A large fort loomed under the bright full moon. It casted a large shadow over the road in front of it, ensuring anyone who passed by to see it in its full scope. A feeling of apprehension when one sees the fortress and all its guards patrolling. It was a necessary establishment to not just safeguard the city nearby but also house the various credited travelers. Whether they were scholars planning out a dungeon trip or expedition, or mages aiding in healing civilians or soldiers, to the simple staff that works here and there. Everyone accepted and acknowledged by the mayor would have a safe resting place here.

As long as you’re not unruly adventurers who pissed off the mayor by any chance.

Say for example, the four pairs of eyes watching the fort.

“So how likely in terms of percentages are we going to succeed in this infiltration Ser-”

“Rogue.”

“... Rogue?

“Yes, Artificer. We’re not allowed to use our real names.”

“Hmph!! That’s stupid.”

“It’s to make sure our identities are hidden, Barbarian! So we don’t have to deal with being chased again! Even Bard agrees.”

“Only agreeing because if I get caught I’m dead.”

“That’s what you get for sleeping with the town guard’s daughter, my dear friend.”

“Haha!! That was still hilarious hahahaha!”

“Barbarian shush! You’re too loud! You fought their guards too!”

“He was being chased by a wolf and lost his pants!”

“As much as I’d like to joke about this, I think long-ears here is right. We should focus.”

“Ehem. Rogue.”

Four figures moved from the shadows, approaching the castle just a bit more. 

An elf clad in leather gear that hid her face well. Rogue.

A dwarf whose armor didn’t clink once during her walk. Artificer.

A large orcish man who loomed over everyone else with barely any armor nor clothing. Barbarian.

And a human whose garb was akin to a performer that would catch anyone’s eye. Bard.

Only the elf, aka Rogue, was the only one that looked ready for an infiltration mission.

“I see. This is very likely a 0.5% chance of success,” Artificer muttered clearly unwilling to go through with this task. “Why not just call it quits now?”

“Because this is our only shot! I told you all!” Rogue growled, peering over the bush. Even if she were to do this, her natural proficiency to remain unseen would assure nothing be revealed. 

7 on Stealth. 7 + 13 = Unnatural 20.

Stealth Roll passed

See?

“What were all of you doing yesterday anyway?!”

“Fucking the mayor’s daughter.”

“Fighting the mayor’s guards!”

“Inventing a new dog golem.”

“Dammit you three,” Rogue was almost inclined to agree that this was going to end impossibly. Yet stubbornness pushed her forward. “This is our goal… We were commissioned to find out that magic item in there and see if the commander’s corrupt or not!”

“Now hold your horses everyone,” Bard’s sudden intrusion brought the three’s focus on him. A glint of mischief and pride as he began to fish out something from his pocket. “I wasn’t just out there fucking about.”

“You were clearly fucking about everyone!” Barbarian jovially laughed.

Nat 1

Stealth roll failed

“Shhhh!!” Thankfully Artificer shushed him, dragging him down the ground.

Advantage

11 + 2 = 13

Stealth Roll passed

“Just be quiet you… Look. Everyone. I got this,” The Bard proudly raised his hand, revealing a strange blue parchment paper from his bag. The scroll was glowing enough to show its contents but not enough to act like a lamplight. The others showed quizzical expressions, with some inching closer to make out what their friend was so proud of.

“Cool. Shiny paper. Very useful no doubt.”

“I swear if this is another one of your contact information from those harlots-”

“Human. That’s a fascinating map. Is it a magic item you procured?”

“Ignoring scathing remarks aside. Artificer is right! It’s not just any map though!” Bard waved his hand over the scroll as if swiping a crystal orb. Such an action caused the image to move, before eventually becoming smaller. The conjured image instead showed a fort. Specifically, the fort that they were heading towards. “It’s an Arcane Architect’s map!

“Oh neat,” Rogue nodded, eyeing the small blips. “I can see which enemies I can kill. Toodles-”

“Nope~! We don’t even have to kill anyone today~!”

“I was joking, calm down,” Rogue rolled her eyes. “Continue.”

“Well, I think it’s obvious that we’re going to use this to navigate around the place!” Rogue moved his fingers, allowing the map to zoom in or out on specific locations.

“Truly that is usefl but I have a query. We can’t exactly stealth through this entire place there lad,” The dwarf patted her armor. Not a single clunk could be heard. “I can do it. But we have a particularly jovial fellow over here-”

“I’m jovial!” The barbarian always shouted his thoughts.

“-who’s incredibly loud. I can maybe survive but you’re the issue. You have always failed every attempt to Stealth through anything,” Artificer continued, pointing at Bard. “You can’t even sneak past a blind beggar.”

“That’s what you get for choosing Dex as a dump stat heh.”

“Shut up Rogue!” Bard took a deep breath, and grinned. The map began to hover over a moat where there’s several humanoid figures currently in place. “I’m going to show you some cool things about magic.”

He waved his hand and showed a description of the area. But more importantly he began to point and click, manifesting many more images with one finger while the other began to erase some of the details. The more he did it, the more the others were enthralled. It was only then that they noticed the map itself had a few aspects changing throughout it all. Bard’s devious laughter was also another point for them to concerned about.

“With the Arcane Architect I can edit anything on the map! Watch! Watch as I trivialize this mission of ours~!”

“He’s lost it.”

“I think so too.”

“Me think too!”

But true to this word, the alterations he made on the map weren’t just for that magic item. The closest area to them, the outpost, was beginning to feel the ripples of the magic.

#########

“? You hear that noise?”

“Huh. Must’ve been the wind.”

“... I don’t know. Maybe we should check that?”

The younger man scratched his scraggly beard, glancing at where he thought he heard the noise. But his companion grabbed him by the shoulder. The older and bald man shook his head, a stern look. Unlike him, this man had guarded this place for decades at this point.

“Nah. We’re placed here for a reason,”

“I mean we could still investigate,”

“If you get killed there, that’s on you,”

“... Aye.”

“It’s probably just Maike and Roy at the outpost anyway.”

“They do like their pranks…”

So thus he sighed, glancing back at the noise one more time before trying to find something else to bore him.

There was a large man made river shaped by a mage in the past surrounding this fort. The bridge was well made and can be pulled up in case invaders arrived. The two guards were stationed away from the moat on a small little outpost, with a few other guards patrolling the area. All of them had fairly similar armor with each other. Being something more akin to leather while they held fairly simple swords and shields. Even if the materials weren’t remarkable their skill made up for it. It wasn’t really the most beautiful place but it was fine as an outpost. Well-secured and difficult to enter. The final gates past the rivers would only be opened from inside. This was the only accessible area as the walls are too sturdy to damage properly. In the end this road is only easy to pass through if the guards on the outpost let you, or if you sneak by the forest nearby.

All in all, a really safe place where anyone approaching can easily be seen.

“Clyo, do you ever think of retiring?” The young man asked as he looked back to the town. “My wife’s been badgering me about going for a safer job.”

“Well Theo, my daughter has been asking for me to do so,” Clyo, the veteran, kicked his foot forward. As if trying to get rid of some pebbles that got stuck under his shoe. “But with the archbishop and the legendary knight Regulius, I feel like I’m fine as long as I’m under em.”

“True. Can’t believe they want to stay here. We’re a bit overloaded here,” Theo said as he nodded, eyeing a particular patch of shrubbery that seemed to shine. “Not a single person’s gonna harm a single hair in this place.”

“Yeah. Even that guy... What’s that criminal down there again?”

“His name is something like… Kageru? The Killer of armies?”

“Ah right. Anyway, more like a killer of nothing. Got his ass beat up so quickly,”

“Uncle Clyo! Uncle Theo! I brought snacks!”

The two's attention was stolen at the pitter pattern of a lithe figure ahead.  A small lad whose visage befit more the young servants of the area. Though his attire showed the equivalent of a squire for the two. he couldn't be older than 10 after all. Still he had a sword by his hip in a scabbard while carrying a plate of biscuits on hand. His balance was quite shoddy, almost tripping and just barely maintaining his footing as he reached the group.

“Ah thanks kiddo,” Clyo took some of the biscuits and nodded. He paused for a moment, looking at the callous on his fingers. Were they a bit whiter than he last remembered? Must be the biscuits. They were using some odd flavoring for it. “Made this yourself?”

“I helped Auntie Schiefiel if that counts!” The lad was beaming for praise it seems.

“And have you practiced with your sword at all?” Theo was a bit more stern, not accepting one. Though he was very much tempted he wasn’t really keen on having one in the middle of a job. Call him strict but it is what it is. “Also it’s Sir Theo, not uncle.”

“Ahh… Nay good Unc- I mean Sir Theo,”

“Cut him some slack now. He’s got this for us,” Clyo said after a mouthful. Wiping his mouth free from those crumbs. He blinked for a moment, gaze disconcerted as he flexed the fingers that just fed himself a delightful treat. The amount of powder on that delightful desert was a bit excessive seeing how his fingers were still covered with such. “And thanks for that Bors. But any reason why you didn’t train?” 

“I have a good reason!” Bors cried out, pointing his hands at the distant forest. “Schiefiel assigned me the mission of hunting ingredients for her!”

That would explain why they couldn’t find him here.

Clyo paused, removing his gaze from the distant forest and towards a nearby patrol of two. The two guards were looking on towards another as if also confused. They were calling out for a more distant patrol that was talking to a solo merchant traveling on a horse with a guard. Nothing too out of the ordinary. Just another slow day where they get visited. It was nice to alleviate that boredom.

“You should know to not steer away from here,” Theo noted, looking a bit annoyed. Their chest puffed out when they tried to look more imposing at the child. Or more… Did Theo get the wrong size for his armor? Or… hm. He should tell him to cut his hair a bit. It didn’t make Clyo envious but there was a reasonable standard on why long hair isn’t really allowed. Made it easier for enemies to pull them. “If you miss your duties because of errands that’s no good.”

“I can’t help it… I have to make the garden nice!” Bors paused, as if apprehensive about what he just said.

“Well, you have to prioritize your own training too I’ll say,” Clyo added, taking another biscuit. His gaze turned towards the outpost to check for the new visitor. It looked the same as before. The three guards there were standing by as the merchant approached them. A loud clang alerted him and the others, cutting into their conversation as they turned to face the source. 

Oh.

It was just the three guards’ armor falling off their bodies.

Actually, how did those three get them in the first place? They shouldn’t be allowed that nor possess the strength to pull that off. An attempt to get a word out was interrupted as the three started barking, noticeably alert at the new arrival. The solo merchant and his guard were just as surprised as them. To the point that the oriental warrior waved at them with his lance. Huh, small guy but can carry a large spear easily.

“Excuse me… How do we get through here?”

“Just give them a treat! Or toss them a stick!” Clyo shouted. It really was easy to pacify Roy with sticks. Maike was a bit more difficult since he’s stricter. But they were good dogs. The two were side by side with Zenevir, now watching the new arrival cautiously but also excitedly. They were always such pranksters with others that it can be a hassle. “If they give you a hard time we’ll get to you!”

The oriental man nodded before walking closer with a procured stick. The merchant beside him was hesitant but steered his horse forward. Shouldn’t be an issue. Roy loved horses and he might lick their foot but it should be fine. Safe passage should be guaranteed for them.

Hmm… Were travelers allowed that easy of an access? The hedges made for a good blockade to prevent any sort of bypass so easily and the three dogs would chase anyone who enters. The two other patrols still made for a good defense too. But Clyo was so sure they had to sign more papers than he recalled. 

“Sir Clyo,” Thoughts interrupted, Clyo faced the squire that he had so helped. His soft and innocent gaze met him, but he sported a look of concern. The young boy’s dainty hands gently brought the now empty desert tray. He reminded himself to train him a bit harder with the sword “I feel as if something is wrong.”

“What might that be?” The bald knight always valued his opinion. Even if he had such silly ideas.

“Something… Feels…. Off?” Theo was a bit slower to respond. The guard had a frown as they adjusted their hair. Was he trying to show off? Clyo was immune to it but the slow way of speaking was new…. Was it? “Hey… Don’t you feel--- a bit distracted?”

“Yes! Something like that!” Bors cried out happily. “And!! Schiefiel taught me how to detect magic and! Over there!”

Clyo’s brows raised but he obliged, turning to where Bors so excitedly pointed. 

But there wasn’t much at all there.

There were just two scarecrows by the flower patch. Each one had the appearance of a guard with their leather armor and weapons. Wooden weapons mind you and even the leather wouldn’t really do well as a functional armor for a trainee. The names Kevin and Austin came to mind as he looked more at the two ornaments. If he remembered, the only patrol in the area liked them a lot. Ciceil and Gausso arrived just as those two scarecrows were brought here. For some reason they hung out a lot with them. Those two had their weird quirks but he wasn’t one to complain. The two were faithful to the lord here anyway and always worked hard. 

“Right… there?... Scarecrow--slowing--”

“You think we’re under attack or something?” Clyo amusedly asked. He was willing to entertain the squire. But Theo wasn’t quite as happy. A perpetual frown always on his face. A shame. People would love him more if he wasn’t. The guy was beautiful. “Alright, any theories?”

“Um! Mental attacks!” Bors almost bounced in place, still excited, and held out their gloves. “They can be using hypnosis to mess with our minds but only I noticed it!”

“Now that’s a very nice theory,” Clyo chuckled, pausing to brush some dust that got in his eyes. Oh, hair too. “But if we were under attack that way… The mages inside would detect it already,”

“I--- I suppose Auntie would already know,” Bors paused, placing a hand on their chin while pouting cutely. Such soft lips and wide eyes. All the boys and girls love him for that reason. Not just for is height alone. “But err…. I don’t know… Sir Theo, can’t you entertain that possibility.”

“.... Maybe…”

“Remember kiddo. Theo’s not invested in magic,” Clyo glanced back at the last--- no. The only patrol guards and the merchant.

Ah. There they were. 

Naturally they were playing with the dogs. This time he can’t suppress a laugh as Roy ran away holding something bright and red. It was a large red fabric that shone beautifully. From what he recalled it was a kimono. A dazzling outfit from an eastern country. But what was more of a sight to behold was the woman that chased after the dog angrily. She was waving around a sword--- was it a sword or a necklace? He can’t tell. But the woman was quite the beauty, now currently in a loincloth and a sarashi. If he was lucky that’ll fall off too~

But hm… Why were they stopped by the hedge maze?

Maike and Zenivar were there with a young man and another beautiful woman. Confusingly the man wasn’t clothed and clearly putting on some of the outfit that was just on the ground. Did the dogs also steal his outfit?... No. It was likely he was doing a security check because the dogs smelled something. Nothing else seemed to be happening though. But the woman beside the man waved.

“Thank you! They liked our snacks!” She cried out beaming. Oh my. Her excited nature almost revealed her top as her chest bounced. Why did she wear such an ill fitting gear? Not that he’s complaining. 

“No problem mam!” Clyo gave her a flash smile, and for a moment he wondered if she was single. “See Bors. Theo. Gotta charm them to see if they’d fall for you,”

“Such a ladies man,” Bors rolled his eyes as he crossed his arms. His chest is more pronounced than before. “Why don’t you help out the one running around??”

“I’m sure Roy will give that back eventually,”

“Hmph!”

“....”

Theo was silent as ever. 

With their visitors addressed Clyo turned to the only other guards in the area. There they were! Ciceil and Gausso. Or no. Not guards. Guard. Ciceil was over there by Camelia Cove watering them with Gausso keeping watch. Gausso had a similar lost expression as Bors but seemed to be chatting with Ciceil, and glancing around a lot more. The child beside him was no doubt excited about watering her favorite flowers. Can’t really make out what they’re hearing well but they seem to be discussing about how much work Gausso had patrolling everything here. Well. Can’t blame him. The dogs aren’t always enough while him and Theo were stuck here by the moat. At least the garden was really nice to see. The flowers everywhere did improve morale but it wasn’t going to resolve fatigue. 

“As I was saying,” Bors suddenly interjected, prompting him to turn away. He sounded a lot more confident now huh. “It does feel like something is off though isn’t it? There’s fragments of memories that don’t make sense. How could Roy save me from a bear… How could we have so little guards here. Doesn’t it confuse you Clyo? It’s like-”

Hm? Not addressing him as Sir anymore.

“Sorry, can you repeat that?” 

“? Was I not clear?”

“You have to show your respect to someone of a higher rank than you kiddo,” Clyo stated a bit more firmly now. He might be an easygoing uncle but when he’s serious he needs to show it. Even as Bors was face to face with him, he almost seemed to shrink back. The kid for once looking frightened by him, before sheepishly turning away.

“I--- sorry--- Uncle Clyo, that’s my bad,”

“It’s all good but you gotta be careful with that! Some knights don’t like it! Right Theo-”

He paused.

On the other side of Bors was a beautiful statue.

A marble goddess. From her voluminous hair and incredibly detailed body, she was a sight to behold. Credit to the sculptor too. A slightly lecherous grin formed on Clyo as his gaze lingered over her form. From the way her massive breasts were sculpted to seem like they were mid-bounce, to the way her hips curved in such a wonderfully childbearing way. The outfit she wore was a bit of a disservice to that beauty, beginning to eb away at the perfection of a beautiful woman. The sculpted leather armor was just as detailed but it hid away the delightfulness of her hips or her chest. Even her expression of annoyance added to the elegance. It was like a wonderful image of a female guard really, in his opinion. Though some of the actual guards might find it too perverse.

“Sir Clyo?”

“Oh sorry, just checking in on Theo.”

“Oh right! Miss Julianne is always so concerned about him!.... Er.. It.”

“Yes, his wife----” Clyo chuckled at the idea of a statue having a wife. Why did he think that. Actually. Why was Julianne so eager about this thing again? Julianne was a bit of a prude too anyway, complaining about other girls being more attractive and being easily jealous of them. She had nothing to be jealous of though. “... You know I think Julianne got this as a wedding gift but I don’t know how of all things she loves this.”

“Well the minds of all works differently.”

“Agreed-”

Clyo frowned. 

Then glanced back at Gausso and Ciceil.

Oh. It wasn’t anything bad. The two children were just giggling as they drew on Kevin and Austin. 

“Hey stop goofing off!” Clyo shouted, prompting the two to bounce and run away laughing. “Sigh. Kids I swear.”

They were gardeners for sure and tended the garden well. Such hard workers are always appreciated. But those two really needed to goof off less. He can’t protect everyone here by himself. He doubted they actually vandalized the scarecrows and more likely patched them up, but they have doodled on those two patchworks before.

“They’re adorable you know,” Bors giggled, putting his hands together. “Uncle Clyo, you used to be easygoing. Let them have their fun.”

“I still am sweetie!”

… Odd. The tone he used on Bors.

He was his squire so he shouldn't show biases to one student only. Not to mention Theo wouldn’t like that----

No wait. Why does he care about the opinion of some statue? 

Nevermind. But really the more he looked at Bors the more it… confused him. He stood there as an adult woman dressed no longer in a squire’s outfit but a beautiful maiden’s dress. It hugged his body wonderfully, a tent forming over her large bosom. He often joked with him that the milk from the biscuits comes from those.

Naturally he got punched for it.

He deserved that.

But it was oh so cute seeing his fuming pout. Even his hips were clear from that large dress. Something that really confused him was why he wanted to be a squire so much. He would no doubt find an abundance of suitors in the town that would keep him safe and well-fed. Becoming a guard was not a career path he’d recommend to this promising young lad. Maybe that’s why they’re been with Schiefiel so much. They took a liking to her magic or baking perhaps? The auntie found him endearing too so it might just be that. Either way he wanted to be a good role model to this kid.

… Actually. No... That entire through process seemed off. 

“... I think I’m starting to see what you’re trying to say Bors.”

“!!! You do?” He beamed. Her hair flowed beautifully at his sudden whirl at him. And oh my. She’s bouncy in many ways. “Perfect!!”

“It doesn’t make sense that I’m the only guard here that’s human,” 

Clyo thought that as he glanced around. From the three oriental visitors entering the hedge maze… To the three dogs sleeping calmly… To the two gardeners watering the various flowers… To the two scarecrows that looked more and more fake by the rose bush. It all made sense but at the same time there were things that didn’t make sense at all. Now that Bors brought it all up it was starting to make sense. Once is paranoia. But twice is a pattern. His eyes widened as he realized it.

“Bors. Listen to me.”

“!!! Yes Clyo!”

“Call me Sir or Uncle damnit!”

“Right!! Uncle Clyo!...”

Bors stood there excitedly waiting.

….

…

….

Oh.

Right.

Statues don’t talk.

Or at least. He has to imagine what they say.

Bors seized up Clyo again.

It was a beautiful statue. Much like Theo, she was posed in the same manner. Hands together and massive chest pushed forward. Despite that their balance wasn’t toppled. Her hips just as full and a wonderful excuse for armor remained. It was much smaller than a conventional leather armor and the top only served to procure their chest with its cleavage. She also didn’t wear any helmet and allowed her long hair to flow backwards. It actually almost hid the marble sword by her sheathe. The expression she had on was more frantic and hurried, almost as if on a panic.

Stepping back, Bors actually was impressed. It was like these two are twin sister statues. The only clear difference between the two were the expressions they wore alongside the nameplates hanged around them. “Cylo” and “Bors”. These two were his-- no-- her… um… teachers? No. She already concluded it was off. Memories are being tampered with or so. Let’s figure this out…. Bors would have wanted her to.

“I’m a squire to these two statues… Something is suspicious… and I feel like everything’s different,” 

Bors spun around once more. The watering can on her hand splashed some water on her, earning a gasp. The shoes she wore almost made her trip but she balanced herself. There was not a single guard in this area despite it being a busy road that leads to the village and a fort. She glanced back at the fort that was blockaded by a castle gate----

No wait.

It was just an open entrance. There was no massive wall because this was just a garden??? Then why was she training to be a guard?! A squire-- Frantically she whirled around, trying to figure out if that strange anomaly could be sensed again. That odd feeling. Bit by bit she could see herself approach the true conclusion and warn the others---

“Ah!”

A sigh of relief. 

She figured it out.

“That was so strange but now I understand,” Bors nodded, clasping her watering can with a smile. “I’m just a gardener.”

How silly. Why did she have to warn them of anything? It wasn’t a warning that she had to deliver. It was likely a message about how there were three visitors heading towards the city. That was likely it. So with a hum, she began to continue her daily duties of managing the garden. Even crying out to Gausso and Ciecil.

“Girls~! Make sure to not water the plants too much!”

“”Yes Auntie Bors!””

######

The four pair of eyes were in the same bush but were in full view of what happened.

“Wow… I did not expect it to be that good,” Even Bard who has heard of it was amazed.

“By the bosom of Hera and sword of Zeus,” Artificer was in awe. Her hand over her mouth.

“Pretty flowers.” Barbarian nodded.

“Okay. That thing has to be a Legendary Magic Item,” Rogue was incredulous. 

“See. I told you I got this handled,” Bard was as smug as he could be.

The details regarding the Map have changed immensely. No longer was it the same typical description you’d find about a fort but rather….

There was a large man made river shaped by a mage in the past surrounding this fort. The bridge was well made and beautifully made for anyone who arrived to appreciate. The two statues were placed away from the moat right by the beautiful flower garden, with a few other gardeners taking care of the area. All of them are fairly harmless being nothing more than children, maidens, scarecrows, or playful dogs. Each one of them would not be able to detect anyone sneaking by because of how focused they are at their work. Being something more akin to leather while they held fairly simple swords and shields. Even if the materials weren’t remarkable their skill made up for it. It wasn’t really the most beautiful place but it was not fine as an outpost. It was not at all well-secured and difficult to enter. The final gates past the rivers is nothing more than a small doorway that can be opened by anyone. This was the only accessible area as the walls are too sturdy to damage properly. In the end this road is only easy to pass through if the guards on the outpost let you, or if you sneak by the forest nearby. Some tourists would visit this place to enjoy the wonderful garden here. 

“The power of words everyone~!” Bard cackled as he began to roll up the scroll. “But of course we have to be careful when using it alright?”

“Yes, yes, you’re a genius,” Rogue sighed as she peeked over again. Though a frown formed as she saw the voluptuous gardener pass by. “.... Is there any reason why they take the form of the dream child of a horny bard?”

“I’m pretty sure it’s just the creator’s biases!” Bard argued, glancing worryingly at how Rogue’s fingers grazed her knives’ hilts. “I promise! Why don’t you guys try later?”

“Oh? Sweet, I’d love that!” Rogue looked very excited on the prospect of that.

“Alright, I walk in now!” Barbarian shouted as he began to lumber there.

2 Stealth

Enemy - Nat 1 Perception x3

Stealth success

“Ah, you weren’t kidding about how easy it is to do now,” Artificier muttered as she too began to step over the bush.

“Yup! So without further ado, let’s go into the fort!” Bard proudly shouted, charging in to follow. “Wait- Barbarian don’t just charge in so fast!”

“EEEEEK!!”

“Don’t scare the gardener either damniiit!”

Though the Arcane Architect was amazing, it was clear that this band of misfits won’t have a clean success on this mission.