Awkward Silences [Jace]

[Mara]

((Taking place before the briefing...
If you have a better title, tell me! ))


[...coming from Spec Ops HQ Training Areas]

Ambria Arcane walked through the green areas outside the training areas with a very slight bounce to her step. Though her time at the rifle range firing off her pistol at the long-distance targets hadn't entirely erased her mind of the horrible memories and dreams, she did feel better and hadn't had the awful thoughts enter her mind since before she got to the range. And the dark-skinned woman hoped they would stay way, forever now. Plus, she had been pretty satisfied with her accuracy at the targets, despite being a bit rusty with target practice using her small pistol, especially at 100 meters. But she had made a note to herself to get more time in at both the outdoor and indoor range, the former with her sniper rifle.

Earlier as she had been walking up to one of the targets after a round of firing at it, her comm had chimed, alerting her to the briefing coming up later that afternoon. In three hours, to be exact. The thought of another mission brought her hopes up, dashing away her mournful thoughts. Another mission would be just the medicine she needed. At least, she hoped so.

And so she found herself heading back towards the main building of the Special Operations HQ, hoping for a dreamless rest on her cot before the briefing began. Ambria kept her steps slow but steady, allowing herself to admire the few scarce trees and flowers that lined the walk from the main building to the outside training facilities. But she kept the admiration to face value, not wanting any of the flora to spike a past memory.

For once in the past few weeks, her mind was only filled with the excitement of the coming mission and how she with the rest of her team would further the domain of their kind.

[Jace]

Planning, planning, and some more damn planning. It had occupied Bane's thoughts for the majority of the last two weeks. He had never planned such a large scale operation before. Not only was he planning for the Spec Ops team but also coordinating with the other branches of the military. It was all because of this that Bane hadn't had the time to get to the firing range.

It was no secret that he heavily favored blades over blasters, but that didn't mean he wasn't proficient in them. Bane used a rifle sparingly, and preferred the use of a pistol if a blaster was required. During their operation on Coruscant his aim had been sloppy with both pistols and rifles. Even he knew there were occasions where a katana wasn't suitable, so his survival would depend on his ability to adapt to what was available to him. Which more than not was a blaster rifle or pistol as his latest mission had proved.

Why were blasters even invented

He had asked himself that same question many times over. Bane was saved the need of trying to find an answer as he saw another figure ahead of him. As he closed the distance, he realized that the woman was Ambria. The words of Italia came to his head, reminding him that he had yet to actually thank her for patching up his leg. Bane approached her instead of walking by towards the range.

"How goes the shooting today, Second Lieutenant?"

[Mara]

Suddenly her thoughts were interrupted, first by a prescence she could see off in her peripheral and then by a voice. A familiar voice at that, one belonging to Bane Haseful, her colonel. For a reason the woman couldn't rightly identify, her heart skipped a beat. Ambria supposed it was just surprise at seeing her CO out here near the rifle range. She chiding herself for thinking that way. Why shouldn't a Mandalorian soldier be out by the range, honing his skills?

Wiping away any and all surprise at meeting him here, which she shouldn't have felt in the first place, she turned her emerald gaze to the man. Quickly, she noticed the new jewelry the man was sporting. A general now, she saw and quickly edited her previous thought of him being her colonel. Ambria let a small smile slip through; she knew the man deserved it after all they had been through a couple weeks prior on Coruscant.

At the same time she noticed his new rank, she stopped in her tracks to avoid bumping into him and snapped up a quick salute before considering his question. Always a soldier first. After the salute, she stood at ready, her body stiff. "Good enough, General." Ambria nodded slightly to her weapon holstered at her side. "Considering my small pistol."

Then she gave herself a chance to look the man over a bit better, concentrating most of her focus on his previously injured leg, looking for any signs of weakness as he stood there in front of her. Ambria didn't see anything that made her think he was favoring it in any way. The treatments he had received back here on base must have helped a lot after they returned from their mission. That plus time. All this took mere seconds and she leveled her eyes back at him again. "The leg looks good, sir."

Ambria tried not to bite the inside of her cheek after she heard the words come out of her mouth. Couldn't she have thought of anything better to say to the man? Her superior officer? And addressing him so formally now that they were back on Concord Dawn seemed so awkward. But she was a soldier, and she would follow protocol until told otherwise. They may be ruthless Mandalorians, but even they had their standards.

[Jace]

He quickly returned her salute, with a pound of his fist over his chest. It was reassuring to know that at least one of his soldiers had their priorities straight. The Special Operations unit never stopped training, they were on the edge of perfection, and had to train constantly to stay that way. If anyone got sloppy they could putting their squad and mission in jeopardy, and that was unacceptable.

Bane figured Ambria was being modest when she said "Good Enough". Even soldiers at their peak would not admit that they were at the top, they strove to higher their skills even more. This sort of modesty was especially prevalent throughout the Spec Ops unit. Though, there were those who thought a little too much of their skills, Bane had no tolerance for arrogance. Ambria then commented on his leg, for indeed it was as good as new.

"Indeed it is Lieutenant. The medics tell me that it was your initial treatment which made the difference, you have my thanks" He said with a curt nod.

He was not naive enough to know that this woman had saved his leg, and for that matter his life. Bane would have been without a leg and not able to participate in the invasion. The shame of such a situation would be unbearable.

Bane studied the woman standing before him for a few seconds. She didn't seem to have any serious injuries from the mission on Coruscant. Then again, she hadn't been in the museum if it was attacked. It was probably a good thing too, considering the extent of the injuries of those who did.

"There wasn't much use for your sniper on Coruscant, but this next mission is going to be quite different. The squad will be counting on your marksmanship in the coming days"

Indeed this mission would be similar yet at the same time quite different from the last. They would be infiltrating a facility, but their mission objectives were absolutely crucial to the invasion of Shogun. Bane had sturdy troops, just like the one in front of him, so he had no need to worry. They had a habit of doing the impossible, and they weren't about to stop now.

[Mara]

She let a small smile run across her lips at his statement. Ambria was not one to be vain and egotistical, but his sentiment did make her feel a little better. A little more worthy of her new team, of being in the special ops. Especially since she hadn't gotten a chance to really show off during the mission of Coruscant. Popping a few museum guards was child's play. At least for Mandalorian children. "You're welcome, General. Just doing my job."

Though the general's leg wound hadn't been as serious as any of Mal's separate injuries, there had been still quite a bit of damage to the inner muscles and nerves. She had done all she could to stop any bleeding and further damage, knowing that a real surgeon would need to work on it. And a real treatment of kolto as well. The patches she was throwing around could only do so much. And so she was glad that her small part in his recovery might have made the difference in him keeping his leg, not losing it, like she had had, a couple years ago.

Still remaining at attention, Ambria shifted slightly on her left leg, the leg that was no longer organic but built of man-made materials. Though she didn't regret the loss, knowing that it was one of the steps that made her go into field medical training, she did sometimes wonder how much better of a soldier she would be now if she hadn't lost it.

Ambria came back to her senses then, not realizing how long the general had paused before speaking again. Her emerald eyes refocused on his face as she stood in front of him, listening. This time, she allowed herself a wider smile, as she thought about the good possibility of getting more use of her sniper rifle. The only thing that she was better at than overall hand-to-hand fighting and patching up wounded was her extreme accuracy with the long-range rifle. Her excitement showed through so much, that she couldn't stop herself from saying so. "I'm very happy to hear that, Sir. I would be proud to lend my rifle to the cause for ultimate glory."] Her eyes sparkled, her smiled increased.

[Jace]

He didn't know what Italia had been talking about, his squad members talked to him just fine. Though he still wasn't sure why he was trying to convince himself of that fact. It greatly annoyed him to admit it, but she had managed to get Bane worked up. Either way, Bane figured he said something right, since the woman in front of him seemed to lighten up.

He was happy to hear that she was ready for combat, and eager to get involved. Bane didn't have room for any reluctant soldiers, and over eagerness usually was weened out after a year or two of training. The soldiers in special operations have had a great deal experience under their belt. Experience was the best teacher, but also the most deadly. It had taught him well though, and made him a deadly warrior and a growing tactician.

In all honesty, Bane was unsure of what to say next. He was not a man who participated in extended conversations. It wasn't that he didn't like them per se, but it was just in his nature. Most would label him as socially awkward, and they would be for the most part correct. He honestly didn't see much need for conversation, or fraternization. Bane had a job to do, and it absorbed whatever free time he may have had. Even when he had such free time, he would go to the range, just as he was doing now.

Bane knew he couldn't remain just standing here without saying anything. Well he had originally come out here to train, so maybe that was the best option. Running the idea through his head for a few moments, Bane believed it was best.

"Well since your rifle will be key, let us see how well you can shoot with it, Lieutenant" He stated with the hint of a challenge buried in his tone. It was the best way to get a soldier fired up after all, question their abilities and they would jump to prove you wrong.

[Mara]

Her smile lost a little of its sheen as Bane remained quiet. A little too quiet and Ambria began to feel awkward about the whole meeting. Perhaps she should have just saluted him and went on about her business? Did she even have a right to try to engage her CO in a civil conversation, when he obviously didn't seem to like it? The woman contained a sigh as she stood there in the silence.

Maybe she had shown too much eagerness in regards to returning to the fight. She was an officer now, perhaps she should have been more contained in her excitement. Ambria was just so confused about it all. They were Mandalorian, different than other armies, other soldiers and officers. Shouldn't they show at least some eagerness to begin the fight again, to retake their planets and seek vengeance on the Republic? Ambria shifted her feet again, her remaining organic leg feeling a little stiff without any movement.

By the time Bane spoke again, Ambria's face had been completely wiped of all emotion. She had thought she waited minutes and hours for him to speak, but it was probably one 30 seconds, 60 tops. But the deafening silence had seemed to go on forever. As he mentioned a return to the rifle range, she quickly considered his offer, turning her gaze away from him. Though she had just come from there, she hadn't used her rifle but her pistol. Her rifles were still in her room where she had left them after returning from Coruscant, only taken out for brief moments of training.

Perhaps a little friendly competition would do her good and keep her mind away from painful memories. She would just need to get her weapon from her room. But she had been halfway to the HQ anyway, so she could make it quick. Plus, it would feel good for her stiffening legs to get moving a little quickly. Ambria turned to look at Bane again and smiled. "That sounds good, Sir. Just let me retrieve it from my quarters."

She saluted him quickly and then broke into a quick jog, her leg feeling better with each glancing step she took. Ambria made it to her quarters in a few moments and took off her holster and blaster, setting them on the cot. She would clean them and put them away later. Now was the time for her rifles... Going to one side of her room, she pulled a couple cases out from a corner and flipped them open. She had more than one sniper rifle to choose from, one from the army, another from family members. Without thinking, she grabbed the closest one to her, the one that needed the least amount of putting together. It was also the cleanest, not having been used often; the one her husband had given to her after they were married.

Ambria quickly snapped the pieces together and adjusted the strap before slinging it over her shoulder. Seconds later she was jogging through the hallways of the HQ and making her way back to the rifle range, hoping she didn't keep the general waiting too long. She found him still on the path and slowed down, coming to a stop. With one hand she saluted and with the other she held her rifle against her shoulder. "Ready, Sir."

[Jace]

He relaxed slightly as he realized that bringing up a challenge seemed to be the right course to take. Bane hadn't realized that she didn't have her rifle along with her. The general felt slightly guilty that the woman had to run back to HQ to retrieve her rifle. Though she was a soldier and if he had ordered her to run around the HQ 50x then she would have to do it. Bane saluted her back once more as she ran off towards the HQ.

The commanding officer of the SpecOps outfit turned and made his way towards the range at a slow pace. His mind once again was flooded by the plans for the current invasion. He managed to push those thoughts to the back of his mind. After all, this was meant to be his break, and he didn't want his shooting to be off. As he made his way towards the range, he un holstered his pistol, studying it. Bane had used this pistol since his years as a militia fighter on this very planet. He wasn't a fan of blasters but he had to admit that this was one sturdy piece of technology.

Holstering the weapon as he neared the range, he heard the sound of someone running from behind him. Ambria had returned with her rifle, and Bane nodded as the arrived at the range. He informed the range master to set up long range targets for Ambria.

"Well Lieutenant, lets see what you can do" Bane stated lightly but with a hint of a challenge.

The Mandalorian would work on his pistol skills after this little display of long range shooting. He had never been much good at such things, but as a tactician he realized its importance. Thus he always made sure there was a sniper allocated to every squad.

[Mara]

(( Lieutenant as in second, right?
Oh, and I am taking liberties with the targets; I can modify if need be.))


She remained quiet a few moments as the general quickly spoke to the soldier in charge of the range to have him set up some long-range targets. Ambria moved off a couple paces to let Bane get the details ironed out and slipped the rifle off her shoulder. The dark-skinned woman took time now to give the rifle a better look as she slipped in a new powerpack and made sure everything was in working order. It wasn't until she noticed its smooth barely-worn coverings that she realized which rifle she had grabbed. Not her army one, nor the one given to her by her father when she was 11. No, the one she barely used, for good reason. The rifle her husband had given her, supposedly to replace the one she had gotten as a child, though it still perfectly suited her.

Ambria bit the inside of her cheek, forcing away the thoughts again. She didn't have time to dwell on why, today of all days, these memories were flooding her mind more than usual. This was the worst timing possible, but she couldn't ask the general to go back and get a different rifle. She couldn't explain to him why she couldn't use the one already held in her hand. So she just settled it back against her shoulder as she waited, getting herself to focus on other things.

As the general issued his light challenge, her gaze went to the other end of the field, as the various targets were being set up, from 100 meters to 1,000 meters distance. The targets were the usual circled ones, with colored bars signifying points value, with the black denoting a dead-center shot. The sight of the target ranges temporarily shut out her painful memories brought up by the recognition of her rifle. Her biggest surprise came from the last couple of targets, 800, 850, 900 meters... those were long distances. Not that she hadn't made them before, but that was in the heat of battle, when she knew she had had a job to do. Ambria had easily made the 800-meter distance in just her second year in the army as a sniper, but had thought it lucky, making it on the first shot. And in the years since, she had made lots of long-range shots, most of which she hadn't taken the time to actually measure, so she wasn't sure if she had even made a shot at 1,000.

She nodded quickly at Bane and made her way opposite to the first target set at 100 meters. Ambria slowly and carefully brought the rifle up to position, letting it rest lightly against her shoulder as she focused in with the scope on the target in the distance. Before planting them, she loosened up her legs and feet, getting a good firing stance. Taking a deep breath, she let go all her tension, all her stress and all that remained was her hard resolve to shoot well. Just because this was practice didn't mean she didn't need to be in battle mode.

Ambria moved her fingers to the trigger, closing her far eye as her right one zoomed in on the scope, the target clearly in its sights. She double-checked that the charge setting was non-lethal--never could be too careful, even out here--and pulled back on the trigger. The blot shot out, cleanly slicing through the exact center of the black circle of the target.

Without lingering long, she quickly moved to the next target, repeating her series of movements to set up for another shot. 150 meters, then 200 meters, 250, all went down the same way as the first. All were hit dead-center.

When she came to the 900-meter target, though, Ambria took a little more time lining up the target in her scope, focusing in on the little black dot that barely showed at that distance. Another deep breath, calming herself. She made herself pretend it was a Republic soldier, the black area where his heart was. With one emerald eye looking through the scope, she pressed the trigger. Another center shot. A kill shot, she imagined.

Two more targets left, 950 and 1,000. The distances she wasn't sure she had ever fired from before. But she would do her best in front of her general. Ambria couldn't buckle under the pressure now. What if she needed to take a shot this long coming up on the next mission? Again, she took her stance in across the distance from the target. She brought up the rifle and aimed slowly with the scope, no longer seeing much more than blurred rings of color; the black spot having all but disappeared.

Her fingers moved to the trigger, and the bolt rang out, sizzling towards the target. It looked like it hit near the center, but she couldn't see for sure. It was time to go to the last target; no time to check her accuracy on the last shot. At 1,000 meters, the target looked small with the naked eye and not much better through the eye of her rifle scope. But Ambria focused in on it anyway, forcing herself to relax, that it was just like any other shot she had ever taken. No big deal. It was a lot closer than 1,000 meters... just an easy one. She tried everything to calm down.

Seconds ticked by as Ambria lined up her aim on the center of the target. But the seconds seemed hour-long, time standing still for her. Everyone and everything disappeared from her awareness. It was just her and the target, nothing else. Her nervous fingers slowly stilled, and she was ready to take the shot. One deep breath later, and she had pulled on the trigger, letting loose the bolt with a small prayer that she wouldn't miss the target by too much. Perhaps at least hit the red inner circle surrounding the black center.

Ambria relaxed her grip on the rifle and set it against her shoulder, waiting for Bane to join her, or give further instructions. She wasn't ready to walk across the field to check her hits, not yet. Especially on those last two targets. The young woman just hoped she had made her general proud, even if it was only practice doubling as a friendly challenge among soldiers.


EDIT:
Just changed the distance of the targets for more realism and to match the bio.