video;

[hotspurred]

[Henry stands in armour, ever a proud knight. Yet this time his armour is stripped back to just his layers of mail over which he wears the blue sash of the Guard, a concession to the heat here above ground. While bearing a number of visible bruises and cuts, he otherwise seems hale. Yet his eyes are dark. He stands next to a shorter woman, but in a clear break from tradition, this time it's definitely not Maketh.

If it isn't clear enough that Kate is not Maketh, it's the fact that, despite standing straight backed and with her hair (long past the stage of having even the faintest hint of pink in it, all bleach blonde with steadily growing dark roots) pulled back into a bun atop her head, she looks rather like she'd prefer not to be hosting this on video. Which shouldn't surprise anyone who's been here long enough; her posts tend to be nothing more than text or audio. Suffice to say that the knight won the rock paper scissors match.]

We have survived with our hopes for a future yet intact. Though hard-fought, and at no small cost, I yet name that a victory. But let us not celebrate yet.

[Henry's voice changes; his next words come slower, and sharper. His pitch drops, and a trace of melancholy runs through both his tone and his expression.]

It grieves me to make it known that Maketh no longer numbers among us in Hadriel.

[It's only a small, momentary glimpse of the grief he feels at her loss. But he only means to get that knowledge out there rather than talk of it, so his expression quickly shutters as he returns to his previous composure. It gets him the briefest of sidelong glances from Kate, but other than the brief purse of her lips, she doesn't seem to react.]

There is more I would say. Henceforth, consider Nick Valentine my fellow commander of the Guard. Those who feel they cannot approach me may turn to him; it shall achieve the same end.

I ask that every guardsmen report in to inform me of their current state. I must know which of you are in need of respite, and who is available for duty. I have much work for those who are able.

[As he says that, he sets a hand on his hip and cocks his head at Kate.]

Kate stands next to me for good reason. Both the Clinic and Guard headquarters were destroyed in the Null's assault. We have decided to rebuild them side by side. As such, I expect all guardsmen who nurse no injuries to aid the the construction of both.

[It's at this point that Kate actually says something, clearing her throat before she speaks.]

Be built near the colosseum, like before. Anyone who wants to assist us is free to. We need both construction and supplies. Be posting a list of supplies the clinic needs when we begin construction.

[There's a beat of silence as Henry waits to see if Kate wants to say anything more than that, but when it's clear she's done, he simply nods once, decisively.]

I intend for the Guard to see a small number of watchtowers made and manned in addition to our usual patrols. Rest assured that you shall hear from us again soon.

Comments

[voice]

[synthedick]

I've got a few new dings in the old chassis, but I'm okay.

[Which is Nick-talk for him burying himself in work, as usual. He really should rest, given everything they've been through, but there's always more to do... and less people around to do it than usual.]

I'll be around to rebuild as much as I can.

[hotspurred]

Good.

[Henry and Kate aren't exactly the best people to call him out on that.]

We must talk regardless. Oh, and one more thing — congratulations, Nick. I hope that you regard the change not merely as an act of necessity, but one foremost of confidence.

[synthedick]

[Yep, that sure is a second of hesitation on Nick's end.]

Thanks, Henry. I'll try not to let you down, but this is gonna take some adjustment.

[For Nick himself, specifically.]

[hotspurred]

Uncertainty and indecision are your enemies, Nick. Vanquish them. You cannot inspire in others that which you do not hold yourself.

[voice; private]

[synthedick]

I can't say I ever had them in abundance until I got here.

[Being an example doesn't sit well with him, especially when there are times he's not sure who he is and if he can trust his own memory. He's got a family now, and is trying his damnedest to make Hadriel a home for them; however, all he's gained means he has a lot more to lose, should something go wrong. He's not sure he can face that again -- the real Nick couldn't, so what chance does a mechanical one have?

He switches to a private channel, already concerned with his place in the organization and how well he represents them.]

You sure about this, Henry? We've got some good people, real ones who might be better suited for this kind of thing.

[hotspurred]

Be not absurd. You have as sincere a soul as they come, and you strive harder than most to make a difference. None are better suited.

[He says so with conviction sharp as any blade, and attacks with encouragement.]

...There is a reason that our guardsmen and the people of this city turn to you. You inspire trust as surely as myself and Maketh failed to. I am martial enough for us both. You need only do as you have ever done, but with greater recognition.

[synthedick]

[Somehow, what Henry says does help. He's got a lot of thinking to do regarding it, but he can't say that Henry's faith in him doesn't feel real good, especially after all they just went through.

His tone is just a little lighter as he replies.]

All right. I won't let you down. We'll make something of this place yet.

[Not just for the friends and family they've found in Hadriel, but for those they've lost, as well. Maketh might've gotten mixed up there in the end, but should she ever return, the city will be better for her, too.]

[dedikated]

( What's a rest? Can you eat it? And is it a good thing or a bad thing that most of their paperwork has probably gone up in flames? )

Great.

( She bites her tongue on saying congratulations on the promotion, circumstances as they are. )

[synthedick]

[It's probably best she does; Nick isn't so sure of himself when it comes to leadership. He's about about doing what needs doing, and not making a big deal about it.

But if this is how it needs to be...]

Let me know if there's anything specific your folks need, all right?

[dedikated]

Long as you do th' same.

( She genuinely likes most of the guard members she knows. Hell, a lot of them would be considered friends, so it's not like it's something she'd feel put out doing. )