Roger attempts to coax vital information from his new prisoner with little success. Running out of time and patience, he decides to leave the interrogation to the Eldar, with unexpected results. On the other side of Melstram, Davie, the lads, and two Sororitas fight towards the governor in a struggle more desperate than they can imagine. As they all will learn, one needs a strong heart in moments like this...

The crunch of steel gauntlet on bone was already an unpleasant one, but the effect was amplified as the noise echoed through the open ceiling of the cathedral. A hiss or two from behind Roger meant even the Eldar in his group found it a painful show.

"What's the plan father? I know you've sent some of your boys to the Governor's Palace, and those protestors are one stray shot or a bottle of flaming promethium flying towards a tank to make this whole city go up in flames. I don't have all night, but we can make what little time I have with you extremely unpleasant."

The priest, his eyes swollen, blood trickling down his mouth and having spat a few teeth out, seemed to be just as resistant as ever.

"The Emperor will take your Xenophile soul screaming to the warp."

"Right," Roger said, rolling his eyes before sending a boot straight in between the kneeling man's robes.

He made a pathetic yelp and flopped over, groaning in pain.

"We are running out of time."

"Aware of that Kallen, but we've spent the last ten or so minutes cleaning the piss off him, getting him up, some good old fashioned human interrogation... and we've got nothing. Anya doesn't know where Davie or the others are, and I can't contact them for obvious reasons."

"Well, what exactly can we do? We have him in our custody but letting the crowds who believe he is just a simple priest know we are here and what you did to him… it would do us no favors."

"Aye. Well, we need to get whatever we can out of him and do it soon. The thing is, he's not exactly being a very open friend to me. Actually, I'd say he's being a right bastard. If I could, I'd slit his throat."

"The Emperor will take you soul, you damned heretical-"

Roger turned back and shot a finger towards Abel.

"Shut up arsehole, or I'll kick you in the bollocks again! You want that?"

The priest went silent, swaying to and fro from the pain and confusion he had gone through in the last hour.

"Wanker. I was hoping that it wouldn't get to this point, but can you three help me?"

The Eldar looked at him in a mix of confusion and disinterest.

"What do you mean?" Esild asked, having finished cleaning gore off her armor.

"Well, he's a loyal son of the Emperor, a preacher of the human faith."

"And?" Anxo added.

"Well, it means that he's very dedicated to the Imperium's beliefs, ignorant, and unable to tolerate, accept or at the very least not be fearful of Xenos. Roughing him up and looking at my ugly mug hasn't convinced him, but maybe you can."

"I think ever since he soiled himself, we all have actively avoided him. I would prefer to keep it that way."

"Well, you're here to support me with the blessing of Farseer Alwyn herself. I would appreciate it if you would do something other than standing around like a bunch of tossers."

Roger was starting to get angrier with the warriors at every passing moment. Was it unfair to do so? Possibly, as he would later admit, but given the circumstances, one could not blame him entirely. He had lifted a piss-soaked priest up a flight of stairs, pummeled him relentlessly for information that could save hundreds to thousands of lives and was getting nothing in return.

"Do your kind have any form of interrogation or… torture, that could give us a leg up on this?"

"Torture is reserved for the worst of our species," Esild said in slight horror. "We are not suited for this sort of thing. Maybe the Rangers. Or the Scorpions."

"Are you implying that we are little more than knife wielding savages, dear sister? If you are, I resent that greatly."

"I must agree with Kallen," Anxo cut in. "We use terror and skill to complete our missions, but such is necessary for the Temple of the Striking Scorpion to find success and glory. I understand such concepts are possibly foreign to your fighting style-"

"I asked for you three to help me, not try to tear each other to pieces," Roger said in annoyance, getting in between the group of Eldar.

"We are not going to attack one another," she said flatly. "But I am starting to believe this mission, or whatever you desire, is out of our expertise. Have any of the Leopards that you formerly served with have any knowledge of information retrieval or were able to psychologically affect a human?"

Roger was about to open his mouth and state that was ridiculous, but he closed it as he began to think. Back to the time he was a humble serjeant, when he was stuck out in the deserts of Al-Madin. When he tricked the Emir Sal-Hadin to release a prisoner with a single Eldar.

"Bloody hell, we've had one nearby this whole time! Anxo?"

"Roger?" he said, craning his neck as if to ask what he meant.

"Remember? The Emir? Al-Madin?"

Even under the helmet, Roger could feel the former actor brighten at the memory.

"Ah! You wish for me to do the same?"

"I need your theatrical magic again. Are you up for it?"

Anxo looked to the priest, staring blankly for a few moments before nodding.

"Certainly. Has he seen much of me?"

"He merely knows you are a Xeno, that you're dangerous with a blade, and you listen to me."

"A good start."

Anxo put his hand on the mask of his helmet, detaching it to reveal his face. Short, silver hair came down in strands as he did so.

"I see you have changed your hair again," his Scorpion commander said in jest.

"I always preferred this. There is something inherently tragic about characters with silver hair."

"I can't remember what it used to be, I'm afraid."

"Most of us change it frequently, especially those following the Path of the Actor."

"Wish I could change my hair that easily. Maybe people would believe I was a goddamn knight with golden hair or something."

Anxo grinned at the comment.

"It is not the looks that make the character, but the emotion and personality."

"That sounds like something only fat and talentless people say."

"You have no respect for the arts. Tragic, but to be expected of a human."

"Yeah, whatever. Can you scare some information out of him?"

The Scorpion nodded.

"All too easy. I would prefer some pointers, however. On how to get under a priest's skin, if you know how."

Rogers' face broke into a devious smile.

"A misspent childhood of making churchmen's life hell should be plenty."

As the moments and bits of advice passed, Kallen and Esild almost felt sorry for what the priest was facing.

XXXXXX

Sister Xena missed her Bolt pistol with every shot from the autogun. It felt weak, underpowered, and she believed that even a direct hit did insignificant damage. As the magazine went empty, she ducked behind a set of crates when a roar came from down the tunnel. It came from the three-way fork and as she looked up, a single figure being licked by flames rushed towards her and her new allies.

"Fucking hell!" the figure yelled.

"You alright Davie?" the younger Guardsman, Parky, asked.

"Nothing serious, but I'm on bloody fire!"

The sergeant slid next to Xena, one hand holding his Hellgun, the other patting out the flames on his right shoulder.

"Bastards. Have you been here long, Sister?"

"As in the tunnel or-"

"Haikk One."

"A standard Terran year."

"Did you ever notice the PDF were absolutely shite at their jobs?"

The Famulous stared at the man, his uniform still smoldering in some places.

"No, they are highly trained. Guard standard even."

"Ah. So, we're dealing with thugs dressed as PDF boys. Least that's my read. They're goddamn awful, except for those buff hairless freaks."

"It is possible. When I was leaving the palace, I overheard a few guards say they did not recognize most of the troops. And I am glad you also noticed the odd-looking rebels as well."

"Great. Means we have no idea who our friends are, and who's an enemy. Typical. Hawke?"

To Xena's astonishment, the man he was speaking to had a bow and arrow, drawing and firing a single shot. She looked down the tunnel and saw one of the strange looking rebels fall, grasping at the shaft sticking out of his neck. Since she had joined the group, they had been fighting a vicious battle through the tunnel, leaving dozens of dead enemies in their wake. Despite her initial reservations, the Anglois and their Sororitas had proven to be excellent fighters.

"Yeah sarge?"

"I think sneaking's out of the question, but you're faster than the rest of us, so you're gonna take point with our friend here. Rest of you, and that includes you, Evita. We're gonna push forward, get to the exit, and try to find the governor. Trust no one but Sororitas and your friends, aye?"

The others answered in agreement, the sergeant spitting on the ground as he leaned from cover before snapping his hellgun up and holding down the trigger.

"I'd almost feel bad for them if they weren't traitorous cunts," he muttered. "Bob, get over here, I think I got one of them second degree burns."

"I'll cover you!" Evita said, lifting her shotgun.

"As will I!" Xena added.

A rain of fire, bullets and lasbolt alike flew in all directions through the tunnel for a few moments. But to the Sororitas relief, the older man of the group seemed completely unaware or unbothered by the amount of danger he had sent himself into as he got to the sergeant's side.

"You're fine."

"You barely looked-"

"I know."

"Old codger you are."

"Where did they come from?" Hawke yelled, trying to decide whether or not to bother nocking another arrow.

"Probably heard me blowing that other tunnel to shite! Good news is, it's only half the enemies we were about to hit."

"If only I had my Heavy Bolter," Evita said with regret.

"Retributor?" Xena asked.

"Yes!"

"You Guardsmen decided not to bring a Heavy Bolter for a mission like this when you had the chance?"

"Changing priorities," Davie grunted before firing the Hellgun again.

As the backpack-sized battery of the weapon started hissing in danger of overheating, Xena realized that the noise of combat had suddenly died down. She lifted her head, seeing a group of bodies ahead of them.

"Love this thing, lemme tell ya Sister. See anything else?"

"I think you got them."

"Right! Everyone, get a move on, we got to find that fella and make sure the palace is safe!"

The Anglois moved ahead, watching corners and being almost fool hardy in their speed. Xena and Evita stayed at the rear, ensuring they were not about to be flanked.

"How long have you been in the Order Militant?"

"Five Terran years. I was initially training to be a Hospitaller, but my Canoness deemed my size and strength worthy of being a Retributor."

"You are quite tall."

"I have noticed. And how long have you been a Famulous?"

"Three Terrans. My social skills were determined as an excellent addition to the Order."

"I would suppose that given the circumstances-"

Evita stopped and fired her shotgun at a hidden enemy, nearly tearing him in half. She sniffed as she pumped a new slug into the chamber and continued.

"That you would prefer Esperanz at the moment."

"Hardly," Xena laughed. "This violence is an average day in Nosaolo. And I have a family to protect."

"I know the feeling."

The two moved silently towards the tunnel exit before Xena coughed politely.

"The blonde one?"

"What?"

"Is he related to you?"

"No. I… am very close with him however."

"Ah. I see."

They saw the Anglois holding positions on the stairs leading into the library.

"He is not a choir boy, is he?"

"N-no! He is a Guardsman who has been a great help to me and the rest of our unit."

"Speaking of, who else is in your unit?"

"Our commander is a knight, Sir Roger Wessyng."

"Is he a good leader?"

"I would say yes, but…"

Xena noticed that questioning who else was in their group seemed to disturb or worry the Sister of Battle. She was about to question further when Davie waved her over, leaving the point moot. Moving ahead, there was a small, almost imperceptible sigh of relief from Evita, but the Famulous did not notice.

"Right, you know how to get to the governor from here? And where exactly are we? Rog told us about the tunnel and how to get in, but I... didn't exactly listen to the rest of his explanation."

"The palace library. I know the way."

"Hawke, I want you to follow her. You know how to be quiet."

"Aye sarge. I'm with you Sister."

"Bring your bow. She'll tell you whether to use it or not."

Xena nodded as she moved up the stairs, the other Guardsman in tow.

"When should we return and let you know it is safe?"

"Just get up and see if the library is clear. We'll set up a defense there."

"Understood."

She moved to the edge of the door, stopping to grab the handle and open the hidden bookcase.

"Sister, quick question."

"Yes, Guardsman?"

"What's the rules of engagement? I know sarge said to trust no one, but I don't want to be killing a loyal PDF trooper because they didn't shoot at me first and I didn't know better."

"I would say… we should avoid any contact with them in general. If you have to interact with them… non-lethally. Can you do that?"

He grabbed at his belt, pulling a club-like object out. He tapped it on his palm, a dull thud emphasizing how thick and heavy it was.

"Blackjack. Pure leather. Never leave home without it."

"That will be sufficient. I cannot guarantee there will not be guards right outside, so be ready for a fight."

"Got it."

She took a breath and pulled down on the handle, feeling a rush of air go by. Moving the bookcase inch by inch, she made enough space to poke her head out and found… nothing.

"Clear?"

"Yes. Surprising."

"Thank the Emperor for small mercies."

She opened it the whole way and moved into the room, beckoning Hawke to do the same.

"It seems our enemies have left this area neglected. Surprising given their efforts to find and apprehend me."

"Maybe they're on a lho break. Davie! Get up here."

"Bloody 'ell, it's that easy?"

"Apparently. C'mon, before anyone finds us!"

The Anglois moved quickly, scanning the room for any hints of ambush or counterattack. Davie grabbed a nearby table and closed the bookcase, pushing it in front with help from Bob.

"Right. Madame, you and Hawke are going to move and find the governor. We're sealing up the library and holding it here."

"That is risky, sergeant."

Davie nodded and shrugged.

"Aye. But we're supposed to be here and make sure that the people in charge are safe, and if that's holding the best escape route and making sure it's secure or escorting them out through a hail of gunfire, so be it. Now you two get moving. We're putting our hope in you."

Hawke nodded and looked at Xena.

"Ready? You know this place better than me, but I can sneak better than anyone here."

"I shall take your word for it. Sergeant, I will knock three times on the door. Any more or less, do not hesitate to open fire."

"Aye."

She opened the library door closest to the governor's office, leaned out to find the hall empty, and exited. The fate of the planet may very well have been held in the hands of a Sister Famulous and a former thief, a fact which few would ever know. Somehow, it was not among the direst situations in the planet's history.

XXXXXX

Roger stood at the door of the Cathedral of The Sacred Light, watching the horizon. As the sky turned darker, he took some comfort at the lack of burning and firelight that so often filled Imperial cities during periods of unrest. The noise of crowds still echoed down the street from the besieged Mission of Saint Roque, meaning that the situation was still more dangerous than he liked, but at least it had not already exploded into violence.

"Anya?" he asked, wanting to know the status of the crowds at the palace.

"Yes?"

He calmed a bit at her response. He would not lie; he partly asked the question just to hear her voice.

"Is the palace alright?"

"The crowds are more irate than before, but not violent. I have noticed that the palace has gone dark."

"Dark how?"

"Roger, Davie and the others are inside, but we cannot confirm their status."

"Thank you, Moire. How are things near the tunnel entrance?"

Roger had sent the Avenger commander and the rest of his Eldar to assist his Guardsmen to sneak into the palace. The Inquisitor informed him of the tunnel to contact the governor or, if needed, evacuation should the worst occur. He had thought it a bit ludicrous at the time, but given the current situation, he was thankful for the woman's foresight.

"We heard loud blasts and combat has occurred, but considering no human has entered or exited the building it is hidden in, the tunnel seems to be secure."

"Good. Keep watch, and for Throne's sake, don't get noticed."

"They never knew we were here, and it will stay that way."

Roger rolled his eyes, not bothering to answer the arrogance.

"Hopefully Anxo and the others are finished interrogating and we can get to the bottom of this."

"And get off this miserable planet," Moire added.

"Agreed. Stay observant, and alert me if anything changes."

Silence filled the comms device, having said all that needed to be. He held his helmet in the crook of his arm, enjoying the solitude as the Eldar spent the last half an hour psychologically tormenting the priest. There was a bit of his soul that was bothered by this, allowing a man of his very faith be left in the hand of treacherous Xenos… but he was a rebel and traitor, so the sympathy quickly died. Then his thoughts drifted to Anglerre, to the south of Avalon. The fields and villages, bustling towns and mighty castles. Life was simpler when that was all he knew. Knights protected the innocent and weak, who ensured the knights were equipped, who served the king and the parliament… orderly. Sensible. There had been moments, especially after his mother left him, that he wanted to find something else to travel and explore. Having done that for ten Terran years through the Guard, give or take, he had figured out that it was not what he desired.

"Oh hell," he groaned aloud.

He was homesick.

Before he could mull over the realization more, he heard a door open behind him.

"Roger," Kallen said.

It was a bit of a risk to go out into the open, but the Scorpion wanted his commander's attention.

"Yes?"

"We have done as you asked."

"Alright."

There was a moment of awkward silence before he realized Kallen wanted him to come inside.

"Oh. Apologies."

As he entered, he noticed Kallen seemed a bit concerned.

"We have gotten valuable information out of him."

"Such as?"

"He is the only one here in the city causing this, but there are others elsewhere like him. You were correct, this seems to be a much deeper conspiracy than even I believed."

"Told you. Anything else?"

"Anxo will explain."

Moving to the front of the cathedral, Roger saw Esild and Anxo standing nearby with their helmets removed, the latter showing signs of nervousness on his revealed face.

"Roger. He was very stubborn, but your methods seemed to work. We were able to get a list of conspirators and fellows, which Esild has recorded in your language."

"I didn't know your kind could write in Low Gothic."

The Avenger shrugged.

"It is good to have easily learnable skills."

"I suppose. Anything else?"

"He did say that there are only a few provocateurs, but more importantly, there is a possible attack planned on the governor and his family."

Roger turned pale at the statement.

"What?"

"Guards similar to the ones we have faced here were ordered to kill the leadership of Haikk One should their planned rebellion fail to gain support or traction and blame it on the Sororitas."

"That's… insane."

"It is what he said."

"God-Emperor, we need to keep the fact we captured this prick secret. Good work. And what of my questions about funding?"

Esild shot a disappointed look to Anxo, who put his fingers together and looked at the floor.

"I… asked him about that. did not give me an answer."

"Alright. We'll get that out of him when his miserable ass is dragged to Inquisitor Beauchamp. If he thinks you Eldar are bad, he has no idea what he's in for."

"There is an issue with that, I am afraid."

"Issue? What the hell are-"

Rogers' eyes widened as he slowly asked a question.

"Anxo, where is Father Abel?"

"Over here."

Anxo pointed in front of the first pew near the altar. Roger moved forward to find the priests crumpled body. Foamy spittle was all around his mouth, and he was certainly not breathing. The knight dropped his helmet and put his gauntleted hands on both sides of his head.

"Oh no," he whimpered.

"I was merely asking the question, he started breathing heavily, grasping at his arm and chest… I believe he had what you call cardiac arrest."

"Oh NO!"

"Older humans are more likely to die of such things," Esild said flatly.

"OH SHIT!"

"Roger-"

"FUCK!"

The curse echoed through the cathedral, the loudest the Eldar had ever heard him. Even in battle he was able to stay quiet and calm.

"We should have asked you for-"

"Throne, do you know how bad this is! The worst possible outcome you could imagine, and it's happened!

"Roger," Kallen said from behind, "We would never have pressed him had we known-"

He started pacing in a circle, his mind racing.

"We were supposed to bring him back as a prisoner, not bloody kill him!"

"It was an accident, and I apologize," Anxo said, slightly embarrassed.

"Emperor above, if Beauchamp finds out I used Xenos and killed our best prisoner so far, she's going to nail my bollocks to her door!"

"I think you are overreacting."

"Kallen, we're without our best source, and now the governor and Imperial rule on this shithole of a planet are in danger! And it's all my fault!"

Anxo ran his fingers through his hair before he cleared his throat.

"Well, it is actually mine."

"Responsibility falls on the commander…"

Roger groaned, staring at the dead priest. Out of options and unsure what to do, he took a deep breath, tried to right himself, and assumed the knightliest posture he could.

"Right. We need to move on from here. How can we use this to our advantage? Ideas?"

Esild was the first to speak.

"Knowing your kind, and I mean no offense, they may possibly see this priest's death as a bad omen."

"Good suggestion, but we have to wait until the governor is safe."

"I would suggest sending Moire and the others in," Kallen added. "We must ensure the safety of this planets leadership then go from there."

"We don't seem to have much of a choice. But what about the bodies of these guards? They stick out like a sore thumb."

"We should secure this building, let no one in or out," Anxo suggested. "Move from there. You should attempt to notify the Sororitas in the Mission."

"No time. And we're too far from the palace."

"So, the fate of our entire operation is in the hands of Davie?" Kallen asked.

Roger nodded.

"It seems so."

"My condolences."

He looked up at the altar, a mural of the Emperor staring down at him.

"I was about to ask him what I did to deserve this…"

He slumped into a nearby pew and sighed.

"But I dunno where he'd start."