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FIVE

A few days later, Batman had informed us to re-position to some place called "Mount Justice." Why someone would ever decide to name a small mount over an arbitrary concept that people define as fair and reasonable is beyond me. Thankfully, I had been reliably informed*79 that the mount is devoid of any heretical statues of mutants, xenos, or traitors for the dumb citizenry to worship under.

Predictably, the moment we stepped out of the portal, we were met by the Justice League. Only some of the members. I believe they were Batman, Flash, Black Canary, Red Tornado, and Aquaman. Obviously, my first instincts of course were to simply march back onto the teleportarium and leave. I do not want to deal with this. The big problem being that Jurgen and Amberley were right behind me, and between the two, I know exactly who I would rather impress*80.

'Commissar Ciaphas Cain, reporting for duty.' I said in my best parade snap, as well as a crisp salute. As always, Batman sees right through the groxshit display I put on. To my surprise, he has yet to call me out for it though. I wonder why?

'Commissar, I trust that you and your team are well?' He said gruffly, nodding at me. I fought back the urge to shrug. 'Well enough sir. Well rested too, if I may add.'

'Good.' He said. 'From my reports, you and your team have done fairly well for themselves as well.'

'Yes sir.' I said, unable to prevent myself from saying those words. 'At least, as well as we are adjusting sir.' I know what this frakker is doing. He is trying to paint a target on my back. Anything I say, will reflect on Amberley and I have to be writing up all the reports and other paperwork things that I usually have Jurgen do! Believe me, I did do that until Batman found out. He threatened to take away my data-slate and internet if I don't listen. With everyone's attention on me, I had to change the topic, and fast. 'Sir, about our requisition?'

'Yes, your requisitions will be here shortly once Zatara arrives.' He said, as if pained by the fact. I fail to see how, but I am willing to take it as a victory, petty as it may be. 'Scientists from Star Labs have developed new munitions that will make incapacitation of the enemy much easier.'

'What about armour-piercing methods?' Amberley brought up from behind my back. 'As you are well aware, our enemies have been implementing heavier weapons against our forces in Winter Flats. Furthermore, the Tau are known to utilize heavy armour and battle suits to bolster their inherent weaknesses in close quarters. Paint, can only do so little.' I wouldn't say that, our equipment could get us killed*81.

'In conclusion, do we have a method that can defeat armour?' She said sternly, once again seeing her Inquisitorial glare. Batman, however, seemed rather unperturbed when faced against her. A madman, that's what he is!

'We do, in fact, have something.' He declared, looking towards the teleportarium drop off some dandy wearing the black suit and top hat. This must be Zatara. Despite the apparel, he seems much more sensible than Batman. Unfortunately, I was wrong again. What could only be described as pure, unadulterated heresy, the man performed a warp trick in front of us, and a box was dropped before us. My hands instinctively looked for my laspistol, like that would do me any good.

Batman opened up the box, revealing Krak grenades. Initially, I believed that Batman was taking out recommendations and advice rather well. 'These are the new line of fast-acting foam grenades.' He explained. 'Once you pull the pin, the grenade will detonate upon impact, covering the target in foam. This foam acts like an acid, deteriorating the armour, but leaves the sentient life underneath unharmed.' Well, that is not what I had in mind surely! Then again, it could be much, much worse. I shared a glance at Green Lantern, who shrugged back but he seemed to share my mutual disappointment in the newly issued gear.

'I apologize for interrupting,' I intervened before Amberley could get a word in, 'Sir, but what of our other weapons?' Batman nodded and Zatara opened up another box. This time filled with proper weapons. Shotguns, autopistols, pistols, some sort of bracer with a tonfa attached, and another sword. 'The sword and pistol are yours commissar. As are the bracers and machine pistol for the Inquisitor. The shotgun is for Gunner Jurgen.' To be honest, I was surprised he relented to supplying us with proper firearms. 'I will be supplying you three with specialized ammunition designed to incapacitate only.' Ah, there it was. Nonetheless, we re-equipped ourselves.

'Under the advise of Green Lantern, Black Canary, and Wonder Woman,' he issued, revealing a suitcase, 'I had issued new uniforms. I suggest you get dressed immediately.' I'm certainly happy for the change, and glad the crazed costume madman decided to grow some sense.

'Thank you sir.' I said, hoping I sounded placatingly polite. 'We are looking forward to use the new weapons and uniforms.' I may keep the hat though, it's great for drawing attention away from my head. Amberley, Jurgan, and I obliged the Justice League leadership, entering the lavatory to change.

'Clothes and weapons Ciaphas?' Amberley said, discarding the red tailcoat and dragoon helmet. 'You certainly know how to surprise a woman. I am really impressed.'

'To be honest,' I replied with proper deference, 'I certainly hope it meets your expectations.' She gifted me with a genuine smile, allowing me to do away with the offending scarlet uniform. To my surprise, it was a complete uniform change! I was allowed to wear khaki now, though something about the uniform still seems to be striking in its features. I'm not sure what it was. Upon a glance of Jurgen's uniform, I believed I figured it out. For starters, my cuffs were embroidered and stylized into a crown-shape. Next, my buttons possess a certain sheen that Jurgen lacks. Lastly, I was once again subjected to an overcoat. Fortunately, it was more olive in hue. Unfortunately, this will still make me stand out some in the city. Nonetheless, this should make my chances at survival more likely. Amberley, however, was simply astounding, though I did try to hide it*82.

Inquisitor Vail was dressed just like how she was back on Gravalax, cloak and Inquisitorial electoo included! 'How do I look?' She queried, resting a hand on her hip. I admitted. 'Just how I remember you back on Gravalax.' Amberley cupped my face. 'How are you fairing?'

I wasn't sure how to respond to that. To be honest, I never really thought much about my situation. Everything around me felt unfamiliar, as if I was invading another xenos world with only the three of us. 'Nothing too out of the ordinary.' I admitted. 'We have a secure line of supplies, trust with the League, and allies. Almost like home.'

'Yet?' She pressed, correctly guessing I'm holding back.

'Yet, it isn't home.' I continued, leaning against the wall. 'As I'm sure we're all aware. How close are we to finding a way out of here?'

'Unsuccessful.' Amberley said, presenting her dataslate. 'For all intents and purposes, we're stuck. Not to mention the fact that some xenos is taunting us, while also facing the possibilities of a Tau invasion on Holy Terra itself.'

'Business as usual.' I remarked, really laying it on thick. 'Realistically, what really are our options here Inquisitor?'

'Not much.' She admitted, her bitterness on full display for me. 'These are trying times, of course, but I beg for you, both of you, to be patient and work with the Justice League. That includes their replacements. Their resources are limitless, and I will make use of them.'

'Permission to speak ma'am?' Jurgen said, and I can't help but admit some surprise. Amberley, however, nodded her permission.

'Thank you ma'am.' My malodorous companion said. 'Respectfully, I trust only some in the Justice League. They seem trustworthy enough. But I don't really care for their replacements. I would trust those frakheads further than I could throw a Baneblade, if you don't mind me saying.'

'Admittedly, Kaldur is rather trustworthy.' I remarked, thinking of the abhuman. Jurgen nodded with me. 'Besides the mutant.'

'Abhuman.' Amberley corrected, which Jurgen nodded in stride. 'Nonetheless, we must do well to reach a sort of camaraderie with them. It may allow us some more liberties.' Not to mention some good shields. 'Now then, let us be off.'

'Your mask.' I said, holding out her new mask. She gave me a smirk, before hiding her entire face under a balaclava and a skull mask. We left the lavatory, only to find the replacements there, plus an additional member. Oh bother, he's wearing that stupid "S" target like that blue xenos.

'The nine of you will be that team.' Batman declared to his gathered group of replacements. Initially, I believed the man blind. Nine? There are only four present. Something the grot-like child seemed to notice. 'Cool,' he said with child-like satisfaction. 'wait, nine?'

Batman gave a nod towards us, and behind the replacements. Great, the frakker manipulated us to be part of his vaudevillian*83 show. Nonetheless, we played our part. I need not tell you how outraged many of them looked at us, yet they seem to place a keen interest on the greenskin martian and the orangeskin xenos. 'This is the Martian Manhunter's niece, Miss Martian.' Batman said, introducing the newcomers. 'This is princess Kori'ander of Tamaran. You may call her Starfire. You already met these three.'

'I'm liking those two already.' The kid narcissist said, never mind the disapproving looks of Aquaman. 'Welcome aboard! I'm Kid Flash, that's Robin, Aqualad. It's cool if you forget their names.'

'I'm honoured to be included.' The greenskin said, almost giddy at the prospects. The orangeskin jumped in as well, even bowing before those gits. 'As am I, in the presence of noble warriors.' Dear Emperor, smite me down already. Thankfully, they were content to ignore us, allowing Amberley and I to discuss matters with Batman.

'This was not what we had agreed to.' Amberley said, coldly regarding the costumed nut. 'We were promised weapons and supplies.'

'We believe it beneficial for you to interact with the Team.' He replied, matching the Inquisitor's*84 coldness. 'You will manage responsibilities here and Winter Flats. I will assign you on missions, Red Tornado will be your guardian, and Black Canary will handle your training.' Great, we just lost some of our liberties. He must be taking revenge for turning some members of the leadership against him in his passive-aggressive way. Yes, this is going to be a major pain in my arse, and this is the beginning of my troubles.

'I would like to introduce you three to Happy Harbor.' Black Canary said, breaking me from my current trouble. 'Do you have any civilian clothes to wear?'

'Jurgen and I have no such possessions.' I said smoothly. 'Imperial Guard regulations were quite specific. Any guardsman in possession of civilian clothes would be charged with "possession of contraband" and will be flogged.' Officially, this policy was put in place to reduce the chance of desertions. To be frank, I don't really care for the policy.

'That's terrible!' She decried, which in all fairness she has a point. It's a bit overkill for something so minor. I find that cleaning the latrines in their civilian clothes to be a much more productive use of time. 'Is it the same for you?'

'While there are certain expectations of one in my station, though I find that Inquisition regulations are more guidelines than actual rules.' She replied cheerfully. 'Apologies Ciaphas.'

'Oh, not at all!' I proclaimed, trying to enthuse as much cheer as possible. 'Your duties require you to have as much flexibility as possible.' Amberley gave me a genuine smile, something I really wasn't expecting. I assume it was for continuing our act of a "united front" in front of the Justice League leadership*85.

'Well, how about we go change that?' Black Canary said, her blue eyes seemingly brightening. 'What do you guys say?'

'I see no problems with your suggestion.' Amberley said, quite happy at the aspect of buying clothes. Truth be told, I wasn't quite ready to relieve myself of the uniform and neither was Jurgen for that matter. 'However, I believe Ciaphas and Jurgen would refuse your offer. They are, of course, Imperial Guardsmen through and through.' Before Black Canary could protest, Amberley referred to Jurgen. "Gunner Jurgen, what would you say to wearing civilian clothes? And yes, you do have permission to speak freely.'

'In all honesty inquisitor,' He said as monotonously as he could, 'I couldn't care less for it. This uniform is all I need.' She then referred to me, eyes fluttering. 'And you Commissar? What say you?'

'It would behoove me to wear such a thing.' I said as dutifully as possible. 'The Commissariat were quite clear, and it would be remissible if I start breaking my oath.'

'If you two are certain about it, I won't push you.' Black Canary said, though I did detect a hint of reluctance. 'Anyways, how about it? Do you still want to explore Happy Harbor?' Honestly, I would like to decline her other. After all, I thought we were supposed to keep a low profile? Amberley, however, was more inclined to agree. I was only thankful Jurgen was here to help me carry bags, by which I mean take all the bags for me*86.

The next fews days have been rather quiet, granted nothing totally unusual occurs in Winter Flats. Furthermore, the insanity has been directed towards Happy Harbor now! According to Amberley, they had been attacked by some lunatic in a power suit. To my utter horror, the orangeskin and greenskin xenos killed a nearby lanky civilian in their quest to destroy the power suit. I already have a grudge against me from the orangeskin, not to mention most of the replacements. That was only a few moments ago.

'Commissar? Inquisitor?' My faithful companion said, gaining our attention. 'The Justice League demands our presence to Happy Harbor immediately.' Oh, very well! Might as well get this over with. Amberley, Jurgen, and I entered the teleportarium to Mount Justice. The moment we arrived, Batman was on our case. 'Commissar, Gunner, Inquisitor. Good, you're finally here. We can begin the exercise.'

'Exercise, sir?' I said, letting my bemusement show. 'I was unaware of any team exercises. Nor was I informed by any immediate superior for this squad.'

'That is why I am issuing those orders, Commissar.' Batman retorted, most likely disguising his disdain for me. 'Now, I suggest you fall in line.' I heard the two bits giggling to themselves. Well, don't expect me to have your life! Amberley, Jurgen, and I took up a position near Aqualad and stood at attention. A battle display was in front of us, an island being prominent for us to see.

'This is Isla Santa Prisca.' Batman said, zooming into the island to gather up the detailed facilities. 'This island nation is the primary source of a dangerous and illegal neo-steroid, a strength enhancing drug sold under the street name, Venom. Infrared heat signatures indicate that their factory is operating at full capacity, but all shipments of venom have been inexplicably cut off. That's where this team comes in. This is a covert, recon mission only. Observe and report.' He stressed pointed towards Superboy for some odd reason. 'If the Justice League needs to intervene, it will. The plan requires two drop zones.'

'So who's in charge?' The little git said, and he makes up for a good point. As far as I know, the team is leaderless, and I sure as hell want none to do with it. Batman shared a glance with the Red Tornado. 'Work that out between you. For now, you will train, assign roles, and be ready to make the drop.'

'Sir,' I said, stepping forward respectfully, 'I insist a leader be nominated immediately. At the moment, we are little more than a mob.'

'As I said,' Batman replied, though it did sound more like an order, 'work it out between you.' I nodded politely and stepped back. 'As you command.' This has officially turned into an Ork solution. Within moments, I can hear the bickering between the children. Well, the prominent of the replacements at least. To my surprise, Superboy decided to keep out of it, alongside the xenos. Unfortunately, Aqualad is staying in between the children, trying to get them to settle down.

'May I do the speaking?!' The orangeskin shouted, with no sense of indoors decorum. Though, it did get the two to shut up. 'I would like to propose a contest of strength! That way, the strongest shall lead us!' Oh yes, good idea, let us devolve into Ork logic and settle it with a good old death match.

'That's a terrible idea!' Robin shouted back. Great, if he keeps that up, he'll get himself killed by the orangeskin. 'Strength means nothing in leadership!'

'That is the way of Tamaran.' The orangeskin protested, and seemed to be indignant. 'Only those that show great strength in mind and martial abilities are chosen as our leaders! Our priestess makes sure each challenge is fair, as do the Gods and Goddesses whom reside within them. Their honour is assured!' So, Ork logic.

'How is that a fair system?!' The kid narcissist said, now adding promethium into the fire. 'I agree with Rob here! We are not doing that! Besides, it's obvious who should be the leader.'

'Yep,' Robin declared, pushing out his chest, 'and it's me!' Thus, the argument continued, this time between the orangeskin and the child. I believe I was getting a headache at this point, so I did the possibly reasonable thing and discharged my pistol into the air. Right, now everyone's eyes were on me.

'I believe I heard enough.' I snapped, using my best commissarial barking. 'And I can't help but feel disappointed in the both of you. It is obvious to me that none of you are worthy to act as the NCO of this squad.'

'Oh can it you maniac!' The narcissist shouted back. 'And do you think you can do better?'

'Compared to those two? Definitely.' I retorted, stepping forward. 'However, my job is to enforce discipline in the unit by any means necessary, not command. No, I believe the better one to command this squad is.' I paused for a moment, sparing a glance at those around. As much as I want to choose Amberley to take command, I doubt she would appreciate it without my consulting her*87. I finally pointed at the man I know will keep me safe. 'Kaldur. He is, by far, the most qualified to lead the squad,' for added measure, I gave them my most practiced salute and sycophantic appraisal, 'and it would be an honour to be under your command.'

'If the Commissar says Kaldur is better, I shall withdraw my bit as leader.' The orangeskin stated, much to my surprise. I thought she would act like the proto-Ork she was.

'Dude, what's your game?' Robin demanded, glaring behind his black lenses. 'What do you hope to gain with Kaldur as the leader?'

'A cohesive fighting unit, for starters.' I replied sardonically. 'Nonetheless, allow me to elaborate. During our first combat action against the traitors, Kaldur demonstrated an open mind, as well as a willingness to understand. Even when he doesn't understand, he is honest with himself, and I would assume he would try to gain knowledge so he could. As such, the perfect NCO for this experimental fighting force.'

'Please, we can all see what you are doing.' The narcissist said. At first, I thought I was discovered in my groxshit. 'You're just sucking up to Aqualad. What you really want is to be a leader as well, and by sucking up, it would convince us that you are the better leader.' Then again, I really should have expected more groxshit be slung my way.

'As I told you before, I am a political officer.' I reiterated, also frowning for having to repeat myself. 'While I may exist outside the normal chains-of-command in the Imperial Guard, I am still subordinate to those I am attached to. I cannot issue orders to Guardsmen, nor am I allowed to take command of a unit. As such, I lack the necessary skills to lead a combat formation.'

'Well why not me?' Robin demanded, arms crossed against his chest as if mimicking an adult. 'I have the most experience than all of us.' Groxshit, but I won't call him out just yet. 'As such, I should be leader!'

'I will have to point out that the Inquisitor, Jurgen, and I have more combat experience than you.' I began, trying to sound disinterested. 'Nonetheless, your problem is your closed-mindedness. You are unwilling to listen to new ideas, let alone admit to your faults unless the worst has happened. You also seem to lack the necessary communication skills essential for leadership. Batman had to give orders in your stead for the Inquisitor to operate. Are we understood?' Like a child, he rolled his eyes and waved me off. My chances at death have increased exponentially.

It's been only a few moments now, and my nerves were wracked up. How am I going to survive the coming mission when there is no defined leader, no chain-of-command, or even a proper fire team! We all had divided ourselves in groups of two and three. I was fortunate enough to have a fire team strength of four, though the orangeskin xenos makes me nervous enough. At the moment, I was officiating a spar between Amberley and the xenos. I never realized her desires for retribution after falling for the xenos before*88.

'My I join you?' A familiar voice brought up. 'Of course Aqualad.' I said, greeting the only tolerable one here. 'What can I do to help?'

'Did you mean everything you said?' He asked, not once showing any sign of uncertainty. 'Do you truly believe I can lead this team?'

'Based on my professional opinion, yes.' I said, wincing when the xenos pile drove Amberley into the ground. To my surprise, Amberley knocked the xenos off her feet and continued the fight. 'Was there anything else you wished of me?'

'I do have my own question.' He said. 'Why do you not lead us? I know you said it before, but you also match those same characteristics you gave me. In that regard, you would also be a perfect candidate.'

'I am perfectly content with my station.' I replied honestly, and good riddance too! 'The maintenance of morale is important after all.'

'I believe I understand, thank you.' The abhuman said, feeling relaxed now. Ah, I understand now. He obviously wanted to ensure my support, and make sure I had no intentions to usurp him. Smart. I knew there was a reason I like him. Hopefully, he doesn't put me anywhere that would be detrimental for my health. 'I have one additional request of you, my friend.'

'Of course!' I said, happy to earn myself more points. 'What is it you would ask of me?'

'If you would honour me,' Aqualad asked, 'would you honour me with a spar?' I laughed. 'I'm sorry to say, but my skills with the blade are unremarkable at best. I wouldn't be much of a worthy partner for you.'

'I would still like to have the honour to spar with you.' He insists, giving me a small, encouraging smile. 'Who knows, maybe we can learn from each other?' I really doubted it, but if it'll get him off my back, I might as well do it. I turned to see how the current match was going. Unfortunately, the fight devolved to Amberley and the orangeskin resorting to pummelling one another, the futility was obvious*89 and at this rate they would knock themselves out. Just like I predicted, they both knocked each other out*90.

I turned to Jurgen, who nodded and cleared the field. I took a position opposite to the abhuman, and did a few test swings. I have to admit, it was well-balanced and there was an actual blade to the weapon. However, a glance upon Aqualad's weaponry told me just how badly outgunned I am. Then again, when have I ever been up gunned?

'What shall the conditions of victory be?' I asked, holding my blade en garde. 'First blood?' The abhuman smiled. 'Yes, I believe that would be most prudent.' I shuffled through my pocket, finding a coin we can use. One side had a head, the other side an eagle. I suggested. 'When this coin drops, we charge.'

'Agreed.' He said, getting into some sort of strange duel-wielding abhuman stance. Nonetheless, I flipped the coin. The moment it dropped, we charged one another into striking distance. Unfortunately, Aqualad was just as cautious as I was, feeling out each other's style and favoured strategies. Fortunately, I quickly understood his rhythm of strikes and parries and started to increase the tempo of battle. Though, I suspected he was trying to play into that, and if not for my duellist instincts, I would have lost then and there. I must be getting lazy during my time here. Now it was his turn to return the favour. He was fast, methodical in his movements. His problem happens to be his orderly way of combat. As always, I trusted my reflexes to protect me and let me force the pace of the spar. It paid off, his attempted overhead blow made the perfect opening. I closed the distance and nicked his orange shirt. For an added bonus, he also fell on his arse, deactivating his swords as he did.

'That was very well done.' Aqualad said, with much more enthusiasm than I anticipated. 'Your skills are well-honed my friend.' He extended a hand, which I accepted and hoisted him up.

'Believe me, I'm full of nasty, underhanded tricks,' I said, truthfully enough, but inflecting it as a joke. 'There are others, more superior to I.'

'I will have to disagree.' He said, sheathing his sword hilts. 'I believe you are self-critical of your own abilities. You should trust in your abilities more*91.'

'I shall, of course, take your advice under careful consideration.' I said, as humbly as possible.

'My turn!' The bloody xenos shouted. 'I challenge you, Commissar, to a honourable duel!' Oh frak me! Not this again!

There was still plenty of time before deployment, so I thought it best to start lobbying with other members. They may not trust me, but at the very least they should support Aqualad. I have a good feeling for the abhuman. Yes, while this be controversial to say, I am certain he will make sure I stay alive. Better than the gits. Fortunately, the greenskin xenos and Superboy were in the kitchen.

'Hello.' I greeted, earning myself a friendly smile the xenos and a stern look from Superboy. 'I am Commissar Ciaphas Cain. I was hoping we may be able to speak.'

'I'm M'gann, and this is Connor!' She cheered. 'It's nice to meet you!' How can anyone look so happy-go-lucky? 'Where are your friends? I would like to greet them as well!'

'I'm afraid the Inquisitor is indisposed at the moment, and she required Jurgen's assistance in such matters.' I said as pleasantly as I could. To be perfectly honest, I'm not entirely sure why Amberley needed Jurgen*92. When I asked her, she simply told me that she needed him, so I decided to drop the matter for the time being.

'What about Kori'ander?' She wondered, using her psyker powers to deliver a hot metal tray of cookies out. 'Isn't she your friend?'

'I would say no.' I admitted, playing up the sympathy. 'You must understand, our first interactions weren't very peaceful. Thankfully, no one was killed during her landing on Earth but it really was not something I wish to happen again.'

'Maybe she's just trying to make it up to you?' She suggested, offering a cookie. I respectfully declined. If the orangeskin's way to apologize is to constantly ask for a fight, I'd rather much go try my luck with Ork Kommandos.

'I wouldn't know for sure.' I admitted, taking the liberty to have a seat. 'Nonetheless, with the operation coming up and with no clear sign of leadership, I want to check up on you two. If you have any feelings of doubt or unease, please speak up now.' Silence. At the moment, perhaps I forced the issue too quickly.

'To be honest, I think we'll do alright.' The xenos said, making Superboy lean against her, much to his surprise. 'We did well last time!'

'I wouldn't want to offend you, however,' I warned, trying to put as much good will into my tone as possible. After all, if I am to survive, I would need them alive as long as possible. 'This type of operation requires stealth and discretion. Something that the majority of us are untrained in such matters. As such, to make up for this weakness, communication is key. Please, do you have any doubts?'

'Nope!' The xenos said cheerfully once again. 'But I really appreciate that you're coming to ask how we're doing. I really appreciate it!' Of bloody course she'll say that. 'Very well.' I said. 'However, I am always ready to talk with if you have any reservations.' I left soon afterwards, I did what I came to do and I really don't want to stay any longer than I have too. I wonder what Amberley was up to*93?

'Commissar Cain.' Red Tornado said, hand raised in front. 'I have a message for you from Batman.'

'Why does he not tell me himself?' I inquired, more than surprised by the break from character. This just wasn't in Batman's style. 'I believed he was responsible for mission briefings?'At least, it would make sense he would be, it fits his personality.

'He asks that you ensure everyone in the team returns from this mission as best as you can.' Red Tornado states through the electric diaphragm. 'Should anything happen to one, or you deliberately leave someone behind, you will suffer the consequences.'

'Of course.' I replied in my parade-ground snap. 'I cannot make promises that everyone will return, but I assure you that I will try.' The hero didn't say anything more afterwards. 'Is there anything else?'

'No, Black Canary has asked for your presence in her office.' He said, pointing towards another hallway. 'Just go down the hall and take the first door on your right.' I nodded my thanks and followed his directions, entering through that door to see the blonde heroine in her seat with a notepad.

'Black Canary?' I said with as much confidence as I can muster. 'Was there something you wanted to talk to me about?'

'Hello Ciaphas!' She greeted kindly. 'Please, take a seat. I just want to talk to you.'

'What would you like to talk about ma'am?' I asked, taking the offered seat. She smiled, resting her notepad to the side. 'Just wanted to see how you, Amberley, and Jurgen are holding up. It's been a year since you arrived here, and I'm wondering if everything is alright?'

'It's going as well as I can expect really.' I admitted demurely. I saw no sense in lying about it. 'We made a home here, but it really isn't home. At risk of sounding offensive, I would rather much be in my home.'

'I guess this is a real big change.' She said. 'You were used to warfare, the constant fighting.' Not if I could help it, but I was never really fortunate in that regard. 'Here, everything is relatively peaceful. I'm guessing you don't see much purpose here.' Okay, she does have a point here. This place was driving me mad. 'I'm guessing it's the same for the others?'

'I cannot say what the Inquisitor and Jurgen will say,' I informed her as I'm sure Amberley has some other things she wants to say. 'But you did guess right. I want to go home and return to my unit.' Utter groxshit, not like she'll know. 'I also feel rather lazy. I feel my skills lacking, unpracticed even.' Groxshit as well. 'I'm not comfortable going into a combat scenario with the proteges. I don't really trust them.' About the only honest thing I said so far. 'I mean no offence to them, surely,' Groxshit as well. 'but I just don't know their capabilities.'

'I understand.' Black Canary said, and I honestly felt she did feel the same way. 'They are not military personnel, and they don't understand your tactics and abilities. However, I believe it could be a good opportunity for you.'

'How so?' I asked, unable to help feel a little skeptical. Before I could get an answer, the facility's Vox system blared. 'Operation will commence in ten minutes. All heroes are to make their way to the docking bay immediately.' It was set on repeat and I sighed.

'We shall have to discuss our conversation after the mission.' I said, getting up to leave. I was just about to leave when Black Canary gave me some last minute advice. 'Trust in your team Ciaphas. What they lack in discipline, they make up for in specialty skills. Just do your duty, and you will be fine.' Little did I realize how those words would save my life.

—FOOTNOTES—

79. I told him that. In actuality, Mount Justice was named as such because it was formerly the headquarters of the Justice League until it had been compromised four years prior. Sufficed to say, using this as a meeting place was well thought out.

80. How sweet of him to say.

81. Oh hush you.

82. He didn't hide it very well, but I'm flattered nonetheless.

83. Obviously, Cain doesn't know the first thing of a vaudevillian show. Believe me, I spent some time as an actress in one to route out Tau sympathizers. If any mention of this were to get out to others outside the Ordo, I will censure and kill you slowly.

84. Matching my coldness? Oh, my dear Ciaphas, you have no idea what I am capable of!

85. In truth, his encouragement was what I needed to curry some more favour. Unlike Cain's success to earn allies amongst the leadership, many of them were hesitant towards me.

86. It's adorable that Cain thinks he could get away with this. Sufficed to say, Miss Lance effortlessly ensured Cain was carrying his fair share of my new luggage.

87. And he would be correct. They do not trust me, and I them. As such, any attempt to actually lead the team would be utter disaster.

88. I DID NOT FALL! I was simply giving you time!

89. Excuse me?! I had that bloody orangeskin on the ropes!

90. Lucky shot!

91. I always found that Cain seems to operate best when he draws his own conclusions.

92. It's mainly because I knew you'd try to do something like that. As such, I require Jurgen with me at all times for my own protection.

93. Mainly? Trying to get in touch of my contacts for any updates to my situation. Truth be told, I do not have any desire to use psykers to be my solution, especially if they will come into contact with that humanoid xenos.