"A vote would be a good way to gauge and record the perspectives of all captains in this operation. But in the end, the final say would go to the Admiral in regards to this issue for the upcoming battle." Dobbs replied.
Vunor could only listen with a deep, pained frown as the captains talked, before sighing quietly and lowering his head. "If it is absolutely necessary for you to use this weapon... use them on a fighting force at the very least. I ask for a guarantee that civilians that do not fight are put in way of this."
---
Lonstray shrugged. "The Vice Admiral believes you, and has the evidence I suppose. It would most likely be believed by the Admiral himself in that case then, hopefully. I don't think Mannfred would be ignorant of something as potentially severe as this unless he is either a fool or a subverter himself. And if these past few days have been any indicator, I doubt he is either."
Lonstray looked to Ackermann once more, trying to find the words to encourage the man. But before he could say anything, a knock on the door sounded. Lonstray opened the door to find the ensign he sent out earlier carrying three books with him. He quietly thanked the young chap before closing the door and held out the books to Ackermann. "I'm not sure which gods or faith you find comfort in, but there's a collection of scriptures from Albion's Holy Church in this one book here, a prayer book from the same institute and... hm."
Lonstray paused momentarily as he looked at the last one. "What appears to be a scripture book of the ancient pagan religion... before the Holy Church. I didn't think people still practiced it, let alone knew it existed."
He looked to Ackermann once more. "I think that will be an interesting read."
"Maybe," Ackermann replied. He looked at the three books and idly commented, "my background a bit complicated... I suppose I was raised on the Teutonic Pentarchy, but my family wasn't 'active' per say at the congregation. In fact we were largely there for appearances, and there's a lot from the Diothesis that I've never read. This is all new to me, by the way, this Albion religion. Who knows if it carries more weight out here, given what we've seen." He set them aside without commenting on the pagan text included and took up the fork instead, and began eating breakfast, which had gone a bit lukewarm by that point.
"I have this vague feeling," he said, as he shakily scooped and ate some of the beans. "I feel like something bad is going to happen when Dobbs tells the fleet what's happening. I hope I'm wrong."
Cattapoli, Consulate
Admiral Mannfred listened quietly as the assembled spoke back and forth on the proposal to use chemical weapons on the Nadeshi, provided by Captain Fontaine. Personally, Mannfred didn't have much qualm in using the weapons on the Nadeshi. They weren't an Old World nation to deal with politically, nor did they face any public backlash aside from some of the Cattan. It was expected that some would be against their usage, while others were openly supportive.
"While I think we can all agree that using gas on civilian targets is of course deplorable," Mannfred said dryly, "its application on military targets is another matter. One which may be quite beneficial to our operation. The only real viable target then would be the fortress, as the palace is closely connected to neighboring districts. A small strike of gas will easily kill many of the defenders and possibly even cause a rout of their forces."
He glanced over at Fallensteller. "However, our captain from the Zuflucht is wise in mentioning that enemy sorcerers will also be on the field and will likely be capable of protecting the area around them from the gas - and even pushing it back out to sea or elsewhere. Some of us may have experience from the Colonial War in dealing with gas, and it is entirely unpleasant for both sides. Landing troops at the beaches in gas masks is asking for trouble. And if they have any particularly skilled sorcerers who can actively move the cloud of gas around our men... then the chemicals could possibly be just as detrimental to us as it is to them. They won't have any technology like gas masks of course, and I doubt they have a concept of poison gas, but its capture through sorcerous means is a distinct risk."
"My marines have basic training in fighting under such conditions with gas masks, but I am not certain that all in the expedition have the training to do so. Fighting in gas masks is a poor experience and it will hinder the abilities of our ground forces, despite killing many Nadeshi," the admiral explained, pausing for a moment as he collected his thoughts.
"A vote on the matter is unnecessary. Small applications of gas mixed in during the initial bombardment on select targets will be allowed. The military fortress is the best target for gas, though the palace is a potential target. Speaking on humane terms, it would probably be best to avoid gassing the palace due to its proximity to houses and businesses, as well as there being noncombatants in the palace. Of course, we will be bombarding the palace with explosives regardless, so the point may be moot in that regard. Death by gas or shelling? Its a similar outcome."
"The gas will be allowed, but it will only be used sparingly during the initial bombardment. All targets being gassed must be clearly identified to all units to minimize accidents or having to force our troops into combat with gas masks. Once more I would like to reiterate that we are not planning nor committing a genocide, we are simply dealing with a situation where the combatants will be difficult to discern and may be a mixture of women and children."
Jäger nodded. "It is settled then."
Dobbs nodded his head in acceptance of the decision, while Vunor stayed silent. The Vice Admiral then stood up to speak again. "Very well then. It is indeed settled. But before we continue, I have one thing to say about this plan." He then slowly turned his head and stared directly at Fallenstellar with a cold look. "It is a mistake to even consider allowing the Zufluct on this operation. Captain Fallenstellar, you have consorted with the enemy and have made attempts to subvert the fleet in a detrimental manner." He began before pointing a finger at her.
"You tortured one of your own officers and have willfully entered into a dark pact with the evil we fight against. Your crimes against the fleet, humanity, and against Sebastian Ackermann will be brought to light now, heretic."
He then turned to the rest of the captains in the room. "When I found Ackermann, he was a man brought low by the cruel means of torture by having to relive a moment from Blackstone via a recording. A recording in the hands of one Officer Pletcher before disappearing. It brought him nearly to the brink, and her intentions were made clear. She would either have him serve or die. Before that choice was made, I took him away and brought him to the docks during the fire that engulfed it last night. There, he told his story of Fallensteller's willfull malice, and was then subsequently confirmed by two of my marines and one Officer Kahleen when she spoke with her gods and the stones moved to speak one word for Ackermann's tale: true."
He then motioned a hand towards Kahleen as if for her to speak her testimony.
Kahleen stood up, causing her chair to screech against the hard floor. Jäger looked at her with complete utter surprise as he hadn't been informed about Kahleen's encounter last night. Meanwhile Högborg watched Kahleen with a neutral expression.
He had already been informed.
Kahleen cleared her throat and nodded towards Dobbs. "Thank you, Vice Admiral." She paused and looked at the assembled people. "I am Marine Officer Sari Kahleen of the Blitzwave. As many of you know I am one of the Zamerians- a minority of spiritually-connected people hailing from northern Gothia."
"During our assault on Blackstone Keep I fought alongside Commander Ackermann and his men. At one point he narrowly evaded death after trying to save one of his men. He is a good man, such character is not easy to falsify. Rumors later reached my ears that he'd been part of some form of treason and after I hadn't seen him."
"That is, untill last night. The Ackermann that I met was a mere shell of himself. He told me that Captain Fallensteller was evil and that she had tortured him with a recording. Ackermann had several scars from self-inflicted wounds, I believe it was an effort at making the blood cross every night."
"As I spoke to him I realized the weight of his words and therefore I needed to know if the words spoken were truthfull. I consulted my gods through a set of prayerstones and they told me that his words were true." Kahleen stopped momentarily and eyed Fallensteller with a deep hatred.
"As a military officer I recommend that Captain Fallensteller is suspended from command duties untill an investigation can decide wether or not a crime truly has been committed." With that said Kahleen sat down.
Jäger was at a loss of words and looked like he wanted to scream. He looked at Fallensteller with a sad expression. "Sabine... Is this true?"
Therasmus idly tapped the end of his pen against the notebook he had scribbled on, having lost interest in the conversation at the debate of using chemical weapons. As far as he was concerned efficiency and total victory should be the goal of any battle, and to hold such things back in the name of moral obligations seemed incredibly foolish. Would he make mention of such an irrefutable fact? Certainly not, the last thing he needed were certain captains growing angry with him over something so petty. Seemed like an awful big fuss that interrupted the importance of which crew he would be working with, but he was far from the kind of demon to hold a grudge. However, the sudden accusation of heresy was more than enough to get his attention back on track.
"Hm? A traitor among us, you say? Ohoh, that would certainly be interesting." Therasmus comments, laying his pen down to clasp his hands together with excitement. Was that what he was seeing in Fallensteller's aura? A tether to this dark god she was apparently consorting with and serving? It would certainly make sense, but there were a number of variables to consider before he could make a conclusion. "An artifact used to commune with gods and the testimony of officers is what you provide as evidence, then? Hmm... how curious..." he says, soon pondering on the possibilities.
"I have many questions." Therasmus finally says after a few seconds of silence on his part. "I won't drag things down by sharing each and every one, but I will try to ask the relevant ones. I do not mean to discredit this Ackermann fellow, or any of you vehemently accusing this woman for dabbling in the dark arts, but your accusation is not exactly rock solid, yes? And if there is truly a traitor in our midst, we should perhaps look into every possibility and side of the story, lest we fall into chaos of executing each and every poor soul to step out of line. At least, that is my personal understanding." he states. "Regardless, this Ackermann recounted to you a vivid tale of his torture, apparently witness to such terrible acts and events. Though I must ask... is anyone's word worth much in these parts? This area is strong with the Abyss, and it plays many tricks on the feeble minds of mortals, to be sure. What could seem vivid may all simply be an illusion portrayed by greater forces." Therasmus gets up from his seat, leaning slightly forward with a bow and a smirk on his face. "I think I am a testament to that fact." the demon says, rising from his seat to pace about his side of the table some.
"As for my second question - you say this Kahleen communed with her gods to confirm the truth in Ackermann's words? Why are we to believe the words of gods above your fellow man and comrade? They have just as much capacity to lie, if not to a greater degree than mortals and lesser demons. If these gods were at odds with the accused, or even this fleet as a whole, they could simply tell you all what you want to hear. Or even worse, they might not be even your gods speaking through those trinkets at all. Had you taken that into consideration?" he rants, crossing his arms over his chest. "What you suggest has awfully serious ramifications to my understanding. Though that understanding my very well be incorrect, hm... Regardless, we should be thorough, yes?"
Fallensteller remained seated throughout the Vice Admiral's accusations, looking simply shocked as opposed to genuinely offended or angered, until Kahleen began to offer her own testimony to corroborate it. The other Zuflucht officers were taken aback, despite their varying degrees of awareness of Fallensteller's treachery, and they quickly turned to her, seeking direction. She bolted to her feet, positively infuriated. "What baseless accusations... how dare you!" she howled, her gloved hands balled into tight fists. "How easy do you think it will be to convince these good people, that Ackermann, that ignoble schweinhund of a man, is reporting my character in good faith just days after attempting to murder me at my own dinner table in broad daylight!? Does it not seem at all the least bit likely that a man on death row would profess his innocence in some grand conspiracy? No, Captain Jäger, not a word of it is true.
"And you-" she blasted, pointing her whole arm at Kahleen, and while her hand was empty it might as well have been holding a pistol by the positively blood-hungry look in Fallensteller's eyes, "you would destabilize the relationship I hold with this fleet, the mission, and my fellow captains based on nothing but the irrational acts of a desperate man, and the consultation of... rocks!? I would take a good look at your sources, Vice Admiral, and ask what sort of motivations might underpin such a terrible falsehood!"
Kahleen cursed in her own language and got up. "Do not accusse me for spreading discord and disarray among our forces. Ackermann may be broken but at his core he remains true."
Jäger sighed deeply. "Kahleen. Sit down."
Kahleen glanced at Jäger. "Sir?"
Jäger's expression showed a hint of anger. "You are disrespecting a superior officer. Sit down."
"I have some comments to add." stated Von Strauss as she stood from her seat. Krantz and Varadi both glanced over, raising an eyebrow.
"I was aboard the Zuflucht a few days ago, while a chunk of the group had departed for Blackstone Keep. There was a severe storm, so we had to bring the Eisenstrasse down to the deck of the Zuflucht and tie it off. During the time our airship was docked, I had the chance to meet with Fallensteller and some of her crew. I also got a tour of the ship. My original intentions aboard the ship was to search for anything that might show that she had ventured down a dark path, as the fleet was already suspicious of her true intentions. But I didn't find anything. At all. In fact, Fallensteller proved to be one of the most professional captains that I've met. And her crew was also close to exemplary. I'll also add that she was one of two captains to attempt rescuing the crew of a sinking ship that had floated in during the storm. You accuse Fallensteller of being a heretic intent on betraying this fleet. I say the opposite." she said, before stepping out next to the table and propping against it a bit.
"Now to add onto Theramus' statements. These...rocks that you speak of. As Therasmus said, who's to say that they're not being controlled by some god intent on division amongst our ranks? Or more likely, a demon serving Raum? The mission of this fleet is, of course, to slay Raum." she said, folding her arms as she rested against the table.
"Now, onto Ackermann himself. The man has been troubled since the start at Campo Diablo, and clearly never liked Captain Fallensteller. He felt she wasn't fit to be in charge of the Zuflucht or amongst this fleet in the first place, and has made it clear several times."
"After the report surfaced that Ackermann had been arrested for attempting to kill Fallensteller, I was shocked. I firmly believe the Abyss, or whatever was in it, got to the man when he fell in back at Blackstone Keep. It changed him. And his condition after he was removed from the Zuflucht only proves it. I believe, ladies and gentlemen, that he did this to himself because he failed in his mission to kill his captain. During the events of last night, I managed to observe what you spoke of, Vice Admiral Dobbs. Kahleen, aboard the skiff speaking to Ackermann. This is the second time that the two have been seen together. The first being back at the Keep when she ran to his side when he was recovered. And she spoke rather highly of his bravery at the keep."
"Zamerians, from most accounts, are a fairly attactive race. I'm quite sure Captain Jäger would agree with me. Several have fallen for their exotic looks. And Ackermann is a very handsome man. I imagine he could very easily find a lover and an ally. And that's what I personally think he found in Kahleen. I believe that she's helping him to replace Fallensteller with himself. To gain control of the Zuflucht. The rocks were used as a tool to help this be put into motion. As for your marines, Vice Admiral, I think they saw and heard only what Kahleen and Ackermann wanted them to."
She waved her hand off to the side. "Its all a ruse, sir." said Von Strauss, glancing to Kahleen.
Kahleen glared at Von Strauss. "[Heretic whore.]"
She frowned. "How dare you question and disrespect my gods? How dare you slander my name." Kahleen looked at Krantz. "Your right hand is in league with traitors."
Jäger raised a finger at Kahleen. "Enough. You will be silent." He turned towards the other captains. "Apologies for the rude behaviour of my crew. Admiral, I believe that this needs to be settled elsewhere as to not offend our hosts."
"Your right hand is in league with traitors."
Krantz exhaled a puff of smoke from his nostrils. "My 'right hand' is one of the finest officers in the Pracht Empire, as well as one of the most loyal and honest. If she says that Fallensteller isn't up to anything, I'm inclined to believe her." he responded, before shifting the cigarette from one side of his mouth to the other.
"This is rather heavy coming mere hours after the attempted sabotage and conspiracy on board my own ship." Fontaine commented when he first heard the accusations. Of course the demon would come to her defense. 'Did he do it out of fellowship of the abyss or because he was interested if the humans would tear each other apart?' He looked towards Karam, who was also listening intently to the back and forth. Both of them were surprised by what the others had to say. Perhaps the fleet wasn't ready to tear itself apart so easily. "Do you have anything you want to add?"
"I suppose I could, whether it is of use to the others, they can decide." Karam stood up "I would like to echo some of what misses Von Strauss said. As I was asked in private by my captain after the last meeting, Mr. Ackerman had left an impression on me that he is a serpent pretending to be mere rope. Someone useful, but will bite you if it meant getting ahead. From what the captain is saying, it appears I was right in my judgement." he looked towards Jäger's delegation "Make no mistake, I am a man of the gods myself, but I must let my pious side step back to let me find actual evidence to help support what devine deviation reveals. I am sure that miss Kahleem had the best intention for the fleet at heart, but I can honestly say that I wouldn't be surprised if Ackerman and Dobbs put pressure, if unintentionally, on her that would throw her interpretation of the stone off somewhat. I've seen it happen, as my captain can confirm with how many temples we have visited."
"In short, do not trust visions. They don't reveal the full picture." Fontaine added.
"As my captain but it bluntly, yes." Karam concluded with a bit of frustration in his voice "I am afraid it is so."
As more voices joined in Fallensteller's defense, she calmed down, but the outermost layer of calm collection had been torn away from her. Now she simply sunk back into her chair, filled with bitter resentment.
Cattapoli, Consulate
The table of Brunswick officers had gone quiet, as had everyone else when the sudden accusations of heresy had arisen. There was only a moment of surprise on their faces before they quietly whispered to themselves, looking grim. Captain Murdoch looked somewhat unsettled, and she glanced over at the admiral.
Mannfred was standing quietly with his hands behind his back, his face blank though creased with some slight irritation. A marine quietly hurried up to his side and spoke with him, and he gave a curt reply back. The man walked off and directed some of the assembled Cattan dignitaries away. Many were confused or otherwise looking distinctly irritated, but the marine was able to get them moving easily enough. Other marines stationed around the courtyard looked more alert. Even Sergeant Donovan was present, lurking at the back of the assembly with a cigarette in his mouth. His hand was resting on his holster as he smoked casually.
As some of the assembled spoke harshly back and forth, the courtyard was left almost entirely to the expedition members. A few Cattan guardsmen lingered back with the marine sentries along the perimeter and the large rectangular courtyard, but aside from Vunor, no other beastfolk were present among the assembled.
Yarah-kei was looking thoroughly bewildered as she glanced around at the arguing captains. She didn't seem particularly pleased to be in the middle of the situation, but she leaned into Jager.
"Your woman speaks the truth, you know," she finally purred into his ear. "I already told you that Fallensteller woman has the Abyss about her. She isn't a demon, so of course it must be some sort of corruption. You know I can see these things, why trust the others and that silly little devilman when you can trust me?" She placed one hand on Jager's arm, lightly, and he could feel a warm, relaxing sensation spread up his arm and through his body. It was a rather welcomed feeling given the tense atmosphere of the meeting.
As Fontaine and Karam finished speaking, the admiral cleared his throat and finally spoke up.
"These kind of allegations are dangerous..." Mannfred said, eying the assembly. Many of the other captains who had no place in the accusations were silent and looking uncomfortable, some confused, and a few angry.
"... for all parties involved. Many of you are quick to judge or otherwise defend, all on simple hearsay. I must admit I am rather surprised to hear such a quick and passionate defense from First Lieutenant Von Strauss on the matter. Few jump so quickly to the defense of accused heretics without reason - if you claim to speak from a position of friendship, does that not also place you under the light? As for you Vice Admiral, the suddenness of your accusation is also remarkable as I have heard nothing of these concerns before hand."
"Therasmus brings up a number of logical points," Mannfred continued, fixing the demon with a narrowed eye, "though one must also wonder his own intentions for involvement. Regardless, one of the key members to these accusations is Ackermann... who himself is not present. I think his testimony should be heard in person. There are claims that Ackermann wishes to overthrow Fallensteller and take command of the Zuflucht, though that begs the question as for why exactly? Claiming his reason for doing so is because he is a madman is rather unsatisfactory, especially if one of the reasons for his madness is because the accused tortured him. If he was found looking tortured, then that brings up another curious point. Is he supposed to have tortured himself, then?"
Jäger remained silent as Mannfred spoke. He eyed Fallensteller briefly before Yarah spoke to him. His nerves eased up a bit as he nodded. "I know."
He locked eyes with her. "I trust you. But this is a delicate situation. If I'm not careful I could lose the little advantage I have," he whispered into her ear.
Kahleen continued to stare at Fallensteller. There was a burning hatred in her eyes. Dahl tried effortlesly to calm her down with reassuring words.
Jäger whispered to Yarah. "What can you tell me about Von Strauss? Any markings there? Anyone else I need to keep an eye on close to the Admiral?"
Therasmus put up a palm in dismiss of the admiral's questioning of his involvement, soon lowering it to put his own hands behind his back as he nods. "Oh, I am simply trying to be impartial, dear Admiral. It is a delicate situation, and all angles and possible outcomes need careful consideration." he explains. "And unfortunately, many of those so desperate for proper answers and evidence aren't exactly... privy, to the most vital of details, yes?" Therasmus says somewhat ominously.
To make things even more odd, the demon had been looking amidst the council with a long sweeping gaze that continued to go back and forth from each end of the room. Yet as he said that last statement on vital details his gaze rested on Jäger for some time. Had he noticed their whispering? And it seemed like with the way he was talking to the admiral he was alluding to something they both already knew... How very unusual.
Tobey carefully sat and observed the wild accusations and the counters. He knew fully well what had transpired, but was mostly surprised by the number of captains who came to her defense.
If they were also aware of the actual events that had transpired he could not say, and neither if they were also cooperating with Fallensteller as he had done.
Remembering earlier accusations that had been leveled against him he decided to not intervene. The more the crews were focusing on each other would make it easier for him to continue his research.
He glanced briefly at Kahleen, then to Fallensteller and finally to the Admiral.
---
Marsh looked on with a baffled face. He slowly put down into his own bowl and looked at Silke through his tinted spectacles.
"What exactly happened last night?" he asked with a direct, yet comforting tone whilst studying her hands and face.
Von Strauss simply shrugged. "I made no mention of a bond of friendship between Fallensteller and I, sir. She's simply earned my respect during my brief stay aboard the Zuflucht. She's shown nothing to me that would place her in the service of a dark god, and I find it hard to believe that she would willingly torture her first officer who's already shown himself to have a deep seated hatred of his captain. Deep enough to want her dead." she said, turning and walking back around to her seat.
As the argument continued, Vunor stood up. "I believe I may be of some help help here. We shamans deal in matters of nature and of spirit... if the Ackermann could be brought to me, I could help find the truth with a spiritual communion. A guiding of his spirit through the planes." he suggested to everyone.
"After your help in saving the Consul, it is only necessary that I work to repay that debt honorably, with whatever help I can give."
Jäger grunted at Vunor. "So prayerstones and demons isn't acceptable but visions from a talking bovine is? I'm sorry admiral but we need to settle this through conventional means. I refuse to partake in the slander of my own crew and a fellow colleague."
"Admiral, I think there was miscommunication on our part here. My first mate and I are very neutral to this discussion. If we cast doubt on what Mr. Ackerman and Mr. Dobb's claims, we do it due to the lack of evident evidence other than visions and conflicting testimonies. But our brief time in this sea has proven that strange thing are very real in this part of the world, so we are not ready to make a decision just yet. We are simply not in a hurry to throw someone to the sharks." He looked to Karam, who simply nodded.
"Indeed. If Ackerman were to come forward and it is indeed true that he is tortured and suffered at the hands of captain Fallensteller, then I will gladly retract my statements and offer him my sincerest apologies."
"If it does come to an investigation of these claims is to be performed" Fontaine continued "then it may be better for someone that is neutral to this. It doesn't have to be us, men under your command will also do. But it is imperative that they have a neutral standing on this."
Vunor shook his head, "I understand your apprehension, but it is not conjuration I speak of. Rather, it is the movement of one's spirit across planes. If you want an impartial judge, then I suggest the very elements themselves to judge the Ackermann as he is brought before them. You're more than welcome to observe or partake in it if it were to happen."
Is he supposed to have tortured himself, then?
"There has been no hard evidence that torture occurred at all, Admiral," Fallensteller replied, angrily. "Officer Kahleen has already reported that the few wounds Mr. Ackermann exhibited were self-inflicted. I can also add that we provided Ackermann with food over those days between Blackstone and our arrival here which he refused to eat. Nobody laid a finger on him, by my orders or otherwise.
"I haven't even addressed the plainly ridiculous claim that I used a recording to harm him. First of all, that recording the Vice Admiral and Officer Kahleen spoke of was never checked into the radio room where it belonged after the Blackstone expedition. We know that Officer Pletcher returned on the skiff with the riflemen who accompanied Mr. Ackermann that day, and when we questioned witnesses they told us he was in a somewhat melancholy mood after what he witnessed at Blackstone. After his arrival, nobody saw him again. I would have greatly enjoyed hearing a firsthand account of what occurred in the divination ritual, but I never had the chance to speak with him because I departed immediately for a meeting aboard the Revenant, and later, he failed to attend an invitation to my table over dinner. Of course, Mr. Ackermann was also invited, and he arrived late, drunk, and disheveled.
"The ironic thing is that when we became aware that Mr. Pletcher was actually missing as opposed to simply secluding himself, our first suspicion was Ackermann himself, but we've since dropped that line of thinking as we can't find any proper motivation or evidence. Our opinion on the matter is that Pletcher was driven to suicide by whatever he saw in that divination chamber, and the wire he was carrying is probably resting at the bottom of the ocean by now. To reiterate, we did not receive it, we do not have it, and we don't have any idea of where to look for it."
After several minutes of discussional anarchy, the two groups - the Cattan homeless and the Eisenstrasse gang they've come to speak to - corralled into a semi-organized conversation, partially thanks to the adaptive Kass and not as much thanks to Thaddaios, who just seemed exhausted now. Dagobert made quick friends with the identical Umae triplet and the Herans, Lanzo made a friend out of everyone (even the tired Thaddaios) and Gawain seemed to have made some sort of connection with Eligius, but Ephraim remained awkward. Sure, the Cattans understood it by now, but that didn't spot their admiration, with a vagabond so far from his home, exploring the dangers outside that which could be rationally understood, or at least at first.
But the wind blew cold, as if it were a premonition, and a few tummies rumbled, prompting Lanzo to enthusiastically suggest that, as long as they are here, they come aboard, see the airship, have a meal, and so on! Ephraim wasn't sure if they had the right to just invite random strangers on board, as even though they've proven trustworthy thus far, after the events of last night one couldn't be too careful. Dagobert ended up agreeing, but Lanzo interjected and reasoned that as long as they got it done in a timely fashion, before the Captain and co. returned, it'd all be fine! Before anyone could respond however, Kass had already asked and the destitute delegation responded positively, looking starstruck at the thought of entering something as advanced as this, when some had never had a home with a fully covered roof. With a sigh, they got onto the elevator and headed upwards.
Lanzo quickly made pace, rushing the gang just enough that they could see the ship, but arrive at the mess hall quickly. Ephraim, Dagobert and Lanzo hadn't actually eaten yet, so it was about time for them too. With the hall relatively empty by now, with folks having coming in and out as if it were rush hour, the conglomerate entered and grabbed their meals, before taking a seat and continuing the conversation.
Cattapoli, Consulate
Yarah nodded slightly to Jager. "Von Strauss? The other woman with tinted glasses? It wasn't really there before, but when she started talking an Etherial connection appeared. Not Abyssal, but its sorcerous." The succubus casually eyed Von Strauss, studying her.
"But she's not the only one. The lady at the table with Therasmus also has some small Etherial connection, though there is a little bit of Abyssal taint to it. Its faint for both of them."
The admiral remained silent as he listened once more to everyone, though his gaze remained sour as he looked over Therasmus. It didn't seem he liked the demon very much. He motioned for a marine to take a message, and the soldier hurried off - likely to call for Ackermann to show up.
Vunor's suggestion was a curious one, though one of numerous magical methods to achieve an answer regarding Fallensteller's connection to the Abyss. Additionally, it was possible that truth and lies could be partially identified given the proper methods, though that was not an entirely reliable route. It already appeared that most were not going to tolerate a decision through sorcerous means, though it may be hard to avoid that path.
"It is clear that this is a difficult situation to resolve without an abundance of supporting evidence, though as Vunor has already mentioned, there are methods which could be used to lead us closer to the truth via magical means. Likewise, there are some... ordeals... we could explore in discovering the extent of the accused's connection to the Abyss," he said, glancing at Fallensteller. "Nothing that would kill or seriously harm you, of course, but physical methods nonetheless."
He paused momentarily, glancing over the assembly. "I even have the power to summon two gods here to assist in this discovery process. Farryn, who is under my protection, and the goddess Shalo who is residing upon Niakoma."
At the mention of Shalo, Yarah tensed slightly and made an indignant hmph sound.
---
A message had been radioed in to the Dawnbreaker to have Ackermann escorted to the Consulate to be present for the impromptu trial. Some of the assembled wanted to question and see him, and given his central role in the accusations in the first place, his presence was expected.
Therasmus had still been standing, not quite ready to sit down after the explosion in excitement that had begun to transpire here. It was fortunate that he chosen not to sit down as he would have stood right back up at the suggestions put forth by the admiral. "Summon two gods?! Such an incredible thing you say so casually!" he blurts out, leaning forward and looking absolutely awestruck. "No wonder this fleet is so important if gods, weakened or not, choose to get themselves involved in what would be such petty affairs... Meeting them would certainly be enlightening, I would imagine." the demon muses before calming down just a slight bit.
"Though perhaps a bit too severe of an option regardless, yes? I am also capable of finding the truth rather easily. Should the council wish I could easily look into the thoughts and mind of the accused, even function as a vessel to effectively broadcast such thoughts and memories... With only the slightest possibility of an aneurysm from psychic backlash!" he said somewhat enthusiastically. "Though in this particular case those odds are astronomically low."
Von Strauss spoke up again, after the mention of summoning gods.
"I feel that summoning gods here would be a bit much. Especially for something as trivial as this. The only evidence that was brought forth is what an altered Ackermann told Dobbs and Kahleen. And these rocks Kahleen seems to have. Rocks controlled by unknown and potentially hostile entities. And there have been plenty of entities out to stop us, so why would this be any different? A ploy from the unknown to divide us, and a chance for two officers of the fleet to replace one of our captains with the very man that attempted to kill her." stated Von Strauss, sitting back in her chair.
She looked to the Vice Admiral. "I apologize, Vice Admiral, but it genuinely looks like you're being roped into this just to seal the deal. Attempted Mutiny is a very serious crime, so of course Ackermann will use every chance he can to weasel out of his punishment."
It was interesting indeed that both Von Strauss and Captain Murdoch showed somekind of connection. Jäger scratched his chin. Raum? Someone else? Or just plain magic.
When Yarah tensed up Jäger placed a hand on her leg. "Calm yourself. You have nothing to fear. Repeat that last phrase for me," he whispered.
Fallensteller listened anxiously as the Admiral suggested methods of squeezing the truth out of her. By what stretch of the imagination is this case against me even remotely valid with the evidence that's been provided? she thought. With nothing but hearsay, he'll come after me, the bastard. Funny how quickly the fleet dissolves into a witch hunt when it's convenient to Calcifer... perhaps he could sense my connection to Raum and would have brought these charges against me even if no one had accused...
Then there was von Strauss again. Despite her rank, she was freely contradicting the Admiral and implying that Mannfred himself was being manipulated by Ackermann, and the strangest thing of all, the other captains were listening to her. Fallensteller could sense the magic rising off of her, and knew there was something supernatural, or perhaps divine about her speech, but it wasn't abyssal, as she was getting more accustomed to reading her new senses and could now identify the difference. So what was her motivation? Whatever's happening here, it better continue, before somebody tries to make me bleed.
---
Neustadt looked fearfully at Dr. Marsh and wondered why he wasn't alarmed at her behavior, as she certainly was. She could hardly believe how quickly the soup had gone down once she started eating it. It was delicious, but she wasn't able to savor it as some base instinct commanded her to consume it all, to get the most intense burst of indulgence possible while it was there for the taking. Now she sat there, no longer hungry, but craving more nonetheless. She forced herself to answer his question.
"I was tricked by our Captainss into performing a ritual," she answered. "At Campo Diablo, Raum'ss Messsenger gave Ssa- Captain Fallenssteller a knife, sso she could sslit her throat. But she wassn't able to usse it, becausse ssomeone sstopped her. Captain Tobey ended up with the knife, and kept it until lasst night. He gave it back to her, and she vowed to make hersself available for hiss... sstudies... and then she told me I needed to complete my own contract with the Masster, and sso I took the blade and cut mysself, here-" she said, pointing to the spot on her wrist where the opening had been. "The blood flowed out like water until the cut clossed itsself without a sscar, it was sso sstrange. And when it wass over, my voice wass changed.
"Fallenssteller made me believe it wass all a lie, thiss expedition'ss very premisse. She told me she had experienced a sspiritual awakening, and that Raum wass actually a god who meant well. She made me believe that it wass the Admiral who was evil, and sso I cut mysself with every intention to sserve the Masster. Now I know ssome portion of the truth, I know how she'ss killed ssomeone in Raum'ss name and that she planss to do it again, and that, as a sservant, I am expected to kill as well. Captain Tobey even made arrangementss to bring over ssome of my technicianss from the Zuflucht, my own friendss, sso that I'll have ssomeone to kill." Tears welled in her eyes, but there was also a distant look of rage, and Neustadt bared her teeth in an odd snarl. "No one can help me here, I'm only hiding, and I can already feel ssomething coming. I'm going to get worsse."
---
Ackermann glanced at the skies above as he walked with his escort toward the Consulate. He said a small prayer, not just to the Pentarchy but to any gods out there that might listen: Please let Fallensteller be torn down before this fleet leaves these shores...
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