General Schmidt sat within the warm confines of his office. Winters on Nyvestalza were always cold, much like those on his homeworld of Terra Nova. Outside, thick snowflakes fell silently to the pavement below, as cars quietly passed and pedestrians moved about slowly on the slippery sidewalk. This sure is some good cocoa, Schmidt thought to himself, as he carefully scanned over the latest incident reports from across the galaxy and beyond. Everything seemed to be mostly peaceful for now - the Empire had dedicated many resources towards fighting OASIS in the nearby Galaxia Nehellenium, and it was quite fortunate that no other problems had emerged within Imperial space. Things were looking up.
Still, the galaxy was dangerous by nature, and although the Empire had secured one crushing victory after another, the threat of attack was always present. Whether it came from aliens, heretics, or rival nations, there was still that hint of danger just lurking beyond the boundaries of their great nation, ready to pounce at a moment's notice. Schmidt knew that no threat - no mattter how slight - could be underestimated. That included the latest concerns that OASIS agents had possibly breached Arcadian - or even Imperial - space.
Suddenly, the door to Schmidt's office slung open, as Schmidt looked up from his computer. The familiar, lovely figure of Commander Ygritte soon emerged, as she took her position beside Schmidt's table after closing the door. He had expected her arrival today in regards to the latest reports; hopefully they would be able to make some sense of all this.
Commander Ygritte: "General, may I have a word?"
General Schmidt: "Of course, commander. I've been expecting your arrival. Please, take a seat."
Ygritte complied, as she moved towards Schmidt's couch and sat down, eying the papers and documents on the table nearby. Schmidt rose from his comfortable chair as he began slowly pacing towards her position, all the while admiring the many books and possessions that rested upon his shelves.
General Schmidt: "I take it then that you've heard the latest reports?"
Commander Ygritte: "Of course, sir. There's been growing concern that OASIS insurgents have planted themselves here and in Arcadian space in an effort to attack us."
General Schmidt: "Indeed. It does seem rather strange however - why exactly would they choose to set up shop in Arcadia when we have been their chief adversaries for quite some time now?"
Commander Ygritte: "The Arcadians are not as devoted either to the Faith or to their own nation as we are. Perhaps there are some in their region of space that are sympathetic to the plight of the terrorists?"
General Schmidt: "Perhaps. Still, even the Arcadians know the dangers that psycopathic heretics can bring about. I don't think they willingly chose to move towards Arcadian space."
Commander Ygritte: "What do you suggest, then?"
General Schmidt: "We must consider the nature of these heathens. When their numbers are large, they grow bold - bold enough to challenge us outright, no matter how foolish such an endeavor may be. Then, once we crush them and rout their numbers, they transition to guerilla tactics, hiding out among the populace and attacking at random intervals so as to sow terror and chaos among the populace."
Commander Ygritte: "Go on,"
General Schmidt: "I believe that these OASIS terrorists are not alone in their endeavors to attack the Empire."
Commander Ygritte: "You think the Arcadians are actually helping them so as to weaken us?"
General Schmidt: "Not the Arcadians, no. Recall that there are still many regions of our own galaxy where heresy dwells freely, not to mention its many bastions within Galaxia Nehellenium. I believe that one of the heretic states here are providing support to OASIS, using them as a puppet or surrogate by which to attack us without drawing attention to themselves."
Commander Ygritte: "A smart move, so long as they can cover their tracks. It wouldn't be the first time rogue states have attempted such a thing."
General Schmidt: "Indeed. If I am correct, then it is possible that the OASIS threat may be more severe than we realize, even with our continuous string of victories. I fear that OASIS itself is little more than a puppet that another, larger faction is using to attack the Empire."
Commander Ygritte: "Do you have any leads on who this actor may be?"
General Schmidt prepared to speak, but stopped short as the door to his office opened yet again. Both Ygritte and Schmidt were surprised by the arrival of the figure, causing both of them to hastily stand at attention. They all knew who this character was.
General Schmidt: "Knight Archon on deck!"
Katrina Candor: "At ease, General. I hope I'm not interrupting anything?"
General Schmidt: "Not at all, milady. If anything, your timing is impeccable."
The door slowly closed behind Katrina, as a pair of Knights emerged, guarding the door. Schmidt and Ygritte were now trapped in the room with Katrina, who wasted no time in getting to the point.
Katrina Candor: "I take it you've been discussing the latest concerns regarding OASIS?" Katrina's sharp, glowing blue eyes scanned over the documents on the table, analyzing every minute detail with pinpoint precision. Though her presence was welcome, it was at the same time slightly unnerring.
General Schmidt: "Yes, milady. Concerns are growing among the people of the Empire that OASIS may have breached our borders."
Katrina Candor: "You are not alone in your concerns. The Arcadians express similar fears, as does COMTEN. It should come as no surprise then that the Knights of Aldasveign are also interested in the matter."
General Schmidt: "Your aid will be most welcome, milady." Schmidt spoke the truth. While he couldn't personally speak for the Emperor, everyone knew that having the Knights on your side was a total game changer. If anyone could hunt down the agents of OASIS to the last man, it would surely be the Knights. The affluence and power they wielded would make scouring the entire galaxy for hints of the enemy a trivial matter, regardless of whatever nation or faction tried to impede their progress.
Katrina Candor: "So what's all this then?"
Commander Ygritte: "They are documents and maps provided to us by Imperial citizens, detailing what some believe to be the possible location of OASIS training camps and hideouts."
General Schmidt: "We have forwarded the documents to the CSIB as well. I personally sent them to the Knights also."
Katrina Candor: "Yes, they seem to match the documents I recieved.
General Schmidt: "I had hoped the Knights would be willing to get involved. Who knows what these heretics are up to?"
Katrina slowly began to pace around the table, as General Schmdit and Ygritte watched her. Katrina was much taller than either of them, and her very person seemed to inspire confidence and resolve in her allies. Schmidt was thankful to have such a valuable ally; he couldn't imagine having to face such a deadly warrior in combat.
Katrina Candor: "It is the duty of the Knights to safeguard humanity from all threats - both within and without. Aliens are easy enough to slay, but you know as well as I that heretics are a different brood entirely."
Katrina paused for a moment, as she stared silently at the snow falling outside.
Katrina Candor: "The heretic is little more than a cancer. When alone or in small pockets, they seem to pose little threat. But nothing could be further from the truth. With each passing second, they spread their disease to the hearts and minds of those around them, causing their numbers and sympathizers to swell greatly. Eventually, this tumor of apostasy will metastasize into an affliction that is nearly impossible to stop - it will spread everywhere from governments, schools, homes, militaries, planets, and entire systems. This is why the heretic threat is so dangerous - they slither and lurk within the darkness, slowly working their way up into the higher echelons of society until they are unassailable. It is then that they become violent, aggressive, and overbearingly wicked upon the host population."
General Schmidt and Commander Ygritte listened intently. They knew such things already, but merely hearing Katrina speak with the utmost disdain towards the heretic threat only strengthened their resolve.
Katrina turned to face the two of them, smiling.
Katrina Candor: "But take heart, General. The Knights of Aldasveign are on your side, and it is time we showed these OASIS heretics just what it means to challenge both our Faith and our people."
General Schmidt: "Wonderful! I was hoping you would be willing to aid us. Normally the Arcadians - or any of the other nations - would be reluctant to let us conduct investigations. But now, the Knights are involved! Those OASIS fools won't know what hit them!"
Katrina Candor: "It may be best for you to save your enthusiasm for our imminent victory. We do have a few stops to make however, so let's not waste any time."
General Schmidt took his hat, as the trio prepared to leave the office.
General Schmidt: "We should grab our coats, commander. It's quite chilly outside."
Commander Ygritte: "Right. By the way, exactly where are you taking us, Lady Candor?"
Katrina Candor: "An Arcadian border world, known as Carlisle's Retreat. It is one of several worlds we have identified which may be supplying heretic sympathizers."
General Schmidt: "I'm not sure the Arcadians will take kindly to the arrival of Calvarian officers on one of their worlds."
Katrina Candor: "That is why you'll be traveling with the Knights, General. Who knows - perhaps you'll be fortunate enough to witness them in action firsthand?"
