|
|
Post by Renekin Skywalker on Jan 14, 2008 8:57:39 GMT -5
Holia raised an eyebrow at Coop. "We did just catch them involved in the most treasonous act possible." He says. "Since it was a military activitiy, and a Slayer capture, civil court will not hold sway. The legal wranglings themselves will take long enough that we can effect the promotions before sentencing."
"Interesting." Says Tobrias. "You must have sat on this for some time figuring out how to accomplish this."
"As I said, sir, the defense of the city was paramount though the means to accomplish that had not been entirely clear until recently." Holia answered calmly.
Tobrias grinned calmly. "I would commend Mr. Cooper to keep this in mind, the next time military skeletons are mentioned." He says.
Holia's look soured. "I was no accomplice to these activities. They were intiated by General Titus from an external contact. Had I known, the process would have been far better handled. The military does not make it a habit to associate with gods of any kind. Conflict of interest issues prohibit it."
|
|
|
|
Post by dakota on Jan 15, 2008 5:24:41 GMT -5
" I didn't know who was involved," Coop replied to the colonel, unable to hold back all the sharpness of his reply, " I got there after the initial raid and had no contact with any of the participants except for the demon." ... maybe if I had, we wouldn't have lost Sarah... he lost his focus for a moment, mentally second guessing himself ... I wouldn't have known anything if the city hadn't told me. now why can't it tell me where it's real slayer is?...
"No one's pointing fingers at you, Colonel, but I think you're in a better position to investigate how the General became involved with the Cro and if it was his only contact." Another thought occured, " El, has anyone confirmed a link between the brand to either the General or his demon associate?"
[tag]
|
|
|
|
Post by Renekin Skywalker on Jan 15, 2008 11:13:46 GMT -5
The colonel eyed Coop for a second then turned to Tobrias. "This is a Decree matter. I cannot investigate this. The military will try them for the treason and discharge them, but their impetus cannot be more than reported on at the court martial." Pointing to Coop, he says, "If there is no other Decree Slayer willing to do the job, then they will get off. And we all know that is unacceptable."
"That is quite enough." Says Moltavious, whispishly, being wheeled in by a Fayde guard. "I don't see what right any of you have to be upset." He looked weak, drained, malnourished, sallow, tired, exhausted, in shock, mouring, denied, unsatisfied, and downright moody. "Coop. You're it. I can't do anything. If you don't, no-one will." He said, with what little conviction his body allowed. "Sarah's mother will be here soon. I'll break the news. That matter will be handled in time." He says, clearly not looking forward to it, as the guard wheeled him out. Patting Coop on the arm, he adds, "Be a man, and solve the hard questions first. I'll answer the easiest one later, if I live past the wife." Then gets wheeled out.
In the silence that followed, Tobrias says, softly, "Mr. Cooper, what are your instructions? The Guild, military and police are at your disposal, as is the law."
|
|
|
|
Post by dakota on Jan 16, 2008 5:31:24 GMT -5
Still confused what they were really asking him to do, Coop's mind eased slightly after Moltavious spoke. He certainly din't envy him having to deal with Mrs. Lockhart. Once he was wheeled out, Coop decided enough was enough, " Look, I'm still new at this, so I'll handleit Colonel, once someone tells me what they actually expect me to do. I can't decide how to deal with it until I know what it is."
[tag]
|
|
|
|
Post by Renekin Skywalker on Jan 16, 2008 10:35:02 GMT -5
Holia sighs, calming himself down. "The responsibility of the Decree Slayer is to act as the highest form of justice in the city." He briefs, reciting the handbook, basically. "This role is particularly the case in issues where use of magic is concerned. All facets of Golthreia's government are, by law, at the disposal to the Decree Slayers to ensure that any criminals they have found are brought to justice.
"In this case, Mr. Cooper, those responsible were caught in the act, much as the last summoning attempt. Being caught red-handed is the best way to be found guilty. However, unlike the last attempt, the people summoning were not simply rich private citizens with little to occupy their time. These are fully-aware, top-ranking military officials responsible for over-all and day-to-day management of military operations across all branches. They knew what they were doing and had a specific goal in mind in undertaking the summoning. Their untimely removal will create a knowledghe gap that will cripple Golthreia's defenses. Possibly irreparably. We will be vulnerable if we are not prepared." He explains in rather crisp, military tones.
"So, Mr. Cooper, as the Decree Slayer, you have a very conflicting decision that must be made: you must either to pursue justice for all involved to the full strength of the law, or create a situation where all may or may not be punsihed, but that the city can remain defended."
Tobrias looks over at coop, taking over the conversation. "What Colonel Holia is asking, Zachary, is for you to grant some leniency to some of the guilty to preserve the city. You will still have the resources of the police, military and guild to ensure justice is still pursued. The key point to all of this is that you must pursue justice as the lead, Zachary. We can only assist you."
|
|
|
|
Post by dakota on Jan 17, 2008 5:31:32 GMT -5
Coop's frustration changed to anger at the colonel's remarks about his family, enough that he couldn't keep it all in. " Fine Colonel, give the generals the option to step aside or retire, or face the full extent of the consequnces of their actions. Make sure they know this is a one time offer."
He tried to remain professional, but holding it in only seemed to make his anger simmer even more. He addded with a much lower tone, and measured his words carefully " And colonel, next time you and I speak, I would appreciate a little more tact. I livewith what my family did, and I don't need it thrown in my face. Now if there's nothing else, I've got other things to do." He wanted to just go, but waited to make sure they were finished.
[tag]
|
|
|
|
Post by Renekin Skywalker on Jan 17, 2008 6:35:44 GMT -5
With the decision made, the Colonel nodded politely then held out. After the door closed, Tobrias looks over at Coop. "I suggest, Zachary, that maybe you should take the rest of the day off. Go home and rest. Eleutheroi can make sure you get home safely."
|
|
|
|
Post by dakota on Jan 17, 2008 17:32:45 GMT -5
" I'm not sure I'm ready to go to an empty home yet. " Coop replied softly. " I could use a bite , but I was hoping I could crash here for the night. besides, I really do want to hit the library." He looked at Eleutheroi, hoping that he wasn't giving away that he just needed someone to talk to. " You up for something to eat? I'll buy if you drive."
[tag]
|
|
|
|
Post by Renekin Skywalker on Jan 18, 2008 9:56:12 GMT -5
"Sure." Says Eleutheroi, stepping out from behind Tobrias. "I'll keep him in one piece." He says to the Guild Master as the two take a side door.
As they leave. They see Moltavious watching the elevator door like a hawk. "Sarah's mother isn't here yet." Eleutheroi whispers. "We are not involved in this. And this isn't exactly a call they never expected." And he ushers Coop out of the Guild.
As the get in the car, Eleutheroi looks around, "OK, General Torran. Or whoever this is, you can show yourself." He says, peevishly.
A man, looking in his late-30's appears. "Lateric, actually." He says. "Torran has already left to look for the that spell. He seems intrigued by it." He nods to Coop. "I am your body guard for the time being."
As the car pulls out, Eleutheroi looks rather hurt. "They could have said they were tasking an elite group here."
"We figured it would have been assumed." Lateric answers. He almost sounds like a well-travelled version of Rozatonosky. He looked like he could be Tobrias's cousin.
"My apologies, Mr. Cooper. I am Lateric, second in command of an ops team referred to as Raven flight." He says, holding out his hand as Eleutheroi drove. "You handled that Colonel well. I doubt it was an easy decision."
|
|
|
|
Post by dakota on Jan 19, 2008 11:37:33 GMT -5
Coop wanted to argue about being involved with the Lockharts, but let it slide. He was amazed at how easily Lateric could hide himself.He shrugged as he shook hands. " Just call me Zach, or Coop. It was easy to give Holia what he wanted. The hard part was not plowing that jerk for throwing my family in my face. I'm not entirely sure we can trust him either. I'm assuming we've got someone watching him?"
He turned his attention back to Eleutheroi. " When the raid out at the farm happened, did you guys find gramp's hidden library down by where he kept his still in the the woods? He took me there a couple times, but I know the rest of the family didn't know about it. He used to brag that was where he kept all his good books because mom and dad weren't ready for them. " He felt a little pang of guilt for betraying family trust , but had an ulterior motive. " If it's still out there, Torran might find something about that rare spell the Cro used on Sarah. We should at least confiscate it so it doesn't fall into the wrong hands."
" And I've got a favor to ask, both of you I guess" he added, trying to keep his mind on anything but Sarah. " Tobrias thinks that he can teach me to use magic, but if I'm gonna be a Slayer, I need to learn how to defend myself. Brawling and tackles aren't cutting it against demons. Think you two can teach me?"
[tag]
|
|
|
|
Post by Renekin Skywalker on Jan 19, 2008 11:53:06 GMT -5
"What do you think Tobrias has been teaching you from already?" Eleutheroi asked. "We've had them since the raid. And, trust me, you do not want to have posession of all the books your grandfather had. I doubt he did, either." Eleutheroi paused as he drove into a diner parking lot. They were near the bottom of the East end. Xomo tower and the university were visible as the ignition turned off.
"You know," Lateric said, "I would do best to trust your lesson plan. Tobrias is no bureaucrat ..."
She sleeps safely. Said a powerful voice in Coop's head, but the tones indicated that he was to leave the matter alone for the time being.
"... never lived that down."
Eleutheroi chuckled, then paused. "Coop?"
|
|
|
|
Post by dakota on Jan 19, 2008 12:07:11 GMT -5
" Yeah, he used to say there was stuff that even scared him. I just didn't want someone to find them and we have another repeat of what happened." Coop replied.
He listened to Lateric's story, but it faded away as the powerful voice boomed in his head. He sat quietly as it sunk in. Quietly, he said, " She's alive." A warm sensation of releif washed over him and he smiled. " Sarah's alive."
[tag]
|
|
|
|
Post by Renekin Skywalker on Jan 19, 2008 12:21:00 GMT -5
Eleutheroi paused, his phone ringing.
Lateric nodded. "Interesting." He said.
|
|
|
|
Post by dakota on Jan 19, 2008 12:32:13 GMT -5
" Interesting? Am I the only one excited about this?" Coop asked as he got out of the car, his stomach growling slightly. " C'mon, let's get something to eat so we can get back to work." He waited, for El to finish his phone call, looking at Lateric, " So were you at the hotel, or with me when she disappeared?"
[tag]
|
|
|
|
Post by Renekin Skywalker on Jan 20, 2008 15:25:39 GMT -5
Eleutheroi hadn't moved, and his phone stopped ringing then started again. Picking it up, he says, "Dammit, I'll call you ba - Yes, Tobrias. We're still here. OK. We won't go far. Right. I'll call Moitai. Bye." Hanging up, he says, "Moltavious seems to have gotten the same impression." He leans back in the seat, facing forward.
Lateric seems rather bemused, though not irreverently so. "Well, it is interesting that the Raven would be so interested in it, feeling it to be a teleportation spell like that. I doubt whoever sent that message works across dimensional boundaries. So, it means she is still on this world, somewhere." Lateric paused, clearly talking shop. "It is, however, good news that one of your comrades is still alive." He adds, sincerely.
|
|
