[u][b]Windsor State House[/b][/u]

“I see", President Traowski replied peevishly, clearly not pleased by what he had said. "I guess I’ll have to see what your Commodore Hackett has to say about the situation. I’ve already started to mobilize the Republican military, so I have some time before I can even begin to take my city back.”

With that, she turned her back to him again and the audience was over and Pendergast was ushered out of the office. Inquiries were made, and he learned of a nearby hotel where arrangements would be made for him and his escort. He didn't even have a change of clothes, but he'd make do....having grown up in a Regime where asceticism was a virtue made temporary hardships far more bearable. As they made their way to the hotel, Pendergast reflected on the brief conversation he had had with Traowski. She did seem determined to fight, and the chatter he picked up at the State House about arrests and summary executions made it clear that she was...however belatedly...finally cleaning house. He would suggest to Hackett that he offer the services of the Inquisitors with the relief force....they had long practice in finding Cult cells and pulling them up by the roots. 

But despite Traowski's irritation at the information he could provide....the meeting, in fact, had gone far better than he hoped. She had not asked the question he had been dreading to have to field.....Why, exactly, did the Brotherhood have a relief force eighteen hours steaming time from Detroit? Hopefully she never would. 


[u][b]Electric City - Throne Room[/b][/u]

“So", High Elder Gladstone intoned imperiously, "The Midwestern Brotherhood has at long last stepped foot inside the Western Brotherhoods halls. A momentous occasion for sure, so come, speak to me, what is it that Barnaky would desire? I think you will find that much has changed since our last meeting.”     

"What he has always desired, High Elder", Brother McCarthy, leader of the delegation replied, "To end the century long separation between us. He also has instructed me to extend his congratulations on your recent success against those who had challenged your lawful authority." He then continued. "In compliance with the agreement between your Lordship and Lord-Paladin Barnaky, I have come to you to present my credentials as the Midwestern Order's Ambassador to your Court."

Once the ceremony of presenting his credentials to the elder was concluded, Brother McCarthy continued. 

"If it pleases the High Elder", McCarthy said, "It is incumbent on me to notify you of a recent change in the state of affairs in the Midwest. In the Eastern part of what was the United States, a group has arisen that is a threat to civilization, if not the future of Mankind itself. Having recognized the severity of this threat, the Lord-Paladin has devoted all the power our Order can muster to destroying it. With your permission, I will read aloud Lord-Paladin Barnaky's official declaration regarding this group. 


[i]"The Capitol, Omaha, Nebraska

Whereas, the followers of the so-called Cult of Ug-Qualtoth have, in obedience to the commands, and encouragement of, the leaders of their so-called Faith have murdered many thousands of innocents, often in unspeakable ways, 

Whereas, they have embraced Mutants who once served the Master, and elevated them into the highest offices of their Regime, and gave them license to persecute any unfortunate enough to fall into their power,

Whereas, they use feral ghouls as a weapon of war routinely, 

Whereas, they intentionally misuse the relics and technology of the Old World, whether it is prohibited by the Codex, or not, to further their own malign ends,

Whereas, they condone, and even encourage, the practice of cannibalism,

Whereas, they have, since their unprovoked attack on forces of my Order in Cleveland seven years ago, committed so many unprovoked acts of subversion and aggression against my People, and innocents outside the lands held by my Order, that they would require many pages to make a full accounting, 

Whereas, the Cult aforementioned, has openly proclaimed itself a Enemy of the Brotherhood of Steel and of any sort of human civilization, 

I, Simon Barnaky, Elder and Lord-Paladin of the Midwestern Order of the Brotherhood of Steel, by the authority vested in me, do hereby proclaim that for the good of Mankind, and to vindicate the injustices they have showered upon my people, the group known as the Cult, and all it's works, must and shall be Scourged from the face of this Earth. To that end, I command all those subject to my authority to provide their utmost effort to this Sacred task. Furthermore, I respectfully call upon our Brothers and Sisters in other Orders to join us, and our allies outside the Order, in eliminating a threat to all no less dire than that presented to the World by the Master and the Enclave.

Finally, I hereby give fair warning that any person, or political entity, who knowingly supports the Cult and obstructs the effort to implement my Command shall be considered to be de facto allies of the Cult, and therefore Enemies of the Brotherhood, and treated accordingly.

Signed by my hand this day in the Council Chambers at the Capitol

Simon Barnaky

Elder and Lord-Paladin
Midwestern Order of the Brotherhood of Steel"
[/i]

"High Elder", Brother McCarthy said as he bowed respectfully, "My Lord has sent with us, for your perusal, evidence that will substantiate the charges that justify issuance of such a grave and terrible command. We await your pleasure."