The door to the office cycles open, admitting a large black Vartan. An Aeonian Arch-Inquisitor waits inside, standing at a table, idly glancing through some reports. "Welcome back to Rephidim, Squire Cambio," the Aeonian says, then looks up. "How may I help you?"

"As always, I thank you for seeing me, Arch Inquisitor," Zoltan replies as he ducks through the door. "I just returned from Babel and the City of Hands with some distressing news and felt I shoulds report to the Temple before pursuing it any furthers."

The Arch-Inquisitor nods, and gestures to the guards. The door cycles shut, leaving the Vartan and the Aeonian alone. He then looks back to Zoltan. "I am listening."

The Vartan remains standing for now, having not been asked to sit and not wishing to take any gestures of formality where they might be inappropriate. "The Boomer that was dropped on Himar and stolen from Paradys, I now know that there a second one that the Sabaoth kept hidden away and it has fallen into hands of the Nagai. Currently it being held on Fetiss Island."

The Arch-Inquisitor's eyes narrow. "A second Exile weapon? This is … very significant news. It is good that you chose to take haste to bring this information to the Temple. Do you know anything of what plans there may be for the use of this weapon?"

"No sir," Zoltan replies. "Although given current strained relations between City of Hands and the Naga empire, I can guess at what main target mights be. But as I no gots proof of this, I can make no true accusations."

The Arch-Inquisitor nods. "Yes, I think you are not the only one who might guess in that direction. Still, without proof, the Temple would be in no better position to make accusations. What leads you to believe that the weapon is located on Fetiss Sky Island?"

"High Prince Boghaz stated that the ship that carried Boomer was nowhere to be found, and could very well not even know outcome of war with Babel. Because of thats Priest-Queen Third-Vision and I thoughts best course of action would be to find outs where it is, so we ask mages of Twelve-Times-Twelve to help us locate it." The Vartan clasps his hands behind his back. "The island could be no other."

Arch-Inquisitor Melchizedek frowns. "Hmm. So, this information came from the City of Hands. That could make it difficult to take action. Someone might think that this could be a ploy to provoke the Temple into moving against Nagai. That does not mean that I am discounting your report. It is just that I must keep the … implications of the facts in mind."

"I am sure that the High Prince would also add his word to this, Arch Inquisitor," Zoltan scrawks.

Arch-Inquisitor Melchizedek nods. "That would help the case considerably. There are those who would question the High Prince's motives, but an accusation from so high a station would demand action. If it cannot be determined whether the Nagai actually have such a weapon, perhaps the higher levels of the Temple could be persuaded to draft a proclamation to the effect that dropping this weapon would be … strongly discouraged by Rephidim. Seeing what impact it had on not only Elamoore, but the surrounding areas, one can only wonder what impact further uses of this weapon might have on the environment."

"The weapon was also stolen. It belongs on Paradys," the Vartan adds, frowning to himself.

The Arch-Inquisitor nods. "It would be my sincere hope that it can be retrieved from Fetiss Sky Island."

The unicorn sets several reports aside. "I will confer with my superiors immediately. You will need to remain in Rephidim City for the time being, as you will be expected to answer more questions … some of which you have already been asked … for the satisfaction of other officers of the Temple."

Zoltan nods. "Do you know what the outcome may be, Arch Inquisitor? I will do whatever the Temple bids, but I fear leaving this unchecked."

Arch-Inquisitor Melchizedek frowns. "I cannot say what the outcome may be. It will depend on how well the Nagai Empire responds to us … and, of course, the truth behind whether the weapon may indeed be there. After all, it may have been moved. We shall have to do some investigating on our own. If the weapon is indeed still on the island, it would seem that it is not en route to be used immediately."

The unicorn adds, "But if the City of Hands is indeed the intended target, there are some elements within the Temple who might claim that this is an 'internal dispute' with the Nagai Empire. There are many unknowns. I cannot predict the future of this."

"Sir, when I broke the law by entering into the Himaat Gate, that was because I entered a Forbidden Zone, yes?" The Vartan taps his chin thoughtfully.

Arch-Inquisitor Melchizedek nods. "Yes. Entry into Forbidden Zones is strictly regulated. However, the status of the Forbidden Zone of the Himaat is in question – the political status, that is – so there is no intention of enforcing a quarantine on that Zone at present."

"I was under impression that Forbidden Zones fell under Temple Authority." Zoltan shuffles on his hooves. "Isn't City of Hands a Forbidden Zone?"

The Arch-Inquisitor nods. "I see where you are going. Yes, the Temple could try making use of that as a technicality. The Nagai Empire would then rightfully insist that we deal with the persons already present in the Forbidden Zone who are there without permission."

"I only mentioning technicality, no more than thats." The Vartan inhales. "With you permission, I also going to bring this matter up with Knights of Golgotha, as I under they authority as well and it they place to defend Rephidim."

The unicorn nods again. "That would be good. It would be better that they hear your report, rather than to rely upon second-hand information. Have you anything else to report on this matter?"

"Fetiss is most assuredly a military garrison. They somehow found Babelite airship and I woulds guess they attacks it and find Boomer there. I saw some of they forces, but not know how great they are. I no sure if they detected City of Hands scrying or nots," Zoltan scrawks as a taloned hand scrapes through his headfeathers.

The unicorn nods. "If they did, then they may move the weapon. If that is all, then you may go, and I shall report to my superiors."

"I will await you calling, Arch Inquisitor." Zoltan bows and then turns to leave. ( Please, by the Star, I hope this doesn't get caught in paperwork… )

The door cycles open for Zoltan … then closes behind him as he leaves.

Zoltan's footfalls echo throughout the chamber as he returns to the mountain after his long absence. He pauses to look for one of the champions or a simple familiar face.

A weary-looking old Rath'ani monk walks through the chambers. He stops, adjusting his spectacles when he sees Zoltan. "Ah! Squire Cambio! You've returned!"

"Returned with some unfortunate news. I need to report my finding to someone… Is there any Champions here? It regards another Boomer that I just find out abouts," the Vartan scrawks, bending down a bit to be more on level with the monk.

The monk nods, raising an eyebrow in concern at the mentionof "Boomers". "Yes … they're out on maneuvers. They should be back any time now … or if it's urgent, I'm sure you can find them. They're in the woods, practicing a raid."

Just then, several squires come walking into the main hall, looking despondent. They all have splotches of red paint here and there.

Zoltan nods, pondering. "I suppose that if I interrupts, the most that can happen is that I end up peeling potatoes again." He smirks to himself, and then arches an eyebrow at the new arrivals.

A wolf squire looks like he's about to sulk … but then his ears perk up at the sight of Zoltan. "Squire Cambio! You're back!" Partially obscured by the red splotch of paint, a delta symbol can be seen on his tabard. He rushes over toward the Vartan.

Zoltan says, "Squire Sapphire, yah… I backs. Hope that Delta Lance no suffer withouts me." Zoltan grins down at the Jupani.

The Squire says, "Heh. We actually got two of the … " He suddenly goes quiet, as two felines in white armor walk in, splotches of red very conspicuous on their armor and magenta cloaks. The wolf does an amazing job of snapping his expression into a straight face.

The Vartan's eyes widen, although he manages to hold any other indication of his expression in fairly well. "Who is left on field?" he scrawks softly.

The Squire leans over, whurfing, "Well … all the Squires are defending, and the Lances are attacking. I think they're trying to teach us a lesson about the importance of fortification against greater numbers – or better trained forces. Or something like that. Delta still got squashed, though." He tries to hide a grin, but his tail-wagging gives him away. "But we still made a mark!"

The Squire ponders. "Cobalt Lance got hit pretty bad … I think Black Lance is still out there. Part of Magenta Lance. I'm not sure about the way the whole battle was going – I only saw part of it."

Zoltan grins lopsidedly. "Too late for me to join in?"

The Squire smirks. "I think that might be considered cheating. It'd be unfair on the Lancers!" He winks.

"Shame. I miss training." The Vartan winks back at the Jupani pup. "Well, Rose is here. I shoulds probably talk to her. Next time I be there alongside you."

The Jupani stands at attention, saluting Zoltan. "Great to have you back!"

"Sir!" the pup quickly adds.

The pup bounces up and down, looking quite happy about something, despite all the paint he's got on him.

Zoltan snaps a salute back at the squire before making his way to the Champion of Roses.

The Champion of Roses carefully wipes at splotches of paint with a damp towel. It cleans off of the armor fairly easily, but it looks like the cape will require some more work … and the same can be said for her hair. She pauses in the cleaning to look up and nod at Zoltan.

"May I help you, sir?" Zoltan scrawks, motioning to the towel. His voice drops slightly. "I have news from Babel and City of Hands, and it no all that good."

The masked Kattha looks up at Zoltan, then over to Thorn. She nods, and heads toward the exit, motioning for Zoltan to follow.

Zoltan bows to the Champion and follows behind the Lancer.

They head to the Sanctuary of Roses … where it looks like the rest of the Lance has come to clean off paint as well. Once inside, the Champion gestures to a bench, while she takes another and removes her cape, dipping it in a pool of water and dissolving some of the water-soluble paint.

The Vartan carefully eases himself down on the bench, careful not to get his wings caught in any of the bushes, "Do you remember the Boomer dropped on Himar?"

The Champion nods.

"There is a second one. I learned about it being stolen by the Sabaoth's forces when I returned to Paradys, and received confirmation from High Prince Boghaz." The hippogryph grinds his beak anxiously. "When I went to the City of Hands I learned where it was… on Fetiss Island in hands of Nagai Empire."

The Champion immediately stands bolt upright, dropping the cape.

The other Lancers startle from their cleaning attempts, looking over at the Champion and the Squire.

"I have reported to the Temple, and now I am sharing my findings with you," Zoltan scrawks. "I no likes the thought of what they may do with Boomer very much."

The Champion signs, "It must be destroyed. No such weapon can be allowed to exist."

"You know what happened when it get destroyed. I know of no safe way to do it, although if I could destroy every single Boomer, I would in instant." Zoltan shrugs helplessly.

The Champion nods. "Still, some action must be taken. It is not just what it destroys. It is what it might bring to this world."

"I have informed the Temple, but I not know what the result may bring. I cannot see them sitting idle with this weapon dangling over they heads though." The Vartan drums his talons against the bench. "Is dealing with snakes I no look forward to. Fighting is easy, but I no a talker."

The Champion nods ascent, then signs, "This will not be easy. Much planning may be required."

Zoltan frowns more deeply. "What if the Temple does not allow us action?"

The Champion signs, "The Temple must allow us to act."

"My hope as well." The Vartan folds his arms across his lap. "Sir, I am only a squire – but I would dearly like to be of aid. The Boomer was stolen from my island. I feel somewhat responsible."

The Champion signs, "You have the greatest expertise with this weapon. You will certainly be involved in any effort to recapture it."

"So now we waits. How do you suggest we approach this? Friendly visit? Full armada?" The Vartan's tone hints at his sarcasm for the latter, but his eyes still have a serious gleam to them.

The Champion signs, "I would prefer sending a delegate to investigate … and having a full armada nearby, should things turn ugly."

Zoltan nods. "Is there way of knowing where Fetiss Island is? Paradys was so hard to find… and I no think that they gots tracking crystals for it at City of Hands."

The Champion shakes her head. "I do not know. I shall look into it."

The Vartan leans back a bit, "I suppose all that left now is to fill me in on anything I miss. Has a Violet Lance been formed yets?"

The Champion signs, "It is in process of organization. This is not official, but you may soon be offered a position as a Lancer."

Zoltan sits upright. "I flattered. Hrr, but curious. Was armor for Lancers here whole time, unused? I know of story of Champion of Shadows."

The Champion nods. "For the most part. There were some pieces that needed repair, and some additional suits may be fashioned, but the original armor was stored here."

"Is there a Champion chosen as well? I no saying thats I asking for job, but I can't help but be curious who may wear Shadow's armor." His hands clench tighter.

The Champion of Roses shakes her head. "That will take time."

Zoltan nods, grinning. "So how did Delta Lance do in exercises today? I miss training here."

The Champion signs, "They are doing admirably under the command of the Vartan leading them. They performed a 'suicide mission' to take out myself and Thorn."

"Training Sergeant Arita is very good. She taught me lots by being under her. Is she slated to become a Lancer someday as well? I coulds almost see her becoming a Champion herself… " The Vartan grins to himself.

The Champion of Roses nods. "She has been selected to be one of those that will be in Violet Lance. It will be an all-flier Lance."

"She may end up as the Champion of Shadows herself someday. I already am honored to serve under her." Zoltan taps the bench again, contemplating the "suicide run" maneuver.

The Champion nods. "She is destined for greatness, that much I am sure – as are you, Squire Cambio."

"If I can serve to protect my home and the people I care for within it, I happy. As much as I dream of wearing armor of Champion someday, I happy with just being ables to defend my country. And I grateful for you giving me the chance." He pauses, and then adds, "And showing me what it mean to be a Knight. Serving with you on Intimidator during Babelite War teach me more than sparring lessons."

The Champion bows her head. "These lessons may well be needed. There is much unrest. I believe that this incident with the weapon may only be one of many troubles arising. That Nagai would dare do such a thing at all – whatever their reason – seems to indicate that they have little concern for Rephidim's stance in this."

"Maybe they trying to push they hand? Rephidim been neutral on City of Hands so far, although I no sure this is a bully tactic. Hrrr." Zoltan rubs his neck. "There been any news from Empire while I was gone?"

The Champion shakes her head. "There are rumors of the Nagai Empire planning a move on the City of Hands … but this would seem an act of desperation. A last resort."

"Or a example for all of Sinai?" Zoltan frowns. "With Babel defeated, Nagai Empire could easily use this as chance of scaring world into thinking that they gots dozens of Boomers."

"But Rephidim would be obliged to call their bluff," signs the Champion. "We can't even be sure how this weapon would work against a Sky Island."

"We may find outs if Nagai decide to explode Boomer. As paranoid as it may sounds, there always a chance this could be means of weakening Rephidim. Get all Rephidim armies on island, blow up island." He shakes his feathers out. "Although I know how to keep Boomer from sending certain things to other places with bits of crystal… hrr… Is just wild theory."

"Bits of crystal?" signs the Champion.

Zoltan fishes a turquoise tinted shard from his tail. "From Gateway Tower. My father bury whole bunch of these in Himar. One for every pit in Red Cliff where land no get transported. On Abaddon there spires of red rock where land no get send out."

The Champion holds out a hand, and makes a "may I?" gesture.

The Vartan nods and places the crystal in the Champion's hand. "This is in limited supply, so I no think it can protect whole City of Hands if it blow up, or Rephidim or wherever it drops… but maybe if every person carry one?"

The Champion examines the crystal, then hands it back. She signs, "Rephidim is made out of this."

Zoltan blinks, and blinks again, and again. "I thought it made outs of dirt?"

The Champion nods. "It is covered with dirt, but its core is crystal."

"So… Rephidim woulds be immune. Hrr… You know if that case with all sky Islands? If is, then setting Boomer off on Fetiss may do nothings." He frowns at the prospect of testing that theory.

The Champion signs, "What I have heard about Fetiss leads me to believe it is made of crystal as well. Probably all Sky Islands are made of this. It is a hallmark of strange places."

"Are you sure it same type of crystal?" Zoltan takes a breath. If it's true… his fear of keeping most of his family safe has been lightened, although the City of Hands and his "family" there are still quite at risk.

The Champion nods. "I am quite certain. You said it was from the Tower, did you not?"

The Vartan nods. "Yes. Hrrr… That may explain pit on Paradys. I thought Boomer was dropped there, but there only big pit and nothing like what happen in Himar."

The Champion signs, "It would probably still cause considerable damage. I would not entertain the notion of allowing it to be dropped on Rephidim."

"Or being around if it get set off on Fetiss. Is one thing we gots on our side I suppose unless snakes suicidal. They not know thats, and Fetiss worth a lot to Nagai Empire rights now." Zoltan's feathers ruffle. "I still gots feeling that war may result from this."

The Champion signs, "If the Nagai were going to throw away Fetiss Sky Island, then I would think it would be only without the knowledge of the Emperor-Potentate. I cannot see him throwing away this trophy so easily."

"Best thing to finds outs then would be path of Fetiss and when it mights be over potential targets. But for now, I think all I can do is go home tonights and spend time with my family. I gets feeling that I going to be leaving them again soon." He smiles wearily.

The Champion nods her head. "While we may have to wait a time to find out more … once we learn what we need, it will be time to act swiftly."

The Vartan rises back up on his hooves. "I will be heres tomorrow for training exercises, the least I can do while I waits is practice."

The Champion stands as well, and puts her hand to her chest in a salute. "Be ready, be vigilant, be brave," she signs.

"You as well, Champion of Roses." Zoltan mimics the Knight's salute. "Until tomorrow, until the battle… I can think of no better person to fight alongside or learn from."

The Champion nods her head … then picks up her cape and takes it back toward her personal chamber.

The black Vartan carefully weaves his way through the rosebushes as he exits. The thought of a war with the Nagai Empire so soon after the Babelites weighs down on him, but at the same time… the knowledge that he's been chosen to serve as a Lancer lifts him up – to be one of the warriors he's fought alongside so many times, and served under with such pride. Despite the fear in his heart, when Zoltan leaves Golgotha he's smiling.