Relkir breathed a quick sigh of relief as the last of the 99th Legion left their massive office.
Most of the desks, all with a privacy wall and a potted plant, present were for the 99th Legion’s researchers, but there were three meeting tables by the entrance, and a closed off office for Relkir in the corner. With not too much discussion, Relkir had set up the Legion of Advisors and split them into two halves. The first half, their job was to be the face of the Legion, and they would talk to whoever came to them for advice. The second half spent their day essentially working as a library, digging up information for upcoming meetings and events. And thanks to all the sleuthing General Ritlir had done during the brief hiring process, every single member of the new 99th Legion respected Relkir and their commands.
But Relkir themselves wasn’t planning to leave just yet. They took a moment to survey their new… territory? Relkir wasn’t too sure. But they were still reeling from being promoted to a General. It was all so sudden. To the point that Relkir had panicked that very morning, when they couldn’t find their Captain’s Insignia and could only find the familiar gold band. It wasn’t until Relkir checked the number engraved onto the band that they realized it was theirs, and it wasn’t one that Gath had left the last time they popped by.
It also felt deserved though. Relkir was very intelligent, to the point that some had called them one of the smartest Rethans alive. That wasn’t true, Relkir’s intelligence was good, but mostly because Relkir had cast a wide net and learned a lot about many different subjects. They’d never specialized in anything, they just enjoyed reading, writing and researching things. Whatever popped into their mind during quiet times.
Relkir’s thoughts were interrupted by a tap on their shoulder. Despite the fact that the High General always had 2-4 guards with them, Rethais was always somehow rather sneaky in their approach.
“Hello, General!” Rethais smiled. “How as your first day?”
“Oh…” Relkir stuttered. “Sorry, was daydreaming somewhat.”
“That is fine. Are you well?”
“I… I think so? I am surprised at how efficient everyone was, settling into their new jobs. And I am still not quite over the fact that you promoted me to the rank of General and gave me an entire Legion to assist in my work. But I do think I have this.”
“Wonderful. I am glad. And I apologize for not doing more for you sooner.”
Relkir looked up at their big sibling. “You have done plenty. The only thing you were slow in doing was ending the Bloodline Traditions. But you always kept me safe. Also, you literally just made me a General and gave me a Below Two Hundred Legion full of people who respect me and listen to me. While also allowing me to advise more people on a more permanent basis, so I can continue my duties long after you leave…” Relkir paused. “Are you considering stepping down or something?”
Rethais shook their head. “No. I still have four more years here, and I do want to run for a second term. I just wanted to give you the power you deserve, without forcing you to be by my side forever.”
“Well… thank you…”
“No worries. I am proud of you.”
“I am proud of us!” Relkir smiled back. “We have done a huge amount of good, and your actions have cemented the fact that we can do even more good, even after your term is up.”
“That is very true…” Rethais paused. “Oh. I just remembered why I came here. Outside of congratulating you.”
“Oh?”
“I am still waiting for Lysar to finish a conference call, but Gath is hanging around in the lobby, patiently waiting for you to finish up here. I wanted to ask if you wanted to join us for cookies. And maybe a meal.”
Relkir eyed Rethais with both curiosity and scepticism. “Are you… playing at something?”
“What do you mean?”
“Sounds like you are asking me if we can go on a double date.”
Rethais also paused. “Huh. Maybe that was what Lysar hinted at. I thought they just wanted to celebrate your promotion or something.”
“Hah!” Relkir suddenly laughed. “You are just as oblivious as I am!”
“Well, of course. We both started dating at the age of 52. Most vok hit the dating scene in their 20s.”
“Fair. Is there a particular place you wanted to go? And have you discussed this with Gath already?”
“No, not yet. But we all get along nicely, so I am sure Gath will agree. However, the bulk of this offer was to take you somewhere nice, to celebrate your promotion.”
Relkir eyed Rethais some more. “What do you mean?”
“I want to take you to the Ordinary Bar. You are a General now, you can now go to the handful of places that only Generals can go.”
“Why… why is this place called the Ordinary Bar though, if it is for Generals only?”
Rethais shrugged. “I admittedly do not know. As far as I am aware, the place opened up when General Knestos was in power, during their first term, and it has been a somewhat hidden place, maintained by a special, secret sub-sect of the 899th Legion. I mean, it is literally just a normal cafe, but it is a cafe for us Generals, and as you are one now, you deserve to visit.”
“Do I… do I have to dress up or anything?” Relkir asked.
“No, not at all…” Rethais paused briefly. “That being said, you have your own Legion now, and you are no longer a Below Twenty soldier, at some point, we will have to design a special set of armour for the 99th Legion.”
“Oh, that is a good point. I do not want to seem pompous but I do think I want gold trims. Mostly so they match my strips… Do I have to pick specific colours?”
“As long as it is not black and red, you are fine.”
Relkir’s smile turned into a grin. “This is all so much better than I expected. And yes, I do want to join you and Lysar tonight. Sounds like fun.”
Rethais smiled back. “No worries. Let us head down to the lobby, meet up with Gath, then wait for Lysar to finish before we head off. Does that sound good to you?”
“Yes, yes it does.”