Deck of HMS Equalizer

Like most ships of more 'conventional' design, such as Rephidim's, the Imperial dreadnought "Equalizer" has an uppermost deck that is open to the air, acting as the second of three observation decks, between the one on top of the envelope, and the one keeping a lookout under her hull. It is the widest open space on the ship, and though it finds less use than the better protected gun decks, and is a popular spot for a bit of fresh air while the envelope still affords some shelter from the elements. By no means is it deserted, however. Anxious lookouts are spaced regularly along the rails, and knots of marines speak quietly amongst themselves, alert and waiting for the the moment they may be called on to repel boarders or themselves make a bid for an enemy vessel.

Toward the bow end, the figure of an Imperial Komodo Elite, one of the Emperor's personal guard, is unmistakable, head, chest, and shoulders above the majority of the crew on the deck, and clad in layers of steel. The scarred lizard just stands there, staring ahead from the depths of his helmet, and the only movement about him is the tatters of his tabard, the cloth seeming an afterthought to his implements of war.

Before ascending to the ship, Umeko retired to her quarters and began the long process of fitting her armor for battle. Gone are the finer robes she wore; replaced by battle-hardened scale armor and padding. As she now strides across the upper deck, armored talons clinking with each step, her gaze turns to the lookouts and marines present. "I can sense the nervousness in the air; the anticipation of battle," the Jadaian thinks, "But, I hope they are prepared for what lies ahead. From what Lilac has described, we may see horrors that shake the strongest warrior." Up ahead, she spots the sole Komodo elite. Ear fins flicking, her thoughts shift to him. "A strange warrior, this one … inscrutable, strong, and determined. I wonder why he remained at my side. Was he ordered to? Did I inspire him? Are there other orders the Emperor gave regarding me that will be carried out upon completion?", she wonders as she now strides towards him, her fanged helmet tucked beneath her arm and the twin blades of her homeland at her side.

"Keyoa, proud of the Komodo Elite, I wish to speak with you," Umeko says as she steps up to stand beside the beast. It's an odd scene, to be certain, the lithe and small frame of the Kiriga standing next to the sheer power of the scarred reptile. It is hard to imagine it is she that commands him.

Keyoa doesn't seem to notice Umeko approach, as lithe and lightly as she steps, but when she speaks, he turns his heavy head, inclining it slightly to regard the Governess. He steps one foot back to stand more at an angle from the railing, plate grinding on plate, and leather creaking. His poise, like that of his brothers, is odd, arms simply dangling at his side rather than adopting a posture that would indicate any sort of attitude, just standing impassively. His deep, slow voice echoes from the chamber of his helm and breastplate. "What would you ask of me?"

"It was my understanding that the Emperor ordered the return of the Komodo Elite to his side. And yet … you remained. Were there secondary orders that the Emperor left you with, when I had to tend to the premonition felt by Anisa and Lilac regarding what lies ahead?" Umeko asks as she looks forward. It's Umeko's turn now to tilts her head to the side, glancing up at the great creature with her slitted eyes. She looks at him trying to search his eyes out beneath that great helm.

At this, slitted eyes that were simply staring out into the distance roll down to meet Umeko's… they are shaded by bony, scaly ridges, and don't seem to carry much expression, but the Governess seems to have the brute's attention. "No." There's a pause, and as Umeko's gaze seems steady and unflinching, even Keyoa must acknowledge more explanation is demanded. "We defend His Majesty. Unless our sire commands otherwise, it is for us to decide how it is done." Those deeply set eyes shift slightly, looking the willowy Kiriga over. "My brothers go to defend his earthly form. I remain to secure his dominion."

"Mm," Umeko murmurs as she considers his answer. "Then you believe my concerns; that which threatens these lands ultimately threatens all that the Emperor holds," she says, folding her hands together. "I am honored that you have decided by standing with me; you will accomplish this. I know I must seem an odd choice to some to govern these lands, as temporary as it may be." The Kiriga then turns to look back over the battlefield. "Tell me of yourself, Keyoa. I know you once said that you and your brothers do not carry names. Do you ever remove your armor, or is your armor what you are?"

"It is not for me to decide your suitability, for to presume such is to question the will of His Highness," the komodo says. "You were chosen. In serving you, I serve him." In the distance, haze reluctantly retreats and allows the shapes of the Desolate Band's strange stony outcroppings to show through, shimmering slightly with the desert air, and the column of troops below creeps steadily on toward them. Umeko gets to watch them for a few seconds while the komodo hesitates to answer her next question, mulling it over. "I do not always wear my armor. We are implements, and my armor a part of me. It is for me to maintain my armor and maintain myself. I live for the Emperor, and am at all times prepared to die for the Emperor. This is what I am."

"And do you never wish something for yourself, Keyoa? Even the most devout warrior has their own thoughts and dreams," Umeko comments as she looks over the inhospitable lands. "It is … ironic to stand here and to hear someone so dedicated to their beliefs … and find myself questioning them," she thinks, "Much like Xander and Lilac have questioned my willingness to die to stop Hakuu and the Cinders. Even I have hopes and desires beyond what must be done … but I do not share them with my friends, either. I … see why I am frustrating to them."

The taller warrior looks back down to the landscape below, the turn of his head the only movement he seems inclined to make. The shreds of his tabard look to be a stark contrast to how carefully maintained his armor is… despite pits and scratches attesting to numerous conflicts, it is well-kept, the cloth an afterthought, or maybe a basic nod to the army's regalia. "I do not. My purpose is pure. I will not live a life merely for myself when I can die for His Majesty. This is the greatest honor, and to glory in the blood of his foes our greatest pleasure." Those deep-set eyes seem to shine for a moment, as if Keyoa contemplates some distant memory, but they quickly become dull and impassive again. "It is our way. We are Komodo, and in this, we are without equal."

"That grants you much power, Keyoa, and much honor. But … it also offers a weakness to our enemies that they may exploit. As a friend once told me, that by knowing the path of honor I walk, they also know how to exploit it to defeat me. Bear that in mind when entering battle. Those that know your kind could craft a trap to eliminate you," Umeko says, then reaches over and pats the Komodo's arm. "I am not saying you should like a life just for yourself … but to walk a middle path. And be that as it may, it is not my place to preach to you. I am honored to have you at my side; thank you. We face a great challenge ahead; the battle will be difficult, many may fall. I may have to tread into the depths of darkness to strike at the heart of our foe. I expect that all of us will face things we have never, even in our darkest nightmares, seen."

The giant shiga nods slowly. "We know the hardest steel is the most brittle. That is why we have you. As the Emperor's blade, it is for us to meet what others cannot. We feel no pain, and do not fear death. Thus are we wielded by those who do. There is no middle, for a moment of weakness ends a lifetime of strength."

"There is no point in fearing death. It comes for us all; the only uncertainty is when," Umeko notes and steps away from Keyoa. The Kiriga then tilts her head, and adds, "As for the hardest steel … yes, it is brittle. But there are ways to retain a razor's edge and yet remain flexible enough to not shatter. The legendary blade smiths of Jadai know the art to craft such. The secret is in the tempering of the heart of the blade. But, I digress, we will stand together on the battlefield and our foes will fall. That is more than enough."

That seems good enough for the towering lizard, and he makes no reply, stepping to the rail again to watch the troop column march.

Umeko turns and walks back towards the lift. As she steps, she raises her fanged helmet and slips it on, then secures it in place with the straps. "My day of judgment comes. I hope that my actions prove to be worthy and balance the scales of fate in my favor," the Kiriga thinks. She steps onto the lift with a click of talons and her tail sweeps around her to keep it from getting caught in the door. With a deep breath … the Kiriga now descends to the field of battle.