[Suzerain of Sheol]

The Chaplain, Thomas, speaks up as his master falls silent.

"A company of ten, then?" he asks, nodding to indicate Diogenes in the recess of the hall. "I had thought we'd be greater. Will no one else lend us their aid? A mechanized armor-transport has been provided for this mission, easily capable of holding thrice our number."

He neglects to add, and if need be, we shall raze Smyrna to the ground with steel and flame. If this is to be my final crusade, I shall see it won.

"Regardless," he continues, "we depart at dawn tomorrow. Bring with you every weapon that you can, we cannot possibly over-prepare for the peril we will face. All other provisions, and additional, armaments, will be stocked in the vehicle. May God help anything that chooses to stand in our way."

The priest catches himself, and corrects, "No. God cannot help anyone any longer. As such, we will PERSONALLY damn them all, with the sword, the cannon, and with atomizing rain if they choose to test our conviction. We are mankind's devils for salvation. Let them fear us."

With that, the aging, unassuming man falls quiet once more, giving no outward sign of the zealous fury that burns within him. If any of them think him a burden to the mission, they will quickly learn why the lord has left him in charge.