(2023-04-28) Chapter V: Defias Desperation, Part 1 (Cobalt Blade)

Details

Author:	OzmaAsimov
Summary:	The Cobalt Blade learns some rather terrifying information about the prophecy of the Seed of Eternal Endings. Then they learn some less frightening, but more urgent intel about the recently arrested Defias captain, Decker Canton.
Rating:	T for Teen

Arc: The Cobalt Blade

The Cobalt Blade, minus Tadget, meets in Darnassus.

Zaara is a very serious ghost wolf now.

Vesyllah peers at Zaara.

Zaara grins a wolfy grin back at Vesyllah, tongue lolling.

[Thalstan]: We best go report to th' folk askin' about the Deeps?

[Arthur]: Think so, yeah.

Zaara 's ghost wolf form rises on its hind legs and smoothly resolves into the draenei.

Vesyllah nods grimly, in the grimmest of grimdark ways. Grim, grim, grim.

Zaara beams, because she cannot see Vesyllah's grim grimness.

[Thalstan]: Might be the scout got back before us, but we best let them know the outcome.

[Arthur]: I expect they're wondering about us anyway

[Thalstan]: Let's head tha' way.

The group goes to see the Argent Crusade representatives in Darnassus.

Argent Guard Manados says: Welcome back, Cobalt Blade.

[Zaara]: Thank you! Hello!

[Thalstan]: We ha' returned successful. Did yer scout make it out alright?

Argent Guard Manados says: He did. Thaelrid is most grateful for your aid. He likely would have perished if not for you. Thank you.

Argent Guard Manados says: I continue to be in awe of the bravery and nobility of Cobalt Company…excuse me, the Cobalt Blade. The Argent Crusade commends you.

Thalstan stands proudly.

[Thalstan]: We're jus' happy t' be of service.

Zaara beams some more.

Arthur blinks. "Oh. Oh, that's what instructor Kadrus meant. I—"

[Thalstan]: We also took out the orc in charge down there. *He looks around at the others* Didn't one o' you keep the head?

[Zaara]: No! That is unsanitary. Did Mayhem keep it?

Arthur grabs a notepad and starts scrawling all over it.

[Vesyllah]: I took the liberty of sending it ahead.

[Zaara]: Ah!

[Vesyllah]: I didn't really feel like letting it sit around for days on end.

Zaara nods firmly.

Dawnwatcher Selgorn beckons the Cobalt Blade over.

[Thalstan]: Probably fer the best, unless Arthur here had some cold magic to keep it.

[Arthur]: Doable. but ew.

[Thalstan]: An' I believe you all collected those pendant things too, yeah?

Dawnwatcher Selgorn says: I overheard you speaking about Twilight Lord Kothral's head. Thank you for doing what you did.

Vesyllah nods. Grimly.

Dawnwatcher Selgorn says: Kothral's reign didn't last long. No doubt there will be another soon, and we will ensure their tenure is even shorter.

Thalstan nods as well.

Dawnwatcher Selgorn says: You have done a great deed. No doubt Kothral's plans would have meant dark tidings for all of Azeroth.

[Thalstan]: We'll jus' have t' keep fightin' 'em back, I reckon. Like weeds.

[Zaara]: Great deeds is for us! We do great deeds.

Dawnwatcher Selgorn says: Speaking of dark tidings, we need to know more about this prophecy that had the Twilight's Hammer so fired up. Learn what you can, Cobalt Blade. The Argent Crusade would appreciate any information you're willing to share.

[Arthur]: great weeding is also for us

[Thalstan]: Cobalt Blade: Great Deeds and Great Weeds.

[Zaara]: Great Weed! We are doing weeds now?

[Vesyllah]: I didn't send the brain stems ahead, though. I can't vouch for their condition. So we should probably get these to Auberdine quickly.

[Thalstan]: Ah, yeah, They were just in a bouquet.

[Thalstan]: Probably better get on that, if there's nothin' to follow up now, sir?

[Arthur]: yes. let's get there straightaway.

Dawnwatcher Selgorn says: Just stay in touch. Let us know if you learn anything more about this prophecy.

[Thalstan]: Will do. I mean, we killed the creature that hatched, but I don't know what the seed was.

[Vesyllah]: Hopefully this manuscript will reveal more.

[Thalstan]: Hafta get all the way to Ironforge for that one.

[Thalstan]: I'll reprise m'role as a cultist. *Thal grins, rustling his mustache*

[Vesyllah]: Tadget's waiting for us there, right? Keeping an eye on that shifty dwarf.

[Arthur]: I'll get my minion on.

[Thalstan]: Yeah. I do hope she hasn't killed 'im.

[Vesyllah]: That'd be inconvenient.

[Thalstan]: She does get bored.

They take hippogryphs to Auberdine.

[Thalstan]: Gershala! We got yer brains.

Gershala Nightwhisper says: Ah, excellent. I was beginning to worry.

Vesyllah hands over the collection of brain stems.

Gershala Nightwhisper says: You have gone above and beyond what I could have asked for. Thank you, friends. I can compare these brain stems to previous samples, which will possibly teach us valuable lessons about the Old God presence there.

[Thalstan]: I hope they're fresh enough. We gathered up some from satyrs and some from naga.

Gershala Nightwhisper says: Perfect. Now if you'll excuse me, I have much work to do….

Vesyllah shrugs. "Alright then."

[Thalstan]: So… to Ironforge and our hopefully-not-arrested fifth?

[Zaara]: Good luck with your brains!

Vesyllah nods…almost forgetting the grim part.

The four members of the Cobalt Blade head to the pier to await the ship to Stormwind.

Thalstan beckons Arthur over.

[Thalstan]: All aboard!

Zaara sways and hums.

Arriving in Stormwind, they ride to board the tram to Ironforge.

Vesyllah pre-emptively ties her hair in a ponytail.

[Zaara]: CLACKACLACKA.

[Zaara]: So noisy!

Zaara laughs.

[Arthur]: So fast!

[Arthur]: and furious!

Thalstan's luscious hair flows out behind him in the wind.

[Zaara]: Arthur, you are furious?

Zaara looks concerned.

[Arthur]: only when i'm fast.

[Zaara]: We will travel more slow!

Arriving in Ironforge, they make their way to the Forlorn Cavern, where Tadget has been waiting for them.

[Thalstan]: Mayhem! Any news?

[Zaara]: Mayhem!

Vesyllah pulls up a hood as they enter the Forlorn Cavern.

[Tadget]: There you are. I was getting so bored I was considering just killing the guy.

Tadget flips her dagger and catches it by the handle.

Zaara laughs. "They said this, yes."

[Tadget]: Aw, I feel seen.

[Arthur]: …see? fidget spinner.

[Vesyllah]: Oh fidget spinner…

Thalstan grins. "But yeh didnae. Yer a good scout."

[Vesyllah]: I thought-….never mind.

Vesyllah definitely thought he had said Tadget-spinner.

[Thalstan]: Let's go talk to the feller?

[Tadget]: Bo-ring.

[Zaara]: We are being cult again? I am no good for culting.

[Thalstan]: Mr. Bonegrip, sir! We gotcha somethin'!

[Tadget]: Just stand there and look pretty, Booty.

[Vesyllah]: Yes, we're being cult again.

Arthur makes a whole buck of terribly silly faces and then settles into Minion #3.

Tadget takes Zaara's hand.

[Zaara]: I can do this, Mayhem.

Arthur glowers and looks sullen.

Zaara holds Tadget's hand and looks pretty.

Tadget has to reach up to hold Zaara's hand, so it looks as though she is the child being led rather than the other way around.

Gerrig Bonegrip says: Well, devour my soul, I wasn't sure you'd make it out alive. I know better than to underestimate you in the future.

Thalstan nods proudly, and twirls his mustache a little. Cultists do that, right?

[Thalstan]: That Crawse writer, we've found something by them. But I can't make heads nor tails of it. Figured we needed to bring it to an expert.

Gerrig Bonegrip says: You have it, then? Excellent. Let's have a look at that manuscript and see what Damina Krawse has to say.

Thalstan pulls the manuscript out of his bag and cautiously holds it out toward Bonegrip. "Yeh can tell me if there's naught in there about the seed?"

Gerrig Bonegrip says: I'll see what I can find.

Gerrig Bonegrip examines the manuscript, referencing a few tomes from his collection.

Vesyllah eyes Gerrig Bonegrip susipiciously.

Gerrig Bonegrip says: It will take some time to decipher the entire thing, but I've translated a passage I think you'll be interested in.

[Thalstan]: Oh? What's it say? *Thalstan tries to looking cunning and curious*

Gerrig Bonegrip says: Listen to Damina's words:

'The Seed is a harbinger. This fragment of nothingness is pure Void, far more potent than anything I have seen before on Azeroth. My vision showed me the seed being planted in the earth, where its roots grew and spread the blessings of the Old Gods to create a sanctified area. Such an area became a place where our Masters' voices could be heard more clearly, and their power could reach through time and space.’

[Thalstan]: Huh.

Gerrig Bonegrip continues to read: 'I even devised a ritual that could be performed under such blessings. By sacrificing a person under a moonless night while the stars of their birth are visible in the sky, the Seed will curse their entire bloodline, causing all living kin to wither and die.

'Somehow the black dragons are aware of my ritual. What that self-righteous Onyxia wants with it, I have no idea and do not care. Her goals are not our goals. But if she ever got her claws on the Seed, it could be devastating to all of us.

'We need the Seed, for my visions revealed more to me. If planted in the right location under the proper circumstances, its roots could reach one of our Masters and give it the strength to pull itself free.’

[Tadget]: Huh.

Gerrig Bonegrip reads the last of the passage: 'To my great frustration, my Sight has not yet shown me how and where to plant the Seed.'

Arthur quirks his head, listening.

Gerrig Bonegrip says: Didn't I tell you this would be an important find? They don't make 'em like Damina Krawse any more. Now if only we had some idea where the Seed of Eternal Endings is now.

[Thalstan]: Yeah, that'd be a real… important thing to know. *Thal tries to look more interested than worried*

Zaara looks deeply disquieted.

[Thalstan]: Doesn't say where she's left it?

Tadget is good at looking like she doesn't care about stuff, which serves her well right now.

Gerrig Bonegrip says: I'm afraid not. This manuscript is well annotated. If she had a later mention of its location, I think she would have noted it here.

[Thalstan]: Hm. So I reckon it's not been planted yet. *Thalstan shakes his head, what a shame*

Gerrig Bonegrip says: Hah! If it had been planted properly, I think we would know about it!

[Thalstan]: On account o' the Endings, yeah.

Gerrig Bonegrip winks slyly at Thalstan.

Thalstan winks back, twirling his mustache again.

[Thalstan]: We'll keep an eye out for any more information we find. An' you'll tell me if you find anything in there?

Arthur stares at the wall like it's interesting.

Gerrig Bonegrip says: Sure, lad. Feel free to check in with me. If I learn anything more, I'll let you know.

Thalstan smiles slyly and moves to the door.

[Tadget]: Just another extremely normal day for the Cobalt Blade.

Once they're out of earshot, the smile is gone. Thalstan whispers, "What now?"

[Thalstan]: That… sounds pretty bad.

[Arthur]: We should go to Stormwind, I think.

[Tadget]: Oh! Um, not to change the subject or anything.

[Tadget]: But I stopped by HQ and there was a letter there for us.

[Zaara]: For us?!

[Tadget]: From some lemon tart guy.

[Vesyllah]: Lemon tart guy…?

[Zaara]: Lemon tart?!

[Tadget]: Yeah, should I read it to you? Or pass it around, or what.

[Arthur]: I love lemon tarts. with the meringue, or whipped cream?

Tadget waves a piece of paper.

[Thalstan]: Lemon tart? I like lemon tarts.

[Zaara]: You should read it.

Tadget reads them the letter, and definitely pronounces the guy's name Lemon Tart.

[Thalstan]: Well, Lemon Tart's done us a favor!

[Tadget]: Yeah?

[Thalstan]: We ought to head to Darkshire then, straight off!

[Tadget]: Okey doke.

[Arthur]: oh, Lemontart.

Arthur pronounces it all weird, with nasal affect and dropped letters.

[Vesyllah]: Lemontart. Human names are so odd.

[Arthur]: now I need to go to the bakery.

Sharpgear giggles.

The Cobalt Blade takes flight on gryphons to Lakeshire in the Redridge Mountains, from where they ride into Duskwood.

[Thalstan]: This land is special ta Cobalt, I think,

[Tadget]: Oh yeah?

[Thalstan]: Our fearless founder hails from here.

Tadget snorts.

[Thalstan]: The noble Lord Ference.

[Tadget]: Right, the bald guy.

[Thalstan]: Th'enduring?

[Tadget]: Too bad his hair didn't get the whole 'enduring' memo I guess.

[Thalstan]: He endures through many hardships. *Thal pats his own head, imagining the sadness of balding.*

[Zaara]: Aaah this place is a crawling.

[Tadget]: I'll protect you.

[Thalstan]: Probly the City Hall is where we should check in.

Sharpgear gently pats Zaara.

Zaara nods solemnly.

[Thalstan]: Anyone in here know a Lemon Tart?

[Arthur]: Le Montart.

Hogan Ference says: I fear something dark is coming.

Councilman Millstipe says: Ah, you must mean Captain Lemontart of the People's Militia.

Councilman Millstipe absolutely pronounces the name like a pastry.

[Thalstan]: Exactly, Captain Lemon Tart.

[Thalstan]: We were apprised you all'd caught a Defias skulking about?

Sharpgear makes a rude gesture at Hogan Ference.

Councilman Millstipe says: I'm afraid you've arrived too late, Cobalt Blade. My apologies, but keeping Decker Canton here was proving too dangerous. We have already had two attempts on his life by Defias assassins.

[Thalstan]: Killing their own? These bandits keep gettin' worse an' worse.

Councilman Millstipe says: Indeed. We've moved Canton to the Stormwind Stockade. I'm afraid you'll have to deal with Warden Thelwater now if you want to speak to the prisoner.

[Tadget]: I bet he Knows Stuff. That's why they are trying to silence him.

[Arthur]: That shouldn't be difficult.

[Thalstan]: Sounds likely. We'd best talk to 'im.

Councilman Millstipe says: Very likely, Sgt. Sharpgear.

Tadget beams at being recognized.

[Thalstan]: So… back ta Stormwind, then?

Councilman Millstipe says: Thelwater's a stubborn old goat. If you want to improve your chances with Thelwater, you'll have to come to him with more than a request.

[Zaara]: To Stormwind!

[Zaara]: Oh.

[Zaara]: Not yet to Stormwind.

[Arthur]: oh? like what?

[Thalstan]: Ah, then not ta Stormwind. What'd you have in mind?

Sharpgear giggles at Zaara.

Councilman Millstipe says: Well, we didn't get much out of Canton, but we did capture one of his would-be assassins alive. She spilled that her 'boss' was reaching out to an orc mercenary based in Redridge: some beast called Gartorr.

Councilman Millstipe says: Guard Berton in Lakeshire knows about everything there is to know about the orcs in Redridge. I suggest you ask him about this Gartorr.

[Tadget]: Wait, so her boss, that's Canton?

Councilman Millstipe says: Her boss is whomever is trying to kill Canton.

[Thalstan]: Canton'd be the Captain we're after.

[Tadget]: No, but, her 'boss' who's reaching out to orcs.

[Tadget]: That's our guy?

[Thalstan]: She… tried to kill 'im, so probably not? But I wouldnae rule it out.

[Thalstan]: Is there a third fella involved?

[Tadget]: Well he got captured.

[Tadget]: So maybe killing him to protect the rest of 'em.

Councilman Millstipe says: Given that the assassination attempt failed, my guess is that the orc is a backup plan by this third party trying to take out Canton.

[Tadget]: Huh. Okay.

[Thalstan]: We can probably get more information outta the orc expert in Lakeshire.

[Thalstan]: Back north, all?

Councilman Millstipe says: You should also see Baros Alexston in Stormwind. He's the City Architect, but he's tight with Thelwater.

Thalstan nods. "Thelwater, got it."

A quick flight back to Lakeshire…

[Tadget]: Still trying to work out what Blackrock orcs are doing getting mixed up in this. Super weird.

[Vesyllah]: He did say 'mercenary'.

[Zaara]: Orcs are super weird.

Zaara glowers.

[Thalstan]: Orcs like gettin' mixed up in bad news.

[Tadget]: I didn't even know orcs had mercenaries.

[Vesyllah]: This the guy?

[Thalstan]: We're lookin' for a Guard Barton. You know him?

Guard Berton says: You found him.

Guard Berton says: What can I do for the Cobalt Blade?

[Thalstan]: Oh, perfect! We've come ta ask about Gartorr, the orc!

[Tadget]: Hey, we're famous.

Guard Berton nods to Tadget and points to a poster on the outside of the tavern.

Tadget gets distracted admiring the poster.

Thalstan belatedly noticed the poster. He stares at it for a moment, his face brightening, then turns back to Barton.

Zaara does not stare at the poster. She smiles brightly in Guard Berton's direction.

Guard Berton says: Gartorr the Merciless? What about him?

Vesyllah looks at the poster and groans, pinching her nose.

[Thalstan]: You know any connection he might have wi' the Defias?

Tadget whispers audibly, "Booty, there's a poster of us up. And it makes you look amazing. The angle shows you from the back, see."

[Tadget]: "They put me in the front, because I'm the most famous."

[Zaara]: Oh!

Zaara beams.

Guard Berton says: None that I've ever heard. Gartorr's a mercenary. Last I heard, he hooked up with the Crimson Coterie. But the Defias? Nah.

[Thalstan]: Crimson Coterie? *Thal raises a bushy eyebrow*

[Tadget]: Should I know them?

[Thalstan]: They sure sound fancy.

[Tadget]: I dunno, sounds like a Horde knockoff of Cobalt Company to me.

[Thalstan]: Anyway, we heard there migh' be a Defias lout reachin' out to him for an assassination job. You know where he is?

[Arthur]: hm. yeah.

Guard Berton says: Haven't heard of the Coterie? Yeah, they’re this mercenary company based out of the Horde. Starting to make a name for themselves. Run by some big shot blood elf noblewoman. Elwel or something.

[Tadget]: Ugh, blood elves.

[Thalstan]: Flighty little creatures. *Thal nods*

Guard Berton says: Yeah, I know where Gartorr is. In the Stockade. We captured him yesterday. Real feather in my cap!

[Tadget]: Well that's convenient. One-stop shopping.

Guard Berton says: Huh? What do you mean?

[Tadget]: Nothin'.

[Arthur]: Well, I guess we should head to Stormwind.

[Thalstan]: Well, thank yeh for the info. On Gartor an' on the Coterie. Might hafta look up this Elwel someday.

[Tadget]: Might be something in the Cobalt files.

[Thalstan]: So… now ta Stormwind.

[Tadget]: Yes, sir!

Tadget salutes Thalstan with respect.

[Zaara]: To Stormwind!
To Stormwind! That is…they go to Stormwind. On gryphons. Because it’s faster.

[Vesyllah]: If this orc is such a great mercenary, seems awfully convenient he gets captured right as he's going to be possibly hired to take out Canton…who is also in the Stockade.

[Zaara]: Oh. Ohhhhh.

[Tadget]: Ahaaaaa.

[Tadget]: Someone's gonna get shaaa-aaaanked….

[Arthur]: That's the easiest way in. But getting out…

[Vesyllah]: Wouldn't be the first time I've seen that tactic. Hell…I've used that tactic.

[Tadget]: You have? Awesome.

[Vesyllah]: Oh yeah. It' sfun.

[Tadget]: You'll have to tell me that story sometime.

Vesyllah smirks at Tadget.

Thalstan chuckles. "I'd love to hear it too."

Thalstan hails Baros Alexston.

Baros Alexston says: The famous Cobalt Blade. You're making quite a name for yourselves. How can I help you?

[Thalstan]: We heard you're a friend o' Thelwater?

Baros Alexston says: The warden? That's right. We go back many years.

[Thalstan]: We're hopin' ta get in to talk to one or two o' the prisoners, for Cobalt Blade business. Think yeh could lend us a hand?

Baros Alexston says: Oh? May I ask who these prisoners are? Forgive me for prying, but Thelwater can be prickly when it comes to his prison.

Tadget folds her arms grumpily. How DARE he question the Cobalt Blade.

[Thalstan]: One Defias mook called Canton and an orc.

Baros Alexston says: Canton? Decker Canton?

[Tadget]: Yep.

[Thalstan]: Tha's the one.

Baros Alexston says: I see. I still have some contacts thanks to my former membership in the Stonemasons Guild. There are rumors that Canton is number one on the Defias hit list. Whatever he knows, it has them terrified.

Baros Alexston says: I can only assume that's why you want to speak with him.

[Tadget]: Nice.

[Thalstan]: Yep, you got it. We'd like ta get to him before they do.

Baros Alexston says: I think I can help you.

Baros Alexston says: As I said, Thelwater is prickly. He'll need a good reason to open his gates. A reason like valuable information.

Arthur smiles, but then looks out the doorway as if he heard something.

Baros Alexston says: Take my seal and find Nicolette Rance in Old Town—she always wears a distinctive red vest. She defected from the Defias, but she must still have trust among old friends because her information is always good.

[Thalstan]: Thank yeh for yer help. Cobalt Blade appreciates it.

Thalstan holds out a hand for the seal.

Baros Alexston presses his seal to a bit of wax on paper and offers it to Thalstan.

Thalstan takes it, and nods to the others.

[Tadget]: Okay, so now we find red vest lady.

Arthur looks at Stormwind Orphan.

Tadget peers at Arthur searchingly.

[Tadget]: You've come a long way, huh, Trouble.

[Arthur]: Heh. Yeah.

[Tadget]: Me too.

[Thalstan]: Now the little tykes are seein' us on posters.

[Arthur]: It wasn't too bad, really.

[Tadget]: I'm glad the posters did your hair justice.

[Tadget]: Oh! Red vest.

Thalstan notes the red vest. "Nicolette?"

[Arthur]: we looked out for each other and stuff. and yeah, my hair turned out great!

Tagdet grins wickedly at Arthur.

Nicolette Rance says: Eh? Who's asking?

[Tadget]: THE COBALT BLADE.

Nicolette Rance says: Who?

Tadget points to a nearby poster.

Tadget points to herself.

Tadget does the pose.

Nicolette Rance says: Oh. You're THEM.

[Thalstan]: We're lookin' to talk to a Defias prisoner, an' we were told you might have some info to trade to help us out.

Nicolette Rance says: I don't know anything about Defias! Leave me alone.

[Tadget]: Show her the seal, Valor.

Tadget elbows him.

Thalstan holds up the seal. "Sorry I should ha' led with that."

Sharpgear cackles maniacally at Thalstan.

Nicolette Rance peers at the seal and sighs.

[Tadget]: You'll learn.

Nicolette Rance says: Alexston sent you? Alright…let's make this quick. Yeah, I have information, but it comes at a price.

[Tadget]: Of course it does.

[Thalstan]: What's the price?

Nicolette Rance says: We'll get to that.

Nicolette Rance says: The Defias are planning something big related to the Stockade. I don't know specifics, but if I had to guess, I'd say they mean to raid it and take out Decker Canton. Yeah, they're that scared of what he knows.

[Tadget]: Nice.

Nicolette Rance says: I assume you'll be going in there to stop them?

Arthur looks innocent.

[Thalstan]: We'll be in there to talk to Canton, at th' least. Alive Canton.

Nicolette Rance says: Fine. Means you'll be dealing with 'em all the same. Now for my price. I don't want gold. I want vengeance. Give me proof of the Defias you kill. Bring me their bandanas, stained with their blood.

Vesyllah grins.

[Vesyllah]: Done.

[Tadget]: Badass.

[Thalstan]: Tha' we can do. *Thal smiles*

[Tadget]: I like you.

[Thalstan]: Thanks for yer help, Nicolette.

[Zaara]: Badass!!!

[Arthur]: off we go to make laundry problems.

Thalstan chuckles at Arthur.

Nicolette Rance says: Just get it done. Earn those showy posters, eh?

[Tadget]: You know it.

[Thalstan]: We aim to.

[Tadget]: The Cobalt Blade never disappoints!!

[Zaara]: The Cobolt Blade is badass.

[Thalstan]: So.. to Thelwater now?

[Vesyllah]: Now that's a human who understands justice.

[Tadget]: We are badass while simultaneously having good asses.

[Zaara]: Justice is laundry?

[Tadget]: sOMETIMES.

With vital information to offer the warden, the Cobalt Blade goes to the Stockade.

The Stockade is peaceful. A well-disciplined, well-ordered operation.

[Thalstan]: We've got some important information for yeh, relatin' to a prisoner we'd like ta have a word with.

Warden Thelwater says: What information? Let's have it.

[Thalstan]: An' if I tell you, then you'll let us speak t' the prisoner?

Warden Thelwater frowns, "Are you withholding information vital to the Alliance to make deals with me?"

[Zaara]: Yes!

[Tadget]: It's vital to the Alliance that we speak with the prisoner.

[Thalstan]: …No, not really!

[Zaara]: No! Not really!

Thalstan points at Tadget.

[Thalstan]: We've got ta speak to th' prisoner Canton. He migh' have vital information for th' Alliance!

[Tadget]: We're just offering you a bit of compensation for your trouble, is all.

Warden Thelwater says: Decker Canton will be interrogated. You don't need to worry about that.

[Tadget]: We've been pursuing this Defias-related nonsense for a while now. And Cobalt Company has proven itself in this stuff.

[Tadget]: Your job would be easier if you let us handle it. Plus, like we say. Compensation.

[Thalstan]: We are the Cobalt Blade. You might have heard of us. *Thal strikes a pose to help*

Warden Thelwater says: I can't help you, Cobalt Blade. Decker Canton is a high-value prisoner and he's being kept under tight security. I can't let unauthorized personnel in to see him…and no, I won't authorize you.

Sharpgear glares angrily at Warden Thelwater.

[Thalstan]: What if we tol' you someone was anglin' ta kill 'im?

[Tadget]: Someone who might be in there already.

[Arthur]: Then who can authorize us?

Warden Thelwater says: I know about the assassination attempts.

Warden Thelwater says: Look, the Defias are always plotting something, and we're always watching. Things are under control and my prison is peaceful. I want to keep it that way. If something comes up we need your help with, I'll let you know.

Vesyllah glares.

[Thalstan]: Did yeh know there's an assassin in the Stockade already?

[Thalstan]: An' a team plannin' on coordinatin' the attack?

Thalstan sighs. "Maybe we better see who else we can ask abou' this…"

Warden Thelwater grumbles, "There are a LOT of assassins in the Stockade. That's what the cages are for. Thank you for your concern. As I said, I will let you know if your assistance is required. Good day."

Thalstan shakes his head in irritation, but turns and walks away.

[Zaara]: Well! What a foolish man.

[Vesyllah]: What a dick.

[Tadget]: I am furious.

[Tadget]: I'm going to go on a killing spree.

[Zaara]: What a dick!

[Thalstan]: Well, we'll see if we can find someone what can authorize us.

Vesyllah smirks at Zaara.

[Thalstan]: I do think patience and not murder is th' way here.

[Tadget]: Fiiiine.

[Vesyllah]: Not all killing is murder. Just saying.

[Tadget]: Whatever you say, sir.

[Thalstan]: Dismissed fer now? An' if yeh do some murder, try not ta tell me about it.

[Thalstan]: Incriminatin' an' all that.

[Zaara]: Do not tell Walor about the murders, yes?

Tadget giggles at Zaara.

[Thalstan]: I prefer yeh don't murder, but…

[Tadget]: Okay. I'll do secret murders.

Tadget cackles maniacally at the situation.

Thalstan puts a hand over his face.

[Thalstan]: Well, dismissed fer now, you lot.,

[Vesyllah]: So…anyone else a little concerned that there's some seed out there that can raise an Old God? That's gonna be on my mind.

[Thalstan]: I mean, yes, of course.

[Tadget]: I mean, yeah, that sucks.

[Zaara]: This is a concern, yes.

[Zaara]: It sucks.

[Tadget]: I just killed one of those. They're awful.

[Arthur]: So. Who do we go to. SI:7?

[Tadget]: I do not wanna have to do that again.

[Zaara]: What a dick.

[Thalstan]: Not a lot we can do about it right now. Somewhere in the world is not narrowin' it down.

Sharpgear giggles at Zaara.

[Zaara]: We know it is this world, at least!

[Thalstan]: We could report it ta SI:7? Do yeh think?

[Tadget]: Couldn't hurt.

[Tadget]: We don't want to be like those kids in books who never tell the adults about the weird stuff happening.

[Zaara]: Oh? Who are these kids?

[Thalstan]: True, true. I'll send in a report ta Ference or someone then.

[Thalstan]: To pass on.

[Tadget]: I'd offer to send you some of the books, Zaara, but uh.

Vesyllah nods…grimly…with good reason this time.

[Tadget]: Okay, well, I can head to SI:7 if you want, right now. Shaw sorta knows me. I used to work for him.

[Zaara]: Cool.

[Thalstan]: Sure, yeah. You do that, Mayhem.

[Tadget]: I'll fill him in on what we know and if he hears anything I'm sure he'll pass it along.

Thalstan nods at Sharpgear.

[Tadget]: Even if we can't bring IN the big guns it never hurts to load 'em.

[Tadget]: Okay see ya.

Tadget vanishes.

[Arthur]: Or!

[Vesyllah]: Or?

[Thalstan]: See yeh soon, I hope.

[Arthur]: we could do a crime.

[Zaara]: You will! But I will not.

[Zaara]: Arthur! A crime?

[Vesyllah]: Use Gartorr's tactic?

[Thalstan]: Uh… let's try ta get in as visitors, not as prisoners.

[Arthur]: then we'd get arrested!

[Arthur]: just like the orc!

Thalstan looks around for the missing Tadget.

[Vesyllah]: I mean…it's worked for me before.

[Zaara]: I think perhop Mr. Elokhad will be like No.

[Thalstan]: Tha's not a good look for the Cobalt Blade. If we can't manage th' normal way, sure. But let's give it a chance.

[Arthur]: yeah, you're right.

[Zaara]: No, there is poster, you must not go in jail.

[Zaara]: He will say.

[Arthur]: ….we could get arrested while in disguise!

Thalstan chuckles. "Stay out of trouble, Trouble."

[Arthur]: I'll keep thinking of something.

[Vesyllah]: I like where your head is, Art…but I don't see this workin' out.

[Zaara]: No arrestings.

[Thalstan]: I'm goin' ta head on home fer now. You all take care.

[Arthur]: No arrestings.

[Zaara]: Behave! Go slow, not fast.

[Vesyllah]: Don't die, everyone.

[Zaara]: Good times to all!

Zaara waves goodbye to everyone. Farewell!