Status Update

[scalpelofmarmora]

Who: Ulaz and You! Mostly open, one closed
Broadcast: Yes
Action: Blameless and Iskaulit
When: Not too long after coming out of calibrations

Video
So it seems that not everything is as it was when we went into the calibrations. Of course we have added crew members to various ships and I would like to welcome them.

It is also regrettable that the Blameless has lost their previous captain as I have been promoted to the position. I hope though that he is well.

Action - Open
[For the first part after returning, Ulaz spends a great deal of time on the Blameless almost as if nothing has happened, taking over the captain's positions. But his crew will notice that at least initially, he is spending more time sitting in the dining room.

It is also likely that on the first evening, the crew and anyone who might be visiting will notice a random bottle of beer sitting in front of the door to the captain's room. It's full and unopened and just... there. If it gets removed, eventually another will appear in its place later in the evening.

The second day, the one that was there last is removed by Ulaz and another one doesn't replace it.

During this time, he can also be found on the Iskaulit as well, doing his usual training.

Action - Closed to Biffy
[The first evening, as soon as the sun has properly set and it has been given at least what he considers a decent amount of time, Ulaz heads to Biffy and Lyall's room. He pauses at the door for a moment and then knocks]

Comments

[Action]

[sandywolf]

[The loss of Shiro is a blow in many ways, not just purely professional. He did notice the beer bottle, but figured it was some sort of tribute, something private, and didn't touch it.

The evening of the second day, he comes into the dining room, wordlessly brews some tea and then puts a cup at Ulaz's elbow and sits down with his own.]

[scalpelofmarmora]

[In a way, it was a tribute. The date of their return almost coincided with Shiro's birthday so it seemed appropriate to have something there even if Shiro wasn't going to actually see it. It made Ulaz feel better.

He's sitting quietly in the dining room when Lyall comes in. He's aware enough to nod in greeting, but he's still lost in thought. That is until Lyall comes over and sets a cup of tea beside him before joining him]

Thank you.

[sandywolf]

You are welcome.

I would congratulate you on the promotion, but it doesn't sound quite exactly appropriate for the occasion.

[Lyall has seen announcements for people disappearing before. If anything, he is used to the people he knows disappearing or dying before him. But it still stings.]

I heard you asked Biffy to take your post as First Mate.

[scalpelofmarmora]

It is a bit bittersweet at the moment.

[He knows it will eventually change with time, but right now, everything still rather raw and he wishes that he didn’t have the position in this way]

I did. I think he will be able to handle to position well.

[sandywolf]

I think so too. And even though I may be able to calm him down, I think he needs something more to do. His abilities are rather underutilized here.

[Biffy is a leader, so a position where he can do just that is what he needs.]

How are we doing with regards to... recent events?

[He could be asking in general, or it's just a weird 'how are you'?]

[scalpelofmarmora]

I think everyone's abilities are underutilized here, especially a werewolf who is used to being a leader. This will definitely give him something more to do.

In regards to the ship, nothing seems to be out of place. In regards to my personal thoughts. It is not pleasant.

[sandywolf]

I haven't noticed anything wrong with the normal operations of the ship, no.

[He lets a bit of silence stretch after that last one, though.]

Would talking about it help?

[scalpelofmarmora]

That’s good. I was hoping we wouldn’t have a problem with the ship.

[He was silent for a moment after the question]

I can try?

[sandywolf]

Then, I will listen.

[After all, Ulaz has done much the same for him before. Twice, even if one time involved pummeling each other.]

For however long you need. I was honored to have Shiro as a captain, and he did us a great favor by agreeing to officiate our wedding.

[scalpelofmarmora]

You saw it before. How we actually met. Our second meeting was better, but short lived as I did what I had to in order to save the pilots of Voltron from one of Zarkon’s beasts. ... I wasn’t sure what sort of reception I was going to have finding myself here. I never thought that he’d be as good a friend as I can remember having.

[sandywolf]

Did you think he would not remember you saving his life?

[That seems like something most people would remember with a good feeling honestly. Although...]

I do believe I have had the pleasure of conversing with your superior? Kolivan?

[scalpelofmarmora]

I was wondering. It took quite some time before Voltron came to the Communications Base Thaldycon. I wasn't sure if he himself had survived the escape.

So you have spoken with Kolivan. Yes, he is the leader of the Blade of Marmora.

[sandywolf]

He doesn't seem the type to forget something like that.

And yes, I have. He... makes a brick wall look positively radiant with joy.

[scalpelofmarmora]

Perhaps. He had been under a great deal of stress and injury can make those forget as well.

[A faint smile crosses his face when Lyall says this]

Not that I had reason to doubt you, but you saying that is absolute proof you have met him.

[sandywolf]

So it wasn't me, then. I was wondering if perhaps I may have caused offense by mentioning you to him.

I am a military man, but your organization seems positively Spartan.

[scalpelofmarmora]

Kolivan and I have a different relationship. We are both very old Galra and were the two eldest of the Blade of Marmora. Anyone who doesn’t know him would likely take offense to the words he uses about me.

I am not familiar with the reference. Spartan?

[sandywolf]

An ancient civilization who put a lot of stock in strength. Their military prowess is the stuff of legend. We usually use the word to reference overly harsh conditions or environments.

He didn't seem inclined to share a lot and it felt rude to press on too much.

[scalpelofmarmora]

I see. Yes, that is a very good comparison, not just with Blade of Marmora, but with Galra as a whole. We believe in something called palen-bol, which means "the enlightening pain". Getting smarter through pain.

He wouldn't have been. It is his way. He created the Blades. It is his job to protect them.

[sandywolf]

I also have not inquired with you, but... would you be able to tell me more? About what you do? I understood a little from what I saw, but...

[scalpelofmarmora]

I would be able to tell you more. I am probably more willing than Kolivan to do something like that. Did you want to ask now?

[sandywolf]

Only if you feel like it.

[You did just lose a friend, Ulaz. So, really, it's up to you.]

I am ready to wait if you'd rather not. Those... calibrations are still very recent.

[scalpelofmarmora]

[It's a good distraction. He wants that right now]

I am willing to answer now. They are recent, but they have brought up a lot of questions. Some of which may seem disconcerting.

[Considering he knows others saw him undercover with Shiro]

[sandywolf]

Well, I should probably ask from the beginning. What exactly is your organisation? I understood that you oppose your race on their expansionism and that you do so covertly.

[scalpelofmarmora]

We are the Blade of Marmora. When the Empire began to expand, we thought that it would bring stability. However, what it actually brought was a tyrant who wanted power. Emperor Zarkon's quest to expand has cost many lives. It is our goal to stop him and help those who have been oppressed.

[sandywolf]

So, an underground Rebellion of sorts.

The way I understood it, you have your own base, and training to go through... I suppose a recruitment process as well. I could see in your memories that you were not on the straight path of becoming a warrior, but how did you end up as Blade?