Board Thread:Roleplaying/@comment-3293219-20140308235607/@comment-24449631-20140317142226

The sun had just gone down over Cyrodiil and the last twilight of Azura filled the night skies.

Knight looked up at the stainless skies of Anvil. It was nice seeing some stars for once. Also Secunda was exceptional bright tonight. He smirked. Maybe he had just forgotten. It had been a while since he had gone beyond the Capital’s gates. And he was glad he did. Deep down he was still that field soldier who served the Empire with youthful enthusiasm.

He had to stick his head back in the car though. As his chauffeur came to open the door.

“Sir.” The chauffeur said as he stood steadily on the pavement, holding the door of the T6 open, (which was the latest model by the way).

Knight nodded and got out of his comfy car. The air in Anvil was particularly chilly, the ocean breeze at night this time of year was anyways.

“Thanks, Corporal.” He noted to his chauffeur.

The chauffeur nodded as a means to say he appreciated the ‘thank you’

“Wait here.” Knight added as he walked up to the porch of the Admiral’s residence.

The floorboards of the old porch creaked under his polished leather boots. It only took him a few steps however to reach the door’s lion shaped door knocker.

The shape was a bit reminiscing of the Daggerfall Covenant alliance banner from before Tiber Septim’s time. At least that’s what it made him think of.

Him being a student of history and all, he tended to notice those things.

He looked back at his chauffeur who was still waiting at the car to check if he was doing his job properly. A T6 isn’t something you see every day. And he’d hate to tell Bishop if it were stolen, it being state property and all. Though he wasn’t a hard man to work with, Knight could sometimes be over cautious, comes with the territory I suppose…

After that he knocked the lion three times on the door. And awaited a response. This wasn’t a social call and the Admiral was probably not expecting anyone. Moreover he was a man who enjoyed his solitude. So he could, maybe, possibly be difficult to work with. Even though Knight and the Kristo, the admiral go way back. They never really partook in idle small talk though. The Admiral disliked spooks like Knight, he found all that secrecy unnecessary.

“No.” He’d say.

“Wars are fought with guts and face to face. Not by stabbing each other in the back, that’s Dark Brotherhood stuff”

Knight hated it if someone compared his section with that bunch of murdering scum.

<p class="MsoNormal">''If we ever want to beat, the dark brotherhood we need to become like them, know how they operate, where they live, where they eat, where they shit! We need to know everything. It’s the only way how we can defeat enemies properly! ''

<p class="MsoNormal">Knight had to end his inner-rant thought as the door was opened by the Admiral in casual wear. Though, casual wear for the admiral still meant a suit.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Who is it?” He asked a bit uneasy.

<p class="MsoNormal">Knight responded by pulling down his cap and resting it under his arm. As he did he folded his hairline back again.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Senior Operator Knight of the P.O”

<p class="MsoNormal">The Admiral nodded as he had already figured it out a millisecond before Knight made his entry line.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Well, ‘Knight’ What’s this about?” he said with a condescending tone. He knew Knight’s real name but knew that if he said it here in what counted as public, Knight would have permission to execute him. Yes, they take it that seriously…

<p class="MsoNormal">“We should take this inside…” Knight insisted.

<p class="MsoNormal">Though Kristo didn’t really seem to be over joyed by that. Letting a, basically, complete stranger into his house.

<p class="MsoNormal">But Knight was insisting enough.

<p class="MsoNormal">“It’s important.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The admiral just sighed. He didn’t really have much choice.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Sigh… Fine. Follow me.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Knight nodded and when the Admiral turned around back into his house, about to lead Knight in. Knight turned back to his Chauffeur once more just to check. Showing a look that said “I won’t be long”

<p class="MsoNormal">The chauffeur nodded slowly as he understood.

<p class="MsoNormal">Then Knight followed the old Imperial Soldier into his house.

<p class="MsoNormal">The chauffeur saw this to the opportune moment for him to light a cigarette. One of those Elsewyr brand ones.

<p class="MsoNormal">-

<p class="MsoNormal">“What a lovely house you got here.” Knight complimented.

<p class="MsoNormal">It was filled with little treasures of years of navy service. An anchor against the wall. Wheels… A ship’s bell. Just to name a few. Even though the house was one of the furthest of the sea, you could still smell the salty waters. The house wasn’t nearly as majestic as Knight’s but it had a certain charm to it that really agreed with the old spy.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Cut the crap, Knight, why are you bothering me”

<p class="MsoNormal">Knight backed off from the niceties, even though he really meant the one about his house.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Well.”

<p class="MsoNormal">He pointed at a chair.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Can I?” he asked the admiral

<p class="MsoNormal">“Of course”

<p class="MsoNormal">Knight landed himself into the fauteuille.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Ah.. Thanks.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“So, you were saying.” The Admiral inquired as he made his way to his drinking cabinet, about to pour two drinks.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yes, I’ll cut straight to the chase.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Hmm, please do.” The admiral insisted, as he hoped to make Knight’s visit a short one.

<p class="MsoNormal">“We have reason to believe the Dark Brotherhood has been rebuilding… Massively”

<p class="MsoNormal">“In fact. A recent rapport has stated they are building some sort of army. Recruiting… Former slaves and working men, and so on…” Knight told him with a hand gesture.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yes… But I don’t see how that has something to do with the navy” The admiral added. Having poured the two alcoholic beverages

<p class="MsoNormal">“Well…” Knight said while he stroked his chin.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I was inquiring more for what you’ve been doing in Hammerfell.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The admiral looked a little fazed that Knight knew about that.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You mean Operation Zenithar?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yes, I wanted to talk about Zenithar.” Knight ended.

<p class="MsoNormal">The admiral gave Knight his alcoholic beverage.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Thank you.” Knight gestured with the glass in his hand. Not questioning what it was.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Cheers” The admiral gestured back.

<p class="MsoNormal">When Knight took a sip of the little drink he felt his stomach turn and coughed a little.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Erm, *cough* *chough* That’s some. *cough* strong stuff…”

<p class="MsoNormal">The admiral showed a little smirk.

<p class="MsoNormal">“It’s Verinta, from Black Marsh.”

<p class="MsoNormal">At least the Admiral could bully this spook with his strong drink preference.

<p class="MsoNormal">“*cough* I see *chough*” Knight said with a bit of tears in his eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Too strong for you?” The admiral joked.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I think so.” Knight admitted with a husky voice.

<p class="MsoNormal">The admiral had to look away for a bit, in order to conceal his smile to this bureaucratic fool.

<p class="MsoNormal">But knight wasn’t dumb, he felt the rivalry all too well.

<p class="MsoNormal">''One day… ''

<p class="MsoNormal">“But back at the *cough* By Azura… *cough* task at hand….”

<p class="MsoNormal">The Admiral had his fun now, he could talk business now.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Well, I think you know about that already, sir Knight…” Kriso said as he went to sit down in the chair over the Fauteuille.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Not all” Knight said, keeping his answers short and to the point from now on. To avoid coughing again.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Then tell me. How can I possibly be of service to the Penitus Oculatus…”

<p class="MsoNormal">“We know that it are machine guns. We know that we’ve got enough bullets to perforate the entire island of Alinor. But we don’t know how many we have, as of yet.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Tch, the rapport should be on your desk as we speak…” The Admiral added.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yes, but I like to… Verify things” Knight said as he bent forward resting his forearms on his knees.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Hmm, I see.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Well. If I remember correctly, there should  be 50 of them as we speak, like you said. There’s ammunition aplenty and they are easily portable now.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Excellent” Knight added

<p class="MsoNormal">“Hmm, yes, they can even be mounted on the new model of cars. Kind of like an Armoured wagon.” Kristo said as he drank some more of his drink.

<p class="MsoNormal">Knight had put his own drink besides him, and wasn’t planning on downing it any time soon.

<p class="MsoNormal">“We’ll need them at the imperial city” Knight added bluntly

<p class="MsoNormal">The admiral got up from his chair, laughing a bit.

<p class="MsoNormal">“hehe… Do you now?”

<p class="MsoNormal">He obviously wasn’t going to give the P.O. his brand new weapons. Let alone, Knight.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yes… it is Vital. We have something we need to protect there.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“The emperor?” The Admiral joked as he looked outside facing the street where the chauffeur could be seen smoking his cigarette. In the distance some pedestrians enjoyed an evening walk. All seemed quiet and peaceful.

<p class="MsoNormal">“heh. But no.” Knight found the joke only a bit amusing.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Then what is it?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Classified.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh, well. I’m not going to give away anything Unless I know it’s worth it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Knight looked annoyed. But he understood the Admiral.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You come in here, without a warning, demanding my new artillery? And then sit there with a straight face and expect me to hand it over to you out of milk and kindness?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“You must be out of your head!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Knight just listened to his rant. Remaining motionless and looking him deep into the eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">“… I mean! These are for the troops in Hammerfell for when the Adamantines attack!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“They won’t…” Knight said calmly

<p class="MsoNormal">“What do you mean… They won’t?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“They’re Breton mages… They won’t attack”

<p class="MsoNormal">“No?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“No. Well, my reading of the Breton mentality is that they only attack if you attack them. As long as we won’t. They won’t lift a finger and rather cower behind their magic wall in the Illiac bay…”

<p class="MsoNormal">“And Morrowind? How do you explain them huh?! They attacked”

<p class="MsoNormal">“And they failed…” Knight continued coldly

<p class="MsoNormal">“Even with weapons from 5 years ago. We managed to beat them. Don’t worry about it. The Adamantine empire is only strong as an image. It has no stomach to risk our beaumanic reprisals… We can rain death upon them whatever we want. But what good is it killing those citizens that must answer for the idiocy of an ancient government that doesn’t want to recognise change.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“No… Our attention must be focussed more on home land security.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“hmmf… You still haven’t told me why you need those guns.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Classified.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“For fuck sakes Knight!” The admiral shouted.

<p class="MsoNormal">Knight realised that this man wouldn’t admit unless he told him what it was about.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Sigh…”

<p class="MsoNormal">“It’s the night mother…”

<p class="MsoNormal">“What?...” The admiral looked up from his drink.

<p class="MsoNormal">“We’ve got the night mother down in The Vault”

<p class="MsoNormal">The admiral did get why he was so serious now.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh…”

<p class="MsoNormal">Knight nodded. “Uh huh…”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Well… Why didn’t you say earlier!” The Admiral wasn’t one of admitting things or taking blame.

<p class="MsoNormal">Knight showed a little smirk.

<p class="MsoNormal">“So, you’ll send them?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“25 of them…” The admiral was quick to add.

<p class="MsoNormal">Knight could work with that.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Agreed.”

<p class="MsoNormal">He then stuck out his hand.

<p class="MsoNormal">“You’ve got yourselves a deal then.” The admiral said as they slowly shook each other’s hand

<p class="MsoNormal">“Deal…” Knight said with a smirk.

<p class="MsoNormal">He got what he wanted.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Good. Now get out of my house…” The admiral said, wanting to do nothing more with the P.O. for the rest of the night.

<p class="MsoNormal">Knight simply nodded and let himself out. Leaving the old seadog with his strong drink in the living room.

<p class="MsoNormal">-

<p class="MsoNormal">“Any luck sir?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“we’ve got them.” Knight said, as he walked down the porch again.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Good sir. What will we do now?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Does the car still have any juice left?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yessir.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Then we’ll go back to the Imperial City.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The chauffeur nodded obediently and kept the door open for his superior.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Thanks.” Knight said to him as he minded his head, getting into the car’s backseat.

<p class="MsoNormal">With a pretty audible bang the car door was closed and the Chauffeur went back to the driver’s seat. Started the engine and drove off to the checkpoint-like gate and waited until the gates were opened. Once they were, they revealed the beautiful yet mysterious nightly countryside of the Gold coast. The T6 was also the only car. So it was pretty weird. As its headlights were the only light source for miles. Except for the occasional fork in the road. Like the one to Kvatch, where there would be a beaumanic lantern.

<p class="MsoNormal">Kvatch had some of the most modern architecture of all the other cities, It had the space and money for it. There even was a house made with steel. Yes, absurd. Cold steel in a house, absolutely absurd. But apparently it helps to build in height, the architect even said that one day it’ll rival Elven architecture in scope and size.

<p class="MsoNormal">Knight wasn’t too sure about that, though it would be interesting to see.

<p class="MsoNormal">-

<p class="MsoNormal">“We live in interesting times… Corporal…” Knight said, as he looked outside. Seeing Kvatch lit up on top of its hill in the distance.

<p class="MsoNormal">“We sure do, sir.” The chauffeur said as he kept his eyes on the road.

<p class="MsoNormal">Knight realised he wasn’t really available for talk so he kept to himself and kept looking outside.

<p class="MsoNormal">But after a few moments of silence, Knight tried again

<p class="MsoNormal">“Do you think those guerrilla mages would be in the neighbourhood?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“pardon sir?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Those men, from Onacandoe…” Knight added.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh… No I don’t think so sir. Why? Are you frightened?... Sir” The corporal realised he got out of line, and almost insulted a superior there.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Sorry sir…”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh, It’s nothing.” Knight said to him calmly

<p class="MsoNormal">“…”

<p class="MsoNormal">“And for your information. No. I’m not frightened. Just curious…”

<p class="MsoNormal">Knight yawned.

<p class="MsoNormal">“One day. I tell you, the Imperial legion is going to pass the torch on to me, to deal with them.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The car took a pretty sharp turn but Knight remained very well seated.

<p class="MsoNormal">“They’re no threat at all. Believe me… once the Penitus Oculatus Special Operations, is called in we’ll see who’s more vicious”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yes sir.” The chauffeur said, agreeing with the idea.

<p class="MsoNormal">“But for now it’s out of hands. We’ll need Bishop to give the green light. And besides, I got my hand full with this… Dark brotherhood problem anyways…”

<p class="MsoNormal">Knight looked at his chauffeur. Who in turn was watching the road.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Do you know what the Dark Brotherhood really is? Corporal?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yes sir. An organisation of hitmen and women. Sir”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh but they are so much worse than that.” Knight filled him in.

<p class="MsoNormal">“They not only murder people… they get off on it. It… satisfies them. They think they are better than the rest of us, and think they can do whatever they want with us. They’re vermin. The bitch of their so called ‘god’ Sithis...”

<p class="MsoNormal">The chauffeur didn’t know how to reply to this. But before he could Knight continued.

<p class="MsoNormal">“And from recent rapports it’s getting worse it seems. All over Cyrodiil there are ‘mysterious’ murders of wealthy industrialists and the like. And what’s even more curious is that their work forces somehow lose large numbers of people.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“oh?” The Chauffeur wondered.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’m no idiot. It’s obvious they’re recruiting. Big time… Misusing simple souls with little to live for as cannon fodder… Despicable.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Whoever came up with that idea within the Dark brotherhood must be very cruel!”

<p class="MsoNormal">