The Red Wings: Take Flight

[Askier]

A'trus raised his left eyebrow at Chalahko. He made no effort to stop the Flame and his action, but A'trus found it rather peculiar. The make miqo'te was not accustomed to trophies being taken from successful hunts but a vial of blood was a unique choice.

 

Once Chalahko was done, A'trus turned and began to slow march back to Ul'dah with Chalahko and the five men ehi had helped him track Titor down. A'trus said nothing as they followed the winding road that drew them closer to Ul'dah. His had retreated into the privacy of his own thoughts and was considering his next move. 

 

There were several. At some point, Brick would return withAlexei Volkov. Although not a target, A'trus was eager to pick the former Red Wings mind and see if he sympathized with his former unit.

 

Of course then there was still no word from his scouts in Limsa or Gridania yet but he hoped he would hear something soon. Rumors stated Limsa was a common retreat for several of the Red Wings due to their background. But due to international laws, A'trus needed concrete evidence before he could operate there.

 

Gridiania and the frozen north lands were more of a crap shoot and A'trus had not focused as heavily on those regions.

 

It was going to be a long hunt. But two already was an excellent sign.  At thus rate he might have them before the end if the next year.

 

A'trus smiled at that. A chance to rest. A few months leave. He had been planning on taking it before this mission had been given to him. The leuitenant needed a break, to visit his actual house and to okay his respects to his wife's grave. It had been four years since her passing. And he had kept his promise to her as best he could. He had not voluntarily killed a single soul by his hand in those four years. 

 

A'trus swallowed and gave a sad smile as he recalled his wife's last words and her tender expression. That promise had changed the way the Black chains operated and had sent every bullet into his targets' knees. Rungee liked to joke that if A'trus' nickname wasn't already Loft, Kneecapper would have stuck.

 

The small band entered the city and A'trus excused himself from his men and Chalahko, informing them that if they needed him, his would be in his private quarters inside Flame Hall.  The leuitenant then departed and made his way without ceremony to his small room. After a few minutes of bringing hot water to his tub, the miqo'te placed his rifle one his bed, disrobed and then slipped into the warm water. His eyes looked around the small, sparsely populated room and then closed his eyes to relax and clear his mind.

 

The Cell

 

Kresha gave kahn'a a sinister looked and clutched the cheese grater tightly as she stepped forward.

 

"You keep changing your excuses and stories. I think I need to make you relize just how serious I am. You claim.you didn't know how this city worked? Yet you are a leuitenant? My leuitenant was also a hunter Mr. Od'hilkas but he knows how the city works. Either you are lying or your captain is a fool for promoting you."

 

Kresha's hand snaked out and the harshly scratched Kahn'a left check with the metal tool. One of the other men stepped forward and seized kahn's hair and jerked the head back, a towel dangling in the air.

 

"Last chance Mr. Od'hilkas. Get your story right and convince me or I will.drown you three times after I carve off some more skin."

 

Titor's Cell

 

Titor would have sat in silence for a long time before the door opened and three hyurs entered.

 

One held a towel, the second two buckets and the third a book and and a quill. The man with the writing material opened it and smiled politely.

 

"Mr. Titor. I am Alec. Secritary of this location. I have been sent because I am informed you are far more civil and willing to discuss matters than the other. Our commanding officer requested we begin by conversation and avoid having our artist use her more 'painful' methods for drawing out information."

 

Alec pulled out a water skin.

 

"Before we begin, would you are for some.red wine to soothe your tongue? We have much to discuss."

[Kahnopy]

I told you there was no need, skank.

 

Kahn'a took the hit, a rough cry torn from his throat. He clenched his teeth to try and lessen the pain, but they would not leave him alone. Hair grabbed again, head pulled back... again. It was fortunate, for he really wanted to spit right in her horrible little nose, a reward for her great receptivity. He had the suspicion that such a treat would have not been welcome... Yet it was too hard to resist. But instead of spilling his saliva, he weaved it into words.

 

"...and you keep dumbing down my words, leading yourself to unnecessary confusion. Are you deaf, perchance?"

 

The Miqo'te attempted to smirk, but withdrew quickly from that madness. The stinging pain in his bloody cheek - his now incomplete cheek, he could see a thin piece of flesh on the floor. It was his - prevented him from acting too confidently. It was little more than a bloody scratch. Yet at the hack he received, a grim resolve burgeoned in his heart.

 

"See yourself humbled, Hyur. This is only happening because the prospect of fooling you around appears so... enticing."

 

"You hide behind men and chains to ask questions, worse, you conceal your glaring incompetence with lousy interrogation techniques, you fail to recognize that I have done everything in my power not to know of my own unit's plans, and that I am of no use to you and your mislead comrades."

 

"Yes, yes my Captain is a fool for sitting me on a position I have neither bought nor deserved. From times to times I like to remind him of his mistake with very precise and yet inconspicuous clumsiness. Rather effective."

 

Kahn'a afforded the luxury of a dramatic pause. His eyes were seemingly empty but fixed on her. He was not in the room but wandering somewhere in his memory. At a very particular moment that swung his life around.

 

"I know not if my file makes mention of it, for I have not read it, but I was appointed by our Grace to help in delicate matters. If you put that blade down, I shall be willing to share, it is most juicy stuff, I assure you. But at any rate, the city was short of hands and despite my crude nature, I was told that I had what it took to bring aid. I was little more than what you'd call a savage back then and I was very willing to insert myself in your great City. To adapt. I accepted. I bent my knee before Her and She gave me a commission. And there you have it. Savage made Lieutenant. But It was not a full cycle ago. And your world is so... complex. How could anyone expect a simple mind like I to grasp all its subtlety in such short time, I ask you?"

 

You are losing your grasp Kahn'a...

 

Don't give in.

[Titor]

Titor had been listening intently for any information that he might have been given about his surroundings or captors, but they had made it quite the point to keep it quiet. He had gotten nothing.

 

When the men arrived, Titor kept his calm demeanor. While he may have been afraid, yes, he had been trained for such things. His connection to the Flames went much deeper than the Red Wings even knew about. 

 

"Greetings, Sir Alec." Titor said, sitting up the best that he could. He forced a bit of a smile back before shaking his head slightly. "I wish to make the right choice of deciding whom is in the right for Ul'dah." he said, refusing the wine. "I am not the best at holding alcohol, unfortunately, and not in any of the ways that would be helpful for either you or I. In fact, it is quite the opposite." He tried to chuckle slightly, before trying to turn the situation around to the point that he were asking the man questions.

 

"Of course, first off I would like to know the full list of charges of which I and the Red Wings are accused of." He said calmly. While he pretty much knew the answer, he wanted to know exactly, down to the last detail, what the accusations were. Perhaps some information would be revealed through such means.

[Siha]

Kiht's disbelief was typical, did she deserve her place in the Red Wings? In her mind no, not in the least, but she was theirs and they were hers, and that meant everything to her. It was why she continued speaking with fervor even after the outburst, watching the nuances in Kiht's expression as she took it all in with disbelief and anger it seemed. Siha winced when the woman had another outburst, but she was right, the whole situation stunk and she couldn't quite believe it herself. Ul'dah wasn't what she had thought it could be, the Flames were not the allies she would hoped they would be, and her father in them was forever ruined...especially knowing this was not the first time this had happened.

 

"They only do what they think is right...I suppose. Someone on the inside has either paid very good money for this, or something with clout is very angry with us. Either way the Flames are not our allies and who knows if they will be even after we prove we are not the traitors they seem to think we are. I don't know if I would want them to be, this is apparently not the first time they've done this to Erik...for them not to have learned...well they obviously have no love for him or our unit."

 

She smiled tightly, it was hard to take pleasure in any of it, but in that moment she was proud to know the Keeper woman that stood before her. It was no wonder Roen prized her as a sister. "Thank you, it means the world to have you at our side, to have friends that we can trust" she opened her mouth to say more after a pause but never got the chance. Over the smell of salt and the thudding water she'd not smelled nor heard the male Miqo'te until he came into view on his own. It set her on edge and the woman threw her hands up, aether already shimmered along their length, green and turbulent winds in nature.

 

Hands were held up in peace on his end, his comments flustered her and heat rose to her face but she resolutely set her jaw and kept her arms held in such a way she could fling the wind at him if need be. "Who are-" he kept talking and she flipped her ears back, watching him warily as he moved ever closer to her, she would be surprised if Kiht didn't react badly just as she was currently. Trusting everyone wasn't an option right now. However the name Tempest rang with her...hadn't Clio warned her. Her hands eased down to her sides slowly and she gave Kiht a look that asked that she stay her hand for the moment, when the name Lumiere joined the other her eyes widened and her mouth dropped just a little. "Erik..." she breathed softly and then held up a hand at Kiht.

 

"I know who sent him" she said with a bit more volume and nodded to the male, he was an ally, for now. "Just a few more moments sir," she turned her eyes to Kiht again and smiled in a strained fashion again, "one of my allies that was split up with me sent him, we can trust her. I believe for now we would require your help to capture this...Bandit...that accosted us and set this whole thing in motion. I believe my ally has more information on a plan for such a thing...and I trust you enough to think it would be fine to bring you to wherever it is we currently hide, that is if it's not been forbidden" her eyes turned to Youkio curiously and she blinked once. They had been forbidden the use of their pearl so perhaps this male was the best way to communicate with Clio for the moment.

[Cliodhna Eoghan]

The parrot easily dodged Sieg's attempt to shoo him off with a few more hops before settling once more on the man's head. "Swat at me again like a damn fly 'n I'll leave something in yer hair." Skittles cawed good-naturedly.

 

Glancing back, Cliodhna looked up at Sieghart. Her lips curved into a small smirk, her eyes gaining an edge to them that was absent moments before. "I'm alright, you know how running and hiding can stress a person..." Idly she continued to run the brush through Pepper's dark violet feathers as the bird did her own preening on the other wing.

 

"If you wouldn't mind indulging me though, Sieghart...I have a few things i'd like to ask." Her expression remained placid and her tone even tempered but inside her mind was already calculating. Looking over the size of his frame, judging how strong he was based on current stature and the fighting she was able to see from the bridge before passing out.

 

His weapon was still out of reach, that was good. She hoped it wouldn't come to blows, but he was in their unit under false pretenses and that needed to be addressed before he got in too deep with them. Best to handle the situation now than with Siha there, she could easily be another weakness that could be exploited.

 

"I was there when you first were being brought into our unit and something bothered me that day but we really hadn't had much time for chitchat so I did a little investigating on my own...That salute you did, it was prefect. Right click of the heel, proper position of the arm...not the salute of a man who's done it as a greeting or parting for years...more like that of one who has practiced many times before the flawless execution of his performance." Cliohna giggled, offering Seighart another smile. "Being so inquisitive can leave a girl thirsty....I had to stop off in Little Ala Mhigo and order a drink, I really do love their more traditional drinks brought over from home, but I must say, trying the Mirage Oasis was pretty refreshing on it's own....Some would even call it Eorea's greatest jewel of the desert." Tilting he head, she turned to face the man that was easily a head taller than her.

 

Judging from what else she had found out; Sigehart was merely using the Red Wings as a nearby cover to make his frequent trips to Little Ala Mhigo less noticeable but clearly hadn't planned on being part of this redaction conspiracy everyone was finding themselves in. Regardless, Cliodhna had to find out if his intentions were to truly help them or if he was just going along till an opportunity to leave presented itself for him to cut ties and hide with the surviving members of the Grey lions.

 

Though it was admirable Seigheart were still keeping the fight alive for the refugees and knowing Erik's feelings towards his lost homeland, he would surly provide help once all this blew over...Seig still could prove to be a damning factor if those morals were placed in front of their current situation. If that were the case, than Cliodhna considered him a loose end and one that needed to be taken care of quickly.

 

If not; then it was just a secret she'd keep for him until he was ready to inform their Captain after the dust finally settled. After all, her mother was taken down in the earlier stages of that long standing war. Though Cliodhna's memories of home were different than that of the refugees that had been forced out and more heavily influenced by the changes that were made once it had been taken over; she couldn't in clear conscience just eradicate resistance members as she had been instructed to so many times before, not now that she wasn't fighting for Garlean cause. But she was prepared to handle both options if he was proved to be a threat to her current course of action. She flashed him another smile as she looked up to meet his gaze, waiting patiently for a reply.

 

~~~

 

"Take your time lovely." Youkio replied easily with another grin in her direction, her blushing cheeks only encouraging him to keep the flirting on a mild level. Sure it was a piss poor time to be doing so, but distractions could be good for the nerves and if he could give her a proper reason to tremble later on; she might forget she was originally shaking from fear. Pacing a little, Youkio stretched as he moved, swinging his arms high above his head and arching his back slightly, a soft growl happily emitting from his throat in the process. Again he tossed his head; burgundy hair sweeping over his shoulders as his neck cracked, listening intently the whole time as Siha talked.

 

He gave her a quick nod with a wave of his hand. "Sure sure, she's fine....though a few of us might have to share sleeping space." Casually tossing another wink at the girls before letting out a throaty laugh. "So Tempest 's out to take down whoever screwed ya'll over, huh? Not surprisin...Just hope ya never get on her bad side, missy. She earned that name while on our first leave after startin a bar wide brawl in the Wolf's Den, sucker punched a guy and it just exploded from there, was quite a sight seein how many she took out." Youkio chuckled again at the memory. "Poor slob wans't lyin tho, she does have a nice ass...."

 

He hopped around, doing a bit of footwork in the process. "Far as gettin that bandit, sounds like fun, count me in." Life had gotten a bit boring now that Youkio was more stationary and who knows? He might luck out nick a bit of gil off whoever they're targeting. Could be a fair amount since this sounds like military setup and every bit helps to get Geruda back as fast as possible.

[Knight Kat]

Kiht nearly attempted to skewer the the male. She was tense and welling with anger, and then that annoyance of a male appeared. However, she was not going to act in a hostile manner until she knew who he was. A huntress thinks before attacking. She was more so put on hold when Siha indicated that the male was a contact.

 

Very little was betrayed by Kiht. She bore a mild scowl at the male; despite his attempt at charm. Her expression held, and her body simply shifted as she watched and kept track of the male's movements.

 

Kiht looked to Siha then to Youkio. Some of what he said she understood, but other things she had no context on. Tempest? Sounded like the name of a Roegadyn Hellsguard woman. However, Kiht remained silent until Siha talked to her.

 

Kiht nodded to Siha. "Very well. As I said, guide me into this for now. I know not everyone who is in the Red Wings, nor do I fully know your plans, but I will help as best I can." Kiht said in a serious tone.

 

She then regarded Youkio; unphased by his attitude. "With respect, do we have time for unneeded stories? I can tell you about the time I skewered a few people, but I will spare you. If the Flames have already captured a member of the Wings, we must hurry." She stated in a calm, but serious tone then turned her gaze to Siha; awaiting her response.

[Askier]

The Cell of Kahn'a

 

"Well, Mr. Od'hilkas,  whether your are innocent are not, you will suffer for your slight of my character.  You have been rude and rudeness is not kind and I do not suffer such behavior."

 

Kresha lunged forward and scratched several times along Kahn'a's face before the man with the towel wrapped the towel tightly around Kahn'as head as the other man seized the first bucket of salt water and began pouring it slowly over the miqo'te's face as Kresha tossed the blood covered tool into the corner as she waited for the thirty seconds to pass before the bucket was empty.  Kresha then seized Kahn'a's throat and pressed her lips together as tightly as she began squeezing the miqo'te's throat.

 

"Your Red Wings have abandoned you just as you have abandoned Ul'dah.  No one will find you, no one will come for you.  Not event he Twelve can save you in here.  I am your god now.  Look at it this way, Mr. Od'hilkas.  The longer your fellow Red Wings are free, the longer I keep doing this to you. It's in your interest to spill your words so I'll be direct.  Where would your Red Wings hide in Limsa?  Where?!"

 

Kresha let the throat go and waited as the bloody towel was pulled off Kahn'as face, exposing the bleeding gashes.

 

Titor's cell

 

"Certainly."  Alec said, nodding and then opened his book.  He licked his finger before turning several pages and, without pausing, began to read:

 

"Harboring a terrorist.  Smuggling illicit wares.  Associating with the enemy.  Plotting against the crown.  Selling military secrets.  Espionage. That's the base of it, but certainly does not place your unit in a positive light.  We are aware you are a newer addition and that you might not be fully involved with these acts but you are suspect and were were ordered to bring in all the Red Wings immediately and to treat you as potential traitors until we have proven otherwise.  So any part you wish to discuss first?"

[Titor]

Titor took a deep breath. Those were some hefty charges. While he had not witnessed any acts of terrorism directly, there were a few strange happenings around the Wings that he was a bit skeptical of, now that he looked back on it. 

 

He nodded slowly as he listened to the charges. He was still trying to figure out whom was in the right here. While the Red Wings masqueraded as a relief unit, there were a few protocols that seemed to be different or altered for their true form. He was not about to just out the Red Wings. There was some sensitive information that, if it got into the wrong hands, would be very troublesome. 

 

"I see." he said, watching the book. "I do not believe those claims to be true." he said. Whether he was bluffing or not was not exactly visible.

[Kahnopy]

The cry of her rage. Her white knuckles gripping the blade. Blood. Blood, and then the sound of wet meat meeting the ground. Now spoilt, unproper.

 

The continuity of Kahn'a's consciousness was breaking. Dotted with suffering, this implacable hatred coming from the stomach, tensing the body with the acid it carried. There was also sorrow. Sorrow in a little boy stranded in his head, alone, terrified, wondering why he was hurt. And why he was hurt some more. The innocence of that child was waning, yet he was already not white. His hands were stained red. But he had faith. Faith in the world of man. He had been seduced by the distant radiant flame. He believed in its magical power. He approached it, slept under it, made it his... Until it licked his flesh burnt.

 

Gone like whispers uttered in the screaming winds, all feelings and thoughts left the Miqo'te's body to bow to the master of this new kingdom carved out in pain and blood. It bore many names, but the one pulsating in Kahn'a's mind was Chaos. A black, deep...

 

...

 

You know what? Nevermind. One, two, three, four...

 

...

 

A piercing scream of agony filled the room in an instant, leaving no ear spared. You thought weaved cloth, as thick as it was, could muffle the song of the dying? It might, in truth, but their words resonate in men's heart regardless, for they are universal. And like with any language of man, the only difference observed was the interpretation. For some, it meant an intense joy. The sound of victorious feet trampling over conquered ground. Rhythmed with the cadence of failing heartbeats, it was a fuel for them to keep going.

 

For others, it was the most frightening sound in existence. The vicious corner of dark imagination even paled next to it. Kahn'a was one of those people. And so, while he was being carved and salted, he felt sad over his bruised self. A maddening out of body experience, and yet he was still in there, tearing his lungs out from the burn of salt and exposed flesh. How could the chair remain so still, the young man was harming himself further trying to desperately break free.

 

Kahn'a became unaware of things, his eyes were clenched shut. Not that opening them would serve it good, he had blood all over his eyebrows, all pearled up from the shallow yet painful cuts. All he picked up that came not from his own body was a voice. A demonic voice. Ah, and a hand on his throat.

 

Then it went away. He was still alive.

 

Wheezing like a newborn, Miqo'te gasped for air, the necessary air that he could not refuse, and that kept him up for this lovely show of humanity. Could he speak? The answer to that hung in the air, his body was acting incoherently. Clenching jaw, creaking teeths, then wide open mouth for more air, and the sinister of clashing teeth to imprison his voice again. Just like that, Kahn'a became as much his own goaler as this demonic avatar, wrapped in warmth and alluring.

 

He wanted to speak, and wanted not.

 

...

 

Sorry. This is what the Keeper was trying to word through his struggling over air.

[Askier]

Titor's cell

 

Alec scribbled slowly as Titor, though Alec raised his eyebrows in a expression of interest at the words Titor spoke and he paused his writing as he fixed the Red Wing with his eyes.

 

"You believe they are innocent do you? Well if you are going to make a statement like that I am going to need you to support such a claim. What, during your time with the Red Wings, an organization that is supposed to have no combat oriented missions, is innocent of such claims?  You say they are responsible for none of them, yet we know for a fact that the Red Wings did harbor a terrorist. If we know that is true and yet you claim.it is not, can we really trust the weight in your words? In my mind you have already shattered your own credibility. It would be a shame to have to resort more base methods of interrogation when we are having such a plea sent conversation. So, for your own sake, please choose you next words carefully. How can you prove the Red Wings

 are innocent?"

 

Alec smiled as he twirled his pen through his fingers as he waited.

 

Kahn's Cell

 

Kresha looked at the ruined face that sputtered water and blood from his mouth. Kresha was being kind to Kahn'a. This was mild com paired to what she had done in the past but she was getting annoyed and even A'trus knew not to bother her when she was annoyed. A'trus didn't enjoy this sort of information gathering but understood its necessity and made sure Kresha had every thing she needed. She had rooms of tools and devices and had used everyone at least once.

 

The tall woman went and seized a bucket on her own and three the contents of the bucket at Kahn'a all at once. There was no towel and no slow pour. The wall of water would slam into kahn'a with a tremendous force and there was not fabric to keep the salt and water out if the fresh wounds. Not this time. Kresha then took the empty bucket and tipped it over Kahn A's head before the nodded to one of her men who wound back and drove his fist into the side of the bucket, knocking the bucket off Kahn'a's head. Kresha then turned and pulled out a wicked looking knife and twirled it through her fingers.

 

"I'm getting bored, Mr. od'hilkas. And when I am bored, I get creative. All this can stop though. Give me the location in Limsa the Red Wings would hid. We know you have a lot of contacts there. Where Mr. Od'hilkas! Or I cut off my pounds of flesh and drown them in salt water and then feed them too you."

 

A'trus' quarters

 

A'trus had fallen asleep in his tub and the water was cold by the time he awoke. The miqo'te quickly got out and dressed in a fresh uniform before he took his weapon and went to his office. He took a cleaning kit from his desk and began cleaning his firearm as he looked over his map, as if he stared hard enough, he would suddenly know where he needed to hunt next.

[Kahnopy]

...N-no?

 

Teeth bared, head hung low, unsupported, the Red Wings Second could feel forces quitting him. Battered and dazed from the punch, he did not immediately realize that his fragile nose was bleeding. He made the mistake of breathing, and soon enough shook in convulsions, coughing the blood that tried to sneak its way into his lungs. Getting rid of it, through spasms and reflexes drained him out, and when he finally settled down, he could scarcely find the force or will to shut his mouth. The Hunter was ashamed to admit it, but he could not carry on much longer like this.

 

"Enough," he implored so very quietly in humid words. "I can't take this anymore." He was not far from the truth. Barely a few bells of that treatment, and his mind was all worn-out, fatigued, caressing the limits of sanity. His pulsating headache was making matters worse. He could have fainted had he let himself, but the promise of the Hyur would certainly be kept, she would not let go of him until she had her bone to bite.

 

"I-I apologize, I have not the means to answer your question. I handle men and supplies, I'm not told about which contact stands where. But I'll give you something. Something that I pray will make you understand that there are a great many things you do not see. But before... something for you to think over. If we had contacts in Limsa Lominsa, then how come the ambush we fell into was so effective? As much as you're making me hate it presently... I am a man of Ul'dah, I rarely leave these parts, and therefore know little of La Noscea and its surroundings. But my instructions were to assist with the safekeeping of the carriage, despite not having prior knowledge of the field."

 

Rolling his head as if it weighed its bulk in gold, Kahn'a angled himself so that he could meet her gaze. It was much easier to believe in the sincerity of words that way. "You'll know this already if you possess a clearance. The Red Wings... we're no relief unit. It's a lousy cover that few bother scratching at. The Captain never spoke the legal words, but the way I understand our mission, we handle tasks that the Flames cannot, for they are bound to respect the law." Kahn'a nodded weakly, "This is what we are. Keep that in mind, but see the veil of confusion lifted for the points that made little sense until then."

 

And then he carried on, explaining the mission for the second time, with as many details as he could recall. They had been reached with blank orders coming from the Hall, urging them to escort sensitive material and weapons to the town of Limsa Lominsa, for an exchange with the Maelstrom. Kahn'a assumed that whoever had set up this ambush had much to gain from sparks of arguments within the Eorzean alliance, and he told her that. "Our dire lack of preparation and the urgency of the orders eventually lead to the failure of the mission. We regrouped to the Drydocks in Moraby Bay for a debriefing, this is when the Captain decided to take the road. He... he asked us to fan out, we would be contacted once everybody was safe for further instructions. That was when I returned to Ul'dah and got rid of my pearl. He had chosen to run, and I could not follow that call. But I would not abandon them either. So I skulked around the city, trying to find any information, any rumour of somebody who could profit of our demise. After a fruitless fortnight of searching, I decided to drag attention to myself, became bolder with whoever I spoke with, and this in order to have you come pick me up. There was no doubt we were hunted then. Shortly after I adopted this new behaviour, your sniper found me, and I took precautions to protect myself, while meaning to establish a contact with the Flames. With you."

 

Kahn'a coughed again. He knew his limbs should not have felt this weak, but the exhaustion of his mind had somehow plagued his body as well. "On Her name," he begged, "I swear that this is all I know. Have men sent to the Drydocks, if you so fancy, but I doubt there's aught to be found, most of us were trained to leave no trace, since we do not officially exist as anything but an unimportant relief unit.

[Titor]

Titor's eyes narrowed in thought a bit. He thought back of his whole time there, all of it. The more he thought, the more his own suspicions arose, the more things began to click into place. There were some strangely strong ties between the Red Wings and Garlemald. Sure they had been under the attack by the Empire multiple times, and Titor had witnessed such shootings and assassination attempts, not to mention the time when loyalists to the Empire had broken into their own base. 

 

He was wondering if this was just a clever plot by Erik, whose own involvement in the Empire's progress might be as a double agent in the Flames. Maybe the time that the Garleans had broken into their base was a clever plot to exchange information, a way to make them look like the bad guys to the rest of the unit, allowing Erik to deceive those who followed him. 

 

The workings around the Red Wings were relaxed. Too relaxed. Way too relaxed for comfort. The more he thought, the more his face furrowed. He had been taught to not talk in the face of the enemy? What about when he may have turned out to be the enemy. He took short slow breaths as his mind worked overtime to try to calculate the right outcome. Were the Red Wings right? Were they wrong? Who was to be trusted? 

 

He wanted to do what was best for Ul'dah. But what if neither of them were in the wrong? What if both of them were? He had not enough information to make a proper choice in the matter, and just kind of stared up at Alec. 

 

Remember your training, Titor.

 

 

 

 

...there was no training for this.

 

 

His training had been against clear enemies of the state. Garleans, beastmen, in the event he would be captured and be facing, beyond a shadow of a doubt, someone he should never talk to anything about. If he spoke here, he could possibly betray the Red Wings, who may be the enemy. If he remained silent, he could possibly betray Ul'dah, and Her People, and everything he fought for.

 

Titor's mouth was slightly agape as his mind ran infinite permutations of calculations using the data he had. Every one yielded a different result.

 

"....I do not know." He squeaked, more as a response to his mind's own questions, and to a lesser extent a response to Alec.

[Erik Mynhier]

Commander Ryder approached the Black Chain's HQ, his uniform telling of his rank, the mid-level officer's Blacks as apposed to the junior officer's Brown such as what Captain Mynhier wore. As he entered he awaited to be met. As one of their clerks passed they stopped and saluted, "May I help you sir?" The dark haired midlander crossed his arms behind his back and clasped his hands together after returning the salute, "I wish to speak with your commanding officer."

[Mikh'a]

[align=justify]His mind was reeling and it was hard for him to focus. Mikh'a could hear them having conversations with him, and he was having one back, but none of it mattered. All of his responses were distracted and automatic at that point as he led them away from Erik. They were going in circles, they wanted answers he kept telling them he couldn't give them yet. Things about "Ulrich's" research and his time spent in Dravania, and what he could tell them about his findings on the Wyrmking. He tried to brush them off. "Oh no, I'm just a slave, my master doesn't tell me more than minimal information." or "His time with the Dravanians was traumatic, I try not to press him for information on the topic." and truthfully it worked for the most part. It wasn't as if his faked station in life afforded him a lot of room and freedom to be... well, Mikh'a, who did nothing but ask questions and press to the great irritation of some people. His mind was too far away to go in to any detail however. He was fretting for the safety of his little family. Who would they catch next?

 

He took only small comfort in the fact that he had a blind and childish view of the Immortal Flames. ( One due to be shattered at any point in time now. ) Erik had said it was possible they'd look to eradicate the Red Wings, but only as a last resort. Osric had said it was far more likely they'd be debriefed and disbanded and childishly he clung to the hope that this was what was going to happen. That they were talking quietly to Kahn'a, and anyone else that may have been caught and gone unreported to the wayward Red Wings scattered across Eorzea in that timeframe they'd been without contact now. That when they got whatever information it was that Erik was looking for to clear their names they would regroup with Montblanc and Raimy and be on their way to clear their names and be back to business as usual.

 

"--too long, I think I'll go check on it myself."

 

"What?" Mikh'a turned away from the window he had been staring out of. He'd nearly forgot where he was.

 

"I said your master's time was up."

 

"Surely you know as a researcher that these things take more time than a bell or two." Mikh'a started after the Elezen who turned and faced him, looking down at the boy. A hand reached up and snagged him by the chin, turning his face just slightly.

 

"This is my lab, boy, and I have been kind enough, and patient enough, to indulge your master but it is time information is divulged proper, 'else I take matters in to my own hands."

 

"I've told you what I can, and there's nothing more to be said." Mikh'a said firmly and pulled his face out of the man's grip. He rubbed at his jaw with an irritated look, then took a rapid step away as a hand came out to grab at him again. "You will leave my master to his business, you gave him the facilities to use and if it's your social gain from this you're worried about then fear not, you'll have your glory soon enough when he's deciphered his findings!" He was losing his temper, his patience already stretching too thin. Mikh'a may have come far, but he was still in the end the boy trying too much to be like his hero brother while wearing shoes that were far too big for him. Clearly he had lost his verbal sparring opponent's temper as well as an unsurprisingly large Elezen hand shot out and took him at the throat, slamming his small body back against the closest solid object - in this case it just happened to be a bookshelf.

 

Weren't they supposed to be calm, and collected, and put together, and Thal's Balls he could not believe how strong this nerdy Elezen that spent all his time locked in a tower was. Disoriented and vaguely aware that at least two books had dropped on either side of him, Mikh'a finally locked eyes with the man. "I've had enough of a little slave boy thinking he can talk down to me like he's something special. You've tested my patience enough and I've had the good grace to be kind enough to let you do what you think you need to do but you and your master's time is up." He shoved Mikh'a back again for good measure. "You may be spoiled enough to live above your station in your master's company but you will not disrespect me." He pulled the small Miqo'te away from the shelf then and shoved him toward the stairs instead. "Now walk. It is time to have my questions answered."

 

Mikh'a narrowed his eyes stubbornly and for the briefest instance it looked like he was going to pick a fight with the man... but to what end? Straightening up he turned around on his heels and took up a reluctant pace back to Erik again. He knew Erik would know they were coming, that locket was the link they needed for this kind of situation, but he was out of gambits to buy them more time 'lest a certain lazy dragon started terrorizing the town. ( Which Mikh'a sincerely hoped would not happen. )

 

"Move it."

 

Mikh'a looked over his shoulder hatefully, then started trudging up the stairs as he was given a rough shove to them.[/align]

[Askier]

ghshththr

[Askier]

Titor's Cell

 

"You don't know?" Alec cooed softly and gave a disapproving look.  "Well, that just won't do at all.  We need more than that I'm afraid and you going from claiming you could prove it to suddenly not knowing is confusing.  Could cause us to wonder if you are holding your tongue and if we need to loosen it.  Should I fetch the tongue loosener?"

Kahn'a's cell

 

Kresha listened, her eyes hard and her face covered in a scowl.  She held the expression well, and it don't not slip or become lax, even though she wanted to raise her eyebrows in surprise.  She did -not- posses the clearance about Red Wings' true nature.  Even A'trus was unaware of the full extent of the Red Wings clandestine nature. That was a clearance far higher in the chain of command than they possessed.  The female interrogator slowed her breathing as Kahn'a elaborated, spilling out tons of information at an astonishing rate.  Like a bucket placed beneath a waterfall, there was simply to much for her to absorb it all.

 

Her knife spun in her fingers slowly at first but grew faster as she thought and then finally she stopped spinning as she licked her lips.

 

"Very well.  Mr. Od'hilkas, you finally were co-operative.  See, I knew there was more than you were telling." Kresha's voice became a soft purr.  "You have earned a reprieve, I'm going to alert my superior and we are going to investigate the Drydocks.  If they find anything, splendid for you.  If not, we will resume your breaking, only it will be far, far more severe.  This was me being civil." Kresha smirked darkly.  "But if we find something, you might even get your clothes back.  I'll consider feeding you in the mean time.  So sit tight, be a good boy, and wait a bit. I have another guest to greet."

 

Kresha then spun on her heel and walked out, leaving the three men to follow after her and lock the door behidn them, leaving Kahn'a wrapped in the embrace of darkness.

 

Kresha stormed to her room and found a pearl from her desk.  Her room was lavish and full of a ridiculous amount of finery and red silk.  Kresha loved the sensation of silk on her skin but right then she didn't notice it as she pressed the pearl to her ear.

 

"Lieutenant A'trus."

 

It took A'trus a moment to reply and when he did so, his voice was slow and tired.

 

"Proceed Kresha." 

 

"Lieutenant, I have discovered some unsettling news."  Kresha said and then continued quickly.  "The Red Wings are not a relief unit, they are a special forces unit.  They were given a mission and claim to be set up. No matter how much I...questioned, that never changed.  Od'hilkas says that the last time he saw his unit was at the Moraby Drydocks near Limsa and that if we needed a lead for the Red Wings that might have fled to Limsa, such as Melkire, that would be the place to start.

 

Silence greeted this information as A'trus sat up in his chair and seized a document.  He read it over and then chewed on his lower lip.

 

"There is no mention of the Red Wings being anything more than a relief unit, or a mission to Limsa in my intel or orders.  I find it-"

 

"Sir, I bleed and salted Od'hilkas.  I broke him down.  I think there is a shred of truth in this.  I've done this for seventeen years sir."  Kresha interrupted.  A'trus leaned back in his chair and continued chewing on his lip.

 

"You are certain of this intel?"  A'trus questioned coldly, not wanting to play with the line of thought Kresha was forcing him to consider.

 

"Sir, I stake my reputation on it.  These Red Wings may be guilty as all sins in the hells, in fact, I suspect they are of guilty of these charges to a degree, but I think someone is also playing us.  The fact that whoever sent you those orders sent us against a Black Ops unit without notifying you or me is a breach of protocol."

 

A'trus scowled and nodded.  After a moment he stood up and then smashed his fist onto the table.

 

"Sons of couerls!"  A'trus swore as he watched two of his sniper rounds roll onto the floor.  "The twins got killed, had I known. . ."  The miqo'te was growling.  "Kresha, continue questioning.  Increase the intensity.  I want information.  And I want it now.  I'm going to be gathering a unit to depart for Limsa immediately once I get clearance from Command.  Report once you have more information."

 

Kresha paused, recalling her promised reprieve to Kahn'a and decided to give the male a few hours of peace before she began carrying out A'trus' orders.

 

"Aye Aye, sir." Kresha answered at last.

 

A'trus let the line go silent as he seized his rifle and slung it over his shoulder as he muttered a string of curses at the Twelve for this sudden development.  He had denounced their divine nature four years ago with the death of his wife and now only prayed to his deceased lover and her memory as if she was a divine angel. 

 

The male miqo'te went to the door to his room and threw it opened as he stormed into the hall, closing it behind him with a bang.  Sergeant Rungee was there and fell into step quickly after he saw the expression his commanding officer wore.

 

"Orders sir." Rungee said quickly, knowing now was not the time for formalities.

 

"I need the Zulu primed for a trip to Limsa immediately, Sergeant." A'trus said, his voice calming slightly as the walk leveled his blood pressure as they turned a corner and headed to the front of the Black Chain's HQ.  "We may have a lead there and I intend to investigate it further.  Also, I want every one of our soldiers invovled with the Red Wing hunt lethally armed and armored.  There is a possibility the Red Wings are more than a simple relief unit."

 

"As you say sir." Rungee nodded, keeping his reaction to A'trus' words to himself.  A'trus loved Rungee for that professionalism. 

 

The two walked into the central room and both came to a screeching halt as their boots snagged the marble floor as they caught sight of the man standing there.  A commander none-the-less.  Both snapped sharp salutes.

 

"Good day sir!"  Both men said to the commander and waited for him to speak and return their salutes.

[Titor]

Titor shook his head, breaking his gaze away. He was not sure where his loyalty lie anymore. He knew of the corruption in the Flames, and Ul'dah in general. Not all members of the Flames were honorable. Many were greedy, corrupt. He was not sure what team he was on anymore.

 

The Wings had taken him in, brought him back in after his honorable discharge. They gave him his life back, gave him a hook and a recommendation to get back to his life after he found a way to manage his illness. 

 

He looked up at the face of his captors, and he saw the face of the Garleans that had captured him nearly a year prior. All of what he had went through there came flooding back, and his face made every bit of that visible. He zoned out, tried disconnecting from the world. Ignore it all and it will all go away. 

 

There is no solution to this.

[Gray]

Show a guy some respect, will ya, buddy?

 

Sieg sighed at the birds continued violation of his head.

 

That aint to make a nest out of, ya know.

 

Sieg listened as Clio explained the reason for her tension.  He gave a half grin and a small nod, willing to accept that, not overly concerned that she avoided his question.

 

Hmm, no, can't say, I do know.  I haven't actually ran and hid from anything.  Don't get me wrong.  This aint some tough guy act.  It's just the way things have gone.  This here is all pretty new to me.  Anyroad, it's fine if ya don't wanna talk about it.  Just checkin up on a comerad is all.  I won't push a lady to give what she doesn't want to.

 

He let it go at that.  His intentions were true.  He wasn't asking with an ulterior motive.  Even if he had planned on pressing the issue, the next words she spoke quickly caught his interest.

 

Go on.  Ask whatever you like.

 

He took a few steps back as he replied.  Her next words put him on the spot.  He knew how best to deal with this situation.

 

Those weren't questions.  They were accusations.  And it seems you've done some digging indeed.  I guess it's pointless to dance around it.

 

He believed she knew too much for any denial to work.  No.  It was better to come clean.  At least, partially, and maintain a degree of trust.  Better to get her in the know, and find out where she stood. Then deal with it based on her response.

Alright then.  You're right.  I have practiced this salute, and a dozen others.  So much so that those that created the motions would look like they were out of practice.  I guess I got a little too good at it though, seeing how it raised suspicion.  I wasn't honest when I joined you folks.  I wasn't entirely dishonest either, though.  I ended up here for two reasons.  You know I sought you out specifically because an old buddy of mine is with the you all.  That much I told you back then.  Well, that's why I came to this group and not some other.  But that's for personal reasons.  I can give you my word on that, for all its worth.  Before that, I was looking for an in with the Flames.  Not to infiltrate their ranks, though, given recent events...

 

Sieg raised his arms and looked around as if to say "look at the situation we're in."

 

...I'd say it's not infiltrators we need to worry about.  Plenty enough problems on the inside.  Anyroad, I'm with the Flames to make myself an asset.  In hopes of gathering support for...well...nothing that you, or anyone in the group need to fear.  So if you were thinking I was up to no good, I'm gonna have to disappoint you.  There you have it.  I'm with the Flames to gather support, and I'm with you for personal reasons.  Outside of that, right now, I plan on doing whatever I can to see that as many of us get outta this alive as possible.

 

Sieg stood there, his experession calm, and posture casual.  He merely awaited her reply.

[Kels]

Raimy was cold. He hated the cold. Anywhere it can snow is nowhere Raimy ever wants to be. He'd found the chapel and would refused to give the letter to anyone other than the one instructed, as is typical of any good delivery boy. Delivering the letter to the Abbot was easy enough. It's what he does, he's a courier... was a courier he reminds himself. Now he's a Flame... where they do crazy stuff like redact people. He still can't wrap his mind around that and can't help but wonder how Titor fares, letting his mind wander from his task to his friend. He takes a deep breath as he tries to refocus on the job at hand but the air freezes in his lungs and doesn't help his focus much.

 

He bundles his coat up tighter and trudges through more snow. His weapons are hidden and he carries a satchel so to anyone else he still looks like just a courier on a job. At least in passing. He's never been just a courier, but the cover has always worked very well for him. No one has asked him his name yet, which is good. He hasn't made up a new even though Erik ordered him too. It was so hard to come up with Raimy Rouchet the first time. He hopes he'll be able to think of one before someone does something crazy like ask him his name.

[Siha]

Siha's face only reddened further and she jumped her purple eyes to Kiht, thankful that the male hadn't somehow ended up on the sharp end of a lance. She smiled tightly at the dark haired Keeper before looking back to the very animated and relaxed male, she didn't feel the same and she envied his ability to be so cool. Then again he wasn't being hunted down like a rabid animal. She willed herself to stay calm and the heat started to fade from her face...until he decided to throw out more flirty words and the flush creeped up her neck again. One day she'd have a handle on it, but her mind was fixed completely on what they needed to do and so she nodded to Kiht instead of acknowledging his compliments towards Cliodhna's...rear.

 

"W-Worry not Kiht. I won't let you walk in alone, you have my guidance every step of the way, as much as I can offer you. Anything you need from me that I can give I will for your assistance" she assured the woman with a nod and a set jaw. She tossed Youkio a look when he threw in his own hat and she even gave him a tight lipped smile, "The help is appreciated, so long as it is alright with C- Tempest. You are her contact after all" she added. After a deep breath she rubbed at a temple briefly and then dropped her hand first to the crystal around her neck and then to her side. "Right. We can discuss the finer details of the plan once we get back to wherever it is we'll be hiding...I believe you'd be our guide there?" she looked to Youkio again at the latter with a curious gaze.

[Cliodhna Eoghan]

Skittles curled into a ball to preen his tail. "ya ain't got nothin ta worry bout, just using ya till boss gets back." He replied around a beak-full of feathers. "I won't muss yer pretty hair."

 

Cliodhna nodded but refused to relax her stance. Words were cheap and easy to come by, but seeing his expression when she fist spoke showed in truth he had been caught off guard. Offering a soft sigh of mock frustration, Cliodhna continued to meet his gaze searching for any body language that would give Sieg away as being dishonest right now. Most people weren't aware but there were a common set of minor motions and twitches that people have a habit of doing when trying to lie.

 

Tilting her head, she crossed her arms. "Not to be rude, but I'm not concerned with your connection to Raimy at this point, i'm more curious about the apparent support you need." She paused as if remembering something. " You know a long time ago Ul'dah had tried to use lions as mounts for their Sultan Sworns but finding them to be too feral to break and train; released them out into the wild's of Thanalan. Are you perhaps trying to procure more lions? I've heard though rarely spotted, there are even a few Grey ones roaming about in South Thanalan...." She flashed Sieg another curve of her lips. Oh yes, she was aware of that as well.

 

"Look at me Seig, really look at me. I'm one of those people you're trying to help, so is Erik. We both miss Ala Mhigo..." She replied, dropping the playful attitude she had earlier slipped into. "If you're honestly wanting to help us all get out alive, truly and honestly, once this is all over and done with; Erik and I will offer what help we can with your cause, but you need to inform him why you really signed on and the goal you're trying to achieve."

 

Normally Cliodhna tried to keep her cards closer to her chest, but time was growing short she felt and didn't have much room to keep playing the cryptic game with him. It was only a matter of time before the keeper in question broke and while her pearl was off; Cliodhna couldn't keep tabs on that situation as well as she liked.

 

~~~

 

Youkio gave another chuckle, his voice bouncing off the cavern walls. "Oh man, I just love when people say "with respect" it's like it just gives 'em a pass to be as rude as they want without woryin bout pissin off the other person!" Shaking his head, he stopped and regarded Kiht. "Still, you're right, Tempest's kept me in the dark for mosta this an I had no clue how deep she was in. We gotta get back to em quick an figure out a plan to rescue and resolve this mess."

 

He glanced over at Miss Siha, pretty little thing....much too innocent for this sorta life, he mused. "Yah, I'll take ya'll there quick as can be, honestly we ain't far from it now....Tempest ain't gettin a choice, she knew if I found out what was really goin on I'd jump in an she contacted me anyway." He replied, his mouth set in a hard line.

 

"'Sides I'd take a wager ya'll can't really run in an outta the city like I can right now, so I'll be needed at least for that." Youkio stuffed his hands in the pockets of his kicks and started to lead them out of the cavern.

[Knight Kat]

Kiht's stern expression softened when Siha spoke to her. The Moon-sister had spirit buried under some bashfulness. It was evident in the way she spoke, and how she affirmed things. It set Kiht at ease a bit. She was regarding Siha, and almost grew a smile until Youkio opened his mouth again.

 

Rude? The male had no idea how rude Kiht could be. Several retorts surged into Kiht's mind; including, a retort with her spear. However, she knew that would help nothing, and only make the situation worse. Kiht was there to help, not to cause problems. She had a feeling that Youkio would be nothing but a problem though.

 

Kiht's expression went back into a cold neutral as she buried building anger under her trained discipline. She just could not stand people she saw as 'cocky'. In Kiht's eyes, Youkio fit the bill. She just stared at him until he finished talking. She bit her tongue because an argument with him would only waste more time.

 

When Youkio set off, Kiht would wait to follow Siha.

[Kahnopy]

Plick, plock, plick, plock, plick.

 

For long, this was the only noise disturbing the thick silence of the room plunged into darkness. The rhythm was implacable, and it carried on for longer than the mind can focus on it. Kahn'a could not even confirm whether this was water or his own blood dripping like so. He did not care. He did not care much then, but be left alone. He was cold, aching, battered, fatigued, but he was still there, still conscious. It was not adrenaline or even hope that kept him up when he should have passed out. No, it was guilt.

 

An insidious, slimy warmth creeping on his body, but it was merely another ailment amongst others more concerning. Yet... it kept Kahn'a awake. He could simply not oversee what he had done, well, said rather. He had the choice to keep silent, but the longer the interrogation dragged out, the weaker the idea sat in his head, only to end up being a folly not to pursue. It was not the first time Kahn'a had told a person about the true nature of the Red Wings, but it was assuredly the first he knew the information he gave away would be used against him. The confession was barely a few words, but they had reached the ears of the sadistic mind Kresha sported. Did she believe him? Probably just enough to stop indulging her sick sense of pleasure.

 

There was also another worry that occupied a tiny corner of Kahn'a's mind. When she left, the torturer mentioned with delight having to meet someone else; a guest, she called it.

 

... What was happening? Had someone else strayed off the Captain's orders and got captured? Had they crumbled to the pressure of being on the run, and turned themselves in, much like what Kahn'a did? The possibility was dismaying. Another prisoner meant another person that would without much doubt suffer at the hands of the almighty Kresha. But more importantly, it was another mouth, with words held right behind the teeth. Another mouth to speak, to tell a different tale. It was a danger, a sword floating above the Miqo'te's head and that could drop at any moment. What if the versions did not match? Whether those words carried truth or not, he was persuaded that at the slightest difference in their forced confession, his jester play in front of the impudent queen would resume, a cruel show paid in blood and steel. She told him so.

 

Don't give in, help is coming, stay strong.

 

In the dark, Kahn'a laughed.

[Erik Mynhier]

Ryder was an older man, mid-40s, dark haired peppered with grey. His voice was plain, a slight rasp with no noticeable accent. "Good afternoon gentlemen. My name is High Flame Commander Ryder, Royal Hall of Records, Classified Operations Division. I am here to have a talk about one of my units, my little pet project. I assume you have put the Lieutenant through his paces enough that you have been given some odd intel. Black Chain's interrogation is pretty efficient I've been told, so either its come up or it will soon. So I'm here to debrief you before you continue further. Understand this is not an exercise in persuasion. I am not ordering you or even asking you to hold your hunt. Despite my opinion on the matter we all have our orders" He looked around, "Now.... I need a room and ten minutes with you."

 

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

The shard in his open eye socket, a sliver of fire aether which connected the eye to his system, was glowing red as he watched through the locket what Mikh'a faced. As the Keeper was hauled up the stairs, Erik calmly sent his last transmission, hopeful his aid got it. He packed his equipment and readied himself for the performance.

 

Pulling up his hood, he shook his body out for a moment, took some deep breaths, and drew the massive axe from his back. He focused aether to his socket, causing the red glow to sharpen, a good effect from under a hood. He waited until the elezen's had touched the door then with a roar he sent his axe through the door, destroying it utterly. He took the butt of the axe to one of the men, swinging his hand free to grab by the throat the one who had held Mikh'a the same. In the lowest, graveled, beast-like voice he could manage he whispered, "..... Die..." Swinging the man in his hand into the wall caused him to rag-doll. He then threw the body down upon the others who had followed them. As the lot tumbled down the steps, alarm raised as voices from below reacted to the men falling. Erik took Mikh'a's hand and pulled him up the steps higher with the word, "Run!"

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Outside the abbey sat in a small seat the Abbot of the little chapel. A priest to the Fury his whole life, he had been the one who baptized both Heather and her children. He had been given word to expect Raimy, so he waited, the news fair.

[Askier]

Titor's Cell

 

Alec sighed and closed the book.  He gave a nod of his bald head and the two men with him stepped forward and violently seized Titor and dragged him over to the stone chair in the rooms center.  The men tossed Titor into it and held him down with one hand each as they shackled the male to the chair in a similar manner to how Kahn'a was bound. 

 

Alec waited till Titor was snug and then slowly approached, his pen twirling in his fingers as he  spoke.

 

"I am sorry for what is coming.  This all could have been so painless.  I hope that between now and the arrival of our mutual friend, you can find your tongue...before you lose it."  Alec suddenly took his pen and drove it into Titor's cheek, letting the blood coat the writing implement.  He then turned and opened the book to the page about Titor.  At the bottom, in fluid words, he traced in blood the words "Requires motivation."

 

Alec then left the room.

 

It was nearly a bell later that Kresha entered, her white robes hanging loosely about her as her black hair hung around her neck.  Two men came with her, carrying buckets and towels.  The female looked at Titor in the chair and gave a polite smile as she saw the blood oozing from Titor's cheek. 

 

"I see you already wear the crimson.  I do hope I am not forced to make you wear more.  Our commanding officer was rather hopful you would be wiser than the other Red Wing I just finished questioning.  So then, care to speak of your own free will?"

 

Black Chains HQ

 

A'trus stood dumbfounded at Ryder's disclosure as he blinked.  So he had been right, something WAS going on and he was smack in the middle of a game the higher ups were playing. 

 

A'trus dropped his salute and nodded quickly, keeping his thoughts to himself.

 

"As you say sir, if you will follow me." 

 

The miqo'te turned and exchanged brief words with Sergeant Rungee.  The Sergeant nodded and slipped off as A'trus began leading Ryder to a small room with a circular table and six chairs surrounding it.  Once both officers were inside the room, A'trus shut the door and turned to his superior.

 

"Alright sir, please fill me in on what is going on with this hunt.  Because I have gathered some rather distressing details about the Red Wings that was not only not imparted to me in my orders, it seems that I am caught in some sort of game between the higher command and if I am going to be losing any more of my soldiers I want to know why."

 

A'trus had to bit the inner lining of his lip to stifle his frustration and keep his military bearing.  The fact that this man was here, now, was all the proof he needed to know he was being used and the solider of ten years wanted to vomit.  He served Ul'dah, not some senior officers personal agenda.  He would gladly bring in the Red Wings for their crimes, but he was going to raise all sorts of hell if he was going to be continually sent in blind against enemies that obviously matched or exceeded the talents of his own forces.