The start of a beautiful... something

It went exactly as they said. You felt naked walking out of the building to the cool night air in civilian clothing, every two-bit reporter swarming after you trying to get you to say something as you made your way to the waiting car. You didn't answer any questions. You nearly punched a reporter who got a bit too in your face but you restrained yourself. You knew what had happened was an act but it had still felt real as they stripped you of your uniform until you were naked. Your change of clothes was comfortable but it didn't have the same pride imbued in the fabric as your uniform had. It was a relief when you finally got through and took your seat. Leaning back against it with a sigh as it automatically started on the route home.

Reporters were waiting out there too but they didn't dare follow you into your apartment. Despite your rank or former rank as it was considered you had a very humble planetside dwelling. You spent most of your time in space so it had never bothered you but now it was time to begin part two of the plan. You opened your fridge and saw it was well stocked for its role.

Almost a week later you finally had another coherent thought. Modern medicine and a genetically improved liver meant that you could have sobered up whenever you wanted but it had been nice to just spend a week losing time. Your apartment was a mess, bottles were strewn everywhere and your food fabricator had a shoe on top of it. You idly wondered where its counterpart was as you grabbed another drink to deal with your hangover. You honestly should have just acted like you were falling into a drunken mess but you didn't think that would have sold it. Might as well make it real. Looking at a newsfeed after looking up your name revealed that you'd been effective.

Rosebreaker disgraced

Former General turns to bottle

Councilwoman calls for post-service transition help after Rosebreaker's fall

'Fuck yourself with a sledgehammer' Rosebreaker's only comment on recent court-martial

Hero to zero: Expose on Rosebreaker

Princess comes to Athens to ask Rosebreaker to join her army

That last one was from this morning. She would likely be there soon, you looked around and considered tidying up but looking at your clock you realized she would be there in just a few minutes. Just as you considered that there was a knock on the door. You went over and opened it.

"The fuck are you ad the fuck yu wnt" You asked as light filtered in, blinding you. You felt someone shove you in the chest, knocking you on your back, your dull reflexes not allowing you to save yourself. Looking up you saw someone walk in like they owned the place and take a disgusted look around, behind them reporters were reacting with surprise with some muttering about calling the police. None did, giving you a chance to study the woman who had entered your home. Her skin wasn't dark but it was definitely light brown like an earth islander's in shade. Her long light brown hair was flowing behind her in a way that implied she combed it for an hour at least, her jade green eyes were narrowed in distaste as she looked around her and down on your, what you assumed to be pitiful looking form.

"So this is what has become of the great Rosebreaker. I'd heard the rumors but I didn't think someone so high could fall to be so pathetic." She said walking over and looking down at you. "Get up. You're coming with me. I need a general and you need a shower. You're going to fight for me, so drop that fucking bottle and get up with some self-respect." This was obviously a better show than the reporters had been expecting and they were excitedly filming you for your reaction. In reality, even in your buzzed and hungover state you probably could have beaten the heck out of her. As it was you struggled to your feet and took a clumsy swing which she easily dodged and used to send you back to the floor. "Good. You've got some fight left. You'll need it."

As it had been planned you rolled onto your back and looked up at her. "Who're yu?" You asked, your voice naturally producing the right amount of slur for you.

"My name is Princess Victoria of the Queendom of Avalon. Contender for the throne." As she spoke this was the moment you would have swept her legs from under her if you were actually in a fight. "You are going to be the sword that I use to claim it." She said then took a dramatic look around the room once more. "Or you're going to stay here and be nothing but a drunk living off public assistance for the rest of your miserable life. Make your choice." She reached out her arm to you, you could have used it to yank her to the floor and beat the shit out of her but you knew your role.

The reporters zoomed in, and unknown to you in that moment the image was broadcast live across a million screens as you reached out and took it, letting her help you to your feet as people cheered the 'rebirth' of one of their champions.