When The Dust Settles (Tatyana/Vetrov/Other Templars)

[Amadeus Edge]

February 16th
Thursday, 2:00PM
London Templar Base

The Vatican was almost completely destroyed after the Templar/Ritualist conflict that had happened. Hundreds upon hundreds of years of art, architecture and history were destroyed in their battles. Even though each and every Templar tried their best to follow Amadeus' orders and keep the destruction to a minimum, it seemed that the opposing leader thought ahead of time about that. No matter what, their beloved city was going to be reduced to a pile of rubble. Thanks to the quick reprimand given to Vanessa by Damon, there was one less building harmed. What in the world was she thinking, going against his orders like that? Then again, Amadeus would have shouldered the blame for her actions if she had set the explosives off. He knew all too well about how she had trouble listening to her superiors, but he decided to give her a shot. He thought that she would have matured enough to understand that, in order for a mission to be successful, the people performing it needed to do exactly what they were told. Nothing more, nothing less. But, once again, the girl did what she thought would help. If they had gone off and taken a chunk out of the building, The Templar Order would be questioned by His Holiness, the Pope about where their loyalties lay. That ground was sacred, and they simply couldn't afford to desecrate it any more than it already had been.

Lord, the aftermath was terrifying. Countless innocent lives were lost during the Ritualist led slaughter. Men, women, children... It didn't matter to them at all. As long as there was a body count, they were happy. During the flight from the Vatican to London, Amadeus was told of the horrors that occurred while he gathered the Templar forces. There was a slaughter within the church of St. Stephan, a man of the cloth and several others brutally cut down be the Ritualists led by that one female. Oh, how he wished to be the Reverend in their encounter. There was definitely a strong demon influencing that one. And if Amadeus were to meet it, he'd tear the damn thing into pieces...

"Even though the war was won, we lost so much in exchange..." He said, running his fingers over the names of each and every Templar that lost their life in defense of their holy city, "Dozens of good men and women that gave their lives for the Vatican. Their sacrifices definitely won't be forgotten." Amadeus flipped the ledger shut with a wrinkled hand looked to the intercom button. With a quiet sigh, he reached over and pressed it down using his index finger and leaned into the microphone, "Attention: Would every person involved in the Vatican War please report to my office. Don't worry about knocking, the door is unlocked."

Once again, Amadeus drew a deep breath and looked to the woman standing at his right before looking to his desk. In order to properly address whoever entered the room, he needed to stand tall and look his best. Under no circumstances would he speak officially while seated unless there was a chair for every person in the room. With a grunt he made a serious attempt at standing, but he just couldn't. What a curse it was, to grow old and weary. There was a woman in the room, Sister Vetrov, who offered to stay with the old man and give aid when necessary, but he simply would not ask her to help him with this. It was pride more than anything else. After a fourth failed attempt, Amadeus gave an exasperated sigh and looked to the woman, "I'm sorry, Good Sister, but would you assist me please?" He said, trying to hide the embarrassment that surely showed on his face. He was the Grandmaster, for God's sake! Of all the things to need help with, why did it need to be standing up?

When it came to being human, it seemed that time always won in the end. In his prime, Amadeus had no trouble fighting and walking and doing whatever he needed to do on his own. It was a fair trade, though. On earth, he can't fight on his own. But within Inferis he was strong enough to protect those who try so hard to ensure he stays safe. Being the tank for them was the least he could do.

[Tatyana Vladimirovna]

A child giggling while skating on a frozen pond, her two parents calling out to her while waving their arms as they all laughed.  A grandmother smiles from a bench as she watches the little one fly across the ice.  The scene fades away to a child sitting beside a window watching the snow fall as a fire burns in the cracked fireplace.  Tea is sitting on the table nearby while her grandmother reads her a story.  It is another day where they could not eat.  The colors shift to the girl running down the street before taking a tumble, pain blossoming into her leg--

Tatyana's mouth twisted into a deep-set frown as she hobbled her way on her crutches to the Vatican.  A nervous assistant that had been assigned to her for her stay in the Italian city chased after her reminding her that she was supposed to stay in bed for another two weeks.  She did not have two weeks at this moment in time.  This meeting was called for now and she would not miss it.  She would not send a second, and she would NOT be late.  So the proud Russian hobbled past the cordoned off area's, only glancing to her assistant whenever her identification needed to be produced.  She was proud, but she was not stupid.  Trying to fumble for a badge or identi-card would take far too much time, with the potential of dropping a crutch or some other mishap that would have been far more embarrassing.  Her leg was completely immobilized with bandages tightly wound about her thigh.  It hung uselessly for the most part while painkillers buzzed through her bloodstream.  Oh aye, Vicodin was a wonderful thing, as was whatever else they had prescribed her, and oh did she hate how it dulled her senses.  Still, she was here, mentally and physically.  

Once the dust had settled and the last of the enemy had been destroyed, Tatyana had been rushed off to the hospital to tend to her leg.  There was a chance she would lose mobility and usefulness of her leg.  This... was not something she was happy about.  On top of that, she had not yet had a chance to have a word with Vanessa Helsing and her superior yet either.  The frown started to lessen to a more neutral expression as she drew closer to Amadeus' office.  "Attention: Would every person involved in the Vatican War please report to my office. Don't worry about knocking, the door is unlocked."  She had already received a summons so to hear it again proved that the Grandmaster wanted to speak with all of them.  "Paladin Vladimirovna, you really should take some time to rest.  Your medication should-"  The crutches stopped, her head turning slowly to look back through her peripheral at the woman to her right.  Her long blonde hair flowed about her shoulders, wavy in their ponytail, her clear blue eye piercing right into that woman's soul despite the gentle smile that was on her features.  "I am well aware when I am due for another dosage.  But as you heard, the Grandmaster is waiting for me.  Surely you can understand that this is important."  

The woman stood at a loss as Tatyana swung herself along the hallway, up the elevator, and down the hall to where Amadeus' office was.  She slowed to a stop at the door where she waited for her assistant to open it, raising her head as it swung open.  Her crutches swung in first, "Good afternoon Grandmaster.  It is good to see you well."  She began, hobbling off to the side as her leg dangled uselessly beneath her, bowing her head respectfully to him for that was all she could really manage.  Her assistant silenced a quiet little alarm that went off on her phone and produced two pills and a bottle of water, both of which she handed to the russian woman.  She readjusted how she stood there balanced on one leg and popped the pills in her mouth, drinking some of the water to ease the pills going down.  Ugh, this would be interesting.

[Sister Vetrov]

There had never once been a time so terrible. Not ever in Katya's nearly forty years had she been so enraged. never had she seen so much undue destruction. never had she experienced such a massive loss of life and disregard for humanity as a whole. It was enough to shake the steel willed nun's resolve, at first. Once the intitial shock faded all that was left was fury. A rage that burned so hot and so violently that it threatened to consue her. She colled it with endless prayers and countless hours in silent meditation. She was in a time of true strife. Not only was she required to help with the restoration effort but she was also not there. She had been away. On a simple recovery mission. As if the massive attack on the Vatican hadn't been enough she lost two of her three men and did not recover the lost squadron. It was a total loss and Vetrov felt every ounce of it. She felt it as a dagger of failure that threatened to destroy her. She would not let it do that though. not now, not while the forces of evil loomed so near. Instead she would push her burning hatred outward. She would channel her pain and regret outward and weild it like a flaming sword against her foes. It only took her one hour once she was back in the Vatican to register for PURGE. That would serve as an excellent means to unleash her fury on those who would serve the darkness.

Yet, here Vetrov was. not clad in armor or wielding a light machine gun. No, she was standing just off to the side of her beloved grand master. She had been by his side since the attack. His faith was strong and his will was even stronger but without the aid of his augments he was still just an old man. He had been through a life of hard living and he never did rest enough for a man of his age. So, she was his aid. She would get him anything he needed and if assassins came for him she would show them what true will was. Grand master Edge had only ask and she would do anything for him. She had served the order her entire life and would not balk anything asked of her. Vetrov's bright green eyes scanned the room. There was no change, there hadn't been in hours. Not ever since the man who brought in water had left. There were no assassins. Though an enemy of a different kind stood in the room with them. Doubt and fatigue. Vetrov knew the weaknesses of her grand master. She admired his strength and willingness to face them at all times. It was why she would wait for him to ask. Her eyes drifted over to him as she heard a rustle. He was trying to stand, and failing. Vetrov's neutral expression turn to a sad smile as she watched him struggle. She wanted to reach out to him and- then he asked. Just a simple request but one that she would not deny or hold against him. "Of course Grand master Edge." Vetrov steed over, her nun's robes shifting slightly as she did, and placed one of her strong arms under the big old man's arm pit. She stood up with him, making sure to move slowly, and steadied him on his feet. "Do not hesitate to ask. I am here to help, with anything at all." she sent him a warm smile just as the door swung open. Katya removed her hand from the Grand master slowly, hoping he wouldn't need her help to remain standing.

Katya folded her hands behind her back and took a deep breath as the Paladin entered. Vetrov quietly cleared her throat as Tatiyana greeted Amadeus. Vetrov made no motions other than tilting her head slightly to shift a single strand of her long platinum blond hair away from her face. Katya stood still and calmly, a light smile on her face, she knew her place here. She need no speak unless spoken to.

[Amadeus Edge]

Amadeus couldn't help but avert his eyes when he noticed the Good Sister's sad gaze upon his form. It was humiliating to be pitied in such a way... If only he were a few years younger, if only his damned body wouldn't fail on him! Times like these, Amadeus simply wished he could remain within the other realm with his augments where he was a lion rather than a lamb. But he was needed here. The Order needed his guidance and he wasn't prepared to abandon them simply because he wanted to be young again.

The old man looked to Sister Vetrov as she walked in his direction, showing nothing but concern for him. It was nice to know that she was so kind and genuinely concerned about his well-being. She was a very strong woman and, like himself, loved to spend his time helping those that needed it the most. They had quite a bit in common, no that he thought about it. Before he was prepared to assist her by pressing his feet against the ground, she already had one arm under his and lifted him right out of the seat. He knew she had strength, but enough to lift him like a feather with one hand? He'd hate to be on the negative end of such power.

Amadeus reached to his right and gripped the waking staff that rested in its stand next to his seat before he turned to Ms. Vetrov, a smile on his face, "Thank you so much, Good Sister. It's good to know I have someone like you watching me for the time being! Don't worry, though. I won't have you babysitting me for much longer."

It was nice to use his native tongue for once. There weren't very many people he could speak it with. As Amadeus made his way to the front of his desk, the office door swung open to reveal a pair. Paladin Vladimirovna and her assistant. A frown of worry showed on his usually stoic face when the Paladin hobbled her way into the room. Her leg was in quite a sorry condition. It pained him to see his own people injured like this. They were a brotherhood after all... A family that looked after one another. Unfortunately, Amadeus couldn't keep them all alive and uninjured.

No, no... This wasn't the time to get sentimental. There was business for to attend and he didn't want to waste any more time, "Please, Ms. Vladimirovna, have a seat." He gestured to one of the empty chairs close to his desk. Amadeus planned to remain standing while he spoke, but that didn't mean she had to do the same. That leg of hers was bound to be more than just a little painful...

"I just received word that Damon wouldn't be joining us for this meeting. He's clearly upset about what happened and is taking out his frustration at the shooting range. While I wish he was here, I understand the need to let off a little steam..." He paused a moment and tapped his staff against the ground, "As you and I both know, the war ended in our victory but it cost us a lot. Dozens of good men and women are dead, the city we were supposed to protect was reduced to rubble and the public is crying our for answers. They want to know what happened, they want to know why a group of people would do such a horrible thing.  So I want to know what you think we, as an order, should do next... I plan to personally address the public about what had happened. It was an act of terrorism by a relatively new group of people. At least, that's the cover I'll give. In response, I want to increase the security at high priority places. Primarily important religious and political landmarks located within the areas of Tears. I want to rebuild the Vatican and I want there to be a new group created. Their job is to do nothing more than seek out and eliminate all ritualism... They will take no prisoners, they will leave no injured party to die and execute them immediately. Unfortunately, we've slowed down on the Ritualism and put our focus elsewhere. But now it's time to reinforce our zero tolerance policy when it comes to demons and the humans they work with. After that brazen attack on our sacred ground, we need to send them all a message."

Amadeus took a step down from in front of his desk and coughed into his fist, "An attack like that will never happen again. This new group will pursue those who work with demons. They will usurp leaders of ritualist groups. They will retaliate against any attempt to resist us. And they will guarantee elimination. They will PURGE our world of this scum."

[Tatyana Vladimirovna]

The Grandmaster was not sitting. Her expression remained neutral as he spoke, "Please, Ms. Vladimirovna, have a seat." Tatyana saw her assistant move towards the chair and begin to pull it out, the corners of her mouth twitching. She did NOT want to sit. To sit would be to prove weakness despite the clear injury that had decommissioned her for at least the next month if not more. It was obvious how begrudgingly she moved to that chair and sat, propping it up on the other chair since no one was there for the moment. If her assistant continued to prove annoying, maybe she'd use her as a footstool…. No. That was a step beyond alright with the Paladin, and so she focused instead upon what this meeting was about and her boss that stood before her. God but that made the fact she was sitting all the worse…

"I just received word that Damon wouldn't be joining us for this meeting. He's clearly upset about what happened and is taking out his frustration at the shooting range. While I wish he was here, I understand the need to let off a little steam..." She had noticed his absence, but she hadn't questioned it because of the simple reason that all of the Templars would in a similar boat right now. Most were stunned, most were pissed, and some were seeking solace or forgiveness. No matter what emotion it was, they were running high. So she merely nodded slowly, cooler heads had to prevail and she had had her stay at the hospital to help with that. "As you and I both know, the war ended in our victory but it cost us a lot. Dozens of good men and women are dead, the city we were supposed to protect was reduced to rubble and the public is crying our for answers." Of course they were. Wouldn't anyone? High powered explosives going off at the Vatican city, with no warning while insane people were running around? This was Rome. Not Russia. She doubted that the people here would be as quick to settle back down as they may at her home, and she couldn't really blame them. Things like this didn't happen, and especially not at the religious epicenter of the heart of catholicism.

"They want to know what happened, they want to know why a group of people would do such a horrible thing.  So I want to know what you think we, as an order, should do next... I plan to personally address the public about what had happened. It was an act of terrorism by a relatively new group of people. It was a logical choice. The rest of the world would not be able to accept the truth. Not yet. Most likely never. "At least, that's the cover I'll give. In response, I want to increase the security at high priority places. Primarily important religious and political landmarks located within the areas of Tears. I want to rebuild the Vatican and I want there to be a new group created. Their job is to do nothing more than seek out and eliminate all ritualism... They will take no prisoners, they will leave no injured party to die and execute them immediately. Unfortunately, we've slowed down on the Ritualism and put our focus elsewhere. But now it's time to reinforce our zero tolerance policy when it comes to demons and the humans they work with. After that brazen attack on our sacred ground, we need to send them all a message." Her eyebrow slowly raised at this information, but she still did not interrupt him.

"An attack like that will never happen again. This new group will pursue those who work with demons. They will usurp leaders of ritualist groups. They will retaliate against any attempt to resist us. And they will guarantee elimination. They will PURGE our world of this scum." This was very gung-ho for the Templar order. Was it bad that a smile had begun to form across her lips at this new groups existence? Maybe. However, it was about fucking time. "A wise choice to tell the people. Because it isn't completely a lie, that group was new to us sadly." She began as she sat up a little more in her chair, carefully shifting her leg as she did so. Her assistant started to move forward, but Tatyana only turned her head slightly which stopped the woman dead in her tracks. She was fine. Anyways, "I would be happy to donate some troops to other regions should they need them. I am afraid I do not know as much about the state of other regions as I should." Considering most had been following the capture first, kill only if you have to rule that had existed as far as she could tell? Her men… well… Things in the Tundra did not often allow for such leniences, and most of her men had followed her from Spetsnaz to the Order. She knew they would be useful in case others were not ready for this change. "But I agree that increased security and surveillance would be a good choice at those locations. We will need to recruit more in order to account for this spreading out of forces, however, as I'm sure you are aware." If they had to lower standards slightly…. no. They could not afford to do that. Because if they lowered themselves at all, who knew who might slip into their ranks? She paused for a moment as she tilted her head slightly, the smile fading away as her appearance grew more pensive and thoughtful. "This leaves the question of Demon Hunters. Considering our shift in attention, would it be safe to assume that we won't be focusing on their capture as much within the coming months? They do hunt demons as well after all. A truce with their forces to help track down and kill more Ritualists and Demons may prove helpful." The enemy of my enemy is my friend after all, yes? She wasn't sure she was fully alright with the thought, but it was a logical point that they could not deny.

She had a feeling that the thought would be immediately rejected, but out of anyone to voice such thoughts, it may as well be her. She knew that sometimes her methods and ideas were a bit… unorthodox for the order. Maybe it came from her military training from before, but ah well. She could take the heat if it were given. But that still left…. The impassivity had returned as that coldness returned to her eyes. PURGE. "Our kindness could only last so long sir. It is about time that such a group was created." Perhaps then her country would not have been decimated by the forces behind Stalin that had essentially fucked her country over for generations to come. "Who is leading them?" It was time to quit the grandiose and get down to the facts. THAT was what she wanted to know about them now.

[Sister Vetrov]

Frustration was a part of life now for the Templars. They had been assaulted at their most holy stronghold and had only barely escaped with their lives. Vetrov wasn't even there when the terrible event took place and she knew that countless others must have felt her same frustration and helplessness. It was no wonder that the ranged combat expert had been away trying to take out his anger. She would be doing the same if would help. However, firing rounds at the range did little for her. She would much rather be here, helping the old Master and keeping the faith strong. Not only that but she did so much prefer to hear the plans if the Order from it's source. Second hand information was often not correct.

As the Master described his plan to tell a decently crafted cover story to the paladin, Vetrov listened. Listened and walked across the room to a small table containing a tea pot and four tea cups. It had been brewed not long ago and was still piping hot. The sister poured four cups of the strong dark liquid. She wasn't sure if Paladin Vladimirovna would want any but better to be a good host then let other think ill of you. She placed a single cube of sugar into each cu and silently stirred the sugar in as the Grandmaster continued to speak. The cover story was easy to believe and easy to come up with. In this age of terror it was simple to place the label terrorist attack on an event and make it stick. Vetrov picked up the tray and walked slowly, making sure not to spill any of the tea, over to the desk between her two superiors. She set it down and quietly pushed a cup closer to each of them. Then took he other two in her hands and offered one to the assistant and took the other for herself.

She stood off to the side silently listening to the decision of the Grandmaster and the response of the Paladin. It was a good thing. There would be many wanting any chance at striking back at the damned bastards that did this to them. People like the Sister herself. She needed a righteous cause and unit to turn her fire outward. Not only that but she was one of the most experienced soldiers in the Templar's employ. She was a CQB specialist too, not many of those were in the ranks, not that she knew of anyway.The Russian Paladin's point was valid too. Who should lead it? It would need to be someone with great experience in the real world and a web of connections. Likely someone from Black Haven. Vetrov took another sip of her tea and then finally spoke up.

"If I may say so." she began in her usual soft tone. "We may want to keep this unit small. Limited to only an experienced strike force. Other wise it may draw more attention than we want."  Katya set her tea down on the corner of the desk and cleared her throat."I'm not sure if you already have people in mind for this new unit but I would like to volunteer. After all, I am experienced and I wish to find a way to make up for my absence when the order needed me the most." She would likely never be able to forgive her absence at that fateful moment. God would forgive her, but she may never.

[Amadeus Edge]

Amadeus took note of the seemingly satisfied smile that formed on Tatyana's face after he finished explaining his new plan. They had spent too much time being diplomatic, trying to turn their attentions elsewhere. But right when the ritualism seemed to slow, right when they just dropped off of their radar... They made their move, right when the Order didn't expect it. They killed good and innocent people and they defaced the once beautiful Vatican City. A bastion of peace filled with priceless renaissance art and architecture, all of which was reduced to a smoldering pile of rubble. The very thought was enough to make Amadeus clench his fists in a rare showing of emotion. When acting as a professional, his usual demeanor was nowhere to be seen. For now, Amadeus was speaking as The Grandmaster.

"A wise choice to tell the people. Because it isn't completely a lie, that group was new to us sadly." The Paladin shifted slightly in her seat, shifting her injured leg as she did so. It pained him to see his own people, his family, in such a state. Like the Grandmaster, she was extremely self reliant. Even though asking for help would be the best way to get something done, it was going to be her final option. Luckily, she was still young. Younger than him at least, I would be happy to donate some troops to other regions should they need them. I am afraid I do not know as much about the state of other regions as I should."

"Don't worry about that, Paladin. This group will be a joint operation between our own forces and those of civilian volunteers. We will teach them how to fight, how to shoot and how to act without mercy. For they will be shown none when the time comes for them to strike. It goes without saying that our civilian group will act exclusively in this dimension while the Templars we have will act in both. They may have amalgams and inferis-morphs, but we possess our augments and superior firepower. However, I appreciate the thought and will keep it in mind."

She went on to explain how she felt about the Demon Hunters. Ah, yes... Them. While the Order used to consist of their kind, they became unneeded as time passed. Amadeus held no ill will to them unless they meddled in their affairs. But the ones he knew of had already crossed paths with his own men. Namely, the Reverend, "We'll continue looking for and capturing the Demon Hunters that Reverend Smith encountered on his mission. Lazarus Carter, Yuuko Koizumi, Jerome Fontaine, Jinhong Jangmi and her sister, Pulean. Right now, they're organizing themselves. The Nephilim... A meaningful name, but they're far from the children of angels. The Koizumi Family was my mission and I failed. In a moment of weakness, I allowed the child, Yuuko, to live and sent her to the orphanage. I've come to regret that decision. Carter seems to be the acting leader from what information we gathered. I plan to speak with them at length soon enough, learn what their plans are and work together toward a common goal. After that, we strike and take them all. If they put up any resistance, pacify them the same way we deal with Ritualists."

As if a switch had been flipped, the Paladin was back to her cold and impassive look. She wanted to know more about PURGE. Who would lead them? Amadeus already had someone in mind, "Their leader will be someone who sits behind the scenes and gathers information about potential targets. They organize an entry, destruction, escape and cover up. While my decision my not be all that pleasing, the leader of this group is going to be Mr. White."

"We may want to keep this unit small. Limited to only an experienced strike force. Other wise it may draw more attention than we want."

"I've taken this into consideration, Good Sister. But thank you for the input."

"I'm not sure if you already have people in mind for this new unit but I would like to volunteer. After all, I am experienced and I wish to find a way to make up for my absence when the order needed me the most.

Of course she wanted to make up for it. The whole thing was a surprise and while Amadeus knew that there was no way for her to be present, the Good Sister still blamed herself for not being there. While she would have been a welcome addition, he doubted that the end result would have changed much, "As a matter of fact, I was going to request that you moved to this new group. Your volunteering was unexpected. Pleasant, but unexpected."

Amadeus clasped his hands behind his back and looked to Tatyana, "If I wanted Paladins to be a part of PURGE, then you would have been my first choice to lead the group. Unfortunately, I need all of you elsewhere. As a matter of fact, I've been taking many things into consideration. Everyone knows that the days I have remaining in this place are numbered. My health is steadily decreasing, and before I either die or retire I need to find someone to act as my replacement. My successor... We also need to fill the vacant Paladin slots. I'll leave that duty to you and your peers."

[Tatyana Vladimirovna]

"Don't worry about that, Paladin. This group will be a joint operation between our own forces and those of civilian volunteers. Her eyebrow raised at that as she straightened up slightly. Civilians? "We will teach them how to fight, how to shoot and how to act without mercy. For they will be shown none when the time comes for them to strike. It goes without saying that our civilian group will act exclusively in this dimension while the Templars we have will act in both. They may have amalgams and inferis-morphs, but we possess our augments and superior firepower. However, I appreciate the thought and will keep it in mind." Her lips tightened a little. Very well. That was his choice to make. It personally made her a little… uncomfortable, but actions did have to be taken.

It wasn't as if her suggestions about Demon Hunters wasn't just as radical in its own way. And his views… She was sure she was about to learn them, "We'll continue looking for and capturing the Demon Hunters that Reverend Smith encountered on his mission. Lazarus Carter, Yuuko Koizumi, Jerome Fontaine, Jinhong Jangmi and her sister, Pulean. Right now, they're organizing themselves. The Nephilim…" Yes… She recalled seeing a report float by amidst the paperwork that had slid across her desk. "A meaningful name, but they're far from the children of angels. The Koizumi Family was my mission and I failed. In a moment of weakness, I allowed the child, Yuuko, to live and sent her to the orphanage." She refrained from commenting on the matter, he was her superior officer and thus her own thoughts on the matter were invalid. Her expression remained quiet and attentive, "I've come to regret that decision. Carter seems to be the acting leader from what information we gathered. I plan to speak with them at length soon enough, learn what their plans are and work together toward a common goal." That… wasn't a yes, but it wasn't a no to her thoughts. She already knew in her gut what would come after that, and it was now that she turned towards the tea that the good Sister had served for them. "After that, we strike and take them all. If they put up any resistance, pacify them the same way we deal with Ritualists." Her fingers slipped about the loop for her cup and brought it to her lips, eyelids shutting slightly as she sipped at her tea. Now she knew where he stood. It seemed a little extreme to start killing them when they were perfectly good for killing more demons. Ah well. Honestly she wasn't the least bit surprised for she had expected her thoughts to be just that, thoughts. At least it was refreshing to be proved right on your own instincts she supposed. Mmm… tea wasn't bad.

Ah, but yes, PURGE. "Their leader will be someone who sits behind the scenes and gathers information about potential targets." Fair enough. "They organize an entry, destruction, escape and cover up. While my decision my not be all that pleasing, the leader of this group is going to be Mr. White." Her eyes flicked up at the name, her cup and saucer lowering into her lap as she stared at Amadeus. Mr. White? Damn right that wasn't a pleasing choice at all! "We may want to keep this unit small. Limited to only an experienced strike force. Other wise it may draw more attention than we want." She didn't look at the Sister when she spoke, but continued to stare a bit more piercingly than she meant to into the Grandmaster. That man was a lose cannon. He was inefficient, and the amount of collateral damage he caused-- "I've taken this into consideration, Good Sister. But thank you for the input." Blinking a couple of times she cleared her throat and sipped her tea again. Vetrov and Amadeus spoke quietly to each other, but Tatyana was caught thinking. There had to be a particular reason for that choice. God would she need a smoke after this meeting…

She remained quiet with her eyes slightly downcast, her assistant holding her own tea as she stood there all prim and proper observing her charge. "Miss Vladimirovna, are you--" "I'm fine. Thank you." Her voice was soft, but firm, and that was the end of that. But it appeared that the other two were done with their conversation as the Grandmaster now returned his attention to her. She sat up more and regained that impassive expression. For him to have seen that discomfort in her was of some concern in her mind, but she had not spoken her question outright. She was trusting that he knew what he was doing putting that man in charge of such a powerful group. Perhaps sending him away on hunts for Ritualists would keep him from destroying things on Earth. Or force him to stay put and not kill anymore innocents than he already had in his career with the Templars. "If I wanted Paladins to be a part of PURGE, then you would have been my first choice to lead the group. Unfortunately, I need all of you elsewhere." She merely bowed her head gratefully, recognizing that this was not a point to interject. "As a matter of fact, I've been taking many things into consideration." Her brows knitted slightly, "Everyone knows that the days I have remaining in this place are numbered. My health is steadily decreasing, and before I either die or retire I need to find someone to act as my replacement. My successor... We also need to fill the vacant Paladin slots. I'll leave that duty to you and your peers."

Her features creased as her lips tightened and the knitting of her brows deepened further. If there was one thing that they never quite wanted to acknowledge was… well… they were mortal. Eventually they would all have to die, and Amadeus was no exception. "Of course sir." She said quietly, her cup remaining in her lap now as her blue eyes rested upon him. "It would appear we had better convene a meeting of the current paladins then." She mused aloud, taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly. "Have you given any thought to candidates for your successor?" Perhaps it wasn't the most tactful question, but at this point, she may as well ask.

[Sister Vetrov]

This was a grim topic indeed. Vetrov knew that this meeting would not be a cheery one and that they would be discussing the terrible events that had unfolded already but it just seemed as though nothing good was being discussed here at all. Initially, Katya had thought the idea of PURGE was a good one. A group that moved secretly through the real world and hunted down the terrorist demon scum that sought to destroy everything holy would have been a powerful tool. However, that tool was being placed in the hands of a mad man. Not only was he difficult to get along with, by nearly everyone's account, he also had only minor leadership skills. However,it was not her place to question the decisions of the Grandmaster. Vetrov pulled her tea to her lips and took a sip of hot liquid as a feeble attempt to mask her uneasiness. She would follow her orders to a T, as long as he did not ask her to harm any civilians. She would not be a part of his collateral damage. Not now, not ever. She was a warrior of peace and God. He might not be but while he was her superior his CO was the Lord God and she would not harm his children. They were here to protect them after all.

Next topic on the table was the Grandmaster's failing health and the missing paladins. Two more things that Vetrov felt weak next to. She could not either save her role model for his inevitable fate nor could she fill a paladin seat or even vote. She was just a soldier after all. She was highly experienced but she had no political pull. Her only influence was to pray to their mighty Lord and hope he would answer. She did not pray for the Grandmaster to live though. She knew his time was nearing and it would be the Lord's plan to have him die at his time.No, instead she prayed that he be given wisdom and foresight. So that he might choose a new master with the most inspired mind. She often wondered who he might choose. She, of course, had imagined it being her but those thoughts were nothing but little dancing lights in her imagination. She was not powerful enough in the ways of battle nor strong enough in the knowledge of how this world works to be the Grandmaster. If she was chosen she would be honored, though she would have to decline. Vetrov's mind began to wander though. If she was picked, wouldn't that be part of the divine plan? Would not that mean that she was ready? Katya shook her head slightly as she focused her attention back on the matter at hand. No need for pointless wondering.

"Yes, Grandmaster, have you?" Katya repeated the paladin's question quietly and looked on to her old friend with her usual soft eyes. She wondered who it would be. Maybe Tatyana. Vetrov's parents had been under her control during their lives. She had treated them well. Vetrov had been moved to the convent at a young age though and had never had the opportunity to work with the Russian woman. She seemed to know what she was doing and had a knack for listening as well. Vetrov couldn't help but think that she might be the best person for the job. However, it was also likely that one of the Knights may be chosen to fill his seat. Vetrov could see that ending poorly. None were devoted and stable enough for the responsibilities of Grandmaster. Many were smart enough but those who shared enough devotion to the cause were often violent or bordering on mad. Vetrov took another sip of her tea. She was glad she did not have to make such a difficult choice.

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