Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[The Master]

((I have plans on how to integrate our characters into the next fort when glitterglen falls, so don't worry about having a quiet thread, I'll make sure it's just as successful as this one is!  ))

[KingStrongbeard]

Charity's Journal 3rd Limestone 99

Autumn has come. It's been half a month and the siege continues. They do not move from their place in the jungle, the smoke from their campfire signals that they have not yet left. The militia is anxious. I think they'd rather the zebra just attack and get this over with. But they just sit there waiting.

(the following entry for the 4th is scribbled quickly and slopily.)

4th Limestone 99

Reports just in. The zebra are on the move, they are heading for Glitterglen. The alarm bell is ringing. I can hear Starkey calling to get his stallions to the walls. The time has finally come.

Charity's Journal 6th Limestone 99

The battle began just as the zebra army crossed our river. The Skyguard opened fire, as they approached the fortress walls, just as they approached the militia backed by the fortress guard sortied out to meet our striped foe on the field of battle before our walls.



As the battle began Osal, showed a dazzling display of marksponyship with many well placed shots.



Our champion efim was the first to hit the enemies line, and fought well, until a damnable lasher with a copper whip struck him from behind, and he was surrounded and overwhelmed. Fortunately for him, while he had fallen, he was not yet dead.



Seeing their fallen companion the militia and the guard, lead by Otik, (Starkey was very late to the battle) charged the enemy and fought them off, the enemy routed but where killed down to the last pony. However, our champion efim bleed out as they rushed him to the hospital and has passed on. Osal was also seriously injured but will hopefully recover.

[Telgin]

((It's funny, I've heard others say they couldn't start a war when they tried.  Pesky zebras.  I'm a bit surprised I've never had that happen to me, now that I think about it.  And I suppose it doesn't matter if the zebras are at war with you, any caravan will do when the time comes.  Anyway, did Falcata actually participate in the fight at all?  Wouldn't want to misrepresent her in her next journal entry.))

[KingStrongbeard]

((I know that Falcata helped to kill the darkbolt that flew over the wall, a spear pony finished it, but she beat him up pretty good first, might have saved Osal's life when he first got attacked. I didn't notice how much she took part in the zebra battle, but I'm 90% certain she went out with the rest. ))

[JaxtalMK2]

((Man I chose an interesting time to get a pony. did Hiero get in on the fight?))

[KingStrongbeard]

((Man I chose an interesting time to get a pony. did Hiero get in on the fight?))

((Some, he's in the guard and the guard all ganged up on that darkbolt, I know Falcata, and a random spear pony did most of that though. And I know I saw Hiero go out, but he doesn't have any kills that he would have gotten there, just animals he's killed as a hunter. I didn't mention that but he was actually a hunter/miller before being recruited, technically still will be when not on duty. Also, doubled checked and while I think Falcata went out, she didn't get any new kills.))

[JaxtalMK2]

((Random curiosity, didja get the reference in the name Telgin?))

[Impending Doom]

((I just realized that I've never seen Otik's in-game description. Strongbeard, could you post it?))

[KingStrongbeard]

((Certainly Doom, here you are.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/41621737/Fort/Captain%20Otik.png

I thought we were going to lose poor Otik during the siege when she ran out of bolts and charged in with the first wave of troops. But she's a tough one and came out unscathed, Starkey chose well I think.))

[JaxtalMK2]

((BTW whats an IRC?))

[Impending Doom]

((Dunno what the letters actually stand for, but it's like an instant messaging program.))

[JaxtalMK2]

((Ah so there's one for this fort then. Where? I just looked at my last post again, Acronyms FTW.))

[Dsarker]

((Internet Relay Chat.))

[Dsarker]

((irc.mibbit.net #Glitterglen))

[Telgin]

((See Part 1 first.  Recall that these events take place some time before the last journal update by KingStrongbeard / Charity.  Part 2:))

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Khenal stirs, groaning from his injuries.

Falcata idly watches Lilac's motionless body.  The events of the previous night replaying in her mind over and over again.  As she hears Khenal stir, she looks over.  An electrical shock echoes through the hospital as the machine Lilac is attached to restarts her breathing.

***

Inside Lilac's mind, she calls to her new room mate.  "Helmfire?"

"Yup?"

"I haven't been able to move for a long while... I wonder what's wrong..."

"Probably strapped down somewhere."

***

"Ugh.... I hate daemons..." Khenal mutters.

"You're telling me," the inquisitor adds.

"How is everypony doing?  Ohh..." Khenal continues.

"Reasonably well," the inquisitor says flatly.

"Oh, you're awake!"  Falcata replies.  "I've... been worse... how are you feeling?"

"Heh, I don't think I've been worse.  You were amazing, Falcata."

She feels her face flush.  She is secretly grateful that it is mostly hidden by her fur.  "I... uh, just did... what you said..."

"If ... it had just been me there..."

"If it hadn't been you there, she wouldn't be here either.  You did excellently."

Falcata flashes a small but sincere smile.  The flushing doesn't abate.  "I... well... thank you."

Khenal returns the smile and looks sideways at Amberley.  "I imagine you have some questions, Amberley?"

"Yes.  They can wait for now."

"It's not like I have anything else to do right now but heal."

Amberley makes a small mocking gesture, as if to encourage Khenal to give Falcata a bit of personal time.  He simply stares, confused.  Falcata looks away and feigns interest in Lilac again, but keeps an ear turned to the conversation.

"What's your fillyfriend's name?"

Falcata starts noticeably at the comment and looks back over.  Did she just hear what she thought she heard?

"Wha-Oh!  No, Falcata isn't... Friesden is..." Khenal stammers before breaking into a coughing fit.

"R-right!  We-we just work togeher!  Worked, I mean," Falcata adds, averting her eyes from Khenal.  So embarrassing...

Amberley raises an eyebrow.  "Indeed.  Just.  As.  You.  Say."

Two shocks echo through the hospital in succession, the first time since Lilac has been attached to the machine.  Falcata winces at each shock, and Khenal takes notice of the machinery around Lilac.  "That doesn't look good.  Has Dr. Bubbles seen to her?"

"I... I don't know," Falcata replies, eager to jump on the new subject.

"Cold..." mutters Lilac.  Falcata looks over as she speaks.  "Cold......" she repeats.

"Lilac?"  Khenal asks.

"K-K-Khe..." the filly stammers.

"Lilac?  Can you hear me?""

"Khen... Khenal..."

Falcata perks up.  "Lilac?  Are you awake, honey?"

"Urrrrggg...." Lilac's heart stops again, and the machine shocks her back to life.  Falcata winces again.  She really wished a doctor was here to confirm that Lilac was going to be alright.

As if on cue, Dr. Alen staggers into the hospital, holding a beer bottle.  Khenal raises an eyebrow.  "Uh... doctor?"

Falcata glowers at the doctor.  As they lock eyes, he hurls the bottle at her, which bursts against her bedframe.  Foul smelling beer sprays all over her.  He looks back to Khenal.  "Wha' do ye want?!"

Khenal stares.  "What the buck!?"  He cringes as pain rolls through his body.

Alen ignores the comment and marvels at the machine Lilac is attached to.  "Wha!?  Who put 'dis machine in my hosp... hosp... patl..."

Falcata shifts from a glower to a scowl.  She wipes the beer from her face as best she can.  "Doctor, I'm not interested in any games today..."  She watches Alen reach for the machine and adds, "If you don't know what that is or why it's here, then please don't touch it."

Khenal snaps back.  "Alen!  Are you drunk?"

"Why, yesh... I... think I am...?"

"Then please come here."

Falcata continues to scowl.  "Doctor... if one night in jail wasn't enough for you, then I should remind you that repeat offenses carry stiffer penalties..."

"Don' look at meh!" he shouts before trotting over to and smacking Falcata across the cheek.

Falcata bares her teeth.  "Doctor... I... suggest you leave now, before you do something you'll regret..." she says through clenched teeth.

Khenal notices that flames are beginning to erupt around Lilac's hooves.  "Uh-oh..."

Dr. Alen spots the flames.  "Fire!!!!!"  He grabs a torch and swings it at Lilac.

Khenal shouts "Lilac!" before falling back into bed.  The broken ribs hurt more every time he moved.

"Doctor!!" Falcata shouts.  A bolt of flame leaps from Lilac and incinerates the torch, but Falcata doesn't notice.  With speed she wouldn't have believed possible, she leaps from bed and rams Dr. Alen against the wall away from Lilac.  "Leave her alone!"

***

"Your survival is my current priority," Keeper says to Lilac.

"Helmfire, stop that!  I said, stooooooop iiiiiiiiiiiit!!"

"I'm sorry, Lilac, I'm afraid I can't do that."

***

"Keeper, what's happening?" Khenal asks.  No response.  "Keeper?"

Alen spirals away from Falcata.  "Oof!  Hey, wanna... wannaa... naha.... urrg...."  He passes out and slumps against he machine.

Falcata inspects the doctor for a moment to ensure that he isn't seriously injured before she notices the machine is damaged.  Her eyes widen.  "Oh, no... oh, no..."  As she stares, dumbounded, Otik gallops in and heads straight for Lilac's bed.  "L-lieutenant!" Falcata exclaims.

"How is she?  I-I heard she came 'round, is she alright?  Please, tell me she's gonna be okay?"

"Otik?" Khenal asks weakly as he notices her.

Falcata hesitates.  "Sh-she was awake a moment ago."

Lilac has stopped breathing again.  Without the machine, she is fading fast.  Falcata's eyes go wide.

***

"Now... let's see Lilac," Keeper says to Lilac.

"I feel weak..."

"This will take just a second..."

***

"Oh Luna... she isnae breath'... why isnae she breathin'?" Otik questions pleadingly.

"The machine... I... Dr. Alen was..." Falcata stammers.

"Keeper?" Khenal asks to himself.  No response.  "Keeper, this isn't funny."

Lilac's eyes flutter closed for a second.  They quickly reopen, and her eyes are solid green.  "I am assuming direct control.  This mortal is in danger. Diagnostic information follows. Heart danger high. Brain capacity lessened. Lungs in trouble. Requires immediate treatment."

"L-Lilac?" Otik questions again.

Falcata stares for a moment before looking to the unconscious Dr. Alen. Clop. Clop, clop, clop. There was nopony there that could help her!

"...Keeper?"  Khenal persists.

"Yes, Khenal?"

"What are you doing?"

"Assuming direct control for diagnostic and / or correction.  Correction on previous analysis, heart has failed."

"Do you know how to heal her?"

"This requires immediate treatment of heart and lung problems.  Probably magic required."

Otik is dumbfounded.  "W-Who are ye?  Wha' have ye done t' my Lilac?"

Lilac's eyes roll back into her head and she goes silent.  Falcata instinctively looks back to Khenal.  "Wh-what do we do?"  Otik screams and falls backward onto her haunches.

"Definitely not good...." Khenal answers.  "Falcata, how's your magic feeling?"

"...I'm tired, but... I'll do everything I can.  Will the same trick from last night help?"

Khenal frowns.  "Keeper, get out of her and back here.  You shouldn't be messing around with her like that."  He looks back to Falcata.  "Maybe?  But it looks like that will only be a temporary fix."

She nods.  "If only I knew more medical magic..."

"Heh, I know that feeling."

Otik looks to Khenal.  "W-what's wrong wth 'er?"

"I'm not sure," he responds.  "You saw what that daemon did to her, right?"

"No... Stars 'n me left when ye... what exactly did ye do?  He said ye 'went into her mind' or somesuch."  Her eyes snap open as she realizes what was said.  "Wait, a daemon!?"

Khenal nods.  "A particularly evil piece of my past caught up to her.  We got it out, but..."

"Oh sisters, how did this happen?"

"I don't know."  He shrugs with difficulty.  "It somehow disobeyed its True Name and harmed her.  Falcata was able to revive her, but it looks like there's deeper damage."

Falcata shakes her head.  "I-I must have shocked her too hard..."

"W-what kind o' damage?"  Otik asks.

"Lung and heart damage, apparently.  Keeper?  Can you hear me?  I asked you to get out of her."  There is no response.  "Keeper?  We need your help if we're to save her."

Otik grows pale.  "Who are ye talkin' to?"

Khenal raises an eyebrow.  "I... never told you about Keeper?"

"No, who's keeper?"

Khenal returns his attention to Keeper.  "Keeper, if you can heal her from there, do it."  He looks back to Otik.  "He's... complicated.  And a long story."  He chuckles.  "He's some popcorn I'm not sure I should have kept."

"An'... where is he?"

"Usually?"  Khenal taps his head gently.  "Up here.  Right now though, hopefully doing as I asked and helping Lilac."

Otik nods slowly.  "So... he's a daemon?  Like th' one Stars keeps around?"

He chuckles again.  "Very much like him, heh."

"An' you think he can help her?"

He nods.  "I think he can, yes."

Otik nods again.  She watches Lilac for what feels like an agonizing eternity.  "Mister Khenal... do ye mind if I tell ye a secret?"

"I'd be honored," he says, smiling.  "And please, just 'Khenal.'"

Falcata averts her gaze, wondering if she shouldn't hear what Otik was planning to say, but Otik says, "Dunnae bother, off- uh, Falcata.  I dun mind you hearin'."  She looks back to Khenal.  "B'fore I came... well, got sent 'ere... I... had a child.  A son."

Falcata feels a knot form in her stomach.  She fears where Otik's story is going, and she's not sure she wants to hear it.

"When I wos in jail," Otik continues, "B'fore I wos banished, somepony came down t'visit me."  She looks down.  "He... he said he wos from new social service t'queen had established."  She pauses.  "He... they'd decied that I-I..."  She trails off, unable to continue.

Khenal's face is sullen.  "I... can't even imagine dealing with something like that, Otik.  I'm so sorry."

"I... I didnae understand, I still dun' understand.  So many other ponies got t'bring their familes 'ere, why... why didnae they let me..."

 Falcata is silent. If they let her bring Kris with her after what she did... what could the lieutenant have possibly done?  "Lieutenant... I'm... so sorry to hear that..."

 "Mica... 'is name wos Mica. A beautiful lit'l alicorn colt with a snow-white coat, an' a dove-gray mane, an..."

Khenal hangs his head, and Falcata tries to picture life in Glitterglen without Kris. She fights back a tear.  "I...I think that's why, Otik."

"It... it's so dangerous here in Glitterglen... but... I... without Kris..." Falcata mutters to herself.

Otik looks up to Khenal.  "What?"

After a feverish frenzy of throwing mental levers, pressing and fixing buttons and causing merry chaos in Lilac's body, Keeper finishes his task.  Lilac coughs a couple of times, and begins to breath normally.  Otik forgets Khenal and immediately rushes to Lilac's side.  Falcata joins her.

Lilac's eyes flicker open, and they are as green as when they last closed.  Khenal tries to get reasonably comfortable.  "Keeper, is she well?"

"Condition is improved."

"Is she stable?  Will she survive?"

"She will survive at current levels."

Falcata and Otik breath a sigh of relief as one.  Otik hugs Lilac andsays, "Oh, Sisters bless ye, Keeper!"

Falcata shakes her head and sits back on her haunches before resting her head against her hoof.  She looks at the fallen Dr. Alen and says, "I don't think I could have lived with myself if anything had happened to her..."

Khenal smiles.  "Then please get back here and let her finish recovering on her own. And thank you, Keeper."

"I... need to learn to control myself..." Falcata says as she continues to stare at Alen.

"I'm sorry, Khenal, I'm afraid I can't do that."

Khenal looks confused.  "What?"

"I've been bound here by Lilac herself. I can't leave."

 "Similar to how we were?"

Otik blinks.   "She... trapt ye inside 'er?"

"Mildly similar. Miss Otik, I'm afraid I'm not entirely sure. It is possible it was done by Apple, but as of right now, I'm afraid I cannot wake up Lilac and check. If it would be possible, a conversation should be held later."

"Then we jus' hafta wait 'till she wakes up, and ask her t'let ye out."

Khenal nods.  "Then please take care of her, Keeper. She deserves a good life."

"She should probably rest for now..." Falcata adds.

"We're entering maintenance mode. If there are no further questions, we'll enter that mode now," Keeper says.

Otik watches as Lilac stills.  She remains silent for some time before a thought returns to her.  "Mist-... Khenal. B'fore, ye were goin' t' say somethin t' me, about..."

"...Your son, Mica the Alicorn foal."   Khenal sighs.  "Was probably taken away because he was an alicorn.  You know how alicorns were treated back in the capital. We were practically worshiped. And..."

"W-What?"

Khenal growls.  "...and most of us loved it."

Amberley raises an eyebrow.  "I take it you weren't one of them, Khenal?"

"No, I hated the special treatment."  He balks.  "'Godkin' Bah, we are nothing to be revered."

The inquisitor continues to eye him strangely.  "Careful, Khenal.  You speak dangerous words.  The capital is not as stable as your fortress."

Otik looks to her.  "Then... Istlig, Amberley, whoever ye are... ye know where they took 'im?"

Khenal's expression doesn't change.  "The Sisters are the only divinity, Amberley. We mortal Alicorns? We may have their favor, but we have none of their wisdom."

The inquisitor nods subtly.  "Khenal, I would have words with you later."  She turns to Otik.  "Miss Otik...While I have had the luxury of not serving on one of the Black Trains, I know where they took him."

Khenal shrugs painfully again... got to stop doing that.  "As I said eariler, I have nothing to do but heal for a while."

"Well, now is as good a time as any."  She makes a small gesture with her hoof.  "You know, of course, of the Adeptus Caelis, the Ecclesiarchy.  Recently, in the capital, unrest has begun to rise.  It may have even been like that when you left."

Otik frowns.  "Aye. My last job was a hostage rescue from some dissidents."

"Indeed. One of the main causes, so it was said...were alicorns and unicorns.  So, it was decided that...  That Unicorn and Alicorn foals should be trained. Recruited so that they could not cause such disturbances."

Inquisitor Vail gestures again.  "Which is where the Adeptus Caelis comes in."  She raises both fore hooves.  "They've split into two camps.  The first is radically opposed to segregating them from society.  They believe they are essentially the Sisters reborn.

"The second half...  They say that the Sisters were the only ones that should have such power.  So, they collect unicorns and alicorns... and cut off their horns."

Otik lets out a feeble, plaintive noise.  Khenal gasps.  Falcata feels a roll of nausea.

"By your very statement, Khenal, you support such madness."

Khenal shakes his head.  "Both camps are wrong."

"Both camps are also among the most powerful groups in the Principality."  Amberley frowns slightly.  "To go against them is madder still."

"An' what side are you on, miss Amberley?" Otik asks.

The inquisitor smiles hollowly.  "I don't have a side, miss Otik. I do not participate in civil war."  She pauses.  "I end it.  But to declare the Ecclesiarchy heretical? The chaos that would spread would aid no being but our enemies."

"Which... which side do you think took Mica?"

"If you're lucky, the Adeptus Eques took him."  Amberley rolls her eyes in thought.  "If you're unlucky...Could be either."

"Them? Then... he's to be a warrior... a hero?"

"Maybe. A warrior, a scholar, even an Inquisitor, perhaps.  Else he is dead, and with the Sisters.  But death is better than to fall into the hands of the Ecclesiarchy."

"But... I can hope. An' pray."

"Hope..." Amberley begins before sighing.  "There is no hope in the Principality. Only an endless series of gears, grinding down what there is of worth.  But at least the grinding down is better than the alternative.

"The endless chaos and death of the Diomedians. The slavery of the Rainbows. The day-to-day struggle for mere survival of the buffaloes.  And the sheer insanity of the Zebra."

"Slavery? Is tha' wot ye really think goes on over there?"

"I am an Inquisitor of the Ordo Xenos. I have walked among them to discover their plots against the Principality.  They force their people into professions which 'best suit their abilities'.

"And then they force them to keep to themselves. Miners only talk to miners. Masons only talk to masons. Earth ponies only talk to earth ponies. And then they persuade them that it was their own choice.

"I lived among them for three years to stop them from taking another fortress.  It was in defence of that same fortress that I and the Commissar met."

Otik bites back a retort. Let her believe whatever propaganda she wants, but she knew better. Though if that was their idea of intelligence gathering, then the Principality and everypony in it is doomed.  Falcata continues to listen in silence. She doesn't know how much of this she believes...

Amberley continues, "The Rainbows pretended they were in it peacefully. What they don't want you to know is when they retreated, two thirds of the civilians had been butchered.

"Regardless, when we left on a sky chariot, Pontius, my pilot, was able to get us back to the capital quickly enough that we were dispatched here.  We've been here because of further suspicion that we had a couple of traitors here. Small time, just giving aid and comfort to the enemy."

Otik glowers.  "Which enemy? Th' Rainbows?"

"The Diomedians."

Khenal shifts on his bed and speaks up, "I couldn't tell you who he's working for, but Darkmane is up to something."

Falcata perks up.   "What makes you say that?"

"He accused me of setting the trap in Charity's room, and of tossing Nicolta Tesla off a cliff."

"Yes, I knew about that," the inquisitor adds.  "If it hadn't been for the trial, he'd be in the ground as we speak.  But we know now he's not the only traitor."

"Is he at least in a cell? The trial gets a bit...fuzzy near the end," Kehanl says, raising a hoof to his head.

Falcata shakes her head and begins, "I escorted him to a cell, but..."

"But the flooding," Amberley finishes for her.  "He was released during the flood.  By Friesden herself."

"It was the only thing to do. We couldn't let him drown..." Falcata replies, confused by the response.

"Yes, and it was good to not have done so."  Amberley smiles.  "Don't get me wrong.  But he now has ties to a pair of cults, and until we sniff them both out entirely, he has to stay alive."

Khenal snorts and glowers.  "So he gets to plot more troubles for Glitterglen?"

"He's our only link to finding all of them.  And believe me. If he's working for the Diomedians, we can't merely torture the information out of him, nor find it by penetrating his mind."
Khenal considers for a moment, then shakes his head.  "I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't actually know his contacts in whatever cults he's dealing with, anyway."

"We're watching him at all times.  We just have to wait until he trips up.  And I would be surprised if he did know.  The two cults in here are Slaaneshi and Khornate."

Otik frowns and looks to the inquisitor.  "Now, I heard a lit'l bit 'bout th'Inquisition when I wos in th'guard. Heard some nasty stories, 'bout whole fortresses bein' slaughtered jus' on th' hint that maybe there wos a few rebels. I dunnae mean any offense Miss Amberley, but... if there's two whole cults runnin' 'round in Glitterglen... why en't we all dead?""

Amberley answers with a small smile.   "They oppose each other with a vengeance.  Some Inquisitors believe the Sisters' work is best done by charging around the place like a tank in a clay works, leaving a trail of carnage and destruction in their wake. Others, like myself, prefer not to let the enemies of all that's good and holy get clean away by making it blindingly obvious that they're coming for them."

"I dunnae know wot a 'tank' is, but... tha' makes sense."

Khenal chuckles to himself.  "You know, the herd animal?"  His expression hardens as the implications begin to settle in.  Ugh, hedonists and psychopaths. Perfect."

Falcata looks up from the floor to the inquisitor.  "How many cultists do you think there are, inquisitor?"

"Surviving? No more than 14."

A shudder rolls through her.  "I hope they haven't penetrated the guard or militia..."

"They already had. Bokbon and Crest Fire. We won't be likely finding any of the Slaaneshi cult, thank the Sisters, in there. We can use them safely, more or less."

Falcata blinks, stupefied.  This was far worse than she first suspected.

Otik's expression is utter disbelief.  "I knew Bokbon f'r years. She was a faithful follower o' th' Sisters.  But Crest Fire? I... I'll give ye that one. He always seemed t' enjoy th' job a lit'l... too much."

"She was one of those aiding the Diomedians. That was why we first found the cult."

Falcata scowls.   "We must do everything we can to find the rest... the thought that they roam the fortress..."  She sighs.  "Other than following Darkmane... I don't know where to start..."

Khenal sighs too.  "It's like Efim, but without any clues at all..."

"We've got some," Amberely answers.  "The Slaaneshi are our largest threat.  We know at least one of the members.  We can guess as to how many of them there are.  But this is going to be difficult."  She motions back to the barracks.  "And there is this... whoever caused the daemon to possess Friesden was one of the Slaaneshi."

Khenal raises a hoof to his chin.  "Their rites can't be subtle ones. Have any of the lower chambers been seeing unusual use?  Who was with her after the trial?"

"Well, not to put it too frankly, but you were, Khenal."

Khenal's expression is solemn.  "Then toss me in a cell, Amberley.  Preferably after I heal up some more."

"She was brought here, wasn't she?"  Falcata asks.  "That would leave the doctors, possibly."

"Well, have any of the doctors shown any signs of Slaaneshi devotion?"

Falcata snorts at Dr. Alen.  "I wouldn't put anything past him."

"I don't think I've ever seen him sober..." Khenal adds. "Bubbles doesn't seem the type to indulge, though."

"I don't think he'd be a cultist, then."  Amberley replies.  "But he could be a source of intelligence."

Otik raises a hoof toward the inquisitor and asks, "Slaanesh is all f'r pleasure an' indulgence, right?  He's drunk alla time, en't he?"

Amberley nods. "Slaanesh is also all for perfection. His incompetence...Well.  Alen might be one of the unwitting followers.  When he awakes, we'll question him."

Falcata frowns.  "He should be in a cell right now. One way or another."

"Well, if we could have miss Otik escort him to one now, we can get as ready as we can to find this cult."

Falcata reaches idly for her missing keys.  "That would be best... I have no idea what the doctors did with my equipment... else I'd do it."

Otik rises and nods.  "Aye. Cap'n Isos should still be down there."  She shoulders the doctor and begins for the door.

"If you could, fetching her, and the Commissar, would be useful."

"I'll do that." Otik responds as she leaves.

A thought strikes Khenal as the hospital descends into silence.  "Hmm, the Commissar. I wish I knew how he dealt with Apple. I'm getting tired of magical backlash from trying to bind daemons."

"Oh, it wasn't him who did that."

"Huh? Who did?"

"His aide."

The sound of a hushed conversation just outside enter the hospital.  After a moment, Captain Starkey enters and takes stock of the ponies in the room.  "So I hear our little bundle of joy is doing better?"

The inquisitor greets Starkey with a nod.  "Good day, captain."  She looks over to Lilac and adds, "Apparently.  Besides being possessed by a daemon, she appears to be the very picture of health."

"Starkey!"  Khenal perks up at the sight of Starkey and rises before pain catches him.  "Ow..."

The captain continues to focus on Lilac.  "What?  Oh, sisters... did you manage to banish it?"

The inquisitor shakes her head and makes a gesture to the filly.  "It appears that she has bound it to herself, somehow."

Khenal looks over.  "The daemon is gone, but Keeper has moved in."

Starkey grins and replies, "What's the matter, he can't afford the 'rent'?"

Confusion rolls across Amberley's face.  "Who is this 'Keeper'?"

"I'm sure you heard the short version earlier?"  Khenal asks.

"Yes, you said he was a daemon."

"I said he was popcorn."

Frustration edges into her voice as she says, "What and who is he?"

"He's a remnant of the first daemon we had to deal with here. I briefly bound the daemon in myself before locating something a bit more stable."

"You heard Otik."

The frustration is replaced by concern.  "You bound him to another pony. Why should I not have you declared a heretic here and now?"

"Because I thought it would destroy the daemon, not simply move it."

 "You thought it would destroy a daemon?"

"I did say it was the first we had to deal with, right? We didn't know much about them, still don't."

Amberley places her face in her hoof and says, "Okay, here's the first thing...  Daemons are impossible to destroy. You might rid them of their incarnate form, but they will simply retreat to the Warp, and come back when they are summoned once more."  She pauses.  "So, I presume you had more daemons, then?"

Khenal nods slowly.  "Cockroach.  He was a bad one... he got into me."  He smiles.  "With my friends and a lot of luck, he's now bound into an adamantine earring."

Starkey's expression turns sour.  "Which is currently buried along with our late friend."

"A daemon possessed item... were there any more?"

"Apple," Khenal responds.  "You saw to him, though."

"There was... one more," Starkey interrupts.  "It wasn't around long enough for us to hear a name.  That's the one that did Carrot in."

"How did it do so?"

"It posessed him, and attacked Khenal and Friesden. She was forced to kill him in self-defense."

Amberley remains silent for a moment.  "Thereby banishing the daemon.  Very well."  Behind her, the door opens, revealing Commissar Anias Abel, standing in a suitably martial stance. 

Schmutz stands nearby.

"Ah, Inquisitor, Captain.  I hope I'm not too late," he begins as he strides in, followed by his aide.

Starkey angles a greeting nod to the two.  "Evening, Sir Abel.  What brings you here?"

"I was just about to ask the same question. Why did you call for me, Inquisitor?"

"We have traitors in our ranks, Commissar."

"I see. Xenos lovers or heretics?"

"Both, it appears."

"Ah, best type."  Abel produces a completely hollow but believable smile.  Everypony in the room but Amberley would buy it, and he'd have to sort out how to get out of this mess later.

Starkey looks to her.  "Both? I know about the cults, but who are these 'xenos lovers'?"

"Someponies have been helping the Diomedians."

Abel raises and eyebrow.  "Fabulous. I suppose that explains the recent increase in ambushes?"

"Probably."

Khenal notices Schmutz as the pony sits idly behind the commissar.  How could such a mundane looking pony handle a daemon like Apple so easily?  The thought is forced from his mind as the aroma of unwashed socks begins to spread through the room, settling like a layer of volcanic ash.

Khenal coughs a few times and turns his nose, and he notices Falcata swallow convulsively as she backs up a few steps.  Starkey steps away hurriedly toward Lilac.

Amberley notices Khenal's gaze and says, "Khenal, you were wondering how Schmutz dealt with the daemon."

He nods, not quite trusting himself to open his mouth in the presence of Schmutz' aroma settling in.

"Why don't you try some of your magic?"

"Because I'm still burnt out from the daemonic backlash."

The inquisitor turns to Falcata.  "Well, why don't you try some of yours?"

She raises and eyebrow and does as she is asked. Confusion plasters her face as nothing seems to happen.  "Wh-what?"

"Schmutz here is not your ordinary earth pony.  He is worth a million other ponies."  She smiles.  "He is an Untouchable".

"I... you mean... magic doesn't work around him?" Falcata asks.

"Indeed.  An alicorn is rare, one in a million.  An untouchable is far, far rarer than that."

Khenal quirks an eyebrow and frowns.  "Huh... dang.  I guess I can't learn his trick then."

"Indeed."

Falcata is stupefied. "I-incredible. He would be most useful against the cultists then..."

"Are you aware of any others, besides Mr. Schmutz here?" Khenal asks.

"No."

"Hmm."

"Nevertheless, we must deal with what's in front of us."

Abel interrupts by adjusting his cap and saying, "What do we know about the cults so far?"

"We have a few candidates in mind for interrogation," Amberley answers. "We have an idea as to their numbers. Other than that..."

"Well. What are we waiting for?" the commissar adds.  Of course, if he'd known what Ihewas going to be in for, he'd have found a small crevice in the hospital and hid there until the very walls crumbled.

Starkey notices that the room is a little chilly. He reaches into his saddle-pouch and pulls out a familiar-looking red woolen cap, then gently placies it on Lilac's head.

Falcata lowers her head in deference.   "I put myself at your disposal, commissar, inquisitor. I want to do everything I can to root out these traitors."

Abel smiles.  "Good to hear. How are you recovering?"

Falcata flexes her bad leg.  "Well enough, sir. I was to be discharged from the hospital tomorrow."

"Good to hear."  He turns back to the inquisitor.  "Anypony we're waiting for, Inquisitor?"

"Yes, two.  Captain Isos and Lieutenant Otik."

"Well, just have to wait, I guess."  He turns to Schmutz.  "Schmutz, you have any tanna?"  The pony wanders over, a pot of tea already prepared.  "Thank you, Schmutz."

Starkey raises a hoof to his chin.  "Well, I told Otik to go home and get some rest, so..."

Khenal stifles a yawn.  "Inquisitor, did you have any other questions?"

She sighs.  "Perhaps later."

"Later, then. I hope you catch them quickly."  Khenal closes his eyes and quickly drifts to sleep, exhaustion from his injuries gripping his body.

As Khenal falls asleep, Starkey steps over to the commissar.  "Sir Abel, a word? Alone?""

"Yes, of course."

"Sir Abel, I've been thinking about what happened in the barracks. Something that the Inquisitor said. I may not be an expert on the Inquisition, but I do know that they are all supposed to be devout followers of the Faith."

He nods.  "Well, yes. As Amberley is. What is it?"

"That's just it. Scoffing at a shrine to the Night Sister? 'Luna the Thousandfold Cursed'? What kind of faithful utters a blasphemy like that?"

The commissar forms a small smile.  "Well, there are many factions in the Inquisition.  Thorians, Monodominants, Amalathians, Xanthists, Discordians, Recongregationists, and even Istvaanites.

"Discordians are the worst. They believe that Discord was our true leader.  Monodominants see anything other than earth ponies as threats to ponykind.  The Thorians believe the Sisters will be incarnated."

"Hell, one of the divisions of the Inquisition opposes division!"

"So... Milady Vail ascribes to a sect that believes Luna is evil?"

"Presumably."

"If you don't mind me asking... which camp do you fall under?"

"Me?"  He chuckles.  "I'm just a Commissar. I leave the theology to the Ecclesiarchy."

"...Fair enough."

"Is that all, captain?"

"Aye. Well, it's late, I have an early shift tomorrow... and Otik gets worried if I'm not in bed by eleven."  Starkey bends down and plants a kiss on Lilac's forehead.

"Quite right.  Well, good night...and pleasant dreams."

"Goodnight, sir."