Scene #9328: Sarracenia Sundew in OOPS I Got Drafted!

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Angela	Sarracenia has been fitted with a Liu Association cadet uniform and has been taken away from Trideag to the Liu base camp in District 12 which has taken over some abandoned building and hung up banners of the Liu Association amongst them as well as literal tents dotting the area surrounding those buildings, all carrying the Liu banner of a 6 hidden amongst a blazing fire. "Normally," Xiao says. "I wouldn't take a princess under my banner even if Lilian asked me to. Outside of the political considerations, how could I trust that my orders would be listened to? It is easy to expect anyone to listen to orders your men agree with but it is when your orderes are difficult or unpleasant or require sacrifice--that is when a soldier's worth is revealed." She looks back to Sarracenia, "But you want this. You want the respect. But your will has not carried you to respect. Because you were born corrupted by power, by plenty, and by need. These flaws are not unmanageable but I will not be allowing you to simply return to the lap of luxury at your convenience. From this moment on, consider your access to the gifts of your place in society and your family revoked until the end of your time with us. No armies, no butlers, not even fleeing there to cry after a hard day. If you must weep, you will weep in our tents with your fellow brothers and sisters of the Liu." She slows down her walk to focus on Sarracenia. "You can reject us of course. I am not here to be your warden. But if you do I will not take you back and Director Lilian will forever know you could not handle it. Personally, I'd rather throw myself on a pyre but I know this life is not for everyone. But neither is respect." She then turns back forward and continues walking along. The fellow Liu Fixers flanking Sarracenia follow along. They're both men, one has short red hair and seems to be Xiao's number two--she called him Miris--and the other is an unarmed man with long black hair (Chun) with a serious personality. "You'll refer to me as Ma'am or Director. Chun and Miris are to be called Sir. Other than that you are free to speak to them by name. Tonight you will eat with your fellow Association members. Go to bed early. I want you up by 4:30 AM so you'll make it to training, drills, and warmup by 5 AM. As for the rest of the schedule, I will leave it to Miris. I have to report to the Zwei and Hana about Director Lilian's suggestions for how to deal with the Library. Do you have any questions?" Even though it is evening, Sarracenia can see squads of Liu Association members in a flattened open area far from the tents performing martial art drills in perfect formation and timing with one another. Periodically with each strike, a burst of flame erupts out from their fists and blades, with one squad focusing on the former and a larger one performing their drills primarily with weapons. They don't interrupt their drills even for Xiao's entourage but Xiao doesn't seem inclined to approach them either.
Sarracenia	Sarracenia is uncertain about this uniform. It is not a dress, though it is also regal in its own ways. The princess is obviously not used to wearing pants judging by how she shifts uncomfortably every now and then. The overcoat is fairly close though, and so she has not complained verbally about the outfit. She stands tall and proud and in proper military attention as Xiao gives her an introductory lecture. Heels together, face forward instead of following Xiao's movements...though Sarra's eyes still do. Her silver hair flows in the breeze. Unless absolutely forbidden, Sarra is still wearing her crown, her circlet, and her metal lotus hairpin. And of course her eyepatch over her right eye. And it may be obvious that the princess trying to contain her excitement. The idea is still romanticized in her head, but she is already picturing her triumph and how much she will be able to rub it in Lilian's face. The princess puffs up a bit at Xiao recognizing that Sarra wants the respect, but frowns at the idea that she has been corrupted just by the circumstances of her birth. Her expression turns worried for just a second as she is told her high society pampering will be forbidden until she finishes this training, but only for a second before she forces her military face back on. 'If you must weep, you will weep in our tents with your fellow brothers and sisters of the Liu.' Sarra's expression darkens a bit as memories of the war inside L-corp assault her mind, and she quietly says, "...at least it would be outside and amongst others..." It breaks again at the mention of how early she is supposed to go to sleep and wake up. An incredulous look is given before she can stop it, but a quick mmph and she is back at attention. She looks to Chun and Miris each in turn as they are named. When prompted for questions, Sarra obviously considers several before speaking. She hmphs and stands even taller. "Rest assure, Director Xiao. Li-...Director Lilian would undoubtedly expect and relish it if I were to fail here. But, I will not give her such satisfaction. I have endured under her despite her hating me. And I have a City that was harmed due to my ignorance. Two very good reasons that I will persevere. I have only two questions. One..." The princess holds up her purse. "...does this count as access to gifts of my place and family? And two...do I get my own tent? Oh, I am sorry, one more. What are the bathing and grooming arrangements?"
Angela	Um. Yes. Xiao is not letting Sarracenia keep her crown. She put that in a lockbox. You don't let people wear crowns to military training, generally, and The City isn't differently minded on this either. What she doesn't seem to mind is the metal hairpin. Associations don't go around shaving people's heads or anything like that so she sees the hairpin as practical ultimately and thus not something that'd get in the way. In some ways, The City is kinder than reality. She's also not going to take the eyepatch because that's gross. Xiao seems perturbed by Sarracenia's excitement but it's not like it hasn't happened before. But that doesn't stop her from saying, "If you're already pouiting this is going to be a hard road for both of us. You certainly can't think having a silver spoon born in your mouth isn't a detriment to becoming an accomplished Fixer. ''At least it would be outside and amongst others...'' Xiao's expression doesn't exactly soften but becomes a bit more agreeable. Comradery is something she approves of. "If you earn the trust of your fellow Liu, then you might even appreciate the company. I know this life isn't for everyone so complaining about how we go about our work and our discipline isn't going to get you anywhere. You're going to do it or you're going to crash out. I am not going to drag you to the finish line here. You know what will happen if you crash out here. Nevertheless, if I thought it impossible for you, I would have told Director Lilian no. We aren't so close that I'm happy to waste my time." ''I have endured under her despite her hating me. And I have a City that was harmed due to my ignorance.'' Xiao raises an eyebrow when Sarracenia nearly calls Lilian without her title--Xiao didn't explicitely say Sarracenia had to call her Director too but she approves of the correction, if not the need for it. "She has given you this opportunity herself. Even if she expects you to fail, this is still an opportunity for you. Nevertheless, your goal with us isn't to find reasons to show off but to learn from us and to live our life. What you do after is not my business, but I expect you to not put a mark of shame on my record." There's no threat, but the Fixers with her look at Sarracenia like they'll hold a grudge forever should that happen. Xiao doesn't need to do anything, nor does she endeavour to stop such looks, because making the expectations and goals clear early on is better for everyone, Sarracenia included. "...Your bag will be placed in a locker. You can retrieve it when your time here is over. If you need something from the bag, you can discuss the matter with Miris. And no, you will share your tent with the rest of the Liu. You'll prefer that to the alternative you put forward. Nobody likes it when someone is being given special treatment over the rank and file." She nods. "We have a number of shower stalls in the back. Chun will deliver you the appropriate toiletries. You can expect lines if you dawdle, enough that you won't make roll call, so I'd make sure you get up on time."
Sarracenia	Sarracenia fights tooth and nail (verbally) to keep her crown, but ultimately lets it be locked away, albeit with plenty of drama. She closes her eyes somberly as she takes it slowly off her head. "...I have only removed this willingly one other time..." she says softly as she hands it over. "Please be careful with it." Sarra's pout only increases as she is called out on it. "How is it a detriment? My wealth and status put me in a better position to assist than if I were some powerless homeless person with no influence at all." Of course she doesn't see how being born with a silver spoon is a detriment. She's always had her silver spoon and has always thought those with no money had just as little power. 'You know what will happen if you crash out here.' Sarra responds to that with a soft 'mmph'. She definitely knows. Lilian will win. Lilian will think she is right about Sarra. And the rest of the Multiverse will follow. 'Nevertheless, if I thought it impossible for you, I would have told Director Lilian no. We aren't so close that I'm happy to waste my time.' Sarra's expression brightnes just a bit. It is nice to have someone think you might actually be able to do something! ' expect you to not put a mark of shame on my record.' Sarra's expression hardens. She has never intended a mark of shame on anyone's record, even Lilian's. She gives a firm nod and her expression becomes more determine. "Understood, Director." '...Your bag will be placed in a locker.' Sarra sighs. She expected as much, but was hoping she was wrong. She hands the purse over as well. No crown, no purse...without her metal lotus pin she would be barely more powerful than a normal person. She won't mention that it has powers, though she is surprised Xiao doesn't know or at least hasn't taken it as well. The comment on sharing a tent draws a confused look until the reason is given. "Ah...I suppose that is understandable." 'We have a number of shower stalls in the back. Chun will deliver you the appropriate toiletries.' This is the news that finally draws some proper protesting from the princess. "Shower...s-stalls?!" Sure, she knows from an academic standpoint how soldiers spend their day to day, but it is finally sinking in that she is both expected and required to live like a completely average, normal soldier during her time here. She can't quite get her military mask back on for a few minutes after that, and is quite clearly making plans in her head to be the first to the showers. "...a princess...showering among others..." she murmurs to herself. At several points during their talk Sarra's eyes drift over to the training troops and their fiery martial arts. "...will I be learning these martial arts as well, Director?"
Angela	Xiao doesn't seem to be aware that the metal lotus pin has powers! To her it's just something to keep Sarracenia's hair out of the way. Would she let Sarracenia keep her pin if she knew it had powers?? Probably not but if she learns Sarracenia abused that little bit of offered trust there'd no hell to pay. When Sarracenia keeps on protesting about just how the spoons in her life defined her, Miris shoots Xiao a look. Sarracenia's clear and visible vascillating emotions aren't helping the case. "What, did you expect a pedicure too?" Miris asks. "Even if you haven't experienced military life, haven't you at least seen a movie? This can't be a surprise to you." "Dial it back Miris." Xiao chastizes him before looking back to Sarracenia. "While you're here you're not a princess. That's something you're going to have to get used to." Despite her stern attitude, Xiao is patient and not prone to rising anger. She embodies the discipline she wishes to instil in her troops and it's not like she accepted Sarracenia into the fold expecting an easy road and a lack of serious culture shock on behalf of the Princess. "Yes. Though we won't be fitting you with Stigma Workshop gear until you can perform the forms adequately so I wouldn't get too excited. But there is value in the forms itself. Of course--" She leans in. "That's if you get up in time and aren't a mess by the time you get to the field." Of course, Sarracenia can choose to shower in the evening instead but it's gonna be a hell of a lot colder than during the day. But Xiao adds, "In any event if you don't hurry you won't be eating dinner tonight so I'd get going. If you have any other questions, direct them to Miris." And with that, she departs with the confiscated items, leaving Sarracenia with her aides.
Sarracenia	Sarra is unlikely to abuse the metal lotus, but that is more because she does not want it to be taken away. She has no idea how she would defend herself if she lost her last weapon and power-up. 'What, did you expect a pedicure too?' Sarra very nearly just says her mind to Miris without thinking. Her mouth opens. A sound starts to come out. But, Xiao speaks first. Sarra blinks in surprise, then eeps softly as she realizes the mistake she almost made. She hasn't just seen a military movie. She -runs- a military. And while it is probably the least disciplined or strict military anywhere, she would probably still be upset if a rank and file soldier spoke back to her. She mmphs softly and stays quiet as she is told in certain terms that she is not a princess here. And Xiao scores plenty of hero points in Sarra's book for not getting upset and for defending the princess. 'Yes. Though we won't be fitting you with Stigma Workshop gear until you can perform the forms adequately so I wouldn't get too excited. But there is value in the forms itself. Of course....That's if you get up in time and aren't a mess by the time you get to the field.' Sarra nods in understanding. "...Stigma...?" she repeats, just pondering the name. The lean in causes Sarra to hmph indignantly. "I never appear anywhere in anything less than my best appearance if at all possible." she says confidently. Or perhaps arrogantly. Though, she does look slightly concerned after. She rarely has to dress and groom herself completely -by- herself. Food is mentioned, and the princess blushes lightly as a slight growling escapes her stomach. "Ah...of course, Director." The Director departs, and it isn't until after Xiao has gone several steps that Sarra remembers that soldiers should salute officers. She doesn't know if there is a special Xiao salute, so she goes with the standard salute born from knights raising their visors. Sarra then looks to Miris (and Chun if they are still here). "Well...if you will excuse me sirs, I suppose I should join the 'chow line'." she says, giving them a salute as well and pronouncing chow line like someone might use a quaint phrase. Sarra will choose to shower in the evening when she learns she is allowed to. The cold water is certainly a shock, and the entire camp may hear it when the freezing temperature hits her sensitive royal skin. Still, she would much rather freeze than bathe around other people. What if someone saw her?! The scandal! The shame!
Angela	Xiao has no intention of telling her soldiers about Sarracenia's true nature. Maybe she thinks even Sarracenia would know better than to start telling people who are largely from the Backstreets her lineage. She has some concerns that Sarracenia might not actually know better but she's not too keen on handholding Sarracenia. Life is the best teacher sometimes. "Stigma Workshop is our chief supplier of weaponry." Chun explains, a little less hotheaded than Miris though neither of them are actually THAT hotheaded. Miris is just a little more defensive of Xiao. By the same token, Xiao isn't inclined to let her own troops' discipline break down because of Sarracenia's presence, regardless of whatever point they might be making with their outbursts. Miris is instantly cowed by Xiao's rebuke and is swallowing down whatever feelings he's got going on about Sarracenia for the time being. Chun places his fist to his chest as does Miris, though it's a fluid salute. They then lead Sarracenia to the mess hall. The mess hall is also in a tent but the food isn't awful even if it isn't great. It's a stew mix of chicken and light vegetables, filling enough to get anyone to the next day without making them stuffed. By the time Sarracenia gets to the food, there's enough for a portion. Miris and Chun naturally don't follow Sarracenia into the tent outside of giving the rank and file notice that Sarracenia is a new cadet along with her name. Not that anybody really calls her Sarracenia. There's ready murmuring amonst the Liu Association about Sarracenia as one might expect, specifically regarding her age. There's some sniggering and a nickname--Grey--that that get to calling her by. And boy will there be stories about her shrieking in the evening at the shower. A pair of Liu officers, Lian and Ying, do eventually sit down by her while she's eating and bombard her with questions. What District she's from, what she's doing here, who is she and so on.
Sarracenia	Sarra knowing better is about a 50/50 chance. She doesn't know a lot about the Backstreets even though she should. She hasn't spent enough time just existing in the City. She has always been either in L-Corp or in Trideag's headquarters. Her few forays into the City have been to get some Rats for stealing food, getting blasted by a space laser, and the Pianist. But, the comment about those who are seen to be getting special treatment does give her some warning. 'Stigma Workshop is our chief supplier of weaponry.' "Oh, I see." Sarra says, though that wasn't really the source of her confusion about the name. "Why Stigma, though? I was under the impression a stigma was something quite bad. Or at least...assumed to be bad?" Chun and Miris do a fist to chest salute, and Sarra quickly mirrors it with a proud look at having caught on so quickly. Once they reach the mess hall, Sarra thanks the pair for guiding her before giving them the proper salute and stepping inside. Murmurs abound. Sarra's nose immediately turns up slightly and a frown forms as her one eye scans the crowd. And of course...they pick the one subject she is most sensitive about right now. Her age, or at least her apparent age. Despite being only 30, Sarra looks a decade or two older. Especially with that silver hair. She's definitely looks young for someone who might be almost 50 now, but it is hard to hide age. And those who know the look of it might be able to tell that she has had high end cosmetics applied within the last day. A simple shower is not really enough to wash them away. There is still a hint of eyeshadow around her eyes, and lipstick lingers on her lips. Grey...that is hardly the worst name she could have been stuck with. While it grates on her no end...it is also a color. And in this city colors can also be Colors. She would have preferred Red, of course. When one particular comment is close enough for her to comment back she gives her long shimmering grey hair a toss and hmphs. "Quite bold of you to assume it is merely age. It is actually badge of honor for surviving an encounter with a time-shifting creature." she says, but even if asked will not elaborate more than that. When she does sit down and is joined by Lian and Ying, she is not at all shy about answering questions. They are asking about her favorite subject. Her! "Oh! Well, I am from..." She hesitates. Where should she say she is from? Can she just tell them she is an outsider? She eventually decides...the truth is better than some lie. "...I am an outsider from a place call the Sundew Kingdom. I joined the Trideag Association, and our Director thought it would be advantageous to both our associations if I learned military discipline and tactics from the Liu Association. I am Pr..." She starts to do her traditional introduction, but again pauses. "...Private...Sarra. Forgive me if that is not the proper rank for this military. I am new here as of today. But, I intend to become someone who can make waves in the City. Someone who can defend those who cannot defend themselves against these dreadful distortions and monsters and other terrible things. And you?" The stew is mostly acceptable to Sarra. Mushroom soup is one of her favorites, and this is not too far off from that. It is a bit low brow though, and no doubt quite tasteless compared to what she usually eats. Still, she makes a face only every now and then. "Do we have salt? And perhaps some hot sauce of some kind?"
Angela	There's some skepticism on that. Most people seem to be believing the much more reliable idea that Sarracenia just couldn't afford youth rejuvenation treatments and is a former lady from the Nest--probably even from District 12 itself--who couldn't keep up with her rejuvenation treatments but there's plenty of other theories around. She's going to be the subject of whispers for a while until she finds a way to fit in. Even Xiao can only do so much to smooth that along and seems to be relying on the power of Liu society itself to eventually make that happen. Of course, what Sarracenia MIGHT notice is that most of the members of the Liu Association are adults. Even Xiao herself seems to be in her early thirties or, at the youngest, late twenties. While there are some people in their late teens, most people in the Liu Association are in their twenties to mid thirties. Nobody's quite in their FIFTIES yet--hench Sarracenia's nickname--but it's not like it's unheard of for a man in his fifties to be a Fixer it's just usually someone who is on their way out of the business not on their way in. "An outsider..." Lian whispers. And after a quick lookover of the woman decides that's not unlikely. "Pffh... Private?" Ying asks. "We're still a Fixer organization. You can just use your grade. The Liu Association specializes in squad tactics and military warfare. Unlike Offices, Associations are too big to be labeled a 'Grade One Association' like they do with Offices, so there's plenty of Grades all across the spectrum here." "It makes sense to start hiring Outsiders," Lian adds. "If we don't adapt to the multiverse we'll be devoured by it." "Ahah... maybe if they care to." Ying seems to be the more jovial and casual-minded of the two. "Don't you worry, you'll want to cry the first few days but it's actually kind of nice once you get accustomed to it." "Mm... You want us to make sure you get up the first day?" ''But I intend to become someone who can make waves in the City'' Ying grins. "Thaaaat so. Well, my parents sent me over to sort me out. Lian--" "I am following in my mother's footsteps." She says. "You best not bring shame to the Association. But if you came here to learn how to defend people from monsters and--what you call--distortions? Then you at least have an idea of what our work is." "Oh lighten up. It's normal to fall flat on one's face a bit right?" Ying adds before guffawing again at the idea that they might have 'extra salt' or 'sauce'. She's giggling about it well past the evening because even when it's lights out she's sniggering about it and saying things like 'please pass the salt'. And if Sarracenia isn't up by 4:40 AM next morning, she'll do her a favor and splash a bucket of water on her to get her up in time.