"Not that I plan on letting any of you be in harm's way! It's just... Some lives you can't justify taking. Call it a standard, or a principle, or whatever, but it's one I'm willing to stake my life on. My own personal hill to die on if I have to."
He gave a little shrug and half smile. "Anyways, we can talk more about that stuff over pizza one day. Just don't want there to be some misconception about how I do things. Even if you still disagree with it." With that, Richard pulled his mask down over his face and took his sub-machine gun in hand. "It's a trucker warehouse anyways. The chances of actually getting into a fight here seem pretty low." He chuckled lightly as he hoped out of the back of the van and moved closer to Devon, who it seemed was about to take on the task of driver himself.
"Houndmaster, Shinigami, before either of you make any more plans... I call shotgun." He smirked under his mask. "Now, how can I be of assistance? Anybody know where the trucker is right now? Maybe we can do something to buy you some more time from him."
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Maxwell felt a mixture of senses hearing what Wolfram had to say about the Beast. While The Shape wasn't an expert on intergalactic culture and political affairs, he'd assumed something as substantial as a Demon Empire would at least know something about what happened here. After all, Wolfram had been sent to Earth, same as the Beast. And yet never had these two entities crossed paths with each other? Or at least not in a way Wolfram was conscious of.
The whole thing welled up the senses of dread in Maxwell... As well as excitement. Perhaps, more accurately, ambition.
"In that case then, you're well aware of the significance that this poses to both of us. Neither of us know anything about what attacked Atlas City. Yet we DO know it exists. That poses a fairly substantial threat both to Earth, but perhaps even your Empire. Of course, it may also present us with an opportunity. Difficult to say of course, but it certainly warrants more investigation I would say. So, if it's not too much to ask General, I would request you keep me informed of anything you may learn about this thing, rumors or legends included."
D'Artagnan's babbling produced a small smirk on Maxwell's face. A rather amusing child, but also surprisingly competent in some ways. Space Demons, it would seem, would make for some interesting allies to have indeed.
"In the meantime General, I wonder if there might be some ways you could avail yourself to me? I have a team in California right now, investigating some matters that have been interfering with my business. I know this is perhaps sudden, but I'm trying to speculate on options I may have to perhaps have you assist me. Either in this specific matter, or perhaps others. Is any of that something that would interest you?"