Therasmus tapped his chin gently at the mention of his ulterior motives, searching for the proper response. "Lying? Ulterior motives? As of now my goals have been aligned with the fleet as a whole. I offer assistance and insight, any and all statements or allegations I make are simply in the name of gathering more information." he states as he holds up a palm dismissively. "I sincerely apologize if you or anyone took my request for elaboration out of genuine confusion as anything but. I've yet to get thoroughly involved with either side of the discussion of heresy for the sake of working as a... mediator of sorts, yes."
"With all of that said, I am more than happy to move on as well. Certainly seems like the direction things are going, as I cannot personally foresee the admiral making any condemning verdicts about something that lacks sufficient evidence, as logical as he is."
Cattapoli, Consulate
Admiral Mannfred listened stoically, his face an empty mask as he listened to the continued annoyances around him. Krantz's insubordination was a distinct irritation, especially given that he was, by all means, a capable and useful officer. Fallensteller was beginning to walk a very, very thin line as well. He wasn't sure if she knew what she was doing or hinting at. Perhaps this was an elaborate bluff on her part. Fleet unity may have been paramount, but there were other factors in play and he was not above taking action if absolutely needed.
Krantz's sudden shift to an accusatory stance against him caused the admiral to frown. Was this Krantz's own independent line of thinking, or was he also aligned with somebody? He protected Von Strauss against the very simple matter of removing her tinted glasses, though he could rationalize that as a matter of the man's pride. He was particularly defensive of her, and through connection, Fallensteller. What was his angle?
Therasmus was quick to respond, and the admiral already knew that the other demon was atleast partially aware of his identity. Once more he could see multiple reasons for why the demon was speaking up on his behalf, despite earlier attempts at hinting to his nature or otherwise probing the situation further.
Circumstances were leading to a soured outcome. Dobbs had acted prematurely on the matter, and clearly didn't expect such resistance from the fleet in defending Fallensteller. The woman seemed to have a knack for leading the conversation despite her growing desperation that had quickly brought the meeting to a dangerous point. Krantz was the biggest annoyance, he concluded. His officer's defense of Fallensteller was not entirely natural. And Krantz was playing right in to it. Mannfred hadn't yet concluded if Krantz was a willing participate or simply playing into his role by a matter of luck. Regardless of the fact, it still led here.
Mannfred was already thinking along the lines of Jager's sentiment when the other captain spoke up, though he was glad that there was someone else to voice such an opinion. Perception would make him look weak if he had to adjourn the meeting now after all of this, but it was clear there was still much work to be done.
"You are remarkably crass in your assertions, Captain Krantz. I'm not certain you would believe me unless I told you what you wanted to here. But for the benefit of all that are gathered, I will of course elaborate. Yes, I killed a dozen men with a simple wave of my hand. I stopped their hearts and then caused them to burst. I've made no attempt to hide that I am proficient in manners of blood sorcery. Such level of magic is damaging to the body of the wielder regardless of skill, so to call it emergency magic was very much the correct terminology. If you recall, Therasmus did appear shortly before that moment. I had to make a expedient judgement call at the expense of my health to kill the first demon and the cultists. Had Therasmus been hostile, I suspect your tune would be rather different right now. Typically when demons suddenly appear, its not because they wish to partake in teatime. Especially not when we are in the midst of fighting cultists."
The next part was harder to deal with. He had suspected that eventually he would be revealed, either willingly or not, but it was simply far too early at this point in time. Now that the accusations had come up, it would make the real moment all the more harder to deal with.
"My sorcery was making me ill. These changes in my features you saw were alterations in my pallor from my own blood, so what you saw as sharp features was simply gauntness as a result of my sorcery. My men were mindful to keep the light from my eye as I was suffering from some minor hemorrhaging myself, though I don't suppose you noticed that. Its happened before on prior expeditions and the marines who often serve alongside me were simply doing as they had before. The light was painful to me and I was trying to remain collected. I was in some considerable pain."
"I have already explained the reasoning for my... intentional deceit at Campo Diablo. I still stand by that reasoning. You would not have believed me had you not witnessed these events yourself. As I have also mentioned before, there is a great deal of information surrounding the nature of this sea and my operations. There simply isn't time to inform you of every little detail until it is relevant, or will become relevant. I'm not certain what you think my supposed underlying motives may be. Do you see me as some nefarious character, or as a demon as you suggest? If so, then is my entire crew in on my secrets? How about these islands, which I have visited a great deal over many years?"
Mannfred simply shook his head, exasperated. "Captain Jager speaks wisely. This meeting will be adjourned for today. We will continue whatever is left of the invasion planning tomorrow, along with the trial of Torsson and Norrys. This matter concerning... heresy, are of course noted but otherwise found to be unsubstantiated. Dobbs will keep Ackermann detained on his vessel for his own safety, should the allegations of torture be true."
"Captain Krantz and Lieutenant Von Struass, I will be speaking with you now. Vice Admiral Dobbs, you will be hearing from me today. Everyone else is dismissed."
Jäger simply nodded. "Högborg. Kahleen. Take everyone back to the vehicles."
"Yes sir," replied the two crewmembers in unison as they got up.
Slowly the Gothian delegation arose from their seats. Jäger glanced at Yarah, smiled and offered his hand. "Before we go I need to speak with some people."
Jäger and Yarah walked pasted the table and approached Fontaine and Krantz. "Captains. I'd like to extend my condolences for the men you lost last night. Had I known what was about to transpire I would have deployed reinforcements much quicker. For now, safe travels." Jäger then bowed his head and approached Mannfred and Therasmus.
"Admiral, I'd like to speak with you about the trial? What are the odds that I can assume responsibility for punishing my men instead lf turning them over to the Cattans? I need all my men for the invasion, sir."
Cattapoli, Consulate
"I've spoken with a number of the Cattan officers, and some who were present - as well as a few of my own men who arrived on the scene. Torsson's actions led to a significant amount of civilian deaths and many injured, captain. Even under a normal combat operation such an event would be unacceptable. A trial will, and must, occur. Rest assured that the only man among your forces being investigated is Torsson himself, as he was the commander at the time. Your men were simply following orders," Mannfred explained. "It is regrettable, but the circumstances require it. This is not a slap-on-the-wrist matter."
Yarah was standing beside Jager, eying the admiral and looking somewhat tense now that she was so close to him. She clutched lightly at her dress and kept close to Jager.
"I don't recall meeting you before," Mannfred then said to her. "I suspect she is a member of your entourage, Captain Jager?"
"Well, this was productive."Fontaine commented as the meeting ended. He was annoyed that he couldn't back up Krantz during his own accusations, but perhaps it was for the best. He was already treading on thin ice for some with his suggestion. But the Admiral's answer did not comfort him, quite the opposite, it just confirmed that the man had too many secrets to be trusted.
He was getting up from his chair when Jäger approached him and Krantz.
"It's quite alright. My men knew what they signed up for. Graves is already drilling it into their heads how to be prepared for the future."
"Captain, if you allow it, may I speak with young lady Yarah?" Karam's request was a bit of a surprise to Fontaine, but he shrugged it off
"Fine by me, but that depends if she and her captain will allow it. We'll wait for you outside."
Krantz and Von Strauss simply remained in their seats, but the former glanced to Váradi. "Take the men, and head back to the Eisenstrasse. Assume command for now and inform the others that we'll return shortly." he stated, shifting his cigarette about in his mouth. "Yes, sir." responded Váradi, before he stood from his chair and departed. The platoon of soldiers from the Eisenstrasse followed after him as they left the courtyard. As Jäger stopped and offered his condolences for the loss of some of the Eisenstrasse's men, Krantz gave a nod and a thank you.
So he's sticking by his blood magic excuse. Of course. Krantz glanced to Von Strauss, whom was utterly silent now. Likely waiting for the Admiral's scolding. He exhaled some smoke, returning to watching the others.
Damnit, damnit, DAMNIT. I pushed this too far. I shouldn't have been so bold in Fallenstellers defense! Now I'm going to be outed by the Admiral to my own captain! Von Strauss's mind was racing. Her efforts to locate and piece together Veritas' mask were likely to be shot to hell now. All because she let her mouth run a bit too long. DAMNIT.
Jäger frowned and nodded. "I understand sir. I suppose I'll have to fight for Torsson's rights myself if it should come to it." He then nodded. "Yes, apologies, this is Lady Yarah. She's a diplomatic envoy from the Zamerian tribes."
The very moment the Admiral dismissed the meeting, the Zuflucht's entire table rose in unison and stormed out as if they had all been ready to run at a moment's notice. They ignored the questioning looks on the faces of other representatives and seemed utterly offended by the lingering suspicions floating around their Captain and her vessel. While the accusations were true, they had quickly picked up Fallensteller's technique of sending mixed signals through fake outrage. They reunited with the riflemen they left posted just outside the courtyard, and Fallensteller quickly dragged Lt. Pawlitzki aside in order to have a hushed private conversation with him.
"Thank you for raising those concerns with the Admiral over his battle plan, Mr. Pawlitzky. It's unfortunate that the Vice Admiral created such a fuss, or else the main impression I might have left with Mannfred was my support for his actions and even the aspect of poison gas, whatever was necessary to support his goals."
"I know, I realized a minute after the fact... You told me to raise the objection just so that you'd have an opportunity to display your loyalty," he said, somewhat uncomfortable. To work and act in such confidence with the Captain was strange. Until now, he had been totally irrelevant to her conspiracy aside from in his own dreams, but now that the two had found each other, it was as if he was a member from the very beginning.
Fallensteller nodded. "That's right. But now, thanks to Ackermann and Dobbs, we're under a worse spotlight than ever before. We'll need to start hurrying things along. I have powers, Lieutenant, which would frighten the other captains, all thanks to my connection to the Lord. But after all of my efforts, I'm still not a match for Mannfred. We need to build a network, and we need to start eliminating opposition within our ship if we expect to survive all the way to Nadesh."
"Where do we start?" Pawlitzky replied.
Fallensteller smiled. It was good to have such an eager assistant, at last. "I'll explain more to you when I return to the ship. In the meantime, take this-" she said, handing him Pfeiffer's list, "and start reorganizing. The names on this list are to be given a cautious degree of trust. Any riflemen you see, I want promoted into positions of power. Mr. Schuster will be going with you, make sure he sees the list as well and makes suitable adjustments to the engineering and technical sides of the ship."
"Yes, Captain," he replied with a crisp salute. They returned to their own entourage, where Fallensteller parted ways as she had done yesterday. Schuster, Pawlitzki, and the riflemen would all head back to the skiff, while Fallensteller and Mesahri would stay and pay visit to the Blixtvåg together. They waited for Jäger outside the courtyard.
Therasmus transferred his hands behind his back yet again as the admiral spoke, his explanation of what Krantz had seen was quite rock-solid, so if anything he would have to compliment the admiral on his lying skills in private. At the official conclusion of the meeting he gave a nod, smiling warmly to the captains that were already leaving as the council populace began to thin. "I do look forward to seeing you all again tomorrow. This has been a most informative venture, to be sure! ... Or did we really learn much of anything? Hm." he commented as a halfhearted goodbye.
Just as he thought his formalities were finished he saw Jäger and his... escort striding up to the admiral and himself, the demon tilting his head slightly in confusion. He was really not all that familiar with law and trials for war crimes, far from the operating procedures he was used to. Still, once the conversation moved from the inane and personally enigmatic he smirked and bowed his head. "And I do believe you already know who I am, given prior introductions." the demon says, getting in on the conversation due to his close proximity. "It is good to meet the both of you, and I do greatly appreciate the offer to stay aboard your vessel. Considering you know full-well what I am, that displays a significant level of trust, I wager. Not that you have anything to worry about when it comes to me. Or perhaps..." Therasmus cuts himself off. "Thank you, regardless."
Cattapoli, Consulate
Mannfred glanced between Captain Jager and Therasmus as the two spoke up, the demon close by and joining in on the conversation. It was curious that Jager was so quick to have Therasmus join his vessel. Likewise, it was very curious indeed that he was here with a demon. Perhaps he could prove a vital ally within the fleet.
As for Yarah, he could sense her as easily as a shark could blood. Even demons of the same plane differed in type, but all had a common bond of existence just as humans of different races did. Mannfred could tell that she was a succubus just by sense alone. It was almost like an animal's smell, though without the actual physical process of doing so. Yarah was like cinnamon to him. A rather pleasant sensation. It was essential to the existence and nature of succubi and incubi to appear pleasantly to others - be they demon or mortal. Emotions were far more easily played upon among mortals, so the process of sensation for them was either nonexistent or minimal. And just as her aura was adaptive to those who viewed her, Therasmus would likely sense her as something else.
"Lady Yarah? A pleasure to finally meet your acquaintance," the admiral said, extending his hand for a shake.
Yarah hesitated for only for a second, but finally smiled and gripped his hand. She jolted with a slight gasp as they touched. The admiral didn't react at all.
"I must say she seems rather... unique. I'm sure she is quite a special colleague. Anyways, I heard you visited Niakoma. Its really a rather nice Island, I certainly like it there. Good food, nice people, fair climate. I suppose you must have seen Shalo while there, too, correct?"
A small trickle of blood appeared from Yarah's nose and she didn't realize it until it reached her lip. She wiped it away with the back of her hand and looked somewhat faint, but said nothing.
Noticing this, Mannfred frowned slightly and removed a handkerchief from his pocket and offered it to her. "Ah, perhaps the stress of the meeting was too much. The air here is remarkably clean, though I have also found it to irritate the sinuses in some people. I don't think its anything to worry about."
Yarah took the cloth and dabbed her nose, offering a tiny smile. "T-thank you, sir."
Jäger nodded towards Therasmus. "If you are an ally then it matters not where or when you are from. The Admiral has already vouched for you by including you on the meeting- it would be an honor to teach you about our ways, society and technology."
He then looked at Mannfred with a crooked smile. "Indeed she is." Jäger studied Mannfred with a look that could only mean one thing:
I know.
Looking at Yarah, Jäger smiled and excused himself. "I have a meeting to attend to. Admiral, we'll be in touch. Therasmus, one of my landing crafts have docked at a small cargo pier. There will be car outside to take you there should you want to."
With that said Jäger and Yarah turned to walk but stumbled into Karam. "Can I help you, soldier?" Asked Jäger.
Therasmus eyed Yarah with a certain amount of scrutiny, not exactly feeling pleasant or a sway in emotions due to his sparse amount of them. However, there was a certain disarming nature to his aura, one that had him less inclined to look into her place in the timelines or events to come. It was a subtle enough difference that told him that she was not something that needed that much investigation, hardly something that could be deemed a threat. The demon nods yet again at the mention of the landing craft waiting for him, smiling at the words and logical conclusion Jäger had drawn.
"You are quite trusting of the admiral. A trait that would appear to be a rarity, given the... direction the discussion was taking. But having talked at length with him I assure you that such trust in the admiral, as well as myself, is not misplaced. As events unfold, I am certain the fleet will see me as an asset." he explains. "I will... likely? Yes, likely, take you up on your offer and we will be able to discuss things at length - granted that the admiral has nothing else for me at the moment. A night's stay on your vessel until it is determined what role I shall play in the invasion, if any, seems like a fine option to me."
Cattapoli, Consulate
The admiral had nothing more to say to Jager, Yarah, or Therasmus for the moment as they began to depart. Many of the other gathered captains and delegations were on their way out as well, most of the less involved captains thoroughly bemused by the entire situation concerning Fallensteller. With the courtyard finally starting to thin out, Mannfred spotted Krantz and Von Strauss. He gestured for them to come with him as he stepped aside from the front of the assembly to the edge of the courtyard under the stone hallway which wrapped around the entire perimeter. The interior perimeter was open to the courtyard and instead of being walled in, it was simply a series of pristine pillars going all the way around.
Once Krantz and Von Strauss had followed and were with him, he fixed Krantz with a slightly stern expression.
"Your insubordination is not welcomed, captain, nor is your hostility. I won't waste time trying to reprimand a man like you, so I'll simply cut to the point of this discussion," he said, now turning to Von Strauss. "Quite frankly, I do not care that you defended Fallensteller. What caught my attention was how you did so. Perhaps you thought I would not notice, or even that you didn't realize the extent of your sorcery, but I can detect it rather easily. Especially when I'm watching the person perform it. Remove your shades, lieutenant, so that your captain will understand why I am invested in this matter. You aren't in any particular trouble, though we will be needing to have a discussion."
Krantz glared at the Admiral. "Sorcery? Did you not hear what I said earlier?" he managed to say, before Von Strauss sighed.
Well, time to bite the bullet. "Admiral, I was just defending Fallensteller. That's literally all there is to it. She was in the right, and I voiced my opinion on the matter. My captain played no part in the matter, beyond defending me. I am his first officer after all, and he has proven in the past to be protective of the men and women under his commad." she said, reaching up to remove her shades. She slid them off, folding them up and tucking them into one of her pockets before looking back up to the admrial. Matte yellow eyes gleaming brightly.
Krantz looked over, and his eyes went wide.
The Eisenstrasse gang and their destitute Cattan guests finished off what remained of breakfast in the mess hall, having enjoyed a nice meal and an insightful conversation! The Cattans were rather impressed by what they were told, from how things didn't seem all too different for the homeless in the Old World, to the Eisenstrasse itself. They were really interested in possibly meeting Captain Krantz and Commander Váradi after hearing what the marines knew of them, but Dagobert didn't know if that was such a good idea, seeing as they did allow them on board without permission.
As soon as he said that, Lanzo burst in a frenzy, saying that they should keep moving if they wanted to give them a tour of the ship before Krantz, Váradi and Von Strauss arrived from the meeting. While disorganized and sloppy, they managed to quickly get together and depart from the mess hall. Under Lanzo's request, Gawain would check the incoming hallways, to make sure there weren't many marines around so that they could pass through. The more marines, the more likely one will ask about the Cattans, as one alone would assume they may have come with the kobolds, or so went Lanzo's logic.
As they commenced the tour, Ephraim couldn't help but feel as though things will somehow unravel out of their control, and it'll be because of this decision to let admirers onboard.
Cattapoli, Consulate
Mannfred didn't waver when Von Strauss removed her glasses, revealing her bright yellow eyes.
"I do not doubt that Captain Krantz was independent of the defense, though I must wonder why you added a little... juice to your words. Sorcery is dangerous. And to use it so willingly like you did, in the way you did, is bothersome. Of course, thats ignoring the fact that you have most certainly dabbled somewhere along the line for your eyes to look the way they do. Its not Abyssal, I'll give you that, but its still a curious matter."
"To be honest, sir, I wasn't even aware I was using sorcery." said Von Strauss. "As I said, I was simply talking." She folded her arms behind her back in a typical officer's stance.
Krantz was dumbstruck. Under his nose, this entire time, was someone else whom had sworn allegiance to something divine. But how? Where? He looked between the Admiral and Von Strauss.
Could he not even trust his own officers anymore? What about members of his crew?
Cattapoli, Consulate
"You weren't aware, hmm? I'm not sure if that is more troubling or not." From his tone, it sounded like he may have believed her on this point.
"Regardless, I am not convinced you have the full picture on the matters you were speaking on. Likewise, the same goes for you as well, Captain Krantz," Mannfred said, turning to look at the surprised officer. "Your seemingly chronic distrust is misplaced, and could become a liability to others within the fleet."
"Your seemingly chronic distrust is misplaced, and could become a liability to others within the fleet."
Krantz face shifted from a surprised look back to his previous look. One of seriousness. "Admiral, we are in strange, foreign waters. Gods and demons are real. I've already lost men because we came to this place drastically unprepared. And one of the reasons is because you lied to us. Yes, you gave us a codex on this place to try and make up for it, and yes, you've defended us from various things like demons and sorcerers. Just because you save our lives a few times doesn't mean I'm going to fully trust you afterwards. And then you bring a demon into the fleet with us. One that was very willing to kill us all, and might yet do so if he chose to. Gods, demons, and powerful men still have their own agendas despite what they may say. As it stands now, I still don't trust you. I don't trust this fleet. And now I don't even trust the people on my own ship."
Von Strauss remained silent, simply looking down at the ground as she maintained her stance. Krantz cut her a look for a moment, before finally finishing. "I'll still follow your orders. I'll do what I have to do, so we can go kill Raum." he stated.
Cattapoli, Consulate
Mannfred knew it wasn't going to go over well if he explained one reason why he allowed some units to be unprepared - such as the lack of numbers at Blackstone - was because he wanted the first-timers to understand the perils of the Sea of their own accord. A sort of trial by fire, so to speak. It was difficult for him to understand that these people were not him, nor did they think like him. Over seven years in the Lost Sea had changed his perceptions... even as a demon. Manpower was one of the most valuable resources out here, and if some had to be lost to reinforce the rest, then so be it. An unpopular belief even in the Old World, despite its survival.
"It is unlikely Therasmus is a demon you can consider to be dangerous per se. Certainly, his abilities could cause troubles, but his psyche from what I have seen does not match one of hostility. If you think he could kill us all, as you suggest, then you would be mistaken. I would be able to take care of it. Regardless, I must admit I am at a loss for what sort of agenda you may think I have. Stopping Raum is the most paramount objective to anything. A slayer of the gods would easily kill all of us, even in a resurrected state. And after us, the Old World. A world subjected to the tyranny of the gods must be avoided at all costs."
"I suppose obedience is more important than trust out here, but it is still concerning if you find a conspiracy around every corner," the admiral explained. Krantz was no fool, despite his callous outward nature. Of course everyone had their own agenda, and Mannfred was no exception even with his apparent stolid devotion to stopping Raum.
However, as things were turning out, it was clear to him that he wouldn't be able to rely on people like Krantz if they were always so upset or otherwise misled. An eventual confrontation with the corrupt elements within the fleet was inevitable, though there were most certainly ways to deal with them without having to act overtly. Despite this, having the loyalty of as many members of his own fleet was still important.
"I don't believe Lieutenant Von Strauss was acting maliciously. It is still concerning that she has this eye color and sorcery in the first place, and I do intend to hear how she has achieved this. I know that one simple act won't lead you to trusting me, but what is it that you want from me to change that? If shedding my own blood and that of my men isn't enough, what is?"
"...I know that one simple act won't lead you to trusting me, but what is it that you want from me to change that? If shedding my own blood and that of my men isn't enough, what is?"
"The truth, Admiral. The truth of what you are. But I imagine you'll still give me some sort of half-truth or an excuse for now, so..." said Krantz, finally tossing his cigarette on the ground and snuffing it out with his boot.
Cattapoli, Consulate
The admiral was silent for a moment. "The truth of what I am? It seems to me you already have your mind set to what you want to think. Would you even believe me if I did tell the truth, I wonder?"
How far exactly could he take this? If Krantz was at least devoted to fighting Raum, then perhaps it didn't matter too much if he knew that he was a demon. But how exactly would that affect his later actions? Would he tell everyone, and would they even believe him? He knew he couldn't manage everything alone. Revealing himself, at least partially, to Krantz could go either way. With Von Strauss here, she would know too. Was it worth it in the long run?
"I think that we may be able to continue the conversation on my ship this evening. Lieutenant Von Strauss is welcome, but no one else. That is all for now."
"I think that we may be able to continue the conversation on my ship this evening. Lieutenant Von Strauss is welcome, but no one else. That is all for now."
"Understood. Lets head back to the ship, Lieutenant." he said with a nod, before turning and heading towards the exit. Von Strauss silently followed behind him, drawing her shades out of her pocket and slipping them back on as she walked. The Admiral and Krantz already knew, but she wasn't letting the others know just yet.
As they walked back through the courtyard, Krantz glanced to Von Strauss a few times but never said anything. She knew why. He had lost most of his trust in her. That'd severely damage her chances to get the pieces to Veritas' mask. Damn that admiral, and damn Dobbs and Kahleen for forcing her to defend Fallensteller in the first place.
Therasmus dusted off the jacket his illusory form was wearing, for once feeling rather out of place due to the fact that he was one of the only remaining people in the council halls at this point. A curled knuckle touched his chin as he sauntered forward, thinking deeply to himself as he began to walk. There was much to figure out, the fragmented goals of the officers in the fleet would certainly cause some issues in the future. Yet his greatest concern is whether or not said issues would be boons. Fate could indeed be fickle, and at times immediately negative events could lead to more positive outcomes in the future, it was simply a matter of him inferring which stepping stones would need to be crossed. Would there be any benefit if a heretical uprising took place in the fleet? Would any of the hidden gods be willing to assist a lowly being such as him rather than the camaraderie he assumed he would gain with these humans? It was a difficult position to be sure, and he could only conclude it was best to wait things out further.
Once out of the halls and moving from the courtyard, he went to locate the 'car' captain Jäger had spoke of. He had to assume it was one of those odd chariots that they took a liking to sitting in, and with that bit of information he was able to find it in time. The demon walked up to it rather casually. "I am the... contact the captain spoke of. He has informed you of my arrival, yes?" Therasmus asks the driver, putting his hands behind his back.
Fontaine stood outside the courtyard with his men, waiting for Karam to finish what he was doing. He observed the other captains and their entourages walking out. Ho spotted Fallensteller's group leaving 'They seem to be in a hurry. Can't imagine why.' After a short while, he noticed Krantz and Von Strauss leave the courtyard
"Did he reveal anything or did he give you the same story as his soldiers?"
---
As soon as Fontaine had left, Karam was left alone with his thoughts while he waited for Jäger to finish talking with the admiral. And something didn't sit right with him. Why did he suddenly want to talk with that woman? Why did he feel drawn to her? What the hell was going on with him? The questions swirled around in his mind and distracted him long enough to not notice Jáger approach him until the captain spoke.
Can I help you, soldier?
He had to think fast, luckily, there was another topic that Jäger's crew provided. He bowed slightly as a show of respect.
"Yes captain, actually I was wondering about the young lady in your crew. The one that used the stones for Mr. Ackermann's case. I will not question your decision regarding that topic, but if you would allow it, I would like to meet with her regarding those 'visions'. We've noticed those becoming common among our own crew and I believe that there might be a connection."
"Did he reveal anything or did he give you the same story as his soldiers?"
"Really just a standard insubordination scolding." stated Krantz, before cutting a look to Von Strauss. Still utterly silent. "We should discuss battle plans regarding the cardinal's palace tomorrow. Get everything and everyone on the same page." he said, returning his attention to Fontaine.
"Unless there is another captain accused of being a traitor." Fontaine glanced towards the direction where Fallensteller's crew were "Madmen's visions while entertaining when looking from a distance, are a waste of time. I honestly don't know what Dobbs is thinking. Starting to share Mr. Vaikar's view more and more these days."
Outside the Gothian delegation formed up around the vehicles. Kahleen gathered her marines and made every effort to stay out of the way of Fallensteller as she arrived. Högborg approached Fallensteller. "Greetings captain. We will depart shortly."
At the rear of the convoy stood one of the beeps flanked by two marines- Gavrilov and Fallstrom- who saluted Therasmus. "Sir, I am Gavrilov and this is Fallstrom. We will be your personal escorts."
---
Jäger raised an eyebrow. "Kahleen? That can be arranged."
"Dobbs jumped the gun. Hard evidence is needed, not just testimony and rocks. Unless the Admiral decides to up and summon his god friends, or he orders a physical inspection of Fallensteller. I have a feeling that neither of those would end well." responded Krantz. "Lets hope the trial for Jäger's men doesn't blow into anything either."
He looked about, then back to Von Strauss, before returning his attention to Fontaine. "We should be getting back to the Eisenstrasse. Need to inform the crew of the developments, and start some early preparations." he stated, before giving Fontaine a bit of a nod. A moment later, he was off. Von Strauss followed behind, as they strolled away.
"Ah good, whenever is most convenient for her and you of course, would be absolutely fine to meet. I know the request is odd, but I wouldn't be asking if I didn't think it wouldn't be useful." Karam reassured Jäger
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