Final Fantasy XII (Judges) [week 4 - prompt 3]
Title: A New Technology Author: Cadence Rating: PG Word Count: 500 Summary: "There are rumblings about promoting him to Magister," Zecht offers as they browse the armory.
"There are rumblings about promoting him to Magister," Zecht offers as they browse the armory. Gabranth raises an eyebrow.
"That seems unlikely," he says noncommittally. "We have the full complement."
"The traditional full complement, yes," Zecht says. "But a new technology may require new leadership."
The slight amused lilt in Zecht's voice means that he is quoting some rumormonger rather than espousing a genuine opinion, so Gabranth grunts. "Nonetheless, he's not exactly qualified." He hefts a weapon for inspection.
"True enough. The rumors have something to them, though. His influence has gotten us training with these ridiculous weapons."
There is truth in that, of course.
Finally Gabranth acknowledges that he has no way of judging the relative quality of the guns on the racks, and just selects a model he can manage the license for.
"Shall I see you on the shooting range?" He shoulders his chosen blunt hunk of metal.
"Not today, I'm afraid. I've work to do. I just thought I'd pick my equipment before the jump in demand affects the stock." Zecht grins. "Do enjoy yourself, though."
Gabranth scoffs and strides out.
After an hour on the shooting range Gabranth is only more frustrated. He manages the basics of loading and shooting, but his aim is not terribly accurate, and reloading takes so much focus and time that the back of his neck prickles in anticipation of an ambush even here.
A few minutes later, his senses are vindicated as a voice comes from behind him.
"Judge Gabranth." He turns to see exactly who he'd hoped to avoid, dipping a quick bow. "I hope your practice progresses well."
Cocky brat. Gabranth has never seen him in his judicer's plate. Admittedly at the moment Gabranth is without it as well, as it is hardly practical for shooting, but it's a matter of presentation.
"Judge Ffamran," he grants with a nod. "It goes as well as can be expected, though I doubt I will ever use this in a true battle."
"Oh?"
"Yes." Gabranth bites out. "It is slow, limited, unwieldy, inaccurate, and it offers no means of defense – in fact, it inhibits defense by occupying one's attention when one is most vulnerable, and being impossible to work with while in plate. In addition, its use requires little art or skill. I much prefer the sword."
"If used right, it can destroy your enemies without them getting close enough that traditional defense is necessary." Ffamran responds mildly. "It's a matter of balance – if your enemies are far you won't hit them; too close and they'll take a chunk out of you." His mouth twitches into a smirk. "In any case, your art with a sword is hardly worth anything if you're shot first, is it?"
Gabranth reacts instantly with a solid arm to the boy's collarbone, easily pinning his lanky body against a wall. "I am not neglecting my mandated training. You should have the same courtesy."
Ffamran's eyes flash. "As it happens, courtesy from you was not my aim."