JakubJerboa

[ Was it enough? ] ⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅ “Zygmunt” I cannot tell who whispered it. The days blur as I stand upon a precipice, those grey pines around me like basalt pillars, stretching infinitely upwards. I’ve been here before. I see her again. “Zygmunt” That golden hair and gentle face, a brotherly smile “Frederick” His name brings a smile to my face. He was always there, I remember. “I’m so tired… Frederick, so very tired” “I can't say I'm surprised. You've given your life to Adria.” He'd hum, quietly. “…The others are a bit too young to remember when we were both young adults. You never really… took time for yourself, did you? It was always work.” Was he right? I look upon my calloused hands, those which held the hammer that raised Belgrade from nothing upon the banks of the Glassbrook, made a home for a shattered people. Now pale and thin. Everything I have done, I have done for Adria Who if not me? I pondered, this was my purpose, I believed, my only duty. And yet I ask myself: “Was it enough?” The rest of Frederick’s words fade from my memory. ⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅ “Your Grace?” My eyes clear, the air in the room feels heavy, the mixed smells of perfumed nobles and sweaty peasants straight from the fields mixes in my nostrils, I turn my head with great effort to the Knight besides me, but his face remains blurred to me, I turn to another voice, and a figure, as clear as day. “Zygmunt” That incessant shadow. Following me in the corner of my eye, mocking my every move. I grasp the pendant upon my neck, that blackened turtle of cursed stone from a broken land, and I see her recoil, only every so slightly. “Of all those around me… you have followed me the longest” Her expression is a blur to me, but I see her clearly, standing in the centre of the hall where none other stands, standing expectantly, waiting. And I sit there, watching her, long have I awaited to shake the hand of fate, like the dusk awaiting dawn, without a thought I rise, the pendant slipping through my fingers as I approached, the figure is no longer there, but my path is clear. ⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅ I barely feel the cold mud beneath me, sitting in the shade of the birch boughs, and she’s there again. “I’ve waited” “As have I” I admit. Before her cold hand reaches into my heart and my soul leaves my body, I wonder if I had done enough.

DUCAL LETTERS FOR THE BARONY OF MONTEREINE. In the year 651 of the Age of Ascension. ☩ TO THE CITIZENS OF THE DUCHY OF ADRIA, It is the responsibility of the Ducal Coronet to reward its faithful subjects with titles befitting their rank, station, and abilities. As such, we confer unto Castille Fontaine the Barony of Montereine in recognition of extraordinary merit. Its associated titles, fee and privileges are to be held as the exclusive and perpetual right of Castile Fontaine and his lawful heirs. As any loyal vassal of Adria, the Baron receives the right to counsel his liege, and is so entitled to a seat in the Ducal Duma. In turn, we charge Baron Fontaine and his heirs with the upkeep of common and ecclesiastical properties, the maintenance of levies, and the enforcement of laws. His rights, liberty, and property are under the aegis of the Duchy of Adria - and in turn, he is obliged to raise his sword in defense of our sovereignty. May this decision bring glory and prosperity to Adria and may the House of Fontaine never fail in its duties to our Duchy. His Grace, Zygmunt Euler, Duke of Adria, Count of Eulersburg & Defender of Dumacracy

ON THE DWARVES OF ADRIA DECRETA ADRIAE. In the year 647 of the Age of Ascension ☩ Toward the end of the successful Urguan campagin many dwarves had become disillusioned with the Grand Kingdom's leadership and its willingness to sacrifice its people for a dying cause, following the conclusion of the war a number of these dwarves chose to seek refuge in the Duchy of Adria, ancestral home to a number of dwarf clans in years past. With the blessing of the Emperor, Hadrian I it is decreed: THE DWARVES OF ADRIA ARE EXEMPT FROM THE IMPERIAL KILL ON SIGHT ORDER. It is found that any dwarf residing in Adria or seeking refuge within Adria is exempted from the imperial kill on sight order, to be eligible for this protection a dwarf must renounce any ties to the former Urguani government and pledge an oath of loyalty to the Duchy and reigning Duke. Those found seeking to harm a loyal servant of the Duchy will be swiftly brought to the edge of the realm and thrown out of its borders. Ave Adria HIS GRACE, Zygmunt Euler, Duke of Adria, Count of Eulersburg & Defender of Dumacracy

[ Tʜᴇ Hɪꜱᴛᴏʀʏ ᴏꜰ Hᴏᴜꜱᴇ Eᴜʟᴇʀ ] ⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅ 「I」 Uʟʀɪᴄʜ Eᴜʟᴇʀ « Atlas » If the old records can be trusted, Ulrich was born in the year 1670 of the First Age. He is the first of the family to be remembered by name, although little is known about him. His father, whose name is unknown, was a mostly unsuccessful merchant in Carolustadt, the capital of the First Empire of Man. After a brief service in the Imperial Legion and the House of Draskovitz, Ulrich moved to Belvitz, where he remained until the September Prince forced the descendants to migrate from Atlas to Arcas. Little is known afterwards, besides the fact that he once more joined the Guardforce of Adria and later the Republic of Ves, during which he had three sons with an Adunian woman - Albrecht, Wilhelm, and Wolfram. ⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅ 「II」 Aʟʙʀᴇᴄʜᴛ, Wɪʟʜᴇʟᴍ & Wᴏʟꜰʀᴀᴍ ᴀɴ ᴀɢɪɴɢ ᴀʟʙʀᴇᴄʜᴛ ᴇᴜʟᴇʀ. « Renzfeld, Arcas » These three aforementioned sons went on to settle within the land of Adrian Sarkozic, who was able to reclaim the title of the Duchy of Adria. There, they labored hard as the workforce and architects of a small expansion of Renzfeld. They made a fine living for themselves as servants of both the Duke and the Duchy, and even caused a second war with the Duchy of Lorraine. It so happened that one of the enemy soldiers scorched the fields of the Eulers and was chased away by an angered Albrecht up until the gates of their Keep, where he beat him up. The Lorrainians began rallying their forces, and so did Adrians under Duke Adrian of Adria - Yet they were not alone, support came from Kaedrin and others, for the Emperor had chosen their side. It was a long stalemate in front of the castle until the Lorrainians abandoned it without a fight, leaving in shame. Adria annexed the land, and the Eulers razed the Lorranian castle that was far too ugly for their architectural sense. In its place, forests, fields, and a lovely lake were created. Yet all was not well for Duke Adrian of Adria became too ambitious - his eyes were set upon the Imperial Throne, which was ravaged by instability and chaos. The Eulers, loyal Adrians supported this Adrian takeover of the Empire, and with the support of Kaedrin and Haense, Duke Adrian of Adria was named Lord Protector of the Empire. Instead of thanking the Eulers for their loyalty, they were forced to move into the Imperial capital of Helena, which they mostly rejected alongside their de Ruyter allies. After a long back-and-forth, they were allowed to keep their original land under the now de Ruyter Counts of Harlingen, due to one ally, Peter Sarkozic, brother to Adrian Sarkozic. Yet chaos continued after Adrian de Sarkozy’s untimely death. Peter, as they had hoped, did not succeed his brother as ruler, and the discontent with the Adrian ‘Novellen’ dynasty of the Empire grew amongst the Eulers, and they dispersed. Eventually, Albrecht would not see Adria’s return and spend the rest of his days planning and building cities for Kaedrin, Vaelya, and later even the Imperial Elves. During this time in Kaedrin, he met and befriended Marianna Dubois, an elf who supported his career and nearly got him elected as Mayor of Owynsburg. With his wife Gunhilde, Albrecht had a son named Josef who would eventually father Jan, Stefan, and Erik. ⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅ 「III」 Jᴀɴ, Sᴛᴇꜰᴀɴ, & Eʀɪᴋ ᴊᴀɴ, ꜱᴛᴇꜰᴀɴ ᴀɴᴅ ᴇʀɪᴋ 'ʀᴇᴘᴏꜱꜱᴇꜱꜱ' ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟʏ ꜱʜɪᴘ. « Velec, Almaris » After a prolonged absence from the public eye, the Euler family received a curious letter to their quiet countryside home. It was written by Heinrik Sarkozic, addressing Jan Euler and his siblings. In it, the Sarkozic detailed his hopes for an Adrian resurgence spearheaded by himself and notable Adrian families–such as the Eulers, who while of little note were well regarded for their loyalty in the times of Renzfeld. Thus, the three brothers set out from their home and sought the Adrian camp near Eastfleet. There, they found an impassioned and burgeoning community of people with hopes of establishing a home for themselves. Thus, they each took to how they thought they might contribute best–Jan, the eldest, was a talented hunter, fisherman and leader. Stefan, a pacifist, was the camp cook and alchemist aspirant. Erik, deeply religious, sought the cloth. Of this time, many stories are told of the brothers and their exploits, individual and collective. Most famous is the tale that they had sought out a ship constructed by their predecessor Albrecht which had been occupied by someone else. In the dead of night, the three Eulers boarded the ship and sailed away. They were ‘repossessing’ their property, which would soon lead to the tradition of whale hunting and the well-regarded Adrian Whale Steak being created by Stefan. This period in time was one of tremendous growth for the resurgent Duchy, where the Eulers were a staple. They ran the tavern and socialized frequently. Stefan had been elected Mayor and for their constant contributions, Jan had been made a Baron and the family ennobled. They were wealthy and well-liked, and the creation of the Barony of Eulersburg marked the peak of Velec-era Eulerdom, the family having truly achieved a great deal. ⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅ 「IV」 Jᴀɴ & Sᴛᴇꜰᴀɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʏᴇʟʟᴏᴡ ʙᴇʀᴇᴛꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴇᴜʟᴇʀꜱʙᴜʀɢ, ᴄᴏɴᴠᴇʀꜱɪɴɢ. « Veletz & Numendil, Aevos » During the final days of Almaris the ever-loyal Eulers followed their gracious duke Heinrik Sarkozic to victory in the Adrian war of Independence, unlike many of the other Adrian noble families at the time. With their arrival in Braevos and the formation of the League of Veletz the brothers Jan and Stefan remained at the side of Heinrik’s son, Duke Markus Sarkozic, erecting a sister-keep opposite the keep of Alderbserg, and; in line with the strong martial nature of the new League; formed the ‘Yellow Berets’ a professional yet short-lived Landsknecht levy. Stability for the Eulers would not last, assailed once more by the forces of evil during the Braevos Coalition war, Euler men fought at every major engagement of the war, while the coffers of Eulersburg were emptied for the war effort. Despite their courage and tenacity the keeps of the League slowly fell, in a final desperate attempt at diplomacy, the Captain-General Gaspard passed the leadership of the league unto Duke Markus Sarkozic, who, seeing the League on the verge of collapse and considering the survival of his people paramount, surrendered to the coalition. At the same time the Duke struck a deal with the King of Haense, in a clever act of political maneuvering abolishing the Dumapalooza, thus ensuring the Ducal title of Adria may never again fall into Haenser hands. Adria for the Adrians. Humbly the Eulers followed their liege lord and their people into exile, to the Kingdom of Numendil. The Adrian keeps of Eulersburg and Aldersberg were emptied and all possessions evacuated into the Adrian refugee ghetto within the city of Numenost. Shortly after Duke Sarkozic’s surrender the Baron Jan Euler vanished. Whether he had perished in some final skirmish with Coalition forces shortly prior to the end of the war or self-exiled himself in the shame of surrender is unknown, but the Barony of Eulersburg passed on to his brother, Stefan. The remaining Eulers under Baron Stefan coalesced with the surviving Adrians; their numbers a fraction of what they were during the days of Heinrik Sarkozic; their focus now: rebuilding their home and ensuring the survival of their people and traditions. In this they were aided by the sudden arrival of the enigmatic ‘Turtle Knight’, the spirit of the Eulers made flesh. During the Baron Euler’s absences due to his spiritual retreats into the wilds; a sacred Euler tradition; The Turtle Knight represented the Barony and often, the Adrian people as a whole, serving as a personal guard to the Crown Prince and later Tar-Anorhil as well as the aging Duke Markus. Under the Knight’s strict instructions and watchful gaze the township of Beznov rose upon the slopes of the mountains on the southern edges of the Midlands, ever in sight of their old home. It was the beginning of a quiet era of stability for Adria and the Eulers, the frail Duke Markus eventually stepped down, and the sacred Adrian Duma was called for the election of a new Duke, with little surprise the charismatic Baron Stefan Euler was elected, ruling his people from atop the Ivory Tower of Eulersburg overlooking the quiet Duchy until his quiet passing. ⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅ 「V」 Fʀᴇᴅ, Zʏɢᴍᴜɴᴛ & ᴛʜᴇ Rᴇꜱᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛᴜᴛᴇʟʙᴜʀɢ ꜰᴏʀᴇꜱᴛ, ᴀʀᴏᴜɴᴅ ʙᴇᴢɴᴏᴠ ᴀɴᴅ ᴇᴜʟᴇʀꜱʙᴜʀɢ. « Idunia, Aevos » With the passing of Stefan Euler, the title Count of Eulersburg was passed onto his great grandson Zygmunt, regarded as a scholar and historian. This too signalled the passing of the torch, the last of the Velec generation had perished and the young, new Eulers held the future of the family in their hands. A populated generation of young, bold Eulers had begun making waves in the Kingdom of Idunia. Alongside the aforementioned Count Zygmunt, his cousin Frederick had made a name for himself as a military man, ascending to Knighthood after many years of service to Tar-Zôrzagar. His younger brothers Isak, Severin and Baudemund had all distinguished themselves in the War against Drusco, the family fervent in their participation. Too had Konstanze, Zygmunt’s aunt, returned to help guide the younger Eulers with her fiery patriotism. She was noted for having felled many a Druscan, despite a distinct lack of combat training. Others too, who will no doubt etch their names into the history books of the faithful family. Where the coming years will lead the family, only time will tell. But there is great hope among us all that a golden age is to come. ⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

SUMMONING OF THE DUCAL ELECTORS: HIGH DUMA OF THE EXILIC DUCHY OF THE ADRIANS. CONVENTUS ADRIAE. In the year 83 of the Age of Redemption and the Age of Resentment. ☩ BY THE FREE WILL OF THE DUMA AND THE ELECTED MANDATE OF THE EXILIC DUKE, THIS MISSIVE IS ISSUED IN THE SPIRIT OF A UNITED ADRIAN PEOPLE, GUIDED BY THE PRINCIPLES OF HONOR, DUTY, LIBERTY, FRATERNITY, VALOR, AND WISDOM. THROUGH THIS COMMUNICATION, WE SHARE WITH YOU THE AFFAIRS AND STATECRAFT THAT SHAPE OUR FREE AND RESILIENT DUCHY. ‘LO UNTO THE DUCAL ELECTORS & THE ADRIAN PEOPLE, My Dear Adrians, we stand now upon the precipice of a new age. The feeble and elderly Duke Mateusz Sarkozic lies bedridden deep within the keep of Aldersberg. Yet even now as his health fails him, his eternal wisdom has prevailed, and the Duke has decided to abdicate the ducal seat. The HIGH DUMA is called! In accordance with Adrian tradition and the spirit of Dumacracy, every eligible elector listed within this missive is summoned to the Township of Beznov [3PM EST, 6th SEPT] to fulfill their sacred duty to the Duchy and to Dumacracy. To deliberate and cast their vote, deciding the future of the Adrian people. ELECTORAL DECREE: The Duma shall consist of the following categories of electors, each carrying the weight of Adrian tradition and the voices of their constituents. All electors are urged to present themselves promptly, accompanied by appropriate retinues and prepared to deliberate upon the matters at hand. I. NOBILITES ADRIATI The Nobles of Adria bear the greatest voting power in the Duma, reflecting their stewardship over the lands and fealty to the Exilic Duchy. Each noble elector wields one vote, representing the strength of their holdings and their commitment to the Adrian realm. i. The Exilic Duke of the Adrians, Mateusz Sarkozic; ii. The Count of Aldersberg, Mateusz Sarkozic; iii. The Count of Eulersburg, Zygmunt Euler; iv. The Baron of Madvon, Adelmar von Kanunberg; v. The Abbot of Owynswood, Cardinal Vasyl of Montfort. II. EQUITES ADRIATI The Knights and Scholars of Adria, revered for their service, wisdom, and valor, hold significant influence within the Duma. Each Equite is granted one vote, symbolizing their merit-based contributions to the Exilic Duchy. i. Alexios Cardinal St Emalyne; ii. Sir Aslan Vargmark; iii. Sir Rickard Vladov; iv. Sir Frederick Euler; v. Sir Mateusz Sarkozic; vi. Dame Zofia Suzecz III. PATRICII ADRIATI Each Burghers and Artisans of Adria, who embody the prosperity and industrious spirit of the Exilic Duchy, carry one vote in the Duma. Their voices reflect the mercantile heart of Adria’s economy. i. Burgher Josef Euler; ii. Burgher Regina Bluecrest; IV. CROWS ADRIATI Each Noble Houses with Ties to the Founding Houses of Sarkozic and Vladov carry one vote, representing the shared legacy of their historical role in Adrian statehood. i. Sarkozic var Aldersberg; ii. Suzecz; iii. Tuvyic; iv. Vladov. V. CROWS PROPIUS Each Lord Crows of Prominent Carrion Houses, with direct historical ties to Adria, bear one vote, contributing to matters of general governance. However, their votes are nullified in existential questions concerning Adria’s sovereignty. i. Barbanov; ii. Basrid var Susa; iii. Ivanovich; iv. Kovachev; v. Rostova; vi. Sarkozic var Helena. VI. CROWS EXTERIUS The Distant Carrion Houses, while granted a spectator seat in the Duma, collectively wield one vote as a bloc. This vote is excluded from existential decisions about the Duchy’s legacy. i. Ludovar; ii. Montalt; iii. Ruthern var Haense. PROCLAMATION OF CONVENTION: The High Duma shall convene on the appointed date of [3PM EST, SATURDAY 6TH SEPT], at the Duma Hall of Beznov. Let every eligible elector attend and fulfill their duty to the Exilic Duchy, as mandated by the Dumageddon Doctrine, and the enduring spirit of Adrian Dumacracy. His Grace, the Exilic Duke of the Adrians, Mateusz Sarkozic. HIS LORDSHIP, Zygmunt of the House Euler, Regent of the Adrians, Count of Eulersburg

Zygmunt basked in the light of the newly risen sun as he ascended the Ivory Tower. A quiet sigh upon finding his predecessor, passed away in well-deserved peace. He sat besides Stefan for a while, as the new reality set in, before descending from the Tower with a sense of purpose, and handful of letters.

"A man needs titles like a fish needs a bike" The Turtle Knight collapsed into a padded seat deep within the halls beneath the Ivory Tower "Yes, Yes, my Duke, I too hope no one will associate this bizarre title hungry fellow with the true Duchy of the Adrians" The Turtle nodded along to the Duke Euler, glancing ever so often at the coat of arms at the top of the missive.

"God I love Dumacracy" The Turtle Knight would be heard saying, standing besides the seemingly Immortal Stefan Euler as he ascended his Ducal throne.

The Turtle Knight sat in silence, contemplating the Markus' wildly fluctuating health.

The Turtle Knight and his retinue descended calmly from their Ivory Tower with a sense of purpose. "The head is soaring" he exclaimed to those near him "God bless Adria"

fumble of the century caught in 4k... listen man i don't want to talk about it.... im going through a hard time ok....

From the peak of the Ivory Tower The Turtle Knight gazed upon the brilliantly written missive from his favourite aspiring Knight of Garenbrig, quietly exclaiming "The fish needs a bike" to the empty room.

________________________________________________________________________ From the Ivory Tower looming over the town of Beznov the Turtle Knights descend, calmly and with a sense of purpose, clad in thick, heavy plates and iconic turtle shell backs, slowly but surely lumbering ever onwards in near silence for their noble cause. ________________________________________________________________________ Born from the mind of the late Baron of Eulersburg, Sir Jan Euler in the final days of the League of Veletz, the Turtle Knights were formed to be the living bulwark for the Adria people in those dark times. So humbly did they endure the defeat of the League and exile of their people, leading the shattered remnants of the once free Adria alongside the Exilic Duke to Numendil, and building a new home for Adrians upon the pine covered slopes of Mount Hugues. With the town of Beznov near completion, and the Turtle Knights consolidated into the Knights of the Ivory Tower, the head of the order, The Turtle Knight; knighted by the Duke Markus Sarkozic himself during their exile; finds the time suitable to finally open the order to aspirants. The Order of the Ivory Tower piously serves Adria, Numendil and Canondom, the Turtle Knights oath-bound to strike at evil that walks the earth as any other knights, but also; though they are no priests; safeguard the minds and spirit of those around them, uplifting and guiding them in their times of need, for the darkness that clouds the mind can be as harmful as the evil that stalks the forests. ________________________________________________________________________ Way of the Turtle Despite being a ‘Knightly’ order, the Turtle Knights are in many aspects considered unorthodox in their dogma and traditions, their values and beliefs shaped by the experiences of their; the Adrian; people. The Turtle Knights primarily live by the Way of the Turtle, a list of tenets authored by the wise and honourable sage, Lord Stefan Euler: Through the long nights and dark times that plague the lands, you must be a beacon of hope and positivity that can inspire and uplift those around you. Spread cheer where cheer is needed, disperse negativity in swathes. When evil arises, and preys upon the innocent, a true Turtle will stand tall and protect them, for it is your duty to help those who need helping and to protect those who have no shell of their own. A true Turtle sees violence as a necessary tool against the servants of Iblees, but not fellow man, for the knights respect all GOD-given life, and will never seek conflict or do needless violence upon others, unless in absolute necessity for the protection of others. A true Turtle is a diplomat as well as a fighter, for words resolve that which fists often cannot. Patience is a virtue that a true Turtle follows closely, for the hasty hare rarely wins the race. There is time for action and time for rest and contemplation, and you must balance these two closely if you seek to master yourself. A turtle’s memory is long, and thus you shall remember those who brought you up and kept you close. Your home is sacred and you must protect it and all who dwell therein, for they are your kin and the soul is not whole without friends and family. Embrace humility and selflessness, a true Turtle rejects all glory and renown, accepting no reward for their actions, nor boasting their deeds. Do not fight for glory, honor or gold in tournaments or duels, for glory leads to pride festering in the heart, and pride is the downfall of man. ________________________________________________________________________ Ranks of the Turtle Just as their goal, the hierarchy of the order is simple and straightforward: Aspirants are the men and women of the order that have proven the purity of their hearts and strength of their spirit, they have been accepted into the Ivory Tower and have taken the first steps on the path of the Turtle, training mind and body under the watchful eye of senior Turtle Knights for their eventual ascension to Turtle Knighthood. Turtle Knights are made up of aspirants that have successfully completed their training, living their lives entirely by the Way of the Turtle and having served faithfully for many years. They have undergone their final trial deep within the caverns beneath the Ivory Tower of Eulersburg and have sworn to uphold the tenets of the Turtle till their noble death. ________________________________________________________________________ Shell of the Turtle The appearance of the Turtle Knights, though bizarre to some, embodies their philosophy and goal: To Protect. In thick, heavy layers of unadorned plate and chain, with cumbersome steel shells that they are known for, knights sacrifice virtually all mobility for the purpose of serving as walking bastions of righteousness. Their armor and shells so large and heavy that even in death they can serve as effective ramparts and barricades. The Turtle Knights do not restrict themselves in terms of weaponry, using anything and everything that a situation requires, from halberds and maces to arbalests and alchemical wonders, straight from the labs beneath the Ivory Tower, for it is said the alchemists of Eulersburg never sleep. ________________________________________________________________________ To Aspirants For any that would seek to learn more of the Way of the Turtle, or join the ranks of the Turtle Knights the path lays open, the first step for any aspirant, however, is to reconsider. There is no honor or glory to be won, no gold or land to be gained, no name to be spread in song, no face to be memorialized in painting. Only lives to be lost guarding the sanctity of GOD's creation. To never live for yourself but for others. The undaunted, those willing to humble themselves and live a life of selflessness need only send a bird, or seek out The Turtle Knight personally in Beznov or Numenost.

The Turtle Knight sat in the smoke filled room of the Adrian tavern in the early hours of the morning, without the slightest movement or sound he read the entirety of Callahan's missive thoroughly, twice, though the darkened steel mask of his helmet would hide any reaction he might make. He placed the missive upon the nearest empty spot on his desk, besides all the others, before lighting his 17 blunt of the day.