otherways - Knights of the Holy Order - Part I

[i_vanquish_evil]

Michael enters the front office of what had been the Cardinal's personal chambers. He tosses his bag to the floor and takes a look around - very little has changed.

He hears footsteps, then a gasp. "Uh, Michael. Um, sir. We weren't... well, we weren't expecting to see you around here again." The man swallows uncomfortably. "Ever."

"I figured as much." He pauses to let the man sweat a bit. "I need you to do something fo rme, Robert."

The man - Robert - swallows nervously again. "Um, sir?"

"Gather everyone in the main hall. Fifteen minutes. I need to make an announcement."

Robert blinks at him. "What kind of announcement?"

Michael only growls.

"Yes, sir. Right away. Fifteen minutes."

Michael nods. "Fifteen minutes exactly. Anyone not present will be asked to leave. No excuses."

"Yes, sir," Robert fires off again and disappears to gather everyone.


Michael would have made this announcement the day before, but Stephen had insisted they spend a day to themselves in the city. It had been a good idea; it had taken his mind off things for a bit, but now he was ready to move on.

He hears people beginning to gather in the main hall. To keep them guessing, he remains out of sight until it is time for him to speak.

Stephen remains in the shadows while Michael steps out to address the gathered crowd.

"Knights of the Holy Order, I've gathered you here to inform you that Cardinal deClerque has been relieved of his duties." He pauses a moment for the murmers to die down. "We have a new leader. One who is not a member of the Church, but is one of us." The crowd's attention is on him, he can feel it. He holds his head high and lets the silence extend for several seconds.

"I have stepped forward to lead the Order."

The reaction that follows is not what he had expected. Muttering and shouting and cries of a derrogatory nature meet his ears. While he hadn't expected cheers of joy, he hadn't expected this either.

He calls over the crowd: "IF YOU ARE NOT SATISFIED WITH THE DECISION I'VE MADE, YOU ARE FREE TO LEAVE AT ANY TIME." The rumble dies to a hush and he has their attention again. "I don't want anyone working for the Order who doesn't want to be here. Therefore, anyone who wishes to leave, may do so now, taking only their personal belongings with them."

It does not surprise him to see people beginning to file out before he's finished speaking. However, the number of people who leave is mildly staggering. Still, he shows no fear. "Those who remain will be subject to an interview to determine if they truly belong as Knights of the Holy Order."

The hush that had temporarily fallen over the crowd rose to a loud mummuring in the Great Hall.

"Interviews will be conducted behind closed doors and will begin immediately. All current operations are hereby suspended until futher notice. No one is to leave this hall until called for an interview." He steps back and turns to enter the office.

---

Everything is in place. The interviewees will enter through the main door, then, once their interveiw is concluded, will be escorted through another door either to the main exit or their quarters, based on Michael's decision.

Michael sits behind the desk, pen in hand, ready to take notes and directs the guard to bring in the first interviewee.

Angie is called first. "Heya, honey. Really didn't expect to see you again." She sits across the desk from him, folding one leg over the other, unconcerned that her skirt has shifted enough to afford him a view of her crotch.

Michael is unimpressed. "Why are you here? There is no way I'm keeping you on staff."

"But, honey, we have such history."

He looks up from his desk, eyes narrowed, face set in a scowl. "Get out before I throw you out."

In a huff, Angie rises from her chair and stomps toward the door she entered. Michael's hired sentries stop her. As he's taking notes without looking up from the desk this time, he points to the other door. "That way, Angie."






The next person enters and Michael asks him to sit as he makes a few notes on a file. Michael looks up and begins the interview. "Good morning, Giovanni. Am I correct in assuming you wish to continue your employ with the Order?" he asks in Italian.

The man nods. "Yes, sir. I love my work."

Michael frowns. "Don't kiss my ass."

"I'm not, sir. I enjoy working here. I use my chemistry schooling in ways I never thought I would be able to... sir."

This has Michael curious. "Oh? How so?"

Giovanni blinks and takes a moment to collect his thoughts. "I've been working on an anti-venom for vampires. Something that will work without killing either the victim or the one who bit him or the one bitten by him. So far we've only been able to temporarily cease the desire to feed, but I believe I've isolated the specific proteins."

Michael holds up a hand to stop the rush of explanation. "I have a few more questions." He finishes the interview and nods for Giovanni to be escorted back to his chamber.

"Thank you, sir."

"Don't thank me yet." He likes the kid though; reminds him of Stephen.


He asked for the next interviewee. This one strutted in with more arrogance than anyone had a right to exude. Michael was ready to dismiss him without a word, but decided to give him a fair shake.

"Sit down, Sergei."

"What's with the interrogations, Michael?"

Michael scowled across the desk at Sergei. "I'll be asking the questions."

Sergei was one of the field operatives who had been trying to make a name for himself within the Order for the last five years. He and Michael hadn't ever gotten along and it wasn't looking like that was going to change. However, field operatives took a long time to train and Sergei's track record was better than most.

"Are you willing to stop being an ass and follow my directives?"

Sergei snorted. "Now why would I do that? I modeled myself after you. If I follow directives, it's in violation of my personal protocol."

"You follow my orders or I bench you. Got it?"

"Sure. Until I forget."

Michael sighs and shakes his head. "Get out. Get some rest."