As Shalo was brought in with all the fanfare, the Columbian delegation sat in their place and observed. They didn't have much to say as this was the first time any of them had heard of this god. When he saw the cat, Graves leaned to Fontaine and whispered
"Is this really a goddess or is the admiral taking us for a ride?"
"Wait for it." Fontaine calmly replied. At this point the notion that something was preposterous and impossible in the Lost sea was long gone. The idea of this ball of fluff being a god wasn't too far off from anything he hadn't seen in the past two weeks. And then it spoke.
"Well, I'll be. The furball talks. Do you really think it's a god, captain?"
"We had a skull of one talk to us, so I suppose that anything is possible." Fontaine looked towards the cat. It indeed had a presence to it. Something not of this earth was definitely behind it. Now were it a god or a demon? The feeling he was getting wasn't a pleasant one.
When Jáger greete the cat, Fontaine raised an eyebrow 'So you already met. Who else had the pleasure before me I wonder?'
"Wouldn't it be best if I didn't? It seems unwise to me to announce myself to all these people. Anyone of them could be a danger, sir."
"At the moment, the only one under watch is Fallensteller." responded Krantz, quietly.
Once Shalo had arrived and introduced herself, Krantz spoke up following Jäger's lead. "An honor to be in your presence again, Lady Shalo." stated Krantz, nodding his head slightly towards her. Váradi glanced over to Krantz as he spoke. He met the cat already? It must have been during his meeting with the Admiral. Likely how he acquired that damned guard of his. Váradi didn't like that feeling he was getting from the cat. Not at all.
Dobbs merely glanced at the cat goddess and nodded, keeping himself reserved for the most part. Wollisfend could only stare in disbelief at the prospect of a talking cat as well as the notion of meeting a god. He leaned over to Dobbs and whispered to him.
"Sir... this is quite extraordinary." he said to his superior in awe.
"Indeed. This is the second god I have seen in person, as well as the third I have heard of out here."
"You've seen another? When?"
"After we left Campo Diablo. A god sails with us by the name of Farryn. Now it seems we have two."
Wollisfend piped down and shifted back in his seat to think over this new information. Dobbs in the meantime continued to lean forward and sparing a very quick glance at Fallensteller before scanning the rest of the room.
I could just pull out my pistol and end this madness. Kill the whore. KILL HER. a part of him whispered in his mind only for him to immediately to retreat back to normal thought. No... that would be suicide. And a stain on my image. he reasoned. We would need to navigate this carefully and maneuver around this, just as the Admiral planned. I should trust him... he has it under control, right? Surely with the help of two gods we stand a chance on this quest.
---
Vunor stood and bowed deeply towards Shalo, along with bringing the palms of his hands together. "You bless us with your presence, oh venerable Shalo." he spoke as he rose from his bow.
"We are honored to hear that you too are to join us on this venture."
---
"Oh." replied Nita as she looked around. Well... that's quite a fright. "I see..."
She looked back towards von Strauss and eyed her. "Isn't it a bit weird to wear those things inside?" she asked, pointing towards the shades.
Some of you may be aware that there is a goddess, Shalo, who resides on the island of Niakoma. She is an ally of our efforts, and has elected to join forces with us to combat the resurrection of the dark god Raum. She will be most helpful in assisting us in ancient matters of history, as well as offering insight into demons and sorcery. Her power, unfortunately, is considerably weakened and she exists in a much weakened, non-human state.
As the Admiral introduced Shalo to the assembled captains, Fallensteller's anxiety spiked upwards once more. Having not met Farryn, the prospect of a living god, even one so unworthy of her devotion, struck her with the same awe as Raum did in repose. Her eyes dropped to the floor and her body tensed up, waiting for the grand entrance of what was sure to be a strange and magnificent creature. The music began to play, and although Kirsch and Schuster tried to draw her attention to the approaching robed individuals, but she seemed lost in thought.
Then, when the music stopped and Shalo began to speak, Fallensteller at last looked up and realized what the Admiral meant by a non-human state. A smile curled at the edges of the dead Captain's mouth, and she was barely able to contain her amusement. She stifled a laugh at the circumstances and her earlier assumptions. Forgive me, my Lord. I allowed my imagination to run unchecked... "How... quaint," Fallensteller said under her breath, so that only her two officers could hear her. Shalo's presence still bothered her, but faced with such an innocent facade, Fallensteller found it impossible to take the cat god seriously.
Kirsch, on the other hand, was attentive and felt a sense of reassurance pass through the room as the god was carried forth, and was instead put off by his own Captain's reaction. He glanced over at Schuster as well, and found the Commander utterly stone-faced, as if the revelation of a living god made no impression upon him whatsoever. Kirsch quickly looked the other way, growing frustrated with the growing sense of dissonance. As he had been doing more and more lately, he thought of Ackermann and wondered how he would have reacted, had he been faced with Shalo. He remembered how Ackermann stood and spoke to Farryn with the utmost respect, how he saluted as the god faded away. Fallensteller seemed keen to treat the whole thing as a farce, by comparison, her red eyes staring mockingly in the Admiral's direction.
This isn't right, he thought to himself. ...And yet no one seems to notice. Have they all just become desensitized? he thought as he looked around the room, checking reactions. Captains Jäger and Krantz each greeted Shalo respectfully, and Jäger even mentioned meeting her previously. It was still strange; they treated this as if it were a casual occurrence. He spotted Dobbs in the courtyard and hoped he would have a chance to speak with him afterward. If no one else, the man who gave Ackermann a new lease on life might have a perspective on Fallensteller worth hearing.
"Ah, Lady Shalo... I'm sure you're quite familiar with the Admiral," Fallensteller spoke, breaking Kirsch's line of thought. "A bit amusing that he's the one to summon you here." She glanced at Jäger knowingly.
---
Ah... um... people have been angry since... forever, sorta. There is fighting almost all the time. I wouldn't let it get to you. They'll get over it in time, usually.
Yeah, tell that to the outsiders, Mesahri thought as Braam tried to reassure Lunaire. Back on Veranhal, the batfolk were always treated as different than others. Outside the cave, a bat would need to keep their wits about them, and keep their errands short and simple. The people down in the cities considered them cursed, since they lived their lives mostly underground, avoiding the sun. Mesahri often drew dirty looks when it was her turn to travel to the port for trading, and the wide-brimmed hat she wore soon became an implement to guard against the sun as well as the hostile glances. Humans were strange, though, and maybe they'd be able to accept her kin's differences in time.
"Thanks for the help," she said a bit glumly to Braam as the last of the skull fragments were dumped into her pocket. She then looked up curiously. "Hey, don't you work in the hospital, somehow? Can you believe the sort of things that were happening in there?"
"Isn't it a bit weird to wear those things inside?"
Von Strauss grinned. "Normally yes. I have a bit of a condition, you see. These glasses help for now." she explained. As she spoke, it almost seemed as though her eyes were glowing. Piercing through the colored lenses as they remained locked onto Nita. "If they bother you, I can take them off. Some prefer to see eye-to-eye with those they're talking to. My father was that way."
-----
Krantz glanced to Fallensteller as she spoke. She's awful brave, especially considering the incident yesterday. Smug too.
"When one sees the forces that hold the universe together as I have, they can see the affairs of law and society as what they truly are. Circumstance and fate are what holds society together, as it holds all things together. What does it matter what one is permitted to do and not do if all can be ended in a mere instant?" the demon replies, shaking his head before returning to his contemplation. A controversial matter of perspective, but for one as enlightened as he was it was perhaps the best conclusion he could draw. As far as the trial went it mattered if the persecuted party would be an asset or not in the timelines ahead, and even then it would not be his decision to keep them within the fleet.
Therasmus began to perk up from his idle table-tapping at the admiral's mention of a deity joining them for this meeting. It certainly seemed like an odd time to introduce them, given the context of how this was meant to be a trial of sorts. Still, it was exciting all the same - he could feel the deity's presence before he saw it, recognizing it as one of those sources of power that drew him here in the first place. No doubt the origin of the force he felt was exceedingly ancient, would they have answers for him? Would he be seen as an oddity from beyond the known realms or something more familiar..? There was also the possibility that even if they did know they would not give such information willingly, gods are often fickle and selfish beings, after all. So very curious...
Seeing just how small and feeble the creature before them was gave him a considerable amount of pause, however. He knew that there was more to the goddess than what was on the surface, of course, yet just how weakened was 'weakened'? Had they been made mortal, forced into hiding? Therasmus' mind was racing but he made an effort to remain focused, any detail he could gain from this meeting could very well be pivotal, now.
Then there was that girl again, his thoughts on hold once more as he cocks his head toward her and the vitriol she spoke. She looked different than the last time, yet not much had changed since the previous day, still the abomination she had been. Definitely a mouthy one, wasn't she? He'd leave the speaking to the admiral this time, though now he was starting to question why he had such a high tolerance of the woman and her antics.
"Shalo... the name is both familiar and not. Odd. Have I been here before?" he asks aloud. "It is good to meet you. I am certain we will be able to learn much from your presence and assistance."
Cattapoli, Blitzwave
Yarah matched Kahleen's look unwaveringly, her arms crossed and lips arrogantly pouted. She counted it as a victory when the woman finally glanced away and over to Raya, who was silently and unhappily sitting in the chair, immobile.
"I was one of the many chief maidens for the goddess Shalo, a ferocious woman of infinite power and wealth. There were hundreds of us who staffed her palace. Maids, cooks, custodians, attendants, concubines. Sometimes a mix, often the last. Being in such a position in a god's company puts me way higher than any of you humans. And over Yarah, too, since I was her boss," she sneered. "Just because the palace is gone doesn't change the fact I was higher than a slave like her."
Yarah stuck her tongue out at Raya. "Oh, you're so superior huh? Then why don't you tell them why you're banned from the-"
"Moving on!" Raya interjected loudly, ignoring Yarah. "I ran a dorm of seventeen servants. Our section was the most superior, of course. My maids cleaned the best, and my attendants were always ready. When some of my girls or boys had kitchen duty, there was not a single spot on any of the cutlery or silver. They shined brighter than Apocrypha's sword of justice. We even came in second one year for the palace games."
"Thanks to me!" Yarah shouted, pointing at herself. "If it wasn't for my skills, we would have lost! Neither you, Mistria, Ayla, or Aryn, could come close to my level of expertise."
Raya-kei rolled her eyes. "Alright, fine, Yarah might have helped that one time for the belly dancing contest. She only got lucky because the incubus that usually won was in a different contest."
"Anyways, I even had the privilege of being one of Mistress Shalo's personal maids a few times. I still have the scars to show for it." From the way she said that, it didn't sound so much like a bad thing. "None of you can even hope to achieve my level of status."
Cattapoli, Consulate
Lady Kyndreth still seemed uncertain of Krant's suggestion, but she remained quiet and even more deferential when Shalo made her appearance.
"Ah, yes, I do see a couple of familiar faces out there. Captain Jager and Krantz. So nice to see you gentlemen again," she purred. "I do hope your new friends are... well-behaved. And I see you, Shaman Vunor. I remember you as well. I bid you a warm welcome, and hope the spirits continue to aide you as needed." She gave a little nod of her head.
Krantz noticed that Kyndreth seemed to gulp at Shalo's remark, despite her stolid and resolute attitude. It was just a subtle shift of her feet and stance. Not much seemed to affect Kyndreth, but it seemed that Shalo still had some sway.
When Fallensteller spoke up, Shalo met the undead's eyes. For that brief moment, the small house cat seemed far larger and stronger than she looked, and the cat's blue eyes seemed to flash. Given that the feeling of such was so fast and that no one reacted, it may have just been her imagination, or perhaps an affect of meeting Shalo's gaze. Or could it have been a warning? It was not easy to tell. Shalo's whiskers twitched slightly and her aurora of superiority was as high as ever. She was even managing a grin on her feline facade.
"Oh, of course, dear," she said, matching Fallensteller's somewhat sharp tone, "Admiral Mannfred and I are well acquainted. We've known each other for some years, now. Though I think it is somewhat... inappropriate to say that he summoned me. After all, he and I are in a joint-partnership for this expedition. We have no need for a trifling, childish master to answer to." She exchanged a little glance with the admiral who imperceptibly shook his head. The goddess seemed to sigh and her aurora calmed.
"And I didn't happen to catch your name, madam...?"
The officer who spoke to Therasmus went quiet after his remark, frowning a bit and mulling it over. It seemed he wasn't very convinced with the demon's outlook on laws.
The goddess turned her attention to him once he also spoke up, and she tilted her head slightly. "I remember everyone who I've made an acquaintance with, and I don't think we've had the pleasure to do so. Of course, there was a time when my name carried much further than it does today. Perhaps you've heard it before, some years ago. Though I can tell you aren't quite typical of this land."
Cattapoli, Zuflucht
Braam nodded politely and smiled when Mesahri thanked him, though when she shifted the subject he tugged at his collar somewhat uncomfortably.
"Oh... ah, yes, I do happen to work... there. I am a physician and a surgeon, um, unofficially, of course, though I do have the experience. Ah... and... yeah, I heard about what happened in the clinic the other night. A m-monster got loose or something. I'm just glad I wasn't anywhere near there when it happened. I guess the... captain, ah, got things under control. She can do a lot, it seems," he said with some unease, glancing around to make sure none of the engineers were still loitering nearby to hear. "A lot of... weird things."
Standing there listening to Braam, Mesahri had a moment of clarity. She had been worried all morning about the other bats, but Lunaire most of all, since she was just a child. But now she realized that Braam, like Lunaire, was a child at the mercy of evil forces, and worse yet, he wasn't able to fly away... Left on the Zuflucht, he would undoubtedly be put to the test by the Captain or Pawlitzky, her loyal brute. Her conscience screamed at her to speak up. Now. NOW. SAVE THEM BOTH!
She felt a weakness in her knees, anxiety pooling in the pit of her stomach. "Y-yeah," she started to say. "She's..."
At that moment, there were two things she became acutely aware of: the now-healed cut on her arm, and the ribbon around her neck. Her tongue felt like it was turning to stone in her mouth, and she was trembling. All at once it felt like an invisible leash was dragging behind her, and something unseen was holding the other end, tugging gently- just enough to remind her that it's there.
"[Hey, Mesahri, are you feeling okay?]" Lunaire asked, cocking her head and twiddling her ears around.
With her eyes a bit misty, she nodded before awkwardly changing the subject. "Anyway, I'm glad things are safe again," she said, "...and I hope you stay out of harm's way." Dammit! What the hell is wrong with me!? "L-Lunaire, what do you think of all this... all these things," she stammered, hoping that the girl would be able to say what Mesahri wasn't able to bring herself to.
"The sea is scare; Cap'n will us keep safe. She safed Braam from a BIG storm," she beamed, holding her hands out wide to express the size of the maelstrom which sunk Braam's ship. "She fight monsters and doesn't afraid of anything!"
No, no, no... not this, Mesahri thought, trying to disguise her growing dread. And yet she nodded along, almost involuntarily. I have to finish the spirit ring, and get my words back. Ancestors... if you can, help me...
---
"It's merely a figure of speech," Fallensteller replied faux-innocently with a hint of amusement. She was alert, having sensed a change in the cat's aura, but unafraid, especially after the Admiral's intervention. If she takes cues from Calcifer, then he's the only one I'll need to concern myself with. "Sabine Fallensteller, by the by." She bowed with a flourish, the way her tutors had taught her as a little girl. Behind her, Shalo could see Kirsch and Schuster, and regardless of their individual alignment, both of them were terrified of the goddess and what appeared to be thinly-veiled spite flowering between her and the Captain.
Jäger grunted with an amused tone as Shalo and Fallensteller spoke. He leaned in with a smile. "As much as I'd love to spend another three hours talking, I do believe we have more important business to attend to, no?"
---
Kahleen nodded. "Go on. Tell me why you're no longer in Shalo's favour?"
Her right hand rested atop her gun while her eyes were focused on Yarah. Fallstrom and Gavrilov didn't say a word.
Cattapoli, Blitzwave
"I never fell out of favor," both Yarah and Raya said at the same time, causing both of them to glare at each other.
"I was loyal to the end when the palace fell," Raya said. "When Shalo released control on all of us, we all fled and ran. No one knows if she had an object binding us all to her, or if it was simply her own willpower. But when the war made it to the steps of the palace and our defense failed, it was mayhem. Shalo wasn't going to let us all die there or force us into a desperate defense. Fleeing was the only option, and she was already well on her way to doing so."
"Yeah, most of us went right back to the Abyss," Yarah said this time. "Some of us were hoping to get a little... payment... before we left, but there was hardly time to raid the coffers or treasure room. I made off with some silver candlesticks, jewelry, and this small painting of a pretty tree."
"I never stole from the mistress," Raya answered in a haughty tone. "I escorted some menials to a portal room and we all went into the Abyss together. I'm above such nonsensical pilfering."
Yarah just rolled her eyes. "All the more foolish that makes you. I purchased an entire dwelling with the gems and pure silver I made off with."
Cattapoli, Consulate
Shalo offered only a faux-smile of her own back at Fallensteller as the woman spoke her name. She didn't even bother offering another response as she gestured at her servants, who pulled her litter to the side of the meeting where they sat it down. It appeared she would be an observer for the trial, though given her position in the assembly, it didn't seem like she planned to partake. Her servants waited dutifully around her, sitting or laying out beside her small throne as if she was in court. One of them had even produced and held out a saucer of milk for her, which she sipped at happily.
"Now that introductions have been made... and that everyone is gathered... we will be moving on with the trial," the admiral announced. He cleared his throat and glanced over a thin sheet of paper on the table his officers were seated at.
"To reiterate, I will be acting as judge, and each captain as a member of the jury. The captains of the accused will be acting as the defense for their men. Major Sharkan of the Cattapoli City Guard is the formal accuser." Mannfred gestured with one hand to a beastfolk who stood up from his seat among his people. He was a tall Vulkaine with short black fur, tall ears which bore clipping marks, and a scarred snout. The man was easily a head and a half taller than all of the humans around him, and he was dressed in a soft blue robe which covered his steel armor beneath. He held his red-plumed helmet under one arm as he bowed to the assembly.
"Major Sharkan does not speak Gren, so I will be translating for him."
There was a small pause as Mannfred allowed the information to digest among the gathered.
"The case is as follows. During the evening on the night of the terrorist attack at the docks, which plunged a significant section of the seaside area into flame, a Gothian perimeter was set up along the main avenue of the city under the command of Sergeant Torsson. This perimeter consisted of several vehicles with heavy weapons, spotlights, and a unit of Gothian troops numbering platoon strength. The display of such force and foreign assets on the main avenue drew a large crowd of citizen observers, in which city guardsmen were accompanying. A small portion of the crowd was hostile to the Gothian perimeter, throwing rocks and trash. The majority of the crowd, numbering several hundred, remained agitated but placid."
"At some point, agitators or terrorist operatives detonated several flash-and-smoke grenades around the Gothian perimeter in attempts to either disperse the Gothians, or get them to fire upon the crowd, or to get the crowd to attack the Gothians. Eyewitness accounts of citizens and guardsmen collaborate on the fact that some had loudly announced that the Gothians were attacking when this was clearly not the case."
"Shortly thereafter, a single molotov cocktail was thrown from the roof of an apartment building overlooking the Gothian perimeter. The firebomb explored against one vehicle and burned several Gothian soldiers non-fatally. In response, the Gothian perimeter opened fire on the apartment building. It seems evident that there was no clear target as the entirety of the building was shot up for several seconds, with bullet damage occurring on every level of the building. A contingent of men under the command of Mister Norrys arrived at this time and joined in on the shooting. Likewise, this was an apartment building during the evening, and it was full of occupants. Sixteen civilians were killed immediately, and another seven have succumbed to their wounds since then. Thirty-two are in various states of injury. A total of twenty-three are now dead from the shooting. An investigation into the apartment yielded no bodies of the assailants. It is possible that the perpetrators who threw the molotov were occupants of the apartment building, but three guardsmen and several civilians report seeing heavily clothed Omaens enter the apartment before the molotov was thrown. We know that the cultists dress themselves in heavy clothes, robes, and rags. No such bodies were ever recovered."
"Witnesses here today who were present at the time of the incident include four guardsmen, two civilians, and two sailors from my ship who arrived afterwards when they heard the shooting."
"The accusation and charges being levied against Sergeant Torsson and Mister Norrys are as follows: incompetence of command, illegal issuing of orders, and unlawful killing of non-combatants. The latter two charges are directly associated under Brunswick Military Law as being recognized as war crimes. Under conviction, the sentencing is a capital crime resulting in either hanging, firing squad, or otherwise suitable execution at the direction of the tribunal, jury, and judiciary committee in charge of holding prisoners."
"With the accusation stated, we will move into the defense. Sergeant Torsson and Captain Jager will begin, followed by the second accused. You have the floor, gentlemen."
Jäger nodded and stood up from his seat. Torsson, now visibly nervous, remained silent. The sound of Jäger's boots broke the silence as he stepped forward. He stopped at the center of the courtyard, adjusted his uniform and cleared his throat.
Jäger looked at Major Sharkan, placed a hand over his heart and bowed his head. "Leg me begin with expressing my deepest and most sincere condolences in regards to those that were wounded and killed during the tragedy two nights before. I can assure you that both my men and I feel the deepest regrets of how the situation transpired."
He bowed his head again, paused and then looked at Mannfred and the assembled captains.
"It is no secret that we're at war. Not only is the Old World facing its greatest armed conflict yet but we, the Mannfred Expedition, have been elected to fight the war against unimaginable evil. One could say it's a battle for survival or it's a battle between good and evil. The truth however is not so simple, it is rather grey. Wherever we go there are dark powers conspiring against us. Gods plot with or against us. We have become pawns in a game of fate.
Like I have already stated my men and I deeply regret that events unfolded the way it did. Torsson and his men acted with overwhelming force against a numerically inferior enemy. It was wrong. However, they did so at my command.
My heart goes out to the relatives of those that have perished but unfortunately this was bound to happen. People of the Cattan islands; you're at war. Your enemy is no army, it is a pest that hides among your civilian populace and feeds from your society like parasites. If my men wouldn't have been here to cause such a tragedy then your own would have done so.
Torsson and the rest of my soldiers are not to blame. No, they were used as pawns by the enemy. The cultists feed on chaos and right now, through this very trial, they are getting exactly what they wanted. Chaos. Discord. Hatred.
No being with a sense of honor would hide behind innocent civilians and use them as shields after forcing military forces to retaliate.
Instead of having a trial we should be scouring the streets and the countryside for more of those disgusting traitors!"
At this point Jäger's face was red. His jaw was clenched and his eyebrows formed a sharp 'v'.
"I need every member of my crew for the battles to come. We need every soldier. Torsson included. Defense pleads not guilty." Jäger then walked back to his table and sat down.
Cattapoli, Consulate
Captain Jager gave his account and defense of his man, Sergeant Torsson, without much fanfare. The assembly listened quietly as he made the case, some scribbling notes, others simply observing the man. This was a much more different environment for any trial back home. It was a simplified tribunal in which there was little advanced procedure. Cases were made, examined, and then a decision was made.
Once Jager was done, the admiral called for Captain Tobey to make his case for Mister Norrys. He stood from his table and eyed the assembly once before speaking. As expected, Tobey was curt, to the point, and expectantly pragmatic.
He acknowledged that the events which had occurred were deeply regrettable, and justice was deserved. Similar to Jager, he made the case that focusing on them was a misdirection, and that efforts should be made to focus on the cultists which still lurked on the island. However... with one short glance at Jager, he declared that he would make a plea for Norrys. Not declare his innocence of the accused crimes. Norrys, who was sitting at the table, gulped and smoothed his hair back nervously as Tobey continued.
Tobey insisted that Norrys acted swiftly and accordingly in joining the shooting, as it was reasonable to believe that the Gothians were in a legitimate engagement. He made the point that Norrys had no way of knowing if the shooting was justified upon his arrival, and acting as a proper combatant, he joined forces with the Gothians to assist them under the idea that they were under attack. It wasn't until they were done shooting that Norrys and his men had realized the true extent of the situation. Therefore, while he was guilty of partaking in the shooting of innocents, he had done so without malice or incompetence - he was merely a victim of misled circumstance. Captain Tobey did not expressly state that Torsson was guilty per se, but his words allowed room for those to interpret that the blame laid solely on the commander who ordered the shooting to begin with.
His stern eyes settled on Mannfred as he proposed that execution was inappropriate, and that an alternative lengthy imprisonment was equally so. Tobey made the case that a suitable punishment be provided to match the situation. He took his seat without further word.
Admiral Mannfred took the floor back and he cleared his throat.
"The two cases have been made in the defenses of Torsson and Norrys. It is time to deliberate on what you have heard. Keep in mind that we are not debating or judging if the shooting happened - we are determining if it was justified. The floor is open to questions to the concerned captains, as well as Major Sharkan. Your decisions will either lead to the execution, release, or... alternative punishment for Torsson and Norrys. Do think carefully. Once you announce your decision, you cannot go back on your word."
Having listened in silence, the small delegation from the Zuflucht began to discuss the issue at hand. Schuster was characteristically mum, and allowed Kirsch to speak first to Fallensteller. "So, what do you think, Captain?" the Lieutenant began. "I think if this case were tried back home, these men would be discharged and imprisoned." From the tone of his voice, it was clear that his question was semi-rhetorical, as if the point was to check Fallensteller's judgement.
"While that may be true," Fallensteller replied slowly, "the fact remains that we are not back at home, Mr. Kirsch. I do believe that when the laws of civilized warfare were envisioned, they did not account for the threats posed by dark worship in this sea. Captain Jäger is very right when he says that we will need every available man when it comes to Nadesh."
"You think we should acquit?" Kirsch asked, somewhat disappointed.
Fallensteller nodded.
Kirsch turned to Schuster. "And what do you think, Commander? You haven't said a word."
"I agree with the Captain," Schuster replied hesitantly and Kirsch tried not to roll his eyes. "Corruption needs to be uprooted," Schuster added, trying to put his own spin on the position. "...We have to stamp it out wherever it can be found, even if it means harming innocents in the process." He didn't look Kirsch in the eye as he spoke, but seemed rather distant or resigned. Annoyed, Kirsch looked out over the chatting delegations and waited for someone to speak. It occurred to him how quickly Fallensteller seemed to have come to a final decision compared to some of the other captains, and figured that she already had her mind made up before the trial ever began.
Now, she stood and tried to set the tone. "I'll keep my thoughts brief," she said. "The Zuflucht is of the opinion that the actions of Misters Torsson and Norrys should not be considered actionable. The laws of war were agreed upon by the civilized nations of the Old World. Catten, Nadesh, and other lands in these seas were not privy to the crafting of those standards and, in a place where cult worship and magic is able to bend the world in ways our nations could not have foreseen, should not be considered relevant to any standards on the conduct of war.
"Furthermore," she said, looking about the room rather loftily, "the creatures which lost their lives during the incident were not human, and so questions arise as to whether this was truly any crime rising above the triviality of animal cruelty." There was a certain viciousness underpinning her words, and a cruel smile on her lips. "This fleet has much greater matters to attend to, namely, the protection of human interests. With that in mind, I submit to my fellow captains that these charges should be dismissed entirely so that we can get back to matters of actual consequence." She sat down.
Kirsch stared at her, aghast.
Vunor resigned his seat and joined the crowd as the trial began and watched from the sidelines along with the small crowd that observed the situation. He stayed silent as Jäger and Tobey spoke in defense of their men, reserving judgements. Then Fallensteller opened her mouth, and Vunors eyes widened at this blatant insult to not only his people, but the entirety of the Isles. He was completely speechless at this flagrant disregard for life. There is something wrong with that woman. he thought to himself.
---
Dobbs glared with a piercing gaze directly at Fallensteller after she spoke. He would not let her get away easily with this. "Are you trying to instigate something, Captain?" Dobbs replied with a
cold vitriol in his voice. "Might I remind you that we are guests here, within the borders of a sovereign nation. Or do you disregard laws of a land like you do life? If anything, these beastfolk are more human than you."
He then stood up and looked around the table. "Execution is not an option, as we are at war. Neither is a full dismissal, as what was done is reprehensible. A middle ground is the only option."
Dobbs paused for a moment, choosing his next words carefully. "I suggest disciplinary action as determined by their respective captains, overseen by the Admiral, as well as a rank demotion." As much as justice needed to be served, if the beastfolk had their way, they would probably kill the two of them. At least this way, they would live and fight on.
---
Nita felt drawn in as she stared into the shades, feeling at first a bit uncomfortable, but then... content with the answer. "Oh... uh, sorry... didn't mean to offend you about your, er... condition." she replied as she backed off a little and shook her head.
Fallensteller seemed unconcerned with Dobbs' rebuke. "I see there are hard feelings over yesterday's turn of events. It's quite alright, Vice Admiral. Everyone makes mistakes."
The only mistake I made was not putting a bullet through your head, bitch. his mind screamed, yet he did not utter these words. This was not the time or place for this. He looked unfazed as he once more turned his gaze to Fallensteller. "Let me make one thing clear, heretic. Your judgement will come soon enough." he replied before taking his seat once more and, once more, turned his gaze to the others. "I have stated my decision. A middle ground is necessary here for this matter."
The Columbian table spend a minute or two going over the events of that night thoughts after Jäger and Tobey defended their men, trying to see if they had insight of their own that could change perception. Graves was the only one who could offer anything as Fontaine was with Manfred and Karam never left the ship, only send aid to put out the blazing inferno.
"The cultists are crafty if my experience from that night is anything to go by." Graves scratched his chin, trying to recall the details of the fight in the alley "Hiding among civilians is something I would expect. Guess we were lucky that we fought in an alley where they didn't have the chance or else it would be me up there."
"It's not like we're strangers to this, Mr. Graves." Karam spoke next "How many innocent bystanders have been caught in our own crossfires due to our captain's orders? How many villages have been burned down because they were hiding rebels?"
"About twenty." Reginald gave a candid answer "You picked a good time to criticize me, Vaikar."
"Merely pointing out the facts to remind Mr.Graves, captain. While I would want these men punished, our hands aren't clean either. Something to keep in mind"
Fontaine gave no response to that. Karam was right. His own reputation and that of the company was going to get in the way of what he said. In any case, it was still in his best interest to show his potential new trade partners that he had their best interest at heart. But maybe there was a way to spin this?
Fontaine stood up, not wanting to wait for Dobbs and Fallensteller to finish their squabble (although, Dobbs was more pragmatic than he initially thought), he spoke
"From my own personal experience I can say that elements such as these cultists are hard to fight out in the open. Their lot preferring to fight behind civilians. Almost every engagement will end with innocent bystanders getting hurt. My own men lucked out and fought them in an alley where luckily none were present." He looked towards Dobbs "I am aware of my reputation and that of the men and women I work for. So of course it sounds like I am making excuses for them. I am not, instead I am merely adding context to our decision. The men under my command that have commited the similar acts in other places with similar circumstances, were indeed found guilty and suffered punishment, as such The Eye of Horus judges both Mr. Torrson and Mr. Norris as guilty."
"But when it comes to punishing them, we have objections. We are at war and require every man and woman we can get." He glanced at Fallensteller "We would also rather keep good relations with the only people here who are friendly to us. As such, a compromise should be made. Rather than taking away their lives, take their dignity and pride instead. Keep them around so they can be of use, but also show our hosts that we still respect them as well."
Krantz spoke up when the others had finished. "I agree with Dobbs in the matter. A middle ground must be achieved, considering where we are and our current mission. We cannot simply let these men off without punishment, like Fallensteller has suggested. These men took part in the killing of civilians. That alone is a hanging offense back home. But as we currently need all hands to accomplish our ultimate goal, we cannot simply have these men strung up somewhere. Instead, I propose flogging."
Krantz paused for a moment. "As barbaric as that may seem in our modern era, it should get the message across. I think it is severe enough to satisfy the locals, and it will spare the lives of these men."
Jäger listened to the other captains in silence. His expression remained neutral and it was impossible to tell what he was thinking.
The Cavaliers were still observing everyone else in the room but despite their intense looks they appeared to be somewhat bored as one of them casually drummed his finger against the receiver of his SMG. Another one yawned underneath his mask.
Finally there was Torsson. He tried to hide his feelings as best he could but it was clear that the soldier was getting increasingly nervous. His hands started to shake slightly.
Jäger placed a hand on Torsson's left shoulder to calm him and whispered something in his ear. Torsson nodded.
Cattapoli, Consulate
Shortly after the floor was opened for debate and decision announcement, Fallensteller was the first to seize control of this to make her statement and decision on the case clear. Initially, her opening statement regarding Cattan not being an island that was bound to Old World law earned a few thoughtful nods. The law of these islands were mostly unknown, and only a few knew of the Gunpowder Treaty which Mannfred had imposed at some point in time on the islands. He had made no venture of elaborating on it to the fleet, and most didn't know to ask. Even many of the beastfolk remained thoughtless on this elusive treaty. As such, it was reasonable that the standards of law here could not be applied as they would be in the Old World.
Her secondary reasoning drew more of a stir - and not a pleasant one. A few raised eyebrows, some disgusted looks, and a few uncomfortable glances went around the assembly of humans. In the small area which had about a dozen beastfolk, several who spoke Gren reacted with utter shock, followed by anger at Fallensteller's position that they were no more than mere animals. That human interests, as she said, were superior. Unhappy whispering went around their group as some translated for their compatriots, who reacted in a similar matter.
Mannfred was sat at his table, watching Fallensteller with a stern gaze. His fingers tapped away irritably while Fallensteller continued to speak and finally, thankfully, sat back down.
"Captain Fallensteller's position has been noted. Moving on," he said loudly and immediately, making it clear that he wasn't going to allow the assembly to devolve into another off the rail situation like the prior one. Even if Dobbs had started that one, it still centered around Fallensteller. That woman certainly seemed to be at the center of drama.
He leaned over to speak to one of his officers, who quietly excused himself from the table and made way to the beastfolk group. He began to speak with some of them quietly.
Almost on cue, Dobbs was unable to stay silent and made his position clear. The admiral was thankful that the vice admiral did not go overboard today, but the man made his distaste abundantly known.
However, Fallensteller made a retort of her own, followed by another scathing remark by Dobbs. It did not escalate any further and the admiral simply nodded as others spoke up to make their decisions.
Dobbs, Fontaine, and Krantz were some of the more prominent captains to make their position clear that a suitable, middle ground punishment be applied. Aside from Jager and Fallensteller, no others had made the case that Torsson and Norrys should be cleared of the charges. Captain Valdez of the Buttero agreed with Dobbs, Fontaine, and Krantz along with Captain Christensen of the Thornhill, Captain Spaghetti of the Problem Child, and Captain Bartholomew of the Seacrest. The third escort captain disagreed - Captain Voynich of the King Halgar's Revenge - sided with Captain Gustav of the Valdemar II and Captain Crowley of the Caledfwlch in deciding that Torsson and Norrys were guilty and worthy of execution.
The decisions at this point were two innocent pleas, five for a reduced sentence, and three for execution. Finally, Captain Murdoch of the Revenant gave her vote for the reduced sentence, making it clearly the majority opinion of the court regardless.
"The decisions of the jury has been heard. We stand at a majority recommending a reduced sentence in recognition of Torsson and Norrys' crimes. As judge, I will convene with my panel to decide on the punishment," Mannfred said, turning to the Revenant officers at his table - Murdoch included - as they began to discuss the decision made. While the court was not technically a democracy, it would be foolish to go against the majority opinion in this case. Major Sharkan even joined in on the panel as well.
The deliberations only lasted for about thirty minutes before Mannfred rose from the table and strode to the front of the assembly.
"A final decision has been made," he announced clearly. "Sergeant Torsson and Mister Norrys are found to be guilty on the charges of incompetence of command and illegal issuing of orders. Accusations of war criminal status have been nullified and unfounded on the basis of intent and necessity. The maximum sentencing of capital execution is no longer valid."
He paused for a moment to allow this to settle in before moving on.
"The maximum sentencing for corporal punishment has been decided. Sergeant Torsson and Mister Norrys are to suffer the punishment of flogging. It is to be noted that under Brunswick naval law, no sailor is to receive more than twenty-five lashes unless directed by a military court. As this is a naval court conducted in proper process, the number of lashes to be received... is the total of seventy-five, administered by a Cattan disciplinarian utilizing a cat o' nine tails. In addition to the primary sentencing of seventy five lashes upon the back, the guilty will be reduced by the magnitude of two ranks and pay grades. Upon recovery from the punishment, the accused will be allowed to return to duties at the discretion of their captain and the ship's doctor. This is the final decision of the court."
Seventy-five lashes of the cat o' nine was severe indeed, and was well within the range of potentially killing the convicted if they caught an infection or suffered otherwise. It was not a common punishment anymore, especially with laws being passed to protect sailors from unjustly brutal punishments.
"The punishment will occur tonight at eight-thirty in the main square of Cattapoli. As this is a formal court punishment concerning the entirety of the fleet, all captains, their command, their honor guard, and an enlisted contingent of sailors numbering in platoon strength are required to attend as witnesses."
One more pause to allow the news to go over.
"The court is now dismissed. Sergeant Torsson and Mister Norrys will be passed over into Cattan custody now."
At this announcement, four Cattan guardsmen made their way through the assembly, aided by an officer of the Revenant, to take Torsson and Norrys away. These particular guardsmen were all Vulkaine, clearly chosen for their height and size and intimidation factor. Mister Norrys was handed over meekly, and they made to approach Captain Jager's delegation. To their credit, they did not balk at any of the Cavalier guards he had with him.
As the verdict came down, Fallensteller was at first pleased by the announcement that capital punishment was no longer on the table, but upon hearing the severity of the two men's punishment, her smile faded to a grimace. Silently, she collected the few belongings she had taken along and prepared to depart.
Kirsch leaned in close. "What was that about, Captain?" he demanded. "Have you seen how the islanders are looking at us!? We'll be lucky if we make it out of here without being abducted at this rate... Gods, they're still scowling at us."
"It's nothing, Lieutenant," Fallensteller replied, and something about her wistful tone seemed disingenuous to Kirsch. "It was simply a bit of politics above your pay grade. Do be a dear and don't concern yourself with it. I'll be speaking with the Eisenstrasse delegation for the near future."
"Fine," Kirsch replied, somewhat testily. "I have some handshaking of my own to do. I think I might check in with the Vice Admiral about Ackermann, and why he hasn't executed the sonofabitch yet," he added, trying to play to the Captain's interests.
"That would be most useful of you," Fallensteller said as she gazed at Váradi. As she stepped forth, she contended with the fact that Krantz and his new associate might move to cut her off, which would make things more complicated.
Meanwhile, Schuster simply sat at the table with his head in his hands, looking exhausted.
Jäger grimaced briefly as the verdict came. Damn, that was alot of lashes.
He looked at Torsson who stared forward with a blank expression. "Don't worry Sergeant. You've seen worse." Jäger sighed. "I'll be there with you the entire time."
Torsson nodded silently.
As soon as the Cattan guardsmen stepped forward the Cavaliers parted, forming a short corridor. Jäger nodded towards two of the Cavaliers. "Go with Torsson. Make sure that there's no unfair treatment during custody." Jäger then paused and glanced at the guardsmen before turning back to his men. "[If a threat presents itself you're authorized to eliminate it. Use lethal force if you need to.]"
The two Cavaliers nodded and followed the guardsmen a small distance behind while Torsson allowed himself to be escorted away.
With his subordinate being escorted to custody Jäger, followed by the two remaining Cavaliers, approached Mannfred. Jäger bowed his head. "Thank you for the fair trial, Admiral. I was worried that the Cattan would maybe hold a mock tribunal to clear away any formalities before moving ahead with a execution. Quite frankly, I wouldn't have blamed them if they did."
Jäger bowed again and excused himself, he then approached Shalo. "I did not expect forus to meet so soon again. If you are indeed accompanying us you're more than welcome aboard the Blitzwave. I'm sure Yarah would love to have you around," said Jäger while chuckling.
"Speaking of Yarah. I need your help. It is a matter best discussed in private, if you have time of course."
'Seventy-five lashes? Did he want to cripple them?' Fontaine was rather surprised by the severity of the punishment, but it fell within his lines of recommended action. So he couldn't complain. There was one last matter to attend to with Manfred before he could leave however.
"Wait for me outside, I won't take long." He dismissed Karam and Graves along with the company men that came with them. No point in making them stand around here while the rest were leaving.
They left and Fontaine calmly walked towards Manfred, who had his attention held by Jäger. Reginald wasn't in a hurry and would let them finish, at the same time it allowed him to take a better look at Shalo. If it weren't for the fact that she spoke earlier, he would have been sure she was a regular kitten. Small, white and fluffy. The type he would see columbian elite walk around with during house parties. 'What if I took you back home? A talking cat would make for a wonderful showstopper. Maybe make those parties not feel like a chore, if only for a little while.' He amused the thought of how he would look like given his reputation and demeanor, but walking around with a talking white cat following his every step. 'Could write that as a children's story. Different pen name is all I would need.'
The ordeal of the trial came and went in a blur to Therasmus, for once he wasn't so intently focused on the politics of the situation as it played out. To him it did not matter whether Jager's men would be accompanying them in the upcoming battle, such small players would likely not weave fate in a particularly impactful manner, so the results were more or less inconsequential to him. However it was an interesting way to observe just how these humans dealt with disciplinary actions among themselves, and he could only twist his mouth once he understood what all of those lashes would be. The men would not be in any capacity to fight after such a beating, he wagered, so it made him wonder why they weren't just executed if it was a matter of man power.
"Quite eventful, quite eventful." he muttered to himself, slumped forward in his seat as his face rested on a palm. It was hard to tell whether he was being sarcastic or not, but Therasmus hadn't really displayed a propensity to it before now. "So the punishment will take place tonight, then? How intriguing. It leaves me wondering why such fanfare is necessary, this whole situation is a rather confusing one, admittedly."
The demon then stood up from his seat and walked toward the center of the courtyard, hands behind his back as he surveyed the conversations and people funneling out of the courtyard. Naturally he stayed somewhat close to Captain Jager due to his arrangements to stay on his ship, but it seemed like he did not have much to say for once, deliberating and thinking to himself.
Seventy-five lashes each? A tad extreme, but Krantz wouldn't argue with the Admiral. It was better than execution, and much better than just letting them go outright. Krantz stood, pushing his chair under the table and glancing to Kyndreth. "Lets go speak to Lady Shalo and Jäger, shall we? After all, Jäger was also granted a few demons of his own. He'll likely want to meet you." said Krantz, before he looked to Váradi.
"I'll remain here untill you finish, sir." stated Váradi, as he stood himself and pushed his own chair under the table. Krantz nodded in response, before motioning to Kyndreth to follow. A moment later, both strolled across the area to where the others had gathered.
Meanwhile, Váradi looked about and eventually met Fallensteller's gaze. As much as he wished to speak with her, he hoped that Krantz wouldn't take notice. He thought for a moment, and devised an explaination for if he should. He'd say that Fallensteller offered a few unsavory comments directed towards the Eisenstrasse's captain after the verdict didn't go her way. He'd believe it. After all, Krantz hated the woman and still believed that he did as well.
Now it was all a question of if she'd actually speak to him here.
Cattapoli, Consulate
As the trial came to an end and people began to move about, there were certainly a few beastfolk leveling glares in the direction of Fallensteller, the source of their anger and distaste. Her remarks clearly were not forgotten, and likely would not be for the foreseeable future. Still, all had the sense to not make it into a large ordeal, and kept to themselves. Most appeared content with the results of the trial, though a few were upset that executions were not in order. Perhaps... that meant the humans really did prefer their own interests over the beastfolk? There was no doubt that Fallensteller's statement would lead to some debates among the learned circles of the Cattan.
The four beastfolk guardsmen eyed Torsson and the two Cavaliers accompanying him with distaste. They were armed with swords, which were sheathed on their broad leather belts, shrouded partly by their black cloaks. It was uncertain if the colors of their cloaks meant anything, as there was little particular uniformity outside of small groups. It may have signified rank or unit, but it was not clear to the humans. The Revenant officer with the guardsmen translated and spoke for the guardsmen. The man hesitated when he realized two of the Cavaliers were coming with them, and he spoke up.
"Do understand that you no longer have jurisdiction over Mister Torsson for the duration of his imprisonment. He is in joint custody between Cattan authorities and the Revenant, as we are the acting human command. There is a city prison not far from here where he will be detained until the public punishment. You will not be able to wait near his cell, but accommodations will be provided within a nearby room."
The officer sounded rather well prepared and versed on these sort of matters, as if they had planned this out well... or had experience with similar situations in the past.
Admiral Mannfred returned Jager's nod when the man approached him. "Impartial justice is important among all groups, I believe," he explained, "and I will not allow a kangaroo court to usher anyone into an unjust sentencing. As I am no longer acting as judge... I think their punishment is fitting enough, though I do not doubt that had this been in the Old World they would have been hanged by morning." He gave another nod as the man drifted away and approached Shalo.
Shalo was still lounging on her litter, curled up in the red velvet silky blanket and small pillows which dominated the bowl-like area she sat in. Her accompanying servants were also lounging out around her, laying on their sides and sitting around her elevated position. Only her four guards with their glaives remained standing, eyes watching everyone around them. Two of them watched Jager closely as he approached, and even the lounging servants appeared a little more alert. As he got closer, he would realize that some of the others were armed with daggers under their cloaks, as the positions they were laying in revealed them.
"Your offer is a kind one, captain. I may make a visit to several of the ships. I think it would be entertaining, though I imagine I'll spend most of my time aboard the admiral's vessel," she smiled. "Though playing with that little succubus has always been an enjoyment of mine. There are few who so capture my interest in such a way. Even fewer who do and still remain at the bottom of the heap. But you say you have an issue with her, hmm? Not surprising. I did warn you she was a feisty one. If you wish, we can discuss the matters nearby."
Shalo glanced over at one of the masked servants. "The pillow, dear, if you would be so kind."
The servant bowed their head and stood up. They reached under the litter and pulled out a square pillow which was fluffy and surrounded in long ornamental tassels. It was the kind of pillow that one would present a small gift on, such as a ceremonial dagger. In this case, it was simply a more mobile platform for the cat goddess. Holding it securely in both hands, they lowered it so Shalo could step onto it, which she did. The servant held the pillow at about mid-level, so that Shalo could sit on it and still be high enough to speak with people.
"This way, please," she commanded, and the servant and two guards followed off to the side of the courtyard where no one was present. "So, what is this private matter with Yarah-kei? Don't tell me you are expecting children already, hmm?"
Fontaine wasn't much further away and was able to have watched the discussion between Jager and Shalo, as well as see the two of them walk away.
Admiral Mannfred was just a few steps from Fontaine, and he glanced the man over. "You would like to discuss something, captain?"
"Yes, it won't take too much of your time, admiral. Just standart procedure as you requested." Fontaine reached into his jacked and pulled out a envelope bearing the logo of the Black river trading company and gave it to Manfred "Yesterday after the captain's meeting, we began to question those we suspected of corruption and of being part of a conspiracy. Unfortunately, when we went to question Miss Mallery, she surprised us by pulling out a handgun, shouting something incoherent about Raum and pulled the trigger on herself."
"The envelope contains my full report, testimonies of my two officers and two guards present at the scene. As well as full autopsy report from the ship's medic and a confession from him in aiding her conspiracy. His punishment is not yet decided."
Jäger nodded towards Krantz before following Shalo. "The issue I have lies not with Yarah, as feisty as she is, but rather with another succubus."
He paused and glanced at Krantz and his companion before continuing. "I tried to summon another one but I must've made something wrong for she was not bound to me nor did she inhibit any kind of magic. She tried to escape but because her magic powers had been nullified she was ultimately restrained by my men."
"Her name is Raya-kei."
Cattapoli, Consulate
Admiral Mannfred took the envelope from Fontaine, briefly glancing it over before putting it in his inner coat pocket. There was just a slight frown on his face as he stuffed it away.
"I see. That is certainly concerning, though it fortunately sounds to me that you have the situation under control now. I'll review the report when I return to my ship. As it stands, I think you have full reign to do as needed to keep your crew under control and eliminate any conspirators at your discretion. If this situation is too concerning, I will certainly handle it for you. These matters are familiar to me. Likewise, if it seems like this case of conspiracy is spreading to other ships, the situation regarding the Zuflucht excluded, I will have to step in to monitor things. Regardless, I appreciate the expediency of this report."
-
Shalo, or more accurately, her servant who was carrying her, led Jager, Krantz, and Kyndreth to the side of the courtyard. There was a little arbor with vines and flowers stretching out from the perimeter wall to provide shade, and a few butterflies fluttered through the air of this small garden section. There were two stone benches facing each other, and a small water fountain attached to the wall. It was white and blue tiled, with a small ornamental fresco flourish imprinted upon it.
"Oh? It sounds to me that you did not have an entirely proper set up. A successful summoning but not bound, and also missing her magic... sounds like you did not have the binding runes, a focuser, or limiters set up. All in all, you are extraordinarily lucky. I would say that nearly every time this happens, they still retain their power. In this case something somewhere worked out in your favor to ensure that her power was nullified, as you say. Its entirely possible that you bound her power instead of her soul, which is utterly useless as neither you or her can utilize that power in such a state," Shalo explained.
"But Raya-kei?" She suddenly chuckled. "How funny. I know I imprinted some other names upon you, though I didn't expect you would summon her with a name similar to Yarah-kei. They aren't related, if that is what you think, but they are both of the same extended tribe. Possibly distant cousins, if you wish to count it that way, but they are not directly related."
She paused for a moment, seemingly reminiscing. "Raya is a good girl. Hard working, if not a bit arrogant - though they all are. Once she is in her position, she'll do her best. No doubt she is a little feisty now if she isn't bound," she smirked. "Though, I must warn you, keep that one away from animals. She's a little too fond of them."
Fallensteller could feel the gallery's ire radiating down at the back of her head as she approached Váradi. The crowd seemed to part as she did, providing her an opportunity to speak privately with the man; it was almost as if fate was willing their encounter. But she still didn't know what to say- if he wasn't a servant, like her, then things would get dire, quickly. And even if he was and everything von Strauss had said was true, how would she address the heir to the Ungrian throne? He certainly looked the part, which was different. She had glanced his way maybe once or twice before, but had always seen a shabby officer. Not the gentleman officer now standing before her. Master... guide my words...
Suddenly, she was face to face with the man, and - right on cue - her expression soured as unknown words automatically sprung from her lips: "Your captain's allegiance is about as clear as the Novbary River," she said with indignation. Her eyes briefly drifting into the middle distance as she realized what she had just said. It was clearly an admonishment, but the offhand reference to some apparently-murky river perplexed her. It was clearly intended to be significant to Váradi, but whether it was an invitation or a warning, Fallensteller couldn't be sure. She continued speaking, and the cryptic message continued to pour forth:
"Those heretical curs attack our soldiers with firebombs, and our brilliant leaders flog them for their noble and commendable acts... One day, it'll be regal blood spilled over their lack of wisdom, unless we stand together. But I don't think there's a soul on your vessel who can see beyond the vanity of their own reflection, unless you think you can hold a candle. Prove me wrong. Time is ticking, and it will be midnight before we know it!"
She turned and stormed away, apparently red in the face with anger, leaving Váradi somewhat confused. Underneath the surface, Fallensteller's mind reeled from the amount she had allowed herself to be controlled- only a select few words of her attack had actually come from her own imagination. The rest were divinely inspired... Master has called you home, Dominik. He warns you to unite with me or suffer the wrath of Calcifer and his pawns... But the rest of His message, to see beyond vanity... to hold a candle... what is He trying to tell us? Reflections... Midnight... Is it some sort of ritual?! Oh yesss... It must be, it must be...
---
Kirsch approached the Vice Admiral nervously. The last time he had encountered the man, he reluctantly turned over Ackermann while viciously denying rumors of torture. Now, he felt that he had been deceived, and was ashamed of himself. When the two at last came to face each other, Kirsch saluted respectfully before bowing his head and speaking the whole truth and his conscience. "Sir, I came to ask about the condition of Mr. Ackermann. In light of recent happenings, I'm very concerned that I may have been involved in something highly unethical. I'd like to offer myself as a substitute for the role that Ackermann played before, to report on my Captain's behavior." He looked up, and the honesty of his words seemed evident. He extended his hand. "I hope that the Zuflucht has not fully exhausted its trust among the fleet's higher officers."
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