#darkgatefortress

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"You get what i'm saying, Recruit?" Colton says "Just because you were recommended in part by the Chief's paramour, don't think you'll get preferential treatment. And don't think you'll get by on your looks let alone your connections. I work hard. I expect my men to work hard. We guard the gate. When it seems you've got a break, we put you on the wall, when it seems the wall is already guarded, we patrol further out in town. When it seems all patrols are covered, well, you may end up on escort duty. Free time is rare, precious, and never take it for granted."

The Recruit is eager, ready to go, and looks at the Storm with a kind of dopey happy expression. Clearly he's one of THOSE guys, chipper even in the face of a dressing down.

"I see, you think you got it all handled, do you?" Colton says "Wrong. I have been storm here for just a few years and already I've faced more danger than some who sit in a typical hold for 10. Failure is not an option with us. Too many counting on it"

A more serious expression, but still upbeat, even eager.

The storm shakes his head "You've been attached to me specifically, me and the Chief, but you will treat each and every person here with respect and professionalism. Copy?"

The splotchy recruit barks an affirmative, and Colton smiles "Welcome aboard, Private Thunder. Assume Belly Rub position. "

And Thunder does, and Colton gives him a good ole belly rub, the dog loving it , of course. Of course, Colton is glad they're alone. He'd get teased by the guys if they thought he got soft

Even for a dog formerly known as Cloudyhead

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