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Indeed, Lord Brass, the council knows the KAK way has always been one of reason.
Unfortunately, some measure of hatred, if you will, towards kobolds has always been existant in certain parts of the council. It is only after Mr. Baggins' continous failure to deliver progress reports on the situation in Area 51, and the inability to reach him at all following thereupon that this hatred flared, and discrediting rumours, which had always played in the background, jumped to the fore.
You may recall I gave Mr. Underhill a deadline, one month to respond. This was not merely to allow him an oppertunity to comply without loss of hard-earned credibility, but also bought our special department time to discover his whereabouts before others initiated searches of their own.
This investigation revealed that Mr. Underhill was in fact not present in Area 51 for a single moment for the entire duration of the search. This was indeed great cause for concern on my behalf, and the records will show I requested my fellow members of the senate to initiate searches of their own, that Mr. Baggins might be found and explain the reasons for his absence.
Intended to be a rescue attempt, several members soon turned this into crusades for vengeance against crimes not proven to be committed, least of all to their persons.
Whilst this is regrettable, putting a stop to this development would hamper our own efforts. It was clear Mr. Underhill had either taken off in haste, as was suggested by many, or had been a victim of abduction. Our specail department has always suspected the latter scenario to be correct, and an analysis of the seperate members' reactions could only take place if they were allowed to act with a bare minimum of restrictions. Those responsible for Mr. Baggins' capture would have intimate knowledge of his whereabouts and condition all others lacked, and this is why, after examining the initial reactions, we are now questioning any and all members of this council.
The newspaper article, whether a true story, an attempt by BYOB supporters to pretend Mr. Underhill still lives, or one by his opponents to discredit the KAK and confuse the BYOB so anarchy might reign in these halls once again, we are not yet sure. All that can be said at this stage is that we are looking into the matter with extreme care and in great detail.
It is because of these dark events that not many dare dream any longer, until the matter is resolved. All I can do at this stage is to request your patience.
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