[Vernice] Looking up the High Commander

Vernice looked around the inside of the church and it was empty of worshipers, just as she expected for this time of the day.  She moved to a confession box and entered.  There was a rough clearing of the throat on the other side.  She smiled at the familiar sound.  Father Piedro was always punctual and he didn't disappoint her, especially now that she was in a time crunch.

"Forgive me Father, for I have sinned," she intoned the habitual opening for confessions.  "It has been 12 weeks since my last confession.  I have been VERY busy."  She put a not so subtle emphasis on the last couple of words.

"It's alright, my child.  The Sovereign Host welcomes back all those who wander," the priest answered.  "Is there anything else troubling you?"

Vernice paused.  Father Piedro was always direct to the point.  She debated internally if she should be involving him with her situation but as she was pressed for time, she made her decision to trust him with her question.

"I'm meeting a high ranking officer today.  I would like him to have a good first impression on me.  I heard you were his chaplain for his division once.  If I may ask, can you tell me something about him, so I can get into his good graces and not embarrass myself."

There was a prolonged silence on the other side of the confessional, broken only by an occasional coughing.  Finally the priest replied.

"That would be a tall order indeed, but I'm sure someone of your personality can manage just fine.  He is a gruff warrior, schooled in the proud and traditional warrior ways.  The army is his life and he would like to see it restored to its former glory.  Military might and conquest and all of that."

"Truly a soldier's soldier," Vernice said.  "How about hobbies?  Surely he does other things during his spare time."

"Hmm, as I recall, he was very interested in athletics - racing and wrestling.  He was also very keen to study wilderness survival techniques.  I believe he even wrote a book about it," added Father Piedro.

Vernice and the priest talked about a few more things before she took his leave.  She thanked him for the information and turned to go, but he stopped her for a moment.

"A last word my child," the priest warned her ominously.  "I know not what you are planning, but you might be playing a dangerous game.  Take very good care of  yourself."

The paladin's throat went dry, but she had already resolved herself on this course of action.  She whispered: "For king and country."

It was only a few hours later while heading towards the Gala chambers did Vernice realize that the priest had given her a lot of information about the High Commander, but she couldn't recall ever disclosing he was the officer she was going to meet.