Prisoners of Sol - Girret Storm Riders (10/11)

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Creating changes within the Storm Riders organization meant convincing the old brass to go along with us, and Tunia’s parents seemed a surefire better for the duo to approach. We’d chosen wisely by buddying up to someone who was connected, because I’d discovered that knowing someone high up was often a boon. There was a layer of security to our jobs, and the hope of passing reforms despite being new to the administrative side of the business. My idea to draw more people to the Storm Riders for the right reasons, and to do more good outside of the Storm Cycles, was simple.

I want to eliminate the corruption that’s infested our ranks, but I have to be smart about this. It’ll give people more reason to look up to the riders, and the community benefits will make the suggestion popular. If I’m to make a name for myself as a proper leader here, I have to propose this initiative and publicize what’s been done. This can serve a great many people.

“You see, Tunia and Narol have saved my life many times over. I often feel that I wasn’t meant to survive to this point, but since I have, I’m devoted to making the Riders the best organization it can be. I choose to pay my debt by doing the maximum good possible,” I explained. “There are people here who want to help and whose talents are wasted during the downtime. We need to do more community work and acts of service off-cycle, to always be active and seen by Doros’ citizens!”

Tunia’s father tasted the air with a flitting tongue, hissing in contemplation. “You want to take the Riders away from their families further, after they’re on duty for the entire Cycle year? It’s already difficult enough to maintain a family life, other than those of us who are fully within the organization.”

“No, sir. We already have to stay active to train, and what better way to train than in the field? These acts can be small and safe, since we don’t want to lose valuable first responders off-cycle, of course. Best of all, they can be right in their own hometowns…or at least, the biggest city within a few hours, if there’s not enough of us living where they do.”

“It’s a PR move that’ll make us appear flawless and heroic, which will make our honor more legendary. I know there are many who are quite concerned with that,” Narol said, casting a sly glance at me. “Who will question the Riders, when the brass have selected such charitable individuals to follow them? That can be your legacy. It’ll also stave off any questions about our inner workings. You want your name attached to this, to be celebrated across the globe. All you have to do is back our proposal!”

“You’ve been a friend to Tunia, and she speaks highly of your valor. Make no mistake, that’s why you’re here, and it’s a quality we do prize.” The elder administrator eyed the three of us, focusing on his quiet daughter. “Tunia, what do you think of this?”

“I trust that Redge and Narol want only the best for Doros and the Riders, Dad. They’ve served with the highest honor, and they’re well-liked,” Tunia replied, giving us both fond glances. “Narol’s right with his ambitions. You can capitalize on the reputation of their heroics, and maybe even get political power that goes beyond these walls for it. It’s been a long time since we had a Rider cross over to the government sphere, but I think the people want the legend. They want real honor. Our family could be connected to someone with real power.”

I had to stifle a groan and a hasty denial. Ugh, great. Tunia is in on Narol’s political machinations too. If they’re so keen, why don’t they use Narol? He’s far more shrewd than I am, and he has a mind for it. I only play the game so much as I want to.

“There’s no guarantee of how it shakes out, but I think it only makes us look good, sir.” Narol coughed and straightened himself up. If his long-term ambitions had to be sold to get these overarching changes through the Riders’ ranks, then so be it. It was a blessing, regardless of my frustrations with his schemes, to have him by my side. “People like to see new blood doing things, and doing the ones they like even more so. There’s not a lot of clear-cut wins that don’t take a huge sacrifice: that don’t take any personal sacrifice from the admin, honestly. We can make it worth it.”

“It would be nice to have more safer jobs available for Riders. It might help more support jobs for us, like I wish there’d been when I joined,” Tunia sighed. “It’s hard to recruit. Let the Riders be seen in public and thanked for their work, it improves morale and brings new people in. I’m behind this initiative all the way, and…I think we all should be, if we’re looking to the future. I know you wanted to give me a chance to be a part of this organization, Dad. This is me trying to do that, for our family and this institution that you love.”

Tunia’s father offered a low chuckle. “Narol and Redge, our family hasn’t forgotten your loyalty, and there’s quite a few of us in the rankings. Not only will we not stand in your way, but you have our backing. Your arguments are compelling, and since my own daughter extended such a fervent plea on your behalf, I could never turn you down. We want to work with you when you spin this to the press.”

“Of course, sir,” I stated, breathing a sigh of relief. “Narol and I are grateful to be here, and we know that it’s at your grace. We won’t let you down. This’ll be good, for all of us.”

“I hope so. Big ambitions require your every move to go over perfectly. It’s a lot like catching lightning in a bottle. I wish you good luck, son, and I hope you find what you’re looking for with this one.”

I departed from the elder administrator’s office with my spirits riding high, having reaped the benefits of staying in the brass’ good graces. It was a lot easier to make radical changes without the establishment putting up resistance, and this would hopefully add to the legacy that I’d forged out in the field; my honor meant everything for me, and I wanted the people to know I was looking out for them. Our tenure in the Storm Riders’ higher ranks was off to an excellent start, and I intended to keep turning the wheel of progress in the right direction.

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A/N - 10! Redge, Narol, and Tunia work together to persuade the latter’s family to back their plans for reform, pitching the PR and political benefits of off-cycle charity work. Redge isn’t too keen on both of his squadmates having an eye on a higher office, but he’s glad that his plan was accepted and that his reputation will have another good deed added to it. What do you think about how our narrator and his friends are using their new office? Has Tunia proven to be loyal friend, in spite of her roots?

As always, thank you for reading and supporting!