"We must send a runner to the Palace, at once." Panzu paced back and forth in front of the Taskmaster's desk. In the room with him was Jonqin, vice-adjutant of the slave camps and Penglao's second in command. The imposing red Mogu snarled at Panzu as he spoke.
"We will do no such thing!" Penglao shook his head, eyes still affixed on the Imperion badge. "We m-must handle this before things get out of hand."
Panzu stopped his pacing and faced the Taskmaster. "Master, the rebel army is in the Vale itself. I do not know how, but they are here, somewhere. We MUST inform the Emperor – he must mobilize the Emperor's Shield and track them down!"
Jonqin spoke now. "No! The Emperor need not hear about this...it is merely a series of coincidences. My Lord," the vice-adjutant turned to face Panglao, "Simply have this slave killed and be done with it. No one need set off a panic over some unfounded rumours."
Panzu snarled towards Jonqin. "You must be delusional! These are not unfounded rumors, Jonqin, but provided proof! The slave found the badge on the body of one of our soldiers – it is obvious that they themselves did not carry it with them, so the conclusion is simple – the rebels killed our men and placed the badge there to carry it as a warning – a warning that says 'we are here and we will kill you all'."
Jonqin growled and stood to face Panzu. "You are simply spouting lies here, Panzu, like the little yakrat that you are. You want to make yourself look credible in the eyes of the Emperor – so you would spread unfounded rumours to the Taskmaster to make him uneasy?!"
"I am trying to preserve the Empire, Jonqin!" Panzu growled back, fists clenching as he spoke. "Unlike you, who seem only interested in your own position and prestige.."
"ENOUGH! BOTH OF YOU!" Penglao growled, standing up and leaning into the argument. "My decision is final. No...there is no need to inform the Palace. We will handle this ourselves. Jonqin, have the slave in question killed. Dump his body in the woods."
Turning to Panzu, Penglao nodded. "Panzu. Take this badge and dispose of it. Disobey me and I will flay you alive – you know that to not simply be an empty threat."
As Panzu left the Taskmaster's office, he slid the badge into his pocket. If the Taskmaster would not make the effort – well, he would.