[Be]/[Be] Week 174: Pressing Concerns

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Dysney

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Pressing Concerns
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Dys as Dianette
Will as Tirien

The Conexus sergeant strode away from the three women quickly, lips firmly pressed together. Her bright pink cartilage, pulled back into a braid, swept back and forth across the back of her shoulders in time with her strides. Despite the heavy feeling settling over her body after past events, the velen woman moved with quick, precise steps, easily going around other soldiers patrolling the area. She barely acknowledged them, even the senior officers posted at various intersections between groups of injured fighters. Dianette had larger concerns than etiquette and hierarchy. They had potential terrorists in their midst.

The sergeant had seen posters of the woman before, black and white outlining the wanted enlil’s fine boned features and long headfeathers. This woman had shorter feathers and scars that the poster hadn’t captured, but that didn’t exclude the likelihood that this woman was one of those who had last been seen with a terrorist organization. What would such a volatile, and apparently powerful individual be doing here? Her motives, for the most part seemed clear. Nothing she had said or done, even under pressure, had indicated ulterior motive or bad intentions. However, could she truly trust a hardened criminal? Ignis’ mannerisms and dedication to their cause didn’t seem to line up with somebody who would run around with rebels and terrorize people. That called not only her presence into suspicion, but the women accompanying her as well. For now, dealing with things quietly was for the best.

Dianette finally slowed her pace when she found the person she’d been looking for. The velen hesitated. Should she really turn in the pale woman? The image of the enlil’s minion healing Laurel briefly came to mind. Shaking her head, the greyish-purple aquatic spoke up. This wasn’t her call to make.

“Lieutenant!†Dianette called out. “A word, please.â€

The lieutenant was overseeing some of the healers, helping pass out medical supplies and potions. Tirien turned at the call, clearly weary but still with a resolute look in his eye. The terran had ruddy skin and black hair, his hair and beard trimmed to the same uniform length. "What is it, sergeant?" he asked. He stood level with the velen woman, a bit skinnier but tightly muscled. Giving Dianette a quick once-over, he noted, "You don't look badly injured -- they could use you on the forward assault. Is this important?"

Dianette hesitated, was this really a matter that had to be brought up right this instant?

“I'm recently healed, Sir,†the velen replied, “I was on my way to assist with escorting the wounded back to camp when,†a brief frown crosses her face, “Assistant Healer Mayus came to me, distressed. She reported seeing individuals who are wanted by the Conexus for questioning.â€

The sergeant pushed her feelings aside. It would be against protocol and more importantly, potentially dangerous to let such individuals go unwatched.

“The accused individuals were part of the battle and had come to the camp to get injuries treated. They brought myself and Laurel back with them. I would have waited to bring attention to this but,†the stockier woman stepped closer to the terran and lowered her voice, “two of them strongly resemble Ignis Animi and Aelflead.â€

Then, the soldier took a step back. Her shoulders relaxed slightly. “I did not want to cause an unnecessary disruption, but these two and their companion may be dangerous.â€

"Well, we're damn sure not going to do any questioning now," Tirien replied, shaking his head incredulously. He was prepared to reprimand the woman for even bringing it up, but then the two names clicked. Eyes widening, he put a hand to his head, "Oh, Aquila's arse, Ignis of Animi..? She's the one associated with the Magister's assassination! Er, attempted assassination." Mind whirling, the second name fell into place. He had only ever seen it written down, and the way he had been pronouncing it was entirely different from how Dianette had. Ale-fleed versus Ay-elf-led.

Aelflead had been arrested for her association with the Astra non Obligant, and had later escaped, perhaps with the assistance of the infamous terrorists. Several guards had been viciously wounded in the escape.

Both of the wanted criminals had massive bounties on their heads. "Where are they?" he demanded, worry etched into his brow. He was already moving, setting off at a brisk pace in the direction Dianette had come from. If two people of that reputation were there, then… Then…

Then what?

Tirien came to a halt, hand on his head. "You said they fought in the battle..? They were injured?"

“Yes. Well, Aelflead was. She's quite distinctive, but has been burnt badly. If not for her eyes and hair I wouldn't have been able to recognize her. Ignis only had minor injuries and is probably already healed. Honestly, what stopped me from apprehending them right then and there were their actions in battle. Ignis provided a lot of support. Without her minion's healing capabilities and shield abilities, Laurel and I would never have made it so close to the demon. We would have died. Aelflead ran in at the last minute to stab the archmagi as he was performing a suicide technique.

“I would not have believed the assistant healer about them if the one didn't look just like the description of Aelflead. Their actions don't line up with someone who wants to cause terror and chaos. Even still, I hesitated to report it because of how powerful they might be. Taking them down might cost us more than we can afford.â€

Dianette strode after her superior officer, worries returning tenfold.

Tirien processed the information, looking up at the ancient city of Krevati Evimerias. A daemon invasion wouldn't be any better for the Astra non Obligant than for anyone else. The fact that two fugitives affiliated with the organization were there didn't mean that they had turned a new leaf. At the same time, though, the unexpected bravery they had displayed -- attacking an arch-daemon, facing an archmagi directly -- was both terrifying and, in a way, inspiring.

Could it be mistaken identity? Maybe if it was only one of them, but since they were together, it was unlikely.

"Find them," Tirien ordered. "Notify at least three other officers of the situation, and I want you to find those two, and the third one that's with them, and keep them in your sights. Right now, they seem to be on our side, and the Vis know that we need every able body we can get.

"Once the battle is over, if they survive… if we succeed, we'll decide what to do from there." The terran frowned and then reached down to pull his sidearm out, checking that it was fully loaded. It was a nervous habit. "We are sworn to an oath of duty, sergeant. We cannot overlook their crimes. Under normal circumstances, what I'm asking you to do would be unthinkable. These are far from normal circumstances, however."

“Of course, Sir.†The sergeant nodded, relieved that they had a temporary solution at least.

“I will be vigilant. By your leave,†Dianette saluted before hurrying away to find others to watch the three women. The velen quickly ran through a mental list of people she trusted. Laurel was at the top of that list, but potentially still indisposed.

Tirien slid his pistol back into its holster. He looked back to the medical group he had been working with, but he had already lost a lot of time and felt like there was more he could be doing. It was time to organize those able to fight and catch up with the forward assault.

"Sergeant!" Tirien yelled after the woman before she got out of sight. "On a battlefield, things can get confusing. Fighting side-by-side, even with a stranger, inspires loyalty, and that loyalty can conflict with duty. Just keep in mind, even if it's tempting, even if it feels right, you and I do not have the authority to exonerate these fugitives. No one here does.

"If they truly are committed to this battle, though, I will make sure that their actions are submitted for the Magister's consideration. That's all we can offer them."

Dianette paused, looking over her shoulder. “Thank you, Sir!†She nodded sharply before resuming her swift stride.

The young velen sought out a fellow sergeant. The person the velen had in mind wouldn't necessarily feel as swayed by their help during the battle as she was. She found her target at an intersection, directing groups of patrolmen with stretchers and injured people leaning on their shoulders.

“Sergeant!†Dianette raised an arm to hail her friend.

 

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