Later...
Looking at the assembled members of the Bureau council, Regius was glad that this was one of the few meetings that was behind closed doors. Mostly because there was only a few high ranking Generals and Admirals that could pass decisions down, and something like this needed some backroom dealings to happen. Certain things just weren't meant to be aired out in public, after all.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," he spoke to everyone, getting their attention, "it has recently come to my attention that, as many of you probably know, there is a competing, criminal element searching for Lost Logia on Cranagan," Regius had a good idea of who it was too, "as such, certain things are in need of change if we are to combat this threat."
Allowing that to sink in for a moment, Regius leaned forward and continued to speak. "The newly formed Riot Force isn't your usual policing force. They were always intended to deal with threats that no normal mage or knight group could possibly hope to combat. That two of their best operatives ended wounded because they were constrained on a ridiculous level against an unknown enemy of at LEAST S Rank only shows that the current control system, while useful on normal mages, its a call for disaster or worse for members of this new unit. A unit, I might remind you, that was created to avoid the problems of red tape and be able to scramble quickly to a new threat."
Taking a deep breath, he continued on, "however, this incident left a very clear message. There are forces in the background that are, for some reason, gathering Lost Logia and other worrisome material, and they have shown to have operatives on the order of AAA to S Rank at the very least. Had those operatives gone up against a fair majority of the Bureau, we would not be here talking about this in a civilized fashion, but rather trying to place blame upon one another for deaths in the field. And so, if you all are ok with this, I will order an increase in the mass production of Shine Swords to all Ground Forces, and the deployment of the current reserve of Blaster Armors to the Elite TSAB Air Units on call for an emergency, while increasing the ratio of production of Blaster Armors. Any objections to this?"
When all he heard was a negative response, Regius nodded. "Before we go, however, a report landed on my desk this morning, concerning the activities of Internal Affairs. Concerning the matter of the incident that landed the two operatives of the Riot Force in the hospital was, in part, because of someone who, from my information, left the Bureau before graduating the academy, I am sad to say that I am greatly irritated with the way that Internal Affairs dealt with the matter of the deserter. They were expected to try to find the truth, if one of the Privates had been supplying her with information, only to have the officers in question attempt to enact a witch's hunt on two young recruits, not only were they deeply screened before joining the new unit, but they have a record of excellent service for the Bureau, in addition, one of them is the daughter of not only a known TSAB officer known by her integrity and service to the forces, and all but an insult to her, but also a renowned Colonel who leads his own division. While corruption should be investigated fully, we must do so with the thought that the people we are investigating are, in fact, people who may or may not be in a bad situation."
"What are you suggesting then?" One of the members spoke up and Regius looked at him with narrowed eyes. "Aren't you the one who's always harped on justice?"
"Indeed, but I am not so stupid as to think that people do not have skeletons and ghosts in the closet. Whatever happened between the two privates and the deserter happened, and it needs to be investigated, but remember, sometimes what you see is not always what you get. Remember that."
"I'm surprised," Auris said as she followed Regius down the hall after the meeting was over, "I thought you'd want to give those two a commendation."
Regius looked at his daughter. "Auris, there are times when pursuit of justice is, in itself, a criminal act." He then gave her a small grin. "Besides," he leaned in and whispered quietly, "I think that those two showing up is because of some... Dirty laundry."
Auris's pupils shrank and she nodded slowly. "Very well." That was probably something that was better left alone. "What are you going to do about the Internal Affairs investigation?"
"Nothing, nothing will turn up." He started to walk again and she followed him, "still, I'm going to give Yagami the okay to allow those two to continue on their missions," he didn't need to look to know that his daughter was surprised by that, "provided that they're in a group mission for now. I've got enough pull to turn this into probation for them."
Auris nodded and mentally bit her lip. 'You've changed, father... And I think it's for the better.'
"Make sure to give Zest a call, Auris." She blinked at that. "What is he up to right now?"
"Currently, he's working with the Navy on dealing with an active Lost Logia not too far from here," she adjusted her glasses, "it's not one that's too dangerous for him, but it was a little beyond the level of the group that was there. I'm rather surprised that he volunteered to help out."
Regius smiled grimly. "We're all part of the Bureau, Auris, no matter what, we're all part of the Bureau, and we all need to do our part to save lives and protect the sky."
See other episodes by Philip Weigel
(Posted Sat, 24 Dec 2011 02:30)
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