Neophyte
NEE'oh-fight
Note
Previously known as 'initiates'.
Qualifications
Not just anybody is able to step into a Stewards outpost on a whim and decide they wish to become a Steward. A recommendation from a Staff Agent-approved individual (usually law enforcement, military, or similar) is required, although if a Steward encounters a prospective candidate in the field they may provide a recommendation to a Staff Agent with similar effect.
Appointment
After an individual completes the initial application process to join the Stewards, they are issued with an identification code and moved directly through into the training course.
Duties
While many applicants would pass Steward training if it consisted of simple martial capability or negotiation acumen, a common reason that many are quietly sidelined is their lack of 'goodness': trust, care, gentleness and so on. It is viewed as an essential part of the Stewards and the officers that deliver the course are careful to conceal this expectation as best they can. Additionally, when the Neophytes leave Bastion they are often followed by a Special Agent charged with observing their disposition during their travel. Only a few trainees have reached their destination and told they were no longer a Steward, but it is a measure that keeps the force pure at heart.
Responsibilities
The main task a Neophyte concerns themselves with is generally completing the training course located within Bastion. This process takes a full year to complete - there are no breaks for weekends or even leave during the evening. Even after completing this, the difficulty levels continue to rise.
After a brief 'graduation ceremony' they travel via Drift to their assigned destination: either a starship if they are moving into Overwatch or an outpost if the Constabulary. Once arrived, they spend a varied amount of time - usually around three months - working alongside a trained Constable. While they were protected in the controlled confines of Bastion, opponents in the field often pour their resources into genuinely killing or capturing an inexperienced Steward. If the Neophyte survives, it is here that they learn the instincts native to all Stewards. Finally, when their assigned trainer deems them ready, they are promoted to Deputy Constable, assigned a Constable to serve under, and sent into the field on their own.
After a brief 'graduation ceremony' they travel via Drift to their assigned destination: either a starship if they are moving into Overwatch or an outpost if the Constabulary. Once arrived, they spend a varied amount of time - usually around three months - working alongside a trained Constable. While they were protected in the controlled confines of Bastion, opponents in the field often pour their resources into genuinely killing or capturing an inexperienced Steward. If the Neophyte survives, it is here that they learn the instincts native to all Stewards. Finally, when their assigned trainer deems them ready, they are promoted to Deputy Constable, assigned a Constable to serve under, and sent into the field on their own.
Accoutrements & Equipment
The only equipment issued before training is an identification number. After training, they are provided with equipment as standard for a Deputy Constable before being sent to their assigned location.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
Neophytes are most often honourably dismissed during the training process, due to failing the considerably difficult course. Those that fail often have any second attempts accepted, depending upon why they failed and how they had progressed previously. Those that willingly drop out almost always have their requests to try again denied.
Less commonly, there are those who are dishonourably dismissed, occasionally due to being a spy. These are often removed under the guise of being transferred to a different training squad, a squad that never receives their expected Neophyte. In any case, the conditions of dismissal during the training phase are almost always kept within the Stewards and a simple "services no longer required" note posted to any relevant organisations.
Less commonly, there are those who are dishonourably dismissed, occasionally due to being a spy. These are often removed under the guise of being transferred to a different training squad, a squad that never receives their expected Neophyte. In any case, the conditions of dismissal during the training phase are almost always kept within the Stewards and a simple "services no longer required" note posted to any relevant organisations.
Type
Civic, Military, Not Commissioned
Equates to
Recruit, initiate.
Source of Authority
Length of Term
The standard progression from application to promotion averages at 1 year, 3 months.
Past Holders
Reports directly to
Related Locations
Related Organizations
Related Military Formations
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