hadriel | [Video]

[As they did in their initial recruitment video, Henry and Maketh stand side by side to address city guard business. This time, however, Henry's stance is that of a seasoned knight, poised to spring into action at the first indication of danger. There is a honed watchfulness in his gaze to match, and his expression is keenly focused. It is he who speaks first.]

We have every confidence that, in these perilous circumstances, every man and woman of the Guard is doing their part to assist our fellow inhabitants. Now it is time for us act under a shared banner. Let us unite our efforts, and through our combined efficiency and might, defend this city to greatest extent of our ability.

Report in. Spare not the details of your current location and undertaking.

Maketh will speak of our priorities henceforth.

[Maketh nods, expression somber. This will be the first time anyone in Hadriel has seen her wearing body-armor. She doesn't bother with pleasantries.]

The temples have been declared safe. We suggest congregating there and bringing as many supplies with you as possible. Given the circumstances, it would be wisest to wait out this storm. Save your strength for the next fight - and there will be another after this. In the meantime, go to the temples. The Guard will be doing what we can to make you all comfortable. Those of you who are able and willing, we would welcome your aid.

We will survive this. I have faith in all of you. Be safe.

[There is one final thing that Henry has to say, no less important than the rest.]

I would encourage anyone in need of our help to beseech it here. A ready member of the Guard shall take up your cause.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

And yet there are flaws therein.

What advantage surprise and the gods' lack of familiarity gave her will soon be lost. If they succeed in their endeavour to counteract her dark power, then they shall retain that knowledge. Her first strike may well prove to be her strongest precisely for their lack of defence. To say nothing of the fact that we do not know that her dark power can be made safer to wield, nor whether it corrupts.

...Still, I thought much the same of her disposition. Give her time to seek what she intends. But then we should consider asking her to come into our custody. Ask -- not force. Were she to be adjudged by the whole community, I expect that most would be inclined to mercy. For we all understand her plight.

If naught else, we must insist that she speak with us when this is over. We cannot be seen to ignore her role in this adversity.

Agreed. We need the support of the community behind us.

First we have to survive this. Afterwards there will be an accord.

I agree. We also need to make sure after all this that we keep an eye on her when she's not in our custody, and not just because of what she can do. There are some here who are already looking toward vigilante justice as an answer.

Who?

Someone called Mello. Got real chatty on the confession that showed up on the network.

Edited 2016-06-18 21:28 (UTC)

[Henry makes a noise of disgust.]

Must strife now fester and enfeeble us all? We should not be defending our own from each other. Have we not enough foes to contend with, without making them of our natural allies?

[It seems that there needs to be a serious conversation about priorities.]

I pray that sense will yet prevail.

Nick, you have the most experience in law enforcement. What do you suggest? More delicate measures can be enacted later, but right now we can't have people fighting each other.

[The original Nick Valentine does indeed have experience with law enforcement; while the synthetic one has his memories and his morals, he's only been a private eye, helping out those in need when they needed it.

Not that it matters much, here. He knows what Maketh and Henry mean. He sighs.]

He could just be blowing smoke, but we need to keep an eye on him, especially if he decides to act on his impulses. Henry's right that we can't be fighting each other when we've got bigger fish to fry.

At the end of this, we ought to address everyone, maybe if and when we let the community decide how to judge the girl who did this. We don't want everyone thinking that violence is the best way to solve all our problems. It only takes a little bit on that line of thinking for things to get out of hand.

[He says that as though he knows; he absolutely does.]

I know it's a lot to ask in times like this, but can you keep an eye on him? I don't think we can spare the bodies to put a guard on the girl, or take him into custody.

[Not that they have a prison. Maketh hopes they won't need one before the end.]

That seems wise. But we'll need to be clever about our arguments, or this could turn into a mob.

Consider it done, Maketh. You two focus on the temples and keeping them as secure as possible.

Understood.

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