Vagaries of Fate

Proving a Point

Chapter 6 

Clarissa heard several of the others trying to speak at once after his comment, but all talking ceased when she spoke up. "While I have no problem with you coming to me with your concerns, I will not tolerate disparaging comments or dissention. That goes for any of you."

Both groups practically jumped away from each other at her hard tone, but the man that had been speaking initially gave her a sneer. His sarcasm was evident when he spoke. "Excuse me, ma'am. It isn't disparaging if it's true."

One of the others that she recognized from her team from Wutai gave him a hard look as he spoke up. "You have no idea what you're talking about. You weren't there, but I was. You don't want to do this."

She turned her hard gaze to the man that had spoken up, and he stepped back quickly with a mumbled apology. "Sorry, ma'am. No dissention, right."

She gave him a nod, but her gaze was still hard when she turned back to the one that had started the issue. She stared at him without a change in her stance until he began to fidget slightly. When she saw that she finally spoke. "I am sure you are aware that I could have you court-martialed for the slander you started to say. However, I will give you an opportunity to prove to me why you feel you are better qualified since you seem to have such strong opinions."

She had noticed that several of the others had come back in the room by this time, and there was a large gathering of people, both Soldier, and infantry that was lining the walls of the large room. Even though it was noted, she ignored them in favor of watching the Soldier that was calling her command into question. He gave her a nasty grin before he spoke. "That's generous of you, ma'am. What happens when I prove you aren't fit for command?"

Her gaze didn't flinch when she responded. "This will end one of two ways. Either you will apologize and be put on probation for conduct unbecoming a Soldier, or you will do so after being removed on a stretcher. No matter what your personal feelings are, you are a Soldier and should always exemplify that. If you have concerns, you should have come to me directly instead of starting dissention in the ranks."

Most of the Soldiers surrounding the man had started to fall back. The other group had already gone to join the throng against the wall. She hated the fact that this had happened in such a populated area, but she knew she couldn't show any weakness. She had learned in the last year that these men respected strength, and she had managed to gain the respect of many of them. However, she had not worked with everyone yet. She understood that it was not surprising for some of them to question her, especially with the fact that she ended up sleeping with her mentor. That didn't mean she could ignore it like she had when she was a cadet. Keeping these men together, and on a better path than when they had been under a darker directive, was one of her most important roles. She couldn't do that if they were divided or unable to respect her.

The Soldier that had been speaking had been flabbergasted momentarily, but it didn't take him long to find his voice again. "Pardon me, but that's bullshit. You haven't even been a Soldier for more than a year. Those of us that have been around a while are not only more qualified, but to put it bluntly, we're better. The Commander isn't here to back you up anymore."

There were varied reactions across the gathered group, but she ignored them. She also didn't lose her glare. "I have no need for backup from anyone. I also have no need to discuss my personal life with you. I will, however, state that you are way out of line. It's your choice. Apologize and walk away or face the consequences."

Although several of the men that had been with him tried to hurriedly talk to him, he ignored them and took a step closer to her. "So, are you all talk? I thought so."