The New Applicants

Shao Ziruan stroked his chin, as he perused the list of candidates in front of him. The death of Liang Yijun had been unexpected, a moment’s lapse in judgement leading to an Ork blade through his helmet. Shao could not help but reproach him even in death. He turned his mind back to the group in front of him, several other Golden Mountains in their plain robes all conversing amongst themselves.

“Brothers, how many candidates are we considering?” Shao’s voice drew all their attention to him.

“Five, Lord Ziruan. Two from no Path, two from Jinsedao and one from Mongsuti.” The Astartes who had spoken handed Shao a data slate with information on the five candidates on it.

Shao raised his eyebrow as he heard the last part. “Mongsuti? We have not had an applicant from Mongsuti before. Have you met them, Yin Su?”. The data slate showed that the applicant, named Kong He, had an impeccable service history and record of duelling skill.

Yin Su nodded. “He is young, talented and full of potential. Taskmaster Zhen speaks very highly of him. Having conversed with him, he is rather proud of his achievements, and having spoken with his Captain, there was an incident where He unloaded his bolt pistol into an already killed foe on the battlefield.”

The group of Golden Mountains murmured, and Shao shook his head. He deleted Kong He’s information from the data slate.

“A shame. I am sure he will be an asset for the legion. So, the other candidates.”

The discussion continued for an hour, as the four remaining candidates were whittled down to just two, one from Jinsedao and one from no Path. Shao thanked the other members and dismissed them. He returned to his quarters with the data slate, locked the door, and sat on the floor cross-legged. For several minutes he sat with his eyes closed, turning over the two choices in his mind in complete silence. Finally, he rose and sent an order for both candidates to come to his quarters. [[Category:N]]