Gatekeepers

[Dreyfus]

♅ 21st of Searing, Year 121, A.o.S ♅
Company: Natasha & fellow Reconciliators| Thoughts: This is inconceivable| Mood: Calm, Determined

---

♅ The hum of vehicles sounded through the streets as the convoy of Reconciliators speeded through the streets toward their destination. It had come to the Order's attention that someone is attempting to smuggle mages into Zaichaer. They wasted no time in mobilizing as Dreyfus was among the many chosen for this undertaking. More so he was picked so he could sniff them out easier.

The ride there was quiet, and all Dreyfus could think of was one question, why? Why would any mage who knew about Zaichaer and what it stood for want to sneak into the place, instead of out of it? He couldn't fathom the idea but regardless he would perform his duty to the fullest of the law.

He was so wrapped up in his own thoughts he hadn't noticed the other reconciliators looking at him, eyes full of many feelings and thoughts. Natasha, sitting at his left gave him a subtle nudge, Dreyfus turning his head to face her. She leaned into his ear, guiding her hair behind her ear as she whispered. "Maybe some words of encouragement, to rally them behind your leadership?"

That was right, this was his first instance of command, and it would be best not to waste this opportunity. For a moment he remembered when this assignment was handed to him by the brass.

---

• Standing at attention Dreyfus was called to his Senior Officer's office, Alistair Crowley. There he waited to be addressed as Alistair and several other officers conversed amongst themselves, some looking briefly at Dreyfus before turning back to the matter at hand. For what seemed like forever, Dreyfus just stood there, his mind trying to figure out what he had done to end up here, part of him believing this was the moment they consigned his death.
  
  "You seem nervous, dont be, you are not in any trouble my young protege." Alistair spoke, a genuine smile on his features as the men he was speaking to gather up papers and files and began to exit the room. Alistair gestured for Drey to join to which the reconciliator complied.
  
  "Allow me to begin by saying that I am proud of you Dreyfus. You have shown yourself to be an example of what a model mage should be. To face down a woman as powerful as Venetia Childs well..." he began, taking a sip of the water on his desk. "I dont know many men brave enough to face a threat like that head-on, and those in the top brass noticed that. No matter what anyone says, you shined that day. Had you died you would have been a martyr."
  
  The words came in an earnest and heartfelt manner, well as much as he could muster anyway, and his eyes opened to look at the blonde man before him. Rising from the desk, Alistair came to lay a hand gently onto his shoulder which caused the wolf to turn and face him.
  
  "Which is why I believe you would be the best one for this task." he continued, the smile on Alistair's face never fading, but the wolf believing there was more than just idle chatter he wished from him. The two reconciliation's exited the office and began a stroll to an area out of earshot, and the veteran reconciliator began to explain his intentions.
  
  "It has come to the attention of the Order that mages are attempting to smuggle themselves into our great city, defiling it with even more foul magic. After much consideration and convincing on my part, you have been chosen to lead the investigation into the matter. I believe it's time you had a good taste of command."

---

Remembering that moment, Dreyfus opened his eyes, looking around the convoy at the reconciliators with him, then his eyes fell onto Alistair. He was here simply to observe, which made Dreyfus a bit on edge, as he didn't like having someone looking over his shoulders, but granted it was someone he knew, he would simply suffice.

"Treat this as a simple routine containment. We know they will be on this incoming airship, so keep your heads on a swivel. Just follow my lead and we will get this done and over with quickly." he instructed, Natasha chuckling a bit as she didn't really expect anything less from him.

Soon the vehicles had reached their destination. All and all 12 reconciliators exited all three convoys and Dreyfus quickly got to work. "I want four teams of three, one sharpshooter and warden in each group." he began looking around the airfield and pointing to the higher positions. "Each sharpshooter take up vantage points overlooking the docking area. The wardens setting up anchors and placing wards in order to shield Aether. we don't know what kind of magic these mages have so we can't take any chances. Make sure you set the correct parameters as to not cancel each other out."

With those instructions, the reconciliators got to work. Dreyfus could see a soldier of the Air Defense Force approaching, removing his hood so that he could look the private in his face. Nervous, he inquired after the nature of their arrival, to which Dreyfus handed him a piece of paper. "Take this to your commanding officer and bring them to me if you would be so kind. It's a matter of national security."

With a salute, the private went to deliver the message. ♅

---

"Common Speech"
"Silandris Speech"
"Self-Thoughts"
"Natasha Speech"

[Brenner Dornkirk]

Air Commander Brenner Stahl Dornkirk was overseeing the resupply of the Searing Victory, whilst its captain took a well-earned holiday in the city proper. Brenner had been too long away from his posting on the dirigible dreadnought, having been drawn away to tend to matters of diplomacy. But now, after the rather disastrous visit of the Kalzasern heir presumptive and his party, regular drills were being ramped up all across the branches of the ZDF. It felt as though a storm was gathering, as the streets of Zaichaer were littered with pamphlets imploring able-bodied youths to enlist and advance the glory of the State.

"Why are there only two crates of MREs, when the cargo manifest says there should be five?" The Air Commander glanced up from his clipboard with a critical eye upon the quartermaster, who started to bluster out a response until an ensign approached and interrupted with some sort of urgent communique. Brenner held up a silencing hand, and perused the contents of the missive.

"Scheiße." He whisper-sighed, before turning back to the quartermaster. "Find those three missing crates. It appears I'm being called away to tend to other matters. Lieutenant Commander Felzer? Take over supervising the resupply until I get back." He handed the clipboard to Felzer and marched down the gangplank past the convoy of crates on carts being hauled up onto the Searing Victory. Well-polished boots found purchase on the pavement of Onneifer Airfield as Brenner took the last step off the metal ramp, and marched toward the retinue of reconciliators.

He swept a hand through his hair, as the wind whipped around him in the wide open space of the airfield. Approaching the three vehicles from the Order's convoy, he cocked an eyebrow at the sight of Dreyfus.

"Agent Montilyet." He suppressed a smirk, "You look different. Did you do something with your hair?" But before he could answer, Brenner got right to business.

"Brief me on the situation and what I can do to assist."

[Dreyfus]

♅ 21st of Searing, Year 121, A.o.S ♅
Company: Natasha & fellow Reconciliators| Thoughts: This is inconceivable| Mood: Calm, Determined

---

♅ Dreyfus watched as the reconciliators moved, making everyone was in place. Natasha gave Dreyfus a look which made the reconciliator smirk. "Command looks good on you sir." she teased, giving him a playful nudge. Dreyfus smiled, but that soon faded as he could hear the sound of boots walking his way. Turning he was greeted by the presence of a familiar face.

He was surprised that Brenner of all people would be here. The candor between the two had shown to be passive-aggressive at best, but even still Dreyfus was still gauging the man, trying to see him at his rawest moment. To see what was under the veil of programmed patriotism. Smiling he saluted the Air Commander, chuckling at the comment on his hair.

Dreyfus had always been the subject of envy of both men and women off his long hair alone. Before he could respond the air commander went straight to business. "For starters, we need to lock down this airfield as tightly as possible. We know that there are two mages trying to enter the city, but I wasn't given specifics on their capabilities. I want to do this with as little to no casualties on either side as possible and in order to do that we need to make sure no one can get In or out. All I need is your manpower."

Natasha came to whisper in his ear, unholstering a rifle that was on her back. "That tower seems to be quite the vantage point, I'll have a full view from there." she informed, cocking the gun before heading off in the direction of the tower. Watching for a moment he let out a sigh, looking back as Alistair was watching everything he did with scrutinizing eyes. ♅

---

"Common Speech"
"Silandris Speech"
"Self-Thoughts"
"Natasha Speech"

[Brenner Dornkirk]

After returning the salute, Brenner cocked an eyebrow immediately.

"Well, if you need my manpower, I'll require more specifics than that." He chided, with a light sigh escaping through his narrow nose. "This is a military airfield. We're already locked down pretty tightly, are you saying these mages are arriving onboard a military vessel inbound for Onneifer? They're bypassing Central Sky Station?" That seemed particularly unusual. They must have been some particularly bold fugitives to attempt to stow themselves away on a military vessel, as opposed to one of the commercial transports.

"And what can you tell me about these two fugitive mages? Gender? Race? Rune? Identifying features? Do you know what vessel they're aboard?" If they had that kind of information, there might even be a chance to divert the vessel to a safe landing area than the city proper. If more resources were needed, airships could convene there with further support.

"What do you know about these people and how were they flagged by the Order? Did they refuse a license, or what?" Brenner didn't feel capable of lending aid in his jurisdiction, if he didn't have more information from Dreyfus'. As much as it might have vexed Brenner that this was the case, it wasn't illegal to simply exist as a mage in Zaichaer. If they'd practised some sort of witchcraft within the borders of the High City's territory without having been licensed, that was another matter and one which would need to be broached ere Brenner could intervene on the Order's behalf. There were protocols, after all, to be upheld.

Crossing his arms over his chest and leaning his weight back onto one heel, the Air Commander awaited answers- hoping against hope that his counterpart from the Reconciliators would be straightforward and forthcoming with his reply.

[Dreyfus]

♅ 21st of Searing, Year 121, A.o.S ♅
Company: Natasha & fellow Reconciliators| Thoughts: This is inconceivable| Mood: Calm, Determined

---

♅ He didnt speak as Brenner shot his questions and thoughts at the reconcilator. He couldnt have expected Brenner to just cooperate with him, that would be far too easy. Looking over his shoulder he could see Alistair looking at him with a curious eye. Dreyfus could only assume that Alistair was interested to see how he would handle this roadblock.

Ushering Brenner towards the hanger of the Searing Victory, noticing that it was being resupplied. He didnt know if divulging everything would be appropriate but he would give the Air Commander a small morsel to nibble on if only to gain his cooperation. He figured this was all a part of being in command, a leader so a little give and take would be needed from both men.

"Let me start by saying that the reason I didnt tell you everything is that it is a matter of national security, the tighter we can keep this information the better. More importantly, It begs speculation that someone with influence within Zaichaer is helping mages smuggle their way into the city, which would be a serious offense, damn near treason. You'll also have to understand that some details cant be shared until further investigation is carried out, but ill do my best to answer what you have asked me already."

For a moment he paused, looking to the docking area and then to where his people were positioned. It seemed they were all in place. With that out of the way, he returned his attention to Brenner. "The two individuals, one and older male; 6' 2", brownish-red hair, blue eyes; and the female, mid 20s, 5' 7", blonde. They are both humans which disappoints me a little. We believe them to be dangerous due to the fact our agent recognized them from a description that was posted after a gruesome event some seasons back."

For a moment he looked at the men meandering about as they got supplies to a from the airship. "As for the vessel, we know its a resupply vessel. How we flagged them is not up for discussion, be we have every reason to believe them to be dangerous. You do remember Glade the 8th correct? We believe these two took part in that massacre and fled, and are now returning to the city. It's imperative that they are captured and brought in for questioning."

For a moment he let that set in before taking steps past Brenner. "That resupply vessel will be here within the next thirty minutes. I wish I could tell you more, but this is a sensitive operation, and I don't expect them to come quietly, as I can't guarantee there won't be a fight. If you wish to aid the state in capture dangerous fugitives, you have half an hour to give me an answer and evacuate all non-military personnel." with a tap on Brenner's shoulder he walked past him, hands clasped behind his back as he walked towards the docking area.

He began to pool aether into his hands, forming anchors. Once he reached the docking bay, he began to touch the ground, placing anchors on the ground, setting parameters to shield against foreign aether. Given he didn't know the extent of their abilities, he could only ward against aether that didn't belong to him. Walking in a clockwise fashion, he placed several anchors, being careful and mindful of the strain.

If he overstepped trying to contain these two, he would do so, the reward outweighing the risk in this matter. Alistair soon joined him, bolstering the anchors he set. Dreyfus knew he could leave them to him, as the veteran was far more skilled in Negation than the wolf. ♅

---

"Common Speech"
"Silandris Speech"
"Self-Thoughts"
"Natasha Speech"

[Brenner Dornkirk]

Brenner pursed his lips as Dreyfus led him into the hangar where the Searing Victory was currently housed. He couldn't help but wonder whether this was some sort of retaliation for Brenner's teasing at the gala a few days earlier. The timing was rather suspicious, and Dreyfus had arrived on his turf whilst the Searing Victory's captain was indisposed, barking orders that he couldn't execute without information. Ultimately, he decided it was probably just a bit of bad luck. Dreyfus would have had to have been uniquely spiteful to engage in such an elaborate stunt over a bruised ego, as this would doubtless cost taxpayer coin and expend necessary resources.

"All right." As Dreyfus went about his explanation, Brenner leaned over to whisper a request of a nearby lieutenant, who went jogging off to comply.

Brenner bristled at being asked whether he remembered the most traumatic experience of his entire life, but he remained mum and just listened as the reconciliator continued. He nodded, where appropriate and, as Dreyfus was finishing up his explanation, the lieutenant returned with a clipboard which Brenner took in hand with a nod to the man.

"If it's a resupply ship thirty minutes away..." He scanned the paper for the information, "Then it can only be the ZADC Spearhead. That's close enough that we can get a message out to them via lorestone and have them divert course to a hangar outside the city proper, where the collateral damage could be markedly reduced. We should maintain a presence here, in case the bridge has been compromised. Fortunately the Spearhead isn't well-armed, so even if that's the case there's a limit to the damage she can do to the city.

"If you want to keep at it here, I'll head to the Comm Tower to get that message out. You should have your people send a team to the Grauschweig air base North of the city proper. I'll instruct the Spearhead to land there, so we can keep things better contained."

[Dreyfus]

♅ 21st of Searing, Year 121, A.o.S ♅
Company: Natasha & fellow Reconciliators| Thoughts: This is inconceivable| Mood: Calm, Determined

---

♅ It was somewhat of a relief to see Brenner cooperate with him. He had already believed the man to hold animosity towards him after their initial meeting as well as the pissing contest during the Riverland Gala. He almost expected the man to go out of his way to sabotage this mission, and in all honesty, the wolf was expecting it.

For now, however, he would take whatever cooperation the air commander could provide and plan from there. Brenner seemed inclined to divulge the ship they were expecting, collaborating with his own reports of the vessel. It seemed the air commander was also smart in thinking of the best way to contain them, somewhere away from direct access to the city. When he suggested having a team meet go to Grauschweig airbase, Dreyfus nodded in agreement.

He called for one of the reconciliators to come to him. "Send word to HQ that we need the closes unit to meet us at Grauschweig. We shall divert the Spearhead there to keep innocents from harm." with those instructions, Dreyfus turning his attention to the Air Commander.

"Thank you for the cooperation Sir Dornkirk. I pray this ends well for us both. We can't have any more divisive elements within Zaichaer."he proclaimed, a clench of his fist at those words. If these two mages were indeed involved with Glade the 8th, Dreyfus would do all he can to bring them in, question them, torture the answers out of him if need be.

"While you relay word to the airship to land at Grauschweig, I will gather the men I have brought here and head there at once, with luck the change in landing docks will give us enough time to set our trap." with a nod he covered his face with the hood on his attire and went towards the convoy of vehicles where Alistair was waiting for him. Not soon after Natasha joined him.

With a loud whistle from Dreyfus, the other reconciliators began to emerge from their positions, rallying back with Dreyfus at the convoy. "Change of plans sir?" she inquired, holstering the rifle in her hands on her back. Dreyfus nodded, pulling out a map from within the vehicle. Pointing at the new intercept point Dreyfus began to formulate his plan of attack.

"It was suggested that we have the resupply ship land here. It's away from the city and allows us to move and react with far less concern for collateral damage. The good air commander will send word that the ZADC Spearhead land at Grauschweig. Given the redirection, it will give us enough time to get there and set up our ambush. Now, let's move people, we dont have time to waste." he instructed, a commanding tone in his words as he handed the map to Natasha.

The group began boarding the vehicles. ♅

---

"Common Speech"
"Silandris Speech"
"Self-Thoughts"
"Natasha Speech"

[Brenner Dornkirk]

"Agreed." Brenner replied perfunctorily, a firm nod punctuating the affirmation as he jogged toward the communications tower in haste. Time was of the essence, if this impromptu plan was going to be carried out successfully. He darted up the steps, taking them two at a time, until he was in earshot of the comm officers.

"Fire up the lorestones! I need to get messages out straight away. You!" He pointed to a lieutenant at one side of the room, "I need you to get a priority message out to the ZADC Spearhead with urgent instructions to redirect their course to Grauschweig Airbase. They will not be cleared to land if they seek berth here." Brenner paused for a moment and considered. If the Spearhead had been compromised, it was possible that one of the fugitives would receive the communique rather than a proper crewman. He couldn't risk being forthcoming, so he came up with a quick white lie to throw potential eavesdroppers on the other end of the missive off track.

"Just inform them we had an emergency at Hangar 3 and we don't have enough docking crew to handle them, at the moment.. Understood?" The lieutenant nodded, barked a "Yes, sir!" and Brenner snapped his head to face another officer. "You! Send word to Grauschweig Airbase to expect the arrival of the ZADC Spearhead. Inform them that we have reason to believe fugitives have stowed away aboard. Instruct them to delay the landing protocols for as long as possible. Cite technical issues. Meanwhile, we'll collaborate with the Order of Reconciliation to establish a perimeter and prepare to make an arrest. Tell them to expect a team of Reconciliators to arrive in haste and to evacuate all non-essential personnel."

The Spearhead was farther off from Grauschweig than it was from Onneifer which, along with any delays the docking crew could muster, would give Dreyfus' team time to get to the other airbase. The comm officer acknowledged her understanding of the orders, and Brenner headed back downstairs and made his way back over to Dreyfus, as his people got aboard their vehicles.

"I'll muster some reinforcements to support your team and we'll rendezvous at Grauschweig." He said with a nod to Dreyfus, before turning on his heel to do so.

[Dreyfus]

♅ 21st of Searing, Year 121, A.o.S ♅
Company: Natasha & fellow Reconciliators| Thoughts: This is inconceivable| Mood: Calm, Determined

---

♅ Before they could depart, Brenner returned to the convoy, conveying his wish to join in the efforts. Dreyfus was surprised, to say the least, but he couldnt turn down any help for a successful mission. With a nod he watched the Air commander trot off to gather his men, Dreyfus tapping the top of the vehicle to signal it was time to go.

Loading Mage Piercer with several rounds, he looked to his men in the convey, Natasha, reassuring them that this would be easy. "Word has been sent to the airfield to be expecting us, as well as reinforcements from the good Air Commander. We will show these rogues that they cant do as they please in our great state. Hail Zaichaer!" he spoke, rallying the men into a resounding Hail Zaichaer.

Alistair watched with a smirk at the display looking between Dreyfus and the reconciliators under his command. Approaching the Airfield he could see that the other Reconciliator unit had arrived, and was waiting. "Stop the cars over here, we will go the rest of the way on foot. The less suspicion we create the better our chances. When the Air Commander arrives have him do the same." he instructed, exiting the vehicle and instructed the drivers to hide the car in the forest.

Making the way to the airfield Dreyfus was saluted by the other reconciliators. His group went from twelve to twenty-five, and with more bodies, he could employ more chances of success. "listen up everyone, we have bought a little time until the Spearhead arrives, which means we need to move fast to lock down this airfield." looking to the Sharpshooters he pointed to the roofs of the buildings that lined the docking yard.

"You will take point on those roofs, I want all eyes on that offloading ramp. Follow Natasha's lead, if you think you have a shot don't hesitate the take it. I encourage you not to miss." he instructed, looking to the reconciliators next. "Place wards around the entirety of the docking yard. I want a ward in place for the magic you are familiar with." he knew each one of them was skilled with certain magic so it was good to have them.

"The rest of you take up ambush positions around the parameter, keep out of sight and wait for my signal." he ordered, watching as the men and woman saluted and went to their positions. He began to ward himself placing anchors on his arms and legs, building small triangular shields. He was giving it parameters around blocking aether.

All that was left to do now was wait for Brenner to come, if he was coming at all. For all Dreyfus knew he could have just been saying he was bringing help just to get his hopes up. Dreyfus couldn't dwell on that though, so he simply planned around it. ♅

---

"Common Speech"
"Silandris Speech"
"Self-Thoughts"
"Natasha Speech"

[Brenner Dornkirk]

As Brenner marched toward the armory, he delegated orders to gather a team of auxiliary security personnel for transport to Grauschweig Airbase. Most of the men seemed eager for action beyond their regular drills. Although there had been a lot of action last season, not much of it had amounted to combat experience for the soldiers who manned Onneifer. They had been preparing for the absolute worst with a Kalzasern ship berthed there, carrying a creature that was now rumoured to be demi-divine. Little did these men know the part Brenner had played in reining in the unearthly wrath of the pidge prince when his puppy got purloined. And that was for the best.

"Suit up, and arm yourselves!" The Air Commander ordered, as the soldiers came jogging over toward the armory. He quickly briefed them on the situation, with descriptions of the apparent fugitives and a threat assessment based on Dreyfus' report.

By and by, the men were at the ready and Brenner ordered them to make for the northerly Grauschweig region in all haste, as he stalked over to the stables where a groom had just finished saddling a destrier for him. He turned to his lieutenant and nodded,

"I'm going to ride ahead to coordinate with the Order complement, whilst you and the others make your way up in the transports. I'm sure they'll have set up a check point on the Southern approach. Rendezvous with me there, and await further instruction." He lodged one foot in a stirrup and hoisted himself onto the saddle.

"Hop to it, Lieutenant!" He commanded, before taking up the reins and riding hard for the smaller airbase to the North.

Some time later, Brenner rode up to the Southern approach to Grauschweig, and noted the sentries eying the road as they noticed him.

"Where would I find Agent Montilyet?" He called ahead, softening the stances of the guardsmen who gestured in Dreyfus' direction. Moments later the destrier trotted up to the hastily prepared base of operations established by the Order upon arrival.

"Any updates to our situation while I was in transit?" He asked, as he dismounted and handed the horse's reins off to an underling wordlessly.