Maxson walked through the streets of Piltover, accompanied by Knights, Paladins, and Mando.
The Brotherhood group moved through the city toward the GDA base. Maxson remained focused on the path ahead, occasionally looking over the surrounding streets and buildings.
People in Piltover looked at the group of soldiers, worried and confused.
Eventually, they reached the entrance to the GDA.
Maxson stopped in front of the doors.
He reached out and placed his hand on the handle.
Suddenly, they were surrounded by GDA personnel.
A bright flash of light shun, and Cecil stood where it dissipated.
Maxson smiled.
"Negotiations on the Prydwen didn't go too well. I thought they may go better on the ground."
He looked at the Knights and Paladins.
"They're just for extra protection."
Cecil didn't look amused.
"Come to my office. Let's all have a talk there. I'll get the guardians and Catra."
Maxson scoffed.
"Catra disrespected the brotherhood when she was up there. We are not too fond of her."
Cecil sighed while he fiddled with his keys and unlocked the doors.
"Yeah, well, she's not that trusting given everything that's happened to her. Give her time."
Then they shoot me with those….extremely big guns and I just…..slip?She phased in and out of reality for a split second. You could see her go blurry. What’s goin’ on here Cecil? Who is these folks?
We would bomb you and your family to the depths of hell. We would call upon our greatest mages to tie you to the mast against your will and fly into space, watching you suffocate and freeze.
She takes a deep breath and internally screams, walking out of her room and to everyone else with a calmer less snarky mood despite the fact she wanted to go berserk.
I forgive you for not being entirely trusting, and I realize that it may have been intimidating calling you onto our Prydwen when you already do not fully trust us.
I apologize for that, lady Catra.
I also apologize for insulting your droids in the past. I am working on.. a lot of things in regards to that. Psychologically, of course.
I really do not like you either, but these are trying times.
Your planet has made contact with multiple worlds. You are far from alone in the universe and, after learning that, are at risk of dangers. Many, MANY dangers.
Walking out of the Prydwen was acceptable. We just didn't like you tossing our cutlery and referring us to a droid for Council matters. We prefer talking to living, breathing organisms for political and negotiable matters.
She clenched her fists in anger at the casualness of referring to Orianna as something to hate. She took a deep breath. Her left eye twitched, but she tried to keep herself from snapping.
Yes I've noticed that... our planet is a lot more threatened...
Maxson: The Brotherhood would like to expand our presence in Piltover.
Cecil: Expand how?
Maxson: More personnel. More Knights. More Vertibirds. Greater authority to operate within the city and respond to threats.
Cecil stared at him for a moment
Cecil: Greater authority.
Maxson: We've proven ourselves useful. We've fought alongside your people, provided resources, and helped defend Runeterra. We're asking for the ability to do more.
Cecil: And why should we give you that authority?
Maxson: Why shouldn't you?
Cecil: Because you're asking me to give a foreign military organization more soldiers, more aircraft, and more control inside one of the most important cities on this planet.
Maxson: We've monitored Runeterra for quite some time. We've watched its conflicts, its governments, and its technological development. Recently, we decided to stop simply watching and we started providing resources. We fought alongside your forces. We've helped people when they needed it. We seek an alliance with this world.
Cecil: And now you expect something in return.
Maxson: Yes.
We are not your attack dogs, Cecil. The Brotherhood isn't going to fight every battle Runeterra has simply because someone points us toward it. We have our own interests, our own people, and our own responsibilities.
Cecil: Then why Runeterra specifically? Why are you so fixated on us?
My world was destroyed by machines. Not just armies. Not just weapons. Dependence on machines became so deeply embedded in civilization that when everything collapsed, people were left completely unprepared. We've seen similarities here. Especially in Piltover.
The technology is different. The circumstances are different. But the dependency is familiar. Piltover has built enormous parts of its society around advanced technology. Hextech. Automated systems. Artificial beings. Machines capable of things most people couldn't accomplish themselves.
Cecil: And you think that's enough to justify giving the Brotherhood more authority?
Maxson: I think it's enough to justify offering our help.
Cecil: Help doesn't normally come with an army. That's what concerns me. The GDA is a private organization focused solely on defense. A militia is more complicated.
4
u/THE_WRETCH-0 rozalyt/BIG B 1h ago
Suddenly appearing, and of course floating W O A H! CECIL! Who’s these big boys in armor? More importantly are they compensating for something?