Maxson stood before a large crowd gathered in one of Piltover's central squares.

Two Brotherhood banners hung behind the platform, their symbols visible from across the square.

Knights and soldiers stood along the edges of the gathering.

Mando stood beside and slightly behind Maxson, silent.

Maxson stepped toward the microphone.

"Citizens of Piltover."

"We have received footage of Councilwoman Catra entering the Hexgates alongside a variant of her wife, Jinx, and a small creature known to us as Rocket."

Murmurs spread through the crowd.

"They were not there for diplomacy."

"They were there to sabotage Piltover."

Half of the people booed.

Maxson raised a hand.

The crowd gradually quieted.

"These individuals intended to destroy critical infrastructure belonging to this city."

"They intended to destroy the Hexgates."

"They would have crippled Piltover and endangered countless lives in the process."

More boos came from the crowd.

Maxson waited for them to settle.

"I will not allow that to happen."

"The Brotherhood will increase security throughout Piltover. Access to sensitive facilities will be restricted. Those responsible will be found."

Maxson paused.

"And Jayce Talis will be questioned."

A murmur moved through the crowd.

"Once an esteemed scientist of Piltover, Talis has now demonstrated that his loyalty lies elsewhere. He disabled the Hexgates and assisted those attempting to sabotage them."

Maxson looked across the crowd.

"The Brotherhood will determine exactly what he knows and who else was involved."

"We will protect this city."

"We will protect its people."

"And we will protect the technology that keeps Piltover connected to the world."

Maxson raised his fist.

"Ad Victoriam!"

The Knights immediately responded.

"AD VICTORIAM!"

Some people in the crowd joined them.

"Ad Victoriam!"

Others remained silent.

Maxson lowered his hand.

Mando remained beside him, watching the crowd through his helmet.

"Terrorists."