Aedepex

The Factions
December 23, 2066
Tuesday, 11:54 am
High Councilium, New Olympia


"There's a new organization?"

"Yes, Nate."

Strix was standing in front of his new squad, which had been put in effect around a month ago. Despite their impeccable performances in the line of duty, they still had much to learn from him. He wasn't satisfied with them yet.

"They're called the Aedepex." Strix continues, turning away from Sergeant Nathaniel Khojasteh.

"Don't ask me what the name means, it's something religious that I don't care much about. To get straight to the point though, they're dedicated to practically wiping out the magic users and irregulars. The Moderators, a group that originated in Oasis, defected to New Olympia, and it was converted to the Aedepex. One of my friends, Aclimus, is within it." 

"Anything else?" A few of his squad asks.

Strix inhales from his cigarette, "Their ranks are rather odd. No real sort of...rank. They just have their jobs, division leaders, and the leader named the Auspex. I believe the 'jobs' are Garrison, Vindicators, Overseers, and the Arch Senator. They may seem like an odd group, but I've seen them train and work."

Strix pauses, looking around the chambers they were to meet this new Aedepex in. It was the new headquarters of the new Arch Senator and his Parliament. The High Councilium, one of New Olympia's jewels since Augo's palace. At least this seemed humble.

"They're not to be made fun of." Strix ends, looking around at his squad, who were equally as confused as amazed.

"Before any of you ask me any other stupid questions, we're meeting them because Overseer Aclimus and I have experience being among the irregulars, and the Aedepex believes that all of us may be recruited into their organization." Strix lets out a mist of smoke from his lungs. 

"Wait wait wait," Corporal Charley Ogden speaks up, "I signed up for law enforcement, not some cult."

"You're wrong on both aspects, Private." Strix glares. "You signed up not for law enforcement, but for my division. And they're not a cult. They're highly trained operators, and I expect you all to treat them with respect."

Charley pipes up again. "I'm a Corporal, sir."

"Not anymore. As of today, you and Chen will be switching ranks." Strix growls as the front doors open.

Strix turns around quickly, and his squad snaps into a standard military line, snapping their feet together and saluting. Strix grins slightly as three figures enter the room. Overseer Aclimus and two Vindicators walk into the chambers. Clad in a black leather coat and a black, fleece turtleneck, Aclimus approaches Strix with a steadfast pace. The Vindicators wore black kevlar armor with black, sleek visors shielding their eyes. Strix noticed the Vindicators were carrying rifles. Were those rifles for...Oh no.

With the Vindicators following close behind, Aclimus makes a signal to charge, and nods. The Vindicators immediately rush ahead, and raise their rifles. 

"Stand your ground." Strix immediately orders his squad. By now, his squad had dropped the salute, and their hands were on their holstered firearms.

Aclimus stops a few yards away from Strix. "They're doing their jobs. Let them do it." 

The room remains quiet, with Strix staring at Aclimus, who showed no intention of being patient. 

"Ogden." Strix speaks.

"Yes, Inspector?"

"You're a Corporal again." 

Two odd-sounding gunshots ring out with a thud noise. The short-lasting Corporal Chen and another fellow Private fell to the floor, bleeding from their necks and torsos. After confirming their deaths, the Vindicators handcuff the dead bodies.

"Call it in. They resisted arrest after denying their involvement in Sorcery Degree Two." Aclimus orders, "Had no choice but to shoot them."

"Were they even actually irregulars?" Private Caselli growls, eyeing at the corpse of his comrade.

"Yes. Alley magic," Aclimus mutters, turning towards Caselli with a cold tone, "Didn't want to risk any outbreak of magic when we entered, so we ended it swiftly."

Strix clears his throat, and flicks his cigarette to the ground, crushing it beneath his feet. Aclimus turns his head towards Strix and makes a grim expression.

"So, Aclimus." Strix begins. "You've stepped up the ladder. You seem to be running things...What rank are you?"

"High Vindicator." Aclimus replies, placing his hands behind his back, "I'm in charge of the Vindicator division."

Strix nods 'approvingly'. Aclimus steps past Strix, and eyes at Strix's squad.

"I assume you talked to them about the possibility of them being recruited?" Aclimus says as he eyes at each of the squad members.

"Yes, of course." Strix replies while he watches the Vindicators drag the arrested corpses out.

"Alright then. "Aclimus clears his throat. "Listen up. I'm going to get right down to the point. In Aedepex, there are three divisions: The Garrison, Vindicators, and Overseers. The divisions do not outrank one another. Within each group, however, there are certain leaders you have to pay respect to, even if you're not in that specific division. Now, I've evaluated all of your profiles, and the Overseers have approved of your entries into the Aedepex organization."

"Now," Aclimus continues, "The Garrison are exactly what they mean. They're guardians. Your average soldier sworn into secrecy. The Vindicators, on the other hand, are involved directly with civilians. Any sort of indication that someone is believed to be practicing magic is brought to the attention of the Vindicators, who then carry out their own operations on how to undergo the situation."

Nate raises his hand. "Sir."

"Yes, Sergeant?" Aclimus pauses.

"Doesn't the word 'vindicator' mean someone who, uh...free people from things? Or clear accusations with evidence?"

"Yes, that is the definition."

"Then...why is your division called the Vindicators? It seems like you guys are just Military or Special Police. You arrest those who are accused, instead of trying to clear them." Nate says, a bit afraid of speaking out.

Strix stares at his sergeant with a dead eye, while Aclimus gives a heartchilling smile. 

"Yes, you're...quite right. However, we do vindicate or 'clear' others of accusations." Aclimus drops his smile. "We clear them by investigating them and then clearing all accusations by making sure the accused no longer exists."

Aclimus raises his gloved hands, "Hence...vindicated."

The other squadmates shifted uncomfortably in their positions, while Nate looks down.

"Now...anymore interruptions?" Aclimus looks about, "Good. Now, on with the Overseers. Again, they do what the title means. They look over the entirety of New Olympia. They report any incidents of magic to the Vindicators, who investigate them and take action, leading to the Garrison's job to clean up and make sure it stays quiet. If anyone decides to poke around, the Garrison respond in a controlled, aggressive manner. To elaborate more on the Overseers, think of them as clerics or priests in confession. They really know how to make you talk if you're guilty."

Strix narrows his eyes at this. Everything Aclimus explained to his squad sounded really off. Aedepex was renowned in the governmental and political world as a top tier agency specializing in covert operations and other areas. The way Aclimus described its divisions seemed more like a dystopian era government.

"Strix, d'you hear that?" Aclimus' voices interrupt Strix's thoughts.

"What's that?"

"Your squad agreed to all join in depending on which division you join. I guess loyalty wins over preferences." Aclimus shrugs. "So? What will it be?"

Strix wondered. Despite the Garrison being the 'cleaners', the Garrison were mostly in charge of guarding the New Olympian border walls. They were working with the BOD (Border of Defense) at the walls of New Olympia. Anyone they suspect to be carrying any illegal magic item or involvement in the practice would be immediately brought into questioning. The Vindicators? Well, they were more of the action. They brought more fear than the other divisions. Directly involved with the inner welfare of the city and its citizens, the Vindicators would be in charge of dealing with any irregular within the city. And of course, the Overseers. They were in charge of just reporting.

"Why didn't Aclimus say it like I did?" Strix thinks, before replying:

"The Vindicators." 

Aclimus grins, "A good choice. Since you're all within this, you're under my command and will be working directly under me, unlike the other squadrons.. And I'll keep it simple and group you all into one crew." Aclimus places his hands behind his back again.

"From now on, Arch Vindicator Strix will be in charge of all of you Vindicators. Your name? The Red Right Hand."

Strix sighs. Stupid name. The members of his squad seemed content with it, as they smiled and gave sideway glances at each other.

"Your uniforms will be delivered to your homes by tonight. You report in tomorrow here at 0700. I'll be here waiting." Aclimus says whilst walking to the doors with his hands still behind his back. 

It was only until now did everyone see that Aclimus was carrying a Llyn handgun behind his back the entire time.

--
December 24, 2066
Vindicator Headquarters
Wednesday. 6:02 am

Strix adjusts the cuffs of his new Vindicator uniform. Looking slightly like the other Vindicators, Strix's uniform had a darker black, like Aclimus' uniform. Included in his 'mandatory uniform' was a facemask that covered his nose and mouth. He'd much prefer a visor like the others, but he was of 'higher quality'. The goddamn facemask was made of some nanotech material and had the ability to slip back into his uniform comfortably without the trouble of manually pulling it down. At least he could smoke easier now.

Strix sighs in frustration. He hated the uniform. There was something about the polyester shirt and coat that was much better than the uniform he had to wear now. Although this uniform provided its own heating and cooling system, it was almost dystopian. Everyone had the exact same uniform besides a few color changes and a few stripes here and there. It all seemed like they were the government. After all, they were called the Red Right Hand.

"In case you're wondering, Strix, the coat is made of magnetorheological fluid, nanotech ballistic fibers, and consists of advanced tracking systems." 

Strix snaps out of his thoughts, and eyes at his speaker. Another fellow Arch Vindicator was standing there with his arms crossed. The voice sounded familiar, but was slightly altered from the facemask. Lo and behold, the facemask lowers, and there stood a smirking individual Strix immediately recognized.

"Hello, Atlas." Strix says, relaxing his shoulders.

"Arch Vindicator Raymond Atlas now. Big improvement." Atlas says, holding his hand out.

"So it seems," Strix shakes Atlas' hand, "Haven't seen you in a while. How are you and...Kristina doing? Kristina Emerson, if I recall."

"Oh, I'm doing fine. Kris?" Atlas releases his hand. "She's dead."

"Ah. My condolences." Strix says.

"Thank you." Atlas replies, "She was actually killed when we were leaving Oasis. The Moderators were packing up and I guess Sinis found out earlier than we anticipated. Only her and a few Moderators in the room. They all burned." 

"Sinis? Doesn't sound like his style." 

"Who else?"

"Right."

Atlas sighs. "Well...you seem to be doing well yourself. Another Arch Vindicator. You're the one in charge of the Red Right Hand, I assume?"

"You assume correctly." Strix slides out a cigarette case from his pocket, "Smoke?"

"Definitely." Atlas says, taking the cigarette from Strix's hand. Strix lights both of theirs.

"What squadron are you in charge of?"

Atlas blows out a continuous mist of smoke. "The Hand of the King. A bit ridiculous since we have no king, but at the same time, we basically have one."

"We do?" Strix places the cigarette into his mouth.

"Of course. Ever since Augo and Sinis left, the Arch Senator position has had more decision-making, benefits, and basically more power. If anything, it's a position for a king."

Strix looks away. The Vindicator Headquarters was right in front of them, with similar Vindicators walking about. They were both leaning against Strix's car, staring at the mass of concrete, metal, and glass in front of them.

Atlas flicks the cigarette onto the asphalt. "I've gotta get inside. Arch Senator asked us to handle some phosegene and mustard gas." 

"I'll walk you in. Need to report to Aclimus anyways." Strix says, still holding onto his cigarette.

The two head towards the entrance, where multiple Vindicators saluted them as they walk into the building. Strix looks up, gazing upon the glass dome that served as a roof to this 'secret' location. Strix turns his attention to his surroundings. So much for secret. Vindicators in full gear were walking around like it was a public library. 

"Aclimus is downstairs. Bottom floor." Atlas interrupts Strix's thoughts again.

"Alright then. Bye." Strix mutters, heading to the elevator. After stepping inside, Strix faces the elevator doors, which slide shut. He presses his thumb against the button for the basement.

"The area you have selected is restricted to officials only. Please state your name, rank, and intention." An automated voice drones on.

Strix sighs, shaking his head. "Arch Vindicator Strix. I'm here to report to High Vindicator Aclimus."

"Arch Vindicator 'Strix' does not exist. Please state your name, rank, and intention."

Strix furrows his eyebrows. "I'm Arch Vindicator Strix. Bring me down, now."

"Arch Vindicator 'Strix' does no-"

"Oh for pete fucking sakes, open the doors." Strix growls.

The doors slide open, and Strix stomps out, heading to the staircase. There were two Vindicator soldiers guarding the door to the staircase. One of them holds his hand up, halting Strix.

"Morning, sir. What's you intention for using the staircase?"

"I need to see Aclimus. Elevator won't respond to my name." Strix replies, a tone of annoyance in his voice.

"Apologies, sir. We'll get it looked at right away." The guard says, allowing Strix to step through.

Strix enters, and immediately pulls up his sleeve, revealing his old Owl wristgrapple (COIL). He fires it into the set of stairs above him, then jumps over the railing. He lowers himself all the way down to the bottom floor, before retracting his COIL. Strix blinks. Another set of guards were staring back at him. Whether they were surprised or angry, it was impossible to tell. Their expressions were hidden by the visors they wore over their eyes.

"Elevator wasn't working, and taking the stairs would have taken too long." Strix explained.

They remained silent.

"Just let me through. Aclimus is expecting me." Strix frowns. To his command, the guards step out of the way.

Strix adjusts his coat and opens the door, walking in. 

--

Too much. That was how much money was used to design and construct the underground base. Too many 'latest technologies', too many people, and too many unnecessary objects. Even Aclimus' office was too lavish. Too much, too whatever. Everything. A typical underground dictatorship is what it looked like to Strix.

"You're late, Strix."

"The elevator wouldn't register my 'name, rank, and intention'." Strix mutters, sitting down opposite of Aclimus.

"We had that just installed. Anyways, you can leave. Just needed to make sure you'd be here. Your office is across from mine, and there's some work on your company computer for you to start on." Aclimus leans back in his chair, folding his hands.

"Great. Work." Strix sighs, and stands. 

"Oh yeah, start using your real name." Aclimus remarks.

"My real name? For what?" Strix raises an eyebrow.

"For the elevator. For anything, really. You probably used 'Strix', which doesn't register. Your real name would w-"

Strix swiftly reaches across the desk and forcefully grabs Aclimus pulling him out of his seat.

"You don't mention my name to anyone. I don't want anyone knowing my real name. How the hell did you find out?" Strix punches Aclimus.

"Strix, STRIX!" Aclimus breaks away from Strix's grip. He rubs his jaw. "You forget...I used to work for Proclamation. Remember? Sinis' stupid 'time' organization. It had a file on you. If anything, only me and him know. He was conscious enough to keep it a secret."

Strix places his hand on his Heretic revolver. "I will not hesitate to shoot you between the eyes and shove your corpse into a place where the sun never shines. You don't mention a word about my name to anyone."

Strix turns and quickly walks to the door. "And change my registration to 'Stri-"

"Sir!" A Vindicator barges into the office. "Sorry for the interruption, but we've been summoned by the Overseers."

Aclimus sighs and continues to rub his jaw, "Alright, let's head over then."

"No, sir." The low-ranking Vindicator stops him, "The entirety of the Vindicators and the Garrison. We've been summoned to New Emporia."

"Why do they want us there?" Aclimus drops his hand, and walks out from behind his desk.

"Riots, remember?" Strix crosses his arms. "We're 'summoned' to riot control."

Aclimus pulls on his coat from the coat rack. "And to follow our motto, I guess. Let's go."

"What's our motto?" Strix follows Aclimus out the door.

Aclimus chuckles. "Enforce."

Strix stops, and blinks. "Better than doing work..." He mutters.