This is a small slice of a Fan Fiction I've decided to write revolving around my table top unit Bishop's Privateers. I'm throwing this sample out here because I haven't written much in a long time and I want opinions on if it seems my style (though odd) is on the right track. Please leave comments and criticisms!
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The security detail for the complex Alex was being led through was tight. After multiple body searches, questions and ID checks he was certainly convinced that he was indeed being taken to see someone important.
There hadn't been much more conversation between him and his two Canopian escorts despite the side long glances First Ranker Lopez kept giving him.
There was something odd about her smile. It wasn't exactly reassuring, but somehow it relieved his tension. After disbarking the armored car she had removed her helmet. Alexander had been surprised by the long red hair, pale complexion and green eyes her gear had kept hidden.
Not exactly what he expected out of a military woman. Then again, Bishop had never spent time on Canopus IV. Perhaps it was acceptable due to the Matriarchy.
“Here we are” Lance Corporal Williams flatly stated. She handed identification to the two armed guards that stood watch at a pair of heavy set doors made of polished mahogany. “Be on your best behaviour Captain Bishop. Do not get within five paces of the Magestrix or you will be shot. We will remain outside and wait for your return.”
The two sentries opened the door for Alex and as he went inside he couldn't help notice the playful wink that Lopez gave him as he passed by.
Walking into the next room was like entering into another world. You would have never known it was at the heart of a military installation. A stone strewn path meandered away from the door into a vast, enclosed garden. The sound of a babbling stream was mixed with the chirping of birds that were hidden somewhere in lush undergrowth.
Alex followed the trail until he came to a small grove of large ferns. At its center lounging on a comfortable looking, padded bench was Kyalla Centrella. Laying on her side casually, the Magestrix gently swayed a green fern through the air in front of her. The movements drew attention to her like-colored, silken green dress. Its material clinging to her shape a little too closely.
“Ah, Captain Alexander Bishop. What a pleasure to meet you.” Kyalla' words were thick like honey. After a moments pause she raised grey eyes to assess the man before her, starting from his feet and slowly returning to Alex' face. “I must admit, you out do the descrition I was provided with.”
Unable to stop himself, Alex fidgeted under the powerful gaze of the Magestrix. “This is an honor Lady Centrella, but I have to admit, I do not understand why I am here.” Bishop took a deep breath to try and calm his nerves. It was one thing to lead a mercenary unit. It was something completely different to be collected off the street in the middle of the night and find yourself in a meeting with the leader of a Periphery State.
This was a potentially dangerous situation. Alexander had to proceed with great caution.
Lady Centrella seemed amused, a feline smile curled on her perfectly shaped face. “It's not often a citizen of my realm goes from being a washed out student of war to a powerful military leader. Call me impressed.” Kyalla' smile widened. Slowly she leaned forward to lay the fern gently on the ground in front of her and in doing so exposed much of her bare, mocha skin to Alex.
Citizen of my realm.
The Magestrix rose to her feet and walked a few paces towards the mercenary leader, whom for the moment seemed hypnotized by her deliberate movements. “I'm also informed you wear the colors of my Magistracy. Your people honor our flag by painting your machines of war to resemble those of my House. Is that true?”
Kyalla now stood a mere six paces away from Alex.
Our flag.
Choosing his next words very carefully, the Captain proceeded. “The Magistracy is my home. I am proud to wear the colors of my birth place.”
Five paces. Four paces. Three paces. Alex caught his breath and widened his eyes as Kyalla Centrella closed the distance between herself and him. Fear gripped him briefly as he remember Corporal Williams warning. The bullet never came however, as the Magestrix laid a soft palm to the mercenary leaders cheek.
“Are you my ally Alexander?” Kyalla' eyes soft, searching. She left the question hanging in the air before turning away and walking toward a large frond. Her fingers gently ran along its edge as if she were caressing a loved one.
“Since your campaign on Thraxa I've had eyes on you. It is important as a leader to know the people who aid in your nations victories. It wasn't until you traded military hardware for the freedom of human lives however, that I knew you to be a man of good character.” She turned facing him again, her expression painted with innocence and adoration.
“I wish to repay your kindness with generosity. Perhaps one day we may continue this cycle and in turn you may pay me with loyalty.” She quickly raised a hand to silence Alexander' next comment. “For now I offer you a gift. You came to Canopus IV in search of parts and people. Though I cannot give you everything you seek, you will find that after your visit here my quartermaster will be a little more open to your needs.”
Befuddled, Alexander clumsily bowed. “Thank you Magestrix Centrella. You are very kind.”
Once more Kyalla approached Alex but this time the periphery leader placed a kiss on his left cheek. “I hope some day you may receive the full potential of my kindness. For now, I bid you farewell.” Turning, Magestrix Kyalla Centrella moved gracefully back to the bench and took a seat.
Stealing one more glance at the beautiful leader of the Magistracy of Canopus, Alexander Bishop also turned and took his leave. Upon reaching the other side of the door way he couldn't help but swear under his breath.
* * *
The agent emerged from a thick stand of greenery. His expression calm and calculating. “What do you think My Lady. Is this mercenary what you expected him to be?” Reaching into the breast pocket of his nondescript jacket the man retrieved a handkerchief. He casually wiped away moisture from his balding head that had fallen on him from the large plants.
Kyalla Centrella' eyes watched the exit to her garden sanctuary. She gathered her thoughts together of the meeting that had just taken place. “He is young and inexperienced when it comes to dealing with people. He will be easy to manipulate. We must gain his trust and in doing so we will gain his power.”
Standing up the Magestrix stepped on the fern she had used as a tool earlier. “He has a Jumpship, multiple dropships. From the material request forms you've shown me this boy potentially owns a reinforced company of Battlemechs.” Her sharp eyes looked at her subordinate, cunning and determined.
“Deploy the asset. He seemed nervous, even fearful, while here. Nervous men have secrets. I want to know everything there is to know about this Captain Alexander Bishop and his Privateers.”
