KaMara couldn't say she was entirely let down by the false call to arms but she knew this beleaguered outpost had already experienced far too much war fatigue. The schism forming between Ryota and Rextelian being both a symptom and just the tip of the iceberg as far as the strain Nan Gau was under.
"Yessir, " KaMara piped up, all business-like, " We're going to need a good deal of intel on the village you want us to liberate as well as the area around it. A good rundown on what kinds of undead your forces have encountered so far and what the Iceknife can do besides be a family heirloom. Also, some of us could use any spare armor or cold weather gear you can afford to loan us..."

Youko grins as she cracks her knuckles with gusto as she begins stretching to limber herself up twisting her body and stretching her muscles as if she's been fighting all her life which she has. She speaks up as she does so. "Only two questions sir. There any good seafood joints around here? I'm gonna need a good meal after kicking undead butt. Secondly, is the horse riding one armored and if so any visible weak points in his nyarmor?" Despite the seriousness of the situation the neko seems calm and collected. She may not be the strongest fighter but undead usually aren't a problem for her. These ones are just more numerous with a big one at the center.

She finishes her stretches and takes a few practice swipes at the air getting herself pumped up as she does so "I'm sure with this group we will be perfectly fine. I see what look like some tough folks here right meow. With some coordination we will destroy these meownstrosities without any issue" she is putting the meow and nya in her speech on perfect as she has heard from her clanmates that this puts humans at ease for some reason. She honestly finds it stupid but there are a couple humand in the group so if she can inspire them or make them feel more at ease so they fight better she will. Then again she's now realizing all these years later that there's a possibility her clanmates were lying and if they were she feels like an idiot for talking like that.

Emily, knowing that she didn't necessarily have much along the lines of input for the sudden surge of cloaked undead that seemed to slowly begin breaching the area, merely listened in as the rest of the group threw their various strengths and questions they wanted insight on. She knew all too well that she wasn't to speak out of turn, like the good little lady that she was. But one question was circling through her mind, one that may as well have been just as important as what everyone here was capable of. That was when she felt the cold gust of wind blowing against her face and hair, causing Emily to shiver slightly as Usagiashi made his presence known, with the superior Commander Rextelian in tow.

With everything that was happening, Emily merely maintained the position she was in, sitting down and contently listening and waiting for her turn to speak up. Thoughts tried to push themselves forward as she reminded herself of the fact that Kamara was another non-native to this odd land. Desperately she wanted to ask her about her previous 'life', but holding her peace had to wait. Silent, serious, and studious.

And then the opportunity showed itself as the Commander requested for additional questions, with Emily's hand eagerly shooting up.

"Yes, Sir. I do have something I'm concerned about... this lack of resources we have. The undead clearly seem to understand 'war tactics' if they're choosing to cripple people by not targeting us first, but our stomachs. While it's true that my associate here..." Emily said, nodding to Kamara before continuing. "... is correct in that we need intel on Nan-Li, I'd also like to know what we each are going to need for our travels there. Weaponry, armor, any amount of tools or equipment that can be reasonably spared and delegated among us so that we can do our jobs."

"This is clearly a serious matter, not just for our own sakes as 'adventurers', but for Nan Gau. I want to make sure that we're prepared in time for this upcoming assault."

Varius stepped forward calmly, posture calm and collected as he spoke lightly. "I trust then, as our formed group. We are heading to these sacred grounds. What should we do if the ground is tainted by this hooded figure and their entourage? Even if we succeed in pushing them back at the head of the problem, what about the long term?" Varius held concern in his voice, as he stared out to Nan Gau. "It's once again those playing god preying on the weak, and I won't stand for that." Varius watched and listens out the window for any further horns, or even movement.

The moment the horn sounded, the flustered look of embarrassment on Yumi's face instantly sharpened into seriousness. She was on her feet in an instant, scythe in hand as she turned toward the direction of the sound. For the briefest moment, she mentally sighed in relief that the talking was over and she could do what she did best, until she remembered innocents would be in danger if the undead attacked. The second train of thought reprimanded the first with a slap across the face as she followed the others up to the walls, the curved steel of her weapon trailing behind her.

She relaxed slightly as the news that they were not under attack reached them, though she only returned the instrument of death in her hand to its place on her back once the commander and his men were inside the walls. Yumi kept her silence as they returned to the meeting room, though she stood and leaned against a wall this time, rather than removing her scythe and sitting again. It was only once Rextelian asked for questions that she spoke. "I am. Ready to. Head out. Whenever. Rex-tel-ian-sama." Though her speech was still halting and unsure, and she struggled with the commander's name, she seemed to be getting more used to it, and with a clear objective, she seemed a bit less socially awkward. "Your offer. Of dinner is. Most generous." She gave the commander a deep bow to express her gratitude. "However," she continued as she straightened up, "if food. As scarce as. You say. Then please. Give my portion. To someone. Who. Needs it. More." She patted a pouch on her belt with some travel rations in it. "I will be. Just fine with. This."

​
Titles:
Beastkin - Mundane, Small (4ft) - 6ecff6

Itsy pursed his lips together, seeing how drastically things had changed from one moment to the next. 'Maybe that is the ghost on the mountains that Nakamura had mentioned.' That was the only thing he could think of when Rextelian mentioned the pale rider. And one thing that KaMara had mentioned piqued his interest quite a bit. "The Iceknife... what does it do?" He couldn't help but wonder why it took precedence over defending the city.

But maybe they didn't really need extra muscle to defend it.

And, with his long snout twitching left and right, the small beastkin nodded furiously upon hearing about winter gear. "Something to keep us warm would be g-good. This... this place looks like it can get quite chilly..." He muttered, tone descending until it was not louder than a whisper. "F-food... I'm fine, but thank you."

Rextelian listened to the questions with the steady patience of a seasoned commander. The crimson-haired kitsune at his side mirrored his stillness, her posture and expression held in quiet discipline. When the last voice fell silent, he drew a single breath and spoke, his tone firm and practiced.

“As I said, the goal here is not retaking Nan-Li. We have the manpower to do that, and always have. It would change nothing. We would simply lose it again.”

He let his gaze pass slowly across the room before continuing.

“What matters is identifying and eliminating the wight that rides the horse. The other wights show no sign of independent thought. This one does. It has appeared repeatedly, and all evidence suggests it is directing the rest.”

His attention shifted briefly to Youko, unfazed by her energy.

“The rider is armored. Both mount and master. Fire remains one of the few elements that consistently affects the wights, so we assume it will be effective here as well.”

When the smaller beastkin spoke, Rextelian’s eyes narrowed slightly, not in suspicion but focus.

“We do not know the relic’s full function. What we do know is that it is an ancient Yamamoto heirloom, older than the clan itself, and possibly brought from a distant land.”

“Where the rider appears, blizzards follow. The storms resemble those associated with the Hime-sama. Our theory is that the relic conceals the rider’s presence or movement.”

“The fact that it is used deliberately suggests intelligence. That trait has not been observed in the lesser wights.”

He paused, letting that settle.

“That is the extent of what we know.”

When Emily spoke, his expression softened only a fraction.

“We do not know the source, nor the origin. Storms precede them, and the dead rise within that cover.”

“We are withholding nothing. There is simply little to give.”

He inclined his head once in acknowledgment.

“Supplies will be issued where possible. Cold-weather cloaks, oil, fire charges, and tools. Armor will be assigned by necessity, not rank. Food remains scarce.”

His reply to Varius was direct.

“If the land itself is corrupted, Nan Gau cannot cleanse it.”
“Your task is not salvation. It is seek and destroy.”

After a brief pause, he continued.

“Nan-Li lies roughly an hour north. We move at dusk and avoid unnecessary engagement.”
“If the rider appears, all attacks focus on it.”

He turned slightly toward the kitsune beside him.

“Preparations.”

She inclined her head once.

“I have matters to attend to before departure,” Rextelian added.
“We regroup at the gates before dusk.”

He offered a short bow, echoed by the kitsune, then turned and left the hall.

Outside the keep, Nan Gau endured.

Stone walls enclosed tightly packed homes and storehouses, their roofs bowed under layers of snow. Smoke drifted thinly from chimneys. Merchants moved with quiet purpose. Soldiers rested against the stone, eyes hollow but alert. The city lived, though strain hung heavy in the air.

Beyond the gates, frozen fields stretched toward wind-scoured roads. Far to the north, clouds gathered unnaturally low, dark and swollen, pressing against the mountains like a held breath.

Not long after Rextelian’s departure, the gates opened again.

There was no horn and no alarm. Only the steady grind of iron and wood as a smaller group was admitted.

They entered without haste. Snow clung to cloaks and boots, shaken loose with each step onto the stone. Their movements were measured, unhurried, as if the road behind them had been long but expected.

At their head walked a man with white hair worn loose down his back, stirred gently by the cold wind. One eye was gold, catching what little light filtered through the clouds. The other was a clear, glacial blue. His gaze took in the walls, the guards, and the city beyond with calm attention.

Those nearest the gate straightened without instruction. Conversation faded. No command was spoken, yet attention gathered all the same.

He stopped just inside the gate and inclined his head, respectful but unbowed.

“My name is Hiruq,” he said evenly.
“I come as a representative of the Kurogami clan, alongside our ally the Koyake clan, and those who travel with us.”

He gestured briefly to the figures behind him, then lifted his gaze toward the inner keep.

“We are here to speak with the Hime-sama of the Yamamoto clan.”

KaMara listened intently to Rextelian's answers to the Adventurers' queries. Desperate times called for desperate measures indeed! A disposable strike force sent to tackle an enemy command unit of unknown ability in the middle of an undead outbreak during a blizzard. Not the most tactically sound use of a cadre of volunteer Irregulars but not the craziest either. Taking out an enemy lieutenant and recovering a clan heirloom would make for a definite morale booster for the Nan Gau forces. One they desperately need.

" Departing at Dusk? We'll be ready for muster, commander." KaMara said brusquely, all business for the moment. In the next moment, she subtly jostled Emily with an armored elbow, "C'mon. Let's get some food and see what we can scrounge up to keep you from freezing to death in that business suit." She nodded for the exit as the meeting adjourned.

Reinforcements had arrived!

Or... reinforcement. One girl. Definitely fae - she practically screamed 'magical' - but the most peculiar thing was her badge. An honorary snowflake badge given only to those who'd had some success in fighting the icewalkers. Those who received one were typically known by name, especially so with outsiders. Had she stolen it? Found it on a dead body? Yet her stride was so confident, like she knew exactly where she was going, and what she was doing.

A few thought perhaps it was a good idea to ID her. The idea subtly melted away the moment they locked eyes. No, no, this was a hero. Look at her badge! Insisting on ID was absurd. Wholly unnecessary. A thought that persisted until she passed by, at which point the regret started to settle in, followed shortly by "Wait, what was I worried about?"

"Hello again, T-Rex," Yume waved in passing, the two moving opposite ways. There was no explanation given. She just kept walking.

Finally, she reached the guild: the place everyone's focus seemed to be on. The room where it all happened. It was a colorful group, typical of adventuring guilds. Aspiring heroes, freaks, and main characters galore. Delightfully, her timing was perfect. Free food!

"Zombie problems still? I'd hoped someone would have fixed that by now," she declared, a strange mix of mockery toward the guild, and genuine empathy for the victimized people of Nan Gau. "My condolences. Now let's see... I have a Nan Gau tradition I'd like to uphold..."

Yume's golden eyes swept the crowd, fixating on the beastkin in particular. In the end, her gaze settled on Youko like a predator having found prey. "That'll do nicely."

Calmly, Yume closed the distance, raised a hand, and began petting her ears in the most overt, obvious, theatrical swipes imaginable. Gone was the Yume of before: the one who apologized and sought to make things right. Instead, she seemed to lap up the outrage like a cat with a bowl of milk. Justice for those who forgot. "Nice kitty," she added with a smirk. "Not quite as soft as Sori, but much more fun."

As the two locked eyes, a creeping sensation of comfort wormed its way into Youko's mind, not naturally, but as an invader [Telepathy E]. The strength of it felt calculated and intentional. Held back such that she could just barely resist, but strong enough that the slightest hesitation would collapse the resolve. 'This is Yume. Kind, sweet, familiar. This feels so nyice, purr for the kind enchantress~' An invitation to enjoy the obscene, insulting gesture.

Yume continued speaking as she pet Youko, "Have any of you seen a woman who looks like me? Long silver hair, gold eyes, smells like cedar wood?" She shrugged, "Or perhaps one with rainbow hair, blue eyes, smells like a killjoy?"

Youko bares her fangs at being pet her ears pulling back at the petting and the mental invasion the words that follow come in a low growl as her tail flicks in annoyance "remove your hand from my head before I bite it off. You're lucky I don't bite right away as that was incredibly disrespectful. I do however give people a single chance to fix their mistake before I act." Her whole body goes tense as every muscle in her body is tense as she seems very ready to attack at a moment's notice.

To her what was just done to her is something only her future mate should be allowed to do and for this stranger to do such a thing was both disrespectful and embarrassing. The only reason she hasn't bit the woman yet is that her mother taught her to try talking things out with words before using her claws and fangs. It is however taking everything in the neko not to claw and bite at this woman for touching her head without permission.

Varius nodded with a soft chuckle "Guess it's a man hunt then, so if that's the case it makes sense you want a team of adventurers going after the main cause of these problems." Varius nodded as he looked at his allies in respect even Itsy "So we move at dusk, to look for the rider. I am pleased to meet many extraordinary people. We are all fighters in this no matter, what you come from... change is now, and we're here to make change." Varius expressed as he'd move to sit idly as others of their company can speak. "I do believe we should all properly become acquainted, I am Varius. Again it's a pleasure, to be here. " Varius bowed his head as he sat straight in the chair.

Yukan Koyake


Yukan was aware that he was to meet up with others for a political meeting discussing how to deal with some common enemies. The fiery Tanuki warrior made his way along the streets of Nan Gau. He made his way toward where he was supposed to be meeting up, presumably after the last incident of combat he had engaged with getting to where he needed to go had gone off with out a hitch. Currently his Flame blessed Yari was kept on his back. Any flames along his body dulled probably, compared to when he was in combat. Yukan made his way to the (Guild hall?) So that he could head to the area where he was expected. Should there be someone for him to follow when he got there he would, if he already knew where to go he'd head there.

​
Titles:
Beastkin - Mundane, Small (4ft) - 6ecff6

"So... the goal is dealing with this 'leader'..." Itsy summarized, arms crossing in front of his chest, boots tapping against the ground softly, picking up speed with each passing moment. "Did things just got even more dangerous now...?" He asked his companions with a low, skittish voice. He couldn't help, but wonder of the last adventurers who tried to do so, how strong they might have been and still failed the task.

A tiny dry swallow left his throat.

And it was then that newcomers arrive: some more dignified than others. He gave this white-haired newcomer a nice Smellarino for the future, committing the scent to memory [Action 1]. "No, no one like you..." 'Thanks the gods...'. To Varius, the short beast nodded. "Nice to meet you..."

Actions:
1 - Smellarino - Enhanced Senses [Sight/Smell] E - Grade E 1 Post Cooldown
CDs: E 0/1

Moo


Moo hated the cold. The winter was a time for sleeping. But, she knew ever since she was a cub, that she was destined to be awake during harsh times. She remembers watching mama bear sleeping for months while Moo had to figure things out in the cave on her own. Still, she slept, a lot. At least it felt like she did, she would wake up, feed, work out, feed, train, work out, sleep and repeat. It went on until mama bear would wake up and let her out of the cave. Into the nice warm spring...

But then she was forced to travel, into winter lands. It was so annoying. After having fought some demon things, travel to the past or something and fighting off some evil doers, Moo found herself traveling again. This time, with Hiruq. It didn't matter why, but if they needed her help, Moo was there. She had a nice warm fur over her shoulders and she was given some delicious fruits and vegetables to eat on the way. That is exactly what she did... and she was already out of food.

Moo bit a chunk of the piece of bark she had picked up. Chewing on it slowly, tasting the wet wood and fresh snow on it. She stood behind Hiruq, at the gates. They were waiting for permission to enter or something? Moo didn't bother learning all those things. Where you come from, you can roam freely and if you step into someone's territory, you can fight them for it or just simply leave. Huh, maybe it wasn't so different.

"Ey." She waved at the guards while chewing. "Am' Moo."

Yumi wordlessly listened to the commander’s responses to their questions. She bowed respectfully as he left before taking a seat on the floor, her back to the wall, her grip tight on the scythe crossed in front of her. Her eyelids quickly fluttered closed as she slipped into a light sleep as easily as a cat. She wasn’t particularly tired, but if their hunt lasted into the night, drowsiness wasn’ could easily hinder her reaction time and judgment, which could easily be a death sentence.

Yume’s catnap did not last long, however. Yume saw to that when she began petting the actual cat in the room. Her eyes smoothly opened like she had never been asleep and turned toward the commotion. The faintest hint of a smile graced her lips at the amusing scene before her. Her attention quickly turned to the fae’s magnificent hair-drills. She thought about how much time she spent on caring for her own hair, and her eyes widened at the thought of the staggering task of caring for that much. As she absently twirled one of her blue locks, she looked closer at Yume’s gear. She seemed to be a caster of some sort, leading Yumi to speculate that there likely was magic involved with her hair. Must be nice, she mused, a hint of jealousy in her thoughts.

Rextelian had given Yume a look of utter confusion as she'd passed him with such familiarity and presence. Despite that, he'd continued on his way after the girl left his eye sight. Almost as if he'd forgotten about her entirely.

The beastkin stationed along the gates each exchanged uncertain looks. Snow crunched beneath shifting feet as attention settled on the newcomers from Nan Pass. Hiruq and those who stood with him held their ground without aggression, posture firm and composed. Strong, but not threatening.

The blue-and-gold gaze of the man who had spoken earlier drifted across the gathered adventurers. His attention caught briefly on the silver-haired woman withdrawing her hand from Youko, the tension there impossible to miss. His brows lifted faintly, more curious than alarmed, before he stepped closer with an easy calm.

“Have you been here before, miss?” he asked lightly, his eyes settling on her. “This situation seems familiar.”

His gaze moved to include the rest of the group.

“You all are here to fight the undead, Right?”

The way that he asked, it didn't seem like he was actually expecting an answer.

His attention lingered briefly on the small mousekin, curiosity plain, before he moved back towards the group he'd arrived with. Around them, the guards who had hesitated earlier were already moving. Quiet words were exchanged. A pair slipped away to summon someone with authority.

Hiruq inclined his head slightly.

“These are allies of mine,” he said evenly. “This is Moo, and several warriors from Nan Pass Village. We have fought the undead ourselves, so we can offer some assistance.” He introduced those that had come with him, before his attention was drawn down the street by approaching footsteps.

Recognition flickered across Hiruq’s face as the tanuki samurai came into view.

“Koyake,” he called with a grin. “You could have traveled with us.”

He stepped forward, clasping Moo briefly on the shoulder before turning to Yukan and bowing with practiced respect.

“This territory is under Yamamoto protection,” Hiruq continued, glancing back toward the adventurers gathering nearby. “They've been dealing with these undead for years now though. If we can help them get rid of them for good, they'll be more willing to discuss alliances with us. Might have to put that fire of yours to good use.”

As quiet introductions and assessments continued, the beastkin who had departed earlier returned.

A small procession emerged, measured and deliberate. Fox kits in soft, pale kimonos moved ahead, unfurling a long woven rug across the cold stone. Their steps were careful and reverent.

Then she appeared.

The woman who followed moved with a grace untouched by the strain gripping the city. Long white hair flowed freely, bright against the gray sky. Amethyst eyes regarded the gathered figures with calm clarity. A folded fan concealed her mouth and chin as she spoke.

“The Yamamoto clan welcomes our friends of Kurogami and Koyake,” she said, her voice carrying without effort. “And those who stand with them.”

Her gaze passed over the assembled adventurers, lingering just long enough on each to acknowledge their presence.

“Were circumstances different, I would offer full hospitality,” she continued. “But Nan Gau suffers beneath a curse we cannot ignore. We have called upon these warriors to confront the enemy that plagues our land.”

She turned her attention back to Hiruq and Yukan.

“I fear instead, I must request aid from our friends and neighbors. Will you fight alongside us?”

The fan shifted slightly.

“You arrive at an opportune moment. Preparations are already underway. By dusk, our forces will move. If you agree to aid us, know that the Yamamoto uphold their honor and repays their debts.”.

The Princess didn't even stay to allow them to speak any further. Hiruq let out a half hearted growl, before he shrugged and looked to everyone gathered.

"As I said, my name is Kurogami Hiruq. This is Moo," He paused to motion towards the muscular woman with the antlers. "And Koyake Yukan. We'll be fighting along side all of you." For a moment he let his gaze settle on the mouse, and then Emily.

"Do you already have a battle plan? Have you all discussed what your abilties are?" He raised a brow.

"I can fight with my claws and fangs. And Shift into my Beast Form if necessary. Do we have a healer among us? The more dead that we leave the stronger the undeads army becomes."

Youko sighs as she calms down a bit after the assault on her pride as she looks to the further newcomers. "I use my gods given claws and fangs up close. No beast form just pure furious strikes. I don't have any gift for magic or shapeshifting. My power lies in combat hand to hand. My master told me magic wasn't something someone from my clan needed. Other clans have that covered."

She smiles as she remembers her old master and her teachings. She couldn't use all the techniques her master taught just yet but she will learn some day. She isn't focused enough or patient enough yet to manipulate ki, or chi whatever it was. Her memory isn't the best to be honest. But she will learn some day.

Varius shifted softly, as he looked at the gathering of many Beastkin, it didn't surprise him more less made him anxious. He remained silent as he listened as he kept his gaze forward. "We've haven't really discussed everyone's abilities. We definitely need to make sure we all know who should remain as medicinal and healing so they can remain in the back. I fight with my blade and body, yet I think range would be the safest for cutting down the hordes if we are to take out the Rider. No telling if their infection nature, can easily infest the living." Varius voice darkened as he spoke, thinking about their enemy. Thinking as his eyes returned to the outskirts as he folded his arms focused on the fight ahead more than the people that more than likely hate him, for being there, not having scratched out old details enough even as most of his armor and cloth were torn up from his previous battles and immigration here. It played in his mind, at least his beliefs, knowing it wasn't going to be easy. There fear of a redemption he may never obtain.

Yukan Koyake

Yukan made an effort to do appropriately respectful bows with Etiquette E + Energized E to those around him who were deemed to fit to do so too. He then Looked to Hiruq and giving a nod of acknowledgement

"You are right, I could have, I had some business to attend too, perhaps in the near future it will be more tenable." He'd respond.

He then looked to the Yamamoto who spoke, listening to her. "Yes It is as Kurogami Hiruq has spoken. I, Koyake Yukan, wish to assist in this operation with not only myself but resources at my disposal to rid these lands of this plague." He paused before continuing,

" It is not the first time which I have faced off against the undead. The first time was when I assisted in liberating the Fallen Blossom Shrine. Our undead adversaries were around one hundred there. I advocated that we used a Gyorin (Fish scales) battle formation which proven to be effective at least against that many enemies, Perhaps if there are more than that we could use multiple clusters of formations to take them on."

"Of course these undead were more like walking corpses who tended to try to overwhelm their targets in melee combat, is that similiar to the kinds we would be facing against in this operation?"

He then continued, looking to Hiruq briefly again, "It is notable that this was before my.. 'fire' as you put it was present as a part of me. But it is through this fire and metal which I feel confident I can assist in vanquishing these..hordes you speak of. I myself am more capable of attacking many enemies at once around me with my fire, so I am not opposed to intentionally surrounding myself with them before attacking them at once."

"I am also capable of hitting enemies at far ranges with attacks from my flame blessed Su Yari."

Yukan figured he'd answer the general questions as well as sharing information about his thoughts. "If fire is proven to be effective against many then that should be taken into consideration too, while I can certainly produce plenty of fire, it doesn't sound like it'd be unreasonable to try to lead large groups of these undead assuming that they don't all move too quickly to areas which we can more readily use fire and employ these strategies." Yukan would further share his thoughts on the matter.

He'd then listen to what the others had to say.

Of course while Yukan wasn't saying it openly, he had a pretty good amount of combat field experience now. Between fighting against undead, monsters, and the east empire.

Yukan Actions: 1. Etiquette E + Energized E

KaMara looked over the new arrivals. Looks like Nan Gau had some heavy-hitters coming in clutch to plug the gaps. None too soon from the look of it, too. Admittedly, she hadn't seen the city's defenses or what they were up against but she could certainly 'read the room' enough to know that these Beastkin were definitely behind the 8-ball and desperately needed whatever help they could get. She listened, as the biting wind tried to suck the heat from her bones, as the reinforcements bantered between each other. Her jaw worked, gritting her teeth together as she listened to the two old warriors genuflect to each other. To her the sounded like flowery apologies for not doing the right thing when they already could've and should've.
To be fair, she didn't know much about the situation so she set aside her initial impressions of the matter. Should'ves and Could'ves were in the past and beyond her ability to change. What mattered was Now, and that was something she could deal with.

"Commanders, sirs..." KaMara addressed them, not sure about who ranks who at the moment. "We were ushered out to Mess and we're going to discuss our relative abilities there. Perhaps over a warm bowl of grub might be a good time to cover that?" She looked between those assembled around her. Food and drink made for a more amenable atmosphere for introductions than a briefing room or a snow-swept causeway.