The city of Hadriel

[Henry stands in armour, ever a proud knight. Yet this time his armour is stripped back to just his layers of mail over which he wears the blue sash of the Guard, a concession to the heat here above ground. While bearing a number of visible bruises and cuts, he otherwise seems hale. Yet his eyes are dark. He stands next to a shorter woman, but in a clear break from tradition, this time it's definitely not Maketh.

If it isn't clear enough that Kate is not Maketh, it's the fact that, despite standing straight backed and with her hair (long past the stage of having even the faintest hint of pink in it, all bleach blonde with steadily growing dark roots) pulled back into a bun atop her head, she looks rather like she'd prefer not to be hosting this on video. Which shouldn't surprise anyone who's been here long enough; her posts tend to be nothing more than text or audio. Suffice to say that the knight won the rock paper scissors match.]

We have survived with our hopes for a future yet intact. Though hard-fought, and at no small cost, I yet name that a victory. But let us not celebrate yet.

[Henry's voice changes; his next words come slower, and sharper. His pitch drops, and a trace of melancholy runs through both his tone and his expression.]

It grieves me to make it known that Maketh no longer numbers among us in Hadriel.

[It's only a small, momentary glimpse of the grief he feels at her loss. But he only means to get that knowledge out there rather than talk of it, so his expression quickly shutters as he returns to his previous composure. It gets him the briefest of sidelong glances from Kate, but other than the brief purse of her lips, she doesn't seem to react.]

There is more I would say. Henceforth, consider Nick Valentine my fellow commander of the Guard. Those who feel they cannot approach me may turn to him; it shall achieve the same end.

I ask that every guardsmen report in to inform me of their current state. I must know which of you are in need of respite, and who is available for duty. I have much work for those who are able.

[As he says that, he sets a hand on his hip and cocks his head at Kate.]

Kate stands next to me for good reason. Both the Clinic and Guard headquarters were destroyed in the Null's assault. We have decided to rebuild them side by side. As such, I expect all guardsmen who nurse no injuries to aid the the construction of both.

[It's at this point that Kate actually says something, clearing her throat before she speaks.]

Be built near the colosseum, like before. Anyone who wants to assist us is free to. We need both construction and supplies. Be posting a list of supplies the clinic needs when we begin construction.

[There's a beat of silence as Henry waits to see if Kate wants to say anything more than that, but when it's clear she's done, he simply nods once, decisively.]

I intend for the Guard to see a small number of watchtowers made and manned in addition to our usual patrols. Rest assured that you shall hear from us again soon.