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"What sort of help are you looking for?" asked Hector.

"In a word? Manpower." The captain allowed a beat to pass, looking Hector up and down. "But also, you clearly have some... formidable defenses about you. Perhaps of a particular kind, hmm? That type of expertise is quite useful in circumstances like these."

Hector could appreciate the captain's cautious wording. Trying not to say too much. But still trying to be informative. It was a delicate balance that he'd struggled with plenty of times himself. It wasn't necessarily about trying to conceal anything from Hector, he figured. Perhaps Bartholomew was concerned about accidentally revealing something that Hector might've preferred to stay secret, thereby jeopardizing the Vanguard's chances of enlisting Hector's help.

That was the charitable interpretation, at least.

"I can't promise anything," said Hector, "but if you leave us with the location of your headquarters, then we'll see about dropping by if we can find the time."

Bartholomew made no response, choosing instead to merely stare at Hector.

What might be going through his head now? The aura wasn't revealing anything--or if it was, then Hector couldn't tell due to how abnormal it felt.

After a while of lingering silence, Hector felt like he needed to add something. "As I said, the safety of our prince comes first. I'm not sure he'll even want to leave after we find him, but if he does, then I'd rather do so immediately. Meaning I can't guarantee that we'll be sticking around long enough to help you."

"...I see," said Bartholomew. "I'd heard that you were actually quite the 'busybody.' In a good way, of course, And I know it's a bit unfair, but honestly, I can't help feeling a little disappointed."

Hmm. "And who did you hear that from?" said Hector.

"Oh, I couldn't possibly betray their confidence. If I start doing that, then the next thing you know, nobody'll be telling me anything."

Abruptly, Hector didn't feel like beating around the bush. "It was either Carl Rondel or the Magician of Light."

The kid chortled. His laugh had an odd level of gravitas that didn't match his frame. "Apologies, but I must still decline to answer."

Hector wasn't quite sure what was funny. Perhaps it had been a mistake to name drop Xander like that, but Hector felt like he would've had to do it sooner or later, if only to see if it opened up any extra doors for them.

Didn't seem to be doing that right now, unfortunately.

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'Sounds like you're expecting another attack any moment now,' said Voreese.

"Indeed," said Bartholomew. "We've captured or otherwise subdued nearly a hundred infiltrators, but they have all been operating in stealth. No leading figures or major players as of yet."

"But you're sure that it's Jercash's work?" said Hector.

"That's what my bosses tell me," said the kid. "They know him better than I do. I've never had the misfortune of meeting him personally."

'Me neither,' said Voreese. 'And I'm hoping that never changes.'

The captain smiled. "A woman after my own heart."

'Hah! Precocious little fella, aren'tcha? Y'know, I've got a friend who'd probably be falling head over heels in love with you, right now.'

That gave everyone in the group pause as they looked at the reaper for a moment.

'What? Not me. An actual old friend. She always had a thing for an experienced mind in an adorable package. I mean, yeah, it was kinda weird, but... Oh, she's a reaper, though, so it's not as, uh, well, er--'

"Anyway," said Roman, "is there any more information you can give us on when this attack will happen?"

"At any moment, just as you said." Bartholomew bobbed his head to the side, seeming to think about how he might be able to give a better answer. "Perhaps you would like to return with me to our local headquarters? If you have any niche questions, then I am sure one of our specialists there could answer them for you."

Another pause arrived as everyone digested that suggestion.

"...That's quite the invitation," said Hector carefully. "But from the sound of things, we shouldn't bother you guys when you're obviously so busy."

Bartholomew held his gaze for a second. "Well, maybe we could use a bit of your help, too."

Ah. Hector had been wondering if the conversation would go in this direction. It was either this or threats, he'd figured. He much preferred this one, though he still had to be cautious, of course.

Just because the young captain was phrasing it this way didn't mean that the Vanguard viewed their small group as non-threatening. Perhaps Bartholomew was just trying to be diplomatic first, before resorting to force.

Hector didn't sense any new arrivals around the building, but still. He knew enough about how the Vanguard operated by now to know that he shouldn't just blindly trust whatever they said.

Next page on June 3rd

Longer break, I know. I'm sorry. Need the time, though. I'll try to have a steady schedule of pages for you when I come back, though. Thanks for reading, as always.