test for [i]us[/i]. If she’s trying to evaluate us, then she’s not going to make all the kills herself.”

“Not another word, fool!” The Major snapped back.

“You are the greatest fool among us, Zadu.” Another voice interjected, this one new. It was Daha, who, until now, had not spoken through the entire scenario. Unlike Jurna, he did not fear speaking out against the Major. In fact, he showed little in the way of emotion at all, either visually or in his tone. “You clearly did not take the time to learn anything of our commander’s history. It was a Silent Shadow team who taught her.”

For the first time, the Major actually showed a hint of doubting himself, though he clearly tried to hide it. “Lies!” He snarled.

"Truth." Tar nodded her head. "We hunted down and slaughtered Brutes, because we could. What have you done to deserve your rank?"

Though unsettled by the implications if what Daha said was true, the Major still answered. “I have fought and killed those who would oppose the Arbiter’s rule. But you…why would [i]any[/i] Silent Shadow team allow you among them? I can say with [i]certainty[/i] you are no veteran of war.”

"Because, after my father was captured.." Tar could see all the males bristle at the mere thought. "I swore to them I'd kill every Brute in my way until I found him. This meant we could help each other. I stand by that oath to this day." She moved closer, until their armour was practically touching. "Any more questions...Major?"

The Major’s hesitation said more about him than his actual words. For him to accept what she was saying was to make himself into a fool. The only way for him to retain his pride was if he did not believe her claim. Yet, it was Daha, not her, that had made it., and though the Major had not admitted it, Daha had been correct that he knew nothing of their instructor’s past.
 
The Major could have tried pressing farther; to take the chance of perhaps preserving his pride. But, at this point, that hope seemed distant. “I…have nothing more to say.”

Tar smiled. "Good, see you tomorrow. Dismissed." She headed for the exit as all the recruits started chatting about their performance. All except the Major, who skulked into one of the adjoining physical training rooms.