Is this the hour of the wolf? the councilor asked herself. How can we reason with or manipulate terrorists who are motivated and capable?
Mel glanced at the Hextech partners as the others arrived. She had wanted to get closer to the 'Man of Progress', but concerns about security after Sheriff Marcus' likely assassination had delayed it.
Her golden eyes shifted to the uniformed man next to them. The more immediate concern of trying to get acting Sheriff Derek in her corner or at least classified with paths to neutralize. I've been on the back foot too much Piltover has in general.
"I apologize for my tardiness," Councilor Kiramman said as she walked into the room in a rush. She had to redo her makeup. She's always composed, but with her daughter kidnapped she had to cry for a while.
Mel offered a sincere hand to her old ally. Cassandra glanced at it suspiciously for a moment, but squeezed it in appreciation briefly before sitting.
"Very understandable. In fact, if you need time away…" Salo hinted with just enough sympathy.
"Thank you, but here I will stay," Cassandra answered coolly.
"Do you have any new information for us, Mister Tallis?" Bolbok asked.
His partner is always overlooked. We are failing to understand the Underciters. Mel frowned subtly at the lack of intelligence she had on Viktor.
Jayce stood. He looked the most crescent fallen of anyone in the room. "Not about the hextech gemstone or the journal, but I just learned about the abduction of Captain Caitlyn Kiramman. I'll defer to the new sheriff about enforcer manners, but I'll say that she attended to the Sheriff's daughter right after his death and interacted with his killer. I'm not sure if it is connected to the gassing and robbery, but it seems likely."
Heimerdinger looked intently at his protege. "Viktor, is your opinion regarding the hexgem the same as Jayce? Possible but unlikely that it could be weaponized fast?"
Viktor brought himself up. "It would require technological genius, but I know they have such people in the Undercity. If they are involved, my humble opinion would be to negotiate immediately. It will only get worse when weaponization is achieved and horrific if used."
Snorting, Hoskel stood. "I respect you for helping Mr. Tallis, but as an assistant AND as from the Undercity, you don't have a place speaking here on governmental matters."
Jayce's nostrils flared and eyebrows lowered "Viktor is not–" he began but his partner took his elbow. Viktor shook his head and sat down. In irritation, Jayce followed shortly after.
Shoola rubbed her head. "We haven't been dealing with the Undercity citizens well or this would likely not have happened. Acting Sheriff Derek, we've received your reports as well about the bombings. Do you believe it was the same person or at least the same group?"
Standing with military bearing, the man nodded. "It seems likely. The witnesses were few, but I'm skeptical of coincidences and preliminary examination of evidence from the crime scenes has similarities."
"You… don't believe then that Captain Caitlyn is likely to be treated cruelly or even ransomed?" Cassandra asked.
Derek shook his head. "It is speculative, but if it is this Powder or Jinx that Caitlyn described, she doesn't seem motivated to act out of animosity or greed, but more desperation. Of course, she didn't have a long time to profile her, she may not be the leader, or the group may be fractious about how to treat a captured enforcer captain."
"Jayce," Hoskel said. "If Cassandra's daughter is in even remote risk of injury or death by these trenchers, would you change your position on weaponizing hextech, so we could strike–"
"No."
Hoskel blinked at the interruption. Bolbok and Shoola looked to the inventor with a nod of admiration while Cassandra and Mel looked at each other. Both the wolf and the fox.
"Since we do not have enough information to know which course to pursue, I recommend we take steps down both paths," Mel contended. "A committee will work with the sheriff to prepare a military venture and for bolstering our defense. Also a committee to seek diplomatic negotiations with the unknown faction."
This is a gamble. Hoskel and Salo were expecting a show of strength only.
"Sounds reasonable. I have already received a request to parlay from a leader in the Undercity. I was going to bring it for discussion before the loss of the hexgem," Heimerdinger announced.
Irritated, Mel glanced at Elora. She looked down in embarrassment and Mel calmed herself. I had her busy with other matters to track the main counciolor's correspondence.
"In person, Heimerdinger? That sounds rash," Cassandra pronounced as a warning.
Heimerdinger smiled. "Thank you, but I've considered that. This Silco will provide hostages for the duration of the tet-a-tet. Also, I'm an immortal magical being and I'll carry defensive tech for myself and the team."
"Who do you wish to join you?" Salo asked.
"I was planning for three. Myself, Shoola… and Jayce."
Heimerdinger was almost always easy for Mel to predict. This was an exception. "Mr. Tallis is an exceptional individual, but he is inexperienced in statecraft." Mel contended. And if he is in your circle, I won't be able to sway him.
"Our 'statecraft' has been wanting in regards to our stewardship of the Undercity. The envoy team must have someone not on the Council and who has long sought to improve conditions there. If not Jayce, I'll seek Victor's wisdom regarding it."
The yordle has some art to him yet. He knows that the diplomatic mission won't get Hoskel or Salo's support anyway, so alienating them by advancing Victor would cost him nothing. And I'm already committed to the motion. Jayce will be the preferable alternative to Victor for everyone around the table.
"We should vote separately. Establishing a military committee of Cassandra, Hoskel, myself, and Sheriff Marcus to plan and take limited action is moved," Mel said and raised her hands.
Five lights went on and it was approved.
"The aforementioned diplomacy committee," Heimerdinger said.
Four lights went on.
Salo looked at Bolbok. "We can conduct a quick search and screen for a permanent sheriff."
Seven lights went on
"We shall adjourn then. It is my intention to move swiftly and have a first meeting soon enough that tomorrow morning we can reconvene with at least a better understanding of the Undercity factions, the insurgents demands, and a schedule for further talks."
He hasn't been this animated since the first days of hextech. He must feel another great change is coming for Piltover and the foxes' rule wanes. But will it be followed by the hungry wolves or the contented lambs?