Role Models [Roulette]

Amanda was not excited for this... assignment. She wanted to be out on the field. She'd just been issued an espionage mission that was a rarity for SOLDIER and might have gotten her out of Midgar for a few days. Suddenly, she's replaced and assigned to entertain middle schoolers with Melpomene. She liked Thalia, though she wasn't sure if the feeling was mutual. She disliked middle schoolers, especially the boys and their hormones.

She wasn't sure why, but she sensed GAWAIN had something to do with her reassignment. Even if he didn't, it was still an opportunity to show a public face of SOLDIER. She donned her military dress for the occasion, and pulled her thick hair into a low bun. It took a dozen pins to keep it and the hat in place.

She thought the Shin-Ra red with the brilliant purple tassels and pins of SOLDIER 2nd Class was hideous. Not to mention the commendations and awards. She'd had it taken in, which wasn't standard but none of her COs had seemed to notice.

And so there she was, releasing a sigh between her smiling teeth as Thalia gave tips to the children on how to... do violence. They seemed to enjoy it, though the adults weren't pleased. There was silence when she finished. Amanda slowly turned her head to smile at the Principal. He stepped forward and lead the applause, and Amanda joined.

Her smile turned more genuine when a few of the students approached to pet Ajax. She'd seen how powerful and aggressive he was in battle. She certainly wouldn't want to fight him off. It was nice to see how gentle he was with the kids.

Amanda nodded her approval at Thalia's answer to the young girl. Looking at the girl's excitement, she wondered if she'd be joining SOLDIER herself in five years or so. Amanda would be 1st Class by then for certain.

She was starting to let her mind wander when she noticed the children looking at her. She blinked.

"Ah. I guess it's my time in the hot seat," she said as she came forward and began to pace in front of the row of desks, "My name is Amanda de Valliere, SOLDIER 2nd Class. I specialize in martial use of materia--that is I do a lot of magic."

To punctuate her point, she opened her hand, palm up, a fire erupted from it. After a moment the flame twisted until it was in the general shape of Ajax. The figure gave a silent bark and then dissipated. Amanda grinned through the applause. One of the boys yelled something she couldn't make out. Some of the other boys laughed. Amanda ignored them.

"De Valliere was one of the first families to settle in Midgar, which I'm sure you know all about from your history class. What you don't know, is we have two SOLDIERs in our family." She said with pride. "Me, of course, and my brother Bradford who is SOLDIER 1st Class. 1st Class SOLDIERs are always very busy, so none of them could come see you today. I have worked with them many times, though."

She took on a dreamy look as she continued. "I remember a mission near Junon two years ago..."

The story was full of action and adventure. The SOLDIER she traveled with did the impossible, and Amanda herself accomplished miracles. The students were riveted. Once she neared the end, she abruptly stopped.

"Sorry, guys, but the fate of Master Renaeus... is classified."

Groans. "Sorry, sorry, I don't make the rules! But! If you really want the clearance to know the end of the story, and maybe make a few of your own... consider applying for SOLDIER when you finish shcool. Any questions?"

She grinned around at the raised hands.

Did you really take down seven men with one spell? "Actually, no. It was ten, but I thought that sounded too unrealistic."

Do all SOLDIERs have such beautiful eyes like you, Miss Amanda? "Thank you for the compliment. And, yes. Brighter than normal eyes are the result of exceptional physical fitness, and our regular health and wellness treatments from Shin-Ra."

"Do you have a boyfriend?" A bold and pimply boy called without raising his hand. A few of the boys laughed.

Amanda looked at him with a silent smile for a second. Then, she chuckled. "I do. His name is Ketir. He was once a member of SOLDIER, 1st Class. But after the war, he wanted to live a quieter life. We all miss him at Shin-Ra, but we understand his choice."

She turned back to Thalia.