Guards and Order

[Aveline Vallen]

"I can't answer that," Vallen says to Solras. "You're the one that'll be in the line of fire, you have to decide what lines you can't accept being crossed and what prices you're willing to pay. Neither of you are the best guard in the ways they measure for performance reviews. You're late, you miss paperwork, your gear isn't always cleaned, you backtalk or talk too little. But neither of you are corrupt. Neither of you will turn away from an innocent in danger. Neither of you will flinch from The Moment of Choice. I'm simply going to have to trust you'll make the right calls."

[Solras, The Protector]

"Your trust is not misplaced. We will protect those who need protection, no matter where the danger comes from."

That promise could be used by any blacksmith as an anvil upon which the finest sword of justice could be forged.

[Wylde]

"I won't let you down, sir," rasps Wylde, guilt closing her throat.

[Aveline Vallen]

The paladin studies them both for a moment, then nods sharply. "See that you don't." Turning around, she heads for the exit, tossing over her shoulder, "and for the love of Vangal, file your paperwork!"

[GamesMaster]

Sooner than later, Corporal Janus and his squad of six total are marching the streets of Cattown. It's quiet -- a lot quieter than Janus expected, given the surprise nature of the raid and the timing. There's nobody out on the streets, though cats peer at them from windows and rooftops as they march down the street. 

"Where is everyone?" mutters one of the other privates. 

[Solras, The Protector]

"Keep your eyes open and your wits about you." Solras, The Protector orders. "The Captain would be displeased if we got ourselves jumped because we let our guard down."

That, and if she can keep them moving the less chance they'll do something stupid that will cause her to have to... Well let's just keep them from doing something stupid in the first place.

[GamesMaster]

Soon enough, Cpl Janus stops before an establishment, knocking briskly on the side door in a particular pattern. "Right boys, keep your wits about you. I've a good lead on this place. We'll need to check every cat in the place, just in case one of them's our suspect."

As the door opens and they're ushered in by a young, quivering adult cat, it's not hard to see why he thinks that. Most catfolk use city norms, wearing trousers and button-down jerkins or shirts over their fur. Here, however, the only clothing is lingerie. Cats move about, carrying drinks, cash, or baskets to and fro; the front room is made over to be a comfortable parlor, with some overstuffed chairs, and there's a counter where another catfolk eyes them with some fear, paw frozen mid-writing.

"G-greetings," he says, tail twitching. "The usual?"

"We're going to need to inspect your rooms," says Janus. "As well as your staff. Thoroughly."

[Solras, The Protector]

Seeing the fear in the eyes of the cats Solras makes a decision. "It would perhaps be best if the Corporal and I were to inspect the rooms first, while the rest of the group stays here to make sure no one tries to slip away unnoticed?" This isn't a command voice she's using, it would hard to be without tonal inflections, but she's not just making a suggestion. She's already checked to make sure her axe is free in its sling and able to be drawn and swung at a moments notice. She's confident that she can take the Corporal out in a single swing if needed. If not knocked unconscious, at least dazed enough to allow for a second swing to finish the job.

[GamesMaster]

"I call the shots here," snaps the Corporal. "But seeing as how you're concerned, you and Lowell can check for runaways while the rest of us check the rooms. Split up, men, one to a room, and take your time. Be thorough."

[Wylde]

Wylde growls under her breath, eyeing the others, trying to decide what to do. Stage an emergency. Maybe set something on fire and call them all back out after a few minutes.

[Solras, The Protector]

"With all due respect Corporal," Which is none because right now you aren't due any "As per standing orders from both Sergeant Vallen and the Captain, we are not allowed to enter the residence of any civilian alone. It would not be well to violate this order." Because if you attempt to do so again i will take drastic measures.

[GamesMaster]

"This isn't a residence, Private, and you're out of line."

[Solras, The Protector]

"I see. This is how it is." Solras, the Protector states coldy. "Then it is with regret that I must, on the direct orders of Master Sergeant Aveline Vallen, and through her Captain John Vorce, I must declare that you are acting against the honor of the guard and relieve you of duty. You can step down peacefully, if you do not I have been ordered to do whatever I deem necessary to maintain the honor of the guard, without limit or hesitation." There's steel in Solras, the Protector's voice. She hasn't drawn her weapon, but it's pretty clear that she is prepared to, and she feels confident that if she does the Sergeant and the captain will have her back. Well, the Sergeant at least, the captain maybe not so much. But then Janus TwoFace doesn't need to know that.

[GamesMaster]

He turns to face her, his face livid. "Excuse me?"

Wylde steps up beside Solras, hand going to her own sword. "You heard her. Step down."

The man reaches for the sword at his belt, and two of his men step up behind him. "No."

[Solras, The Protector]

Solras, the Protector places her hand on her axe as well. but doesn't draw it yet. No need to escalate this further than it needs to be.

"If you will not willingly stand down my orders demand that I remove you by force. I hereby direct all civilians to leave this place for their safety, go as far from this place as you can and do not return until I have these former Guardsmen safely in custody, or the force of guards you see before you has departed this area entirely. GUARDSMEN! By the direct and explicit order of Master Sergeant Aveline Valen and through her Captain John Vorce, detain Corporal Janus and any that would support him! I would prefer that this does not come to violence, but I will not hesitate to take the necessary actions to carry out my orders!"

Solras's voice grows steadily louder as she speaks, so that her voice carries clearly through the room, and into the street outside. She is not being subtle. In fact she's going out of her way not to be subtle.