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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Rystil Arden" data-source="post: 3880427" data-attributes="member: 29014">*Aethelus continues his research, but indeed, he still cannot explain the Thelanium in a cool-headed logical fashion as he would like.  Jade invites him for dinner, but she still lacks progress as well.  However, the next day, a small barge with guards arrives with news.  Jade calls Aethelus down so he can hear it too.  There are a group of guards here, in the typical wolfshead helmets, with two in the front who seem to be of rank.  They all seem ashamed and deeply upset:*"My Lady Leywytch Jadishtai," a battered and injured guard begins, "I beg your forgiveness.  My men and I encountered a Rogue Spark that we believe to be the Terrorist.  He had created a horrifying and deadly Clank, and my men and I fought bravely and signalled for support, but in the end, after felling the Terrorist, his Clank went on a killing rampage.""At that point," the other ranked guard continues, "My men and I reached the scene.  The Clank charged at us and tried to blast us all, but we subdued it from afar.  However, the Terrorist had only feigned being unconscious, and he had been controlling his Clank to go on that rampage to create a distraction.  We combed the island, but there was no trace of the Terrorist.""There is no shame in losing such a dastardly and brilliant villain," Jade replies in a soothing tone, a kind, calm smile on her face, "It was fantastic that you were able to do so well--if you show us the Clank, maybe Aethelus and I could analyse it and discover a whole lot more about the Terrorist."*Both guards turn their heads slightly in embarrassment, their eyes downcast.*"My Lady Leywytch, I...We lost the Clank."*Jade plants a delicate palm on her face.*"You...oh in the Holy One's name, how do you lose a deactivated Clank?""I...It was Sky Pirates!""We tried to give pursuit, but they had hidden in a dense cloudbank, and the ship was much more agile and manoeuvrable than our barge, plus it could reach a greater speed.""Sky Pirates," Jade sighs, "Scourges from the untamed Wilds.  It is already enough that they steal the very bread crusts from the mouths of those who are poor of means but righteous of heart, slaughter innocent children, and rape defenseless women, now they have allied with the Terrorist?""Yes, My Lady Leywytch.""So be it.  Did you recognise the ship?""It was too cloudy to tell precisely.  My failure is unforgivable, My Lady Leywytch.  I accept full responsibility for everything--please do not blame my men or my comrade's.  Rather, allow me to bear  the full burden to assuage the dishonour I have brought myself and my family.""That is a noble sentiment, Lieutenant," Jade nodes, "Very well, but only because you wish it.  You tried your best, and that pleases me and shows your dedication to the Holy One well.  You will report to the mess hall and spend two weeks peeling parthas for this, and then your debt will be forgotten."*The lieutenant's eyes widen as if this is much less than he might have expected for failing in so high profile a case.*"My Lady Leywytch is truly kind.  I will do so at once, my Lady.""I love each and every one of the Holy One's children," Jade replies with a magnanimous gesture, "What is important is only that you learn from this and strive to do better in the future.""O...Of course.  I will most certainly do so, My Lady Leywytch.""Very well.  You are all dismissed then," she turns to Aethelus, "Aethelus, how do you feel about hunting some bloodthirsty pirates?"</blockquote>

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