Video; backdated to the 10th

[hotspurred]

[As they have many times before, Henry and Maketh appear in the video standing side by side. Both of them are in their armor, though Maketh is carrying a new sniper rifle. A keen observer might recognize it as Lilith's. Maketh's face is utterly calm.]

Guardsmen, report in. We have a situation that must be dealt with. If you are capable of fighting, then prepare to do so. If you cannot, then remain within the city limits. We will do what we can do hold the line.

[Maketh lifts her chin.]

Secondly, if you have any information that would be useful to us in dealing with this threat, then please share it.

Do nothing foolish. Keep alive. That is all.

[Henry draws his sword and raises it to eye level, inspecting its edge.]

Well are dragons known to me, and I would not see a fraction of what befell France occur here. 'Tis not only those who would fight who are in grave peril.

We must keep close track of the dragons. Should aught change – what places they harry and where they nest, if, God willing, any are slain – do not hesitate to inform us. If you find yourself cornered or trapped then reach out to us and we shall assist you.

[He brings his sword down in a smooth horizontal slice and nods assertively.]

The Guard will remain steadfast in our valour. Let not your courage fail you. Our community shall endure.

Comments

[mismanagement]

[Maketh frowns. Something is off.]

Four that we have seen. Are you capable of fighting?

[She'll ask him once, honestly, and be done with it.]

[mismanagement]

[Maketh just sighs.]

Do nothing foolish if you can help it.

[mismanagement]

[Maketh just gives him a flat look.]

I think you know.

[hotspurred]

[Since Maketh has already answered Shadow's question, Henry focuses on Shadow's appearance. He frowns at what he sees.]

Not that we shall deter you, but have you weighed the risks of giving battle against your condition? We have seen naught of you all week and now you appear looking greatly wearied. Dragons are formidable foes. It will do none of us good for you to be vanquished in the first pass.

[hotspurred]

Do not make me regret trusting your judgement.

[Which is to say that he is doing so. For now.]

Dragons stand as tall as a castle's walls and weigh as much. Try not to be crushed. They are strong, hardy and their scales tough to breach. Their teeth, claws and tails are deadly weapons, but worst of all is their breath. Dragon fire reduces men to ashes in an instant. Those unfortunate enough to be caught by the edge of their flames are melted. Nor are dragons limited to ordinary flame. Differences in their appearance suggest differing abilities. Oh, and they would gladly eat us, so be wary.

[He dips his head.]

Yet if one is clever their large size can be used to hinder them. And while at close range they are capable of striking quickly, their greater movement is slow. To that end your speed is well suited to this battle.

[hotspurred]

[Here's the thing: Henry feels alive on the battlefield, as though he is where he is meant to be. He would hardly deny that slaying dragons is exhilarating.]

Verily.

[Still, given that this is a guard announcement, he feels it prudent to add:]

But that is not the point. Forget not why you fight, nor the severity of this situation.

[voice]

[synthedick]

Nick Valentine, checking in. I'm better off leaving these dragons to folks who can walk better than me, so I'll keep an eye out and offer help where I can.

[hotspurred]

[Once things settle, Henry resolves to confront Nick over what can be done about his condition. This has gone on far too long.]

Very well. Keep us updated. Maketh and I will focus on the dragons. Should it go ill for us, be prepared to take command.

[synthedick]

Will do. You two stay safe.

[hotspurred]

[Henry huffs a short laugh at that, because they are marching directly into danger. Safe doesn't apply.]

We shall endeavour to claim victory.

[voice]

[mismanagement]

Understood. Take care, Nick.

[voice]

[synthedick]

Same to you, Maketh.

video

[avephoenix]

Aye, on me way!

[Faith salutes and heads off.]

[hotspurred]

[Thank God they have someone in prime condition -- himself and Maketh aside -- to take on the dragons. He gives a nod of acknowledgement.]

Good woman.

video;

[verinumeri]

As ever, thank you. I would repeat my request.

Are these dragons similar to those you knew in --

[ . . . ]

-- France?

[hotspurred]

[That tone makes Henry cock his head.]

France.

[He confirms, before answering the intended question.]

They are similar, yes. In my experience they are neither rare nor worthy of admiration. 'Tis best that we slay them before they annihilate us, all that we have built, and all that we depend on for survival. Fortunately the scale of this fight is much smaller.

[verinumeri]

[ For a guy from a version of Earth with gigantic alien invaders, he should be less surprised by dragons in France.

He'll get there. ]

In opposition to Miss Arya's concern. [ Which... isn't his. Or, only insofar as she may hold it against him. ] It has been suggested they may be acting out of agitation from displacement and now assault, but to that end, we likely cannot afford to hope and wait for them to calm down.

[hotspurred]

I saw. One wonders if some considered the impact of confinement, especially with their desire for the dragons to breed. Anyone who has hunted should know the danger of cornered beasts.

[His expression suggests that Henry thinks Arya's post and those in agreement with it are painfully naive. But then, he is also biased. He has seen monsters -- including dragons -- slaughter countless towns and villages, kill and eat tens of thousands of people, and suffered personal loss at their hands. He knows exactly what horrors they can enact. As far as he is concerned, dragons are capable only of destruction. He shakes his head.]

Arya did as her conscience bid her, and I will act upon mine. The Guard vowed to protect the residents of Hadriel, not monsters to whom we are no more than food.

[verinumeri]

It simply isn't practical. Even if they calmed, there isn't the room.

[ Hermann would agree, though thanks to Newton's prattling on and mania, he is not insensible to arguments to the contrary. Of course, seeking to understand the kaiju had only shown that they were indeed completely devoted to, and only to, the brutal eradication of the human race -- but dragons may be less calculated, more animalistic in it. More simply surviving.

Unfortunately, they couldn't afford a zoo. ]

I agree, of course. We appreciate your efforts and hope to assist, as possible.

[hotspurred]

Ah, yes. You asked for dragon parts?

[He taps the flat of his sword against one of his cuisses.]

The reports that we shall later write may also provide some of the information that you requested.

[verinumeri]

Well -- I suppose that would satisfy Newton regardless, but any information, yes.

We do appreciate it. We'd hoped to be able to be of more immediate use, but it seems there won't be the time.

[hotspurred]

[Henry sets his left hand on his hip, still tapping his sword.]

That which is effective against a dragon can likely take down innumerable lesser beasts. 'Tis worth pursuing nonetheless.

[verinumeri]

Indeed. We also now have confirmation that the Door can bring in beasts of considerable size. It may prove as uncommon in the future, but preparation is ever-advised.