Alexa wasn't certain how she ought to react to her superior's statement about Dominica. She wasn't [i]incorrect[/i], of course, but at the same time if there were issues with her conduct, they ought to be relayed directly, should they not? So, she simply nodded, and with plenty of time to consider that matter and no set role in Lisbeth's plan, her thoughts gradually drifted back toward Athega Tertius. A lifetime ago, that felt like, but even then Sister Dominica had shown a great deal of violence in her conduct, especially after the death of her fellow Sister at the time.

That had been a simple mission, though. Defeat the local forces and acquire information that found itself unforthcoming. What they did now felt... complicated. Part of her seemed to shy away from conflict, a part she'd believed seared out by the Schola and Convent alike, but which saw freedom to emerge when facing social interaction and stealth. Perhaps seeing a fellow Sister perish without her being able to do a thing, or else losing contact with many of her fellows, had damaged her somehow?

Or was she merely losing faith? Not even in the God-Emperor, but in her own ability. She'd need to submit herself for internment to the Sisters Repentia if it were the former... and yet, surely the latter was tied to the former? It was an unnerving question, and part of her wondered if it'd be better for her to be more like Sister Lisbeth in kind... but, she wouldn't have been installed as part of Inquisitor Horacio's coterie if she was incapable. She knew she had plenty of skill, in giving and taking life, and she'd proven both were solidly capable; it was just a case of trusting her prior experience, ensuring proper compassion was not lost on those who required it, and delivering the Emperor's justice to those who had forsaken compassion.

Soon, the time came for the ambush. Sister-Celestian Victorine's went swimmingly; Sister Lisbeth's, not quite so much. She'd secured a mortal blow, at least.

Which meant what she did next, gruesome as it was, was utterly needless. The sort of sickening end she'd expect a heretic to bring to another person, not a fellow Sororitas. Worse, it was [i]loud[/i], too loud, the impacts seeming to be quiet indeed next to the deafening sound of Lisbeth forcibly lobotomising him. By the time Alexa rounded the corner, she could do no more to help than stare bewildered at the sight.

And without further comment, she simply took his weapon, and looked to Sister-Celestian Victorine for further instruction.

No. This could not stand. Torture was a necessity, barely enjoyable only in how it brought proper safety to the Imperium both by the information brought and by terrifying others into spilling their secrets and repenting. Now Alexa agreed more thoroughly with the Sister-Celestian, for surely something was wrong with doing [i]this[/i] to the Emperor's enemies.

'Sister Lisbeth. We have sarissas. It'd be worth using yours to finish the fallen [i]quickly.[/i]' For once, she'd have appreciated the faulty helmet vox; as it was, she had to restrain her usual alliance, and set her voice firm as she could when murmuring, and grind her teeth afterward about needing to put herself in as an apparent blockade. A longer discussion of Lisbeth's faith and anger ought to be merited, as they had had back at the Hive Spire so long ago, but they didn't have the time or the safety for it.

It'd have to wait, then. For now, Alexa turned in kind to the Sister-Celestian, seeking her orders once more.

[@Jb][@Andreyich][@jbeil]