[center][color=#f0b333][h1]#5[/h1][/color][/center][hr][hr]
[color=lightgray]Five retracted his palm as soon as he noticed the general’s arrival, who warned him against his action. Number two handler’s reaction was extreme, but the knife waving did not perturb him any. He did, however, drop to his knees, for it was the only way he could think of to show that he meant no harm. [color=#f0b333]“My apologies,”[/color] he said. Mary, who had come to stand by his side, ran a hand through his hair.

Then, a personage of far greater import arrived, stealing his entire attention. [color=#f0b333]“Your Excellency,”[/color] he greeted, reverence colouring his tone. His handler echoed the greeting.

A screeching grinding resounded throughout the building, calling to mind car crushers. Five wondered for a split second if a great beast had ascended from hell, its claws reaching out to wreck the Rookery to bits.

But no, a steady hum a moment later reassured him. All was well.

Except not. That illusion was shattered by Valentine.

[i]A stolen bow from the Vatican?[/i]

They were told to climb the stairs. The general and archbishop included.

Five was convinced the archbishop at least, should have taken the elevator. He was inclined to offer to carry the man – but then, that might be rude. [color=#f0b333]“Mary…”[/color] he whispered, glancing from the archbishop to her. She smiled faintly, and patted his head. [color=white]“Yeah, let’s go.”[/color]

The nun hurried towards Geal, and caught up to him before the first staircase. [color=white]“Your Excellency, please allow us to accompany you.”[/color] Five and his handler walked behind the man at a respectful distance, though always keeping him in their line of sight. 

They arrived at the conference room, where a great number of people were milling about. Thankfully for Five, none were paying attention to him. He took a seat on the fifth chair on one side, while Mary sat on his left. They both listened attentively. Mary frowned when she saw the video, and Five…Five shifted very minutely, staring blankly. In his heart, however, he was infuriated.

A Holy artifact, stolen and handled by infidels? This must not be.

Sensing Micah's unrest, his handler briefly laid a calming palm on his thigh. [color=white]“Your Excellency, General, if I may,”[/color] Mary spoke up quietly. However, as she went on, her voice was firm, determined. [color=white]“I believe it is of the utmost importance that we retrieve Vatican’s artifact and return it to its rightful place.”[/color] Her lips pursed as she glanced towards eleven’s handler. [color=white]“Though…its power worries me. I know this is highly sensitive information, but do we have at least an idea how it may be combated?”[/color] she queried.

[color=white]“Either way, Five could safekeep it once it is reclaimed. Of course, I will leave the decision where to assign him to you. He could keep our allies’ bodies out of enemy hands just as well,”[/color] Mary concluded.[/color]