During the service, a large group of armed women approached the front entrance. Entropy fired a warning shot, but the thugs attempted to enter. Entropy disabled two of the attackers, but the rest, led by Power Princess, entered the cathedral and begin attacking the congregation. Alerted by Entropy, Croc and Cobra were prepared, and fought back. Cobra disabled Power Princess but Father Dowling, following normal procedure, led the Cardinal out the back.
Cobra followed closely as the Guardians realized the battle inside was staged to flush the Cardinal out. Croc and Entropy attempted to bluff the attackers into leaving with moderate success, but were forced to withdraw when Cobra called for backup.
The Bronze Blade, lurking outside, was able to get around Cobra and Dowling and strike down the Cardinal. Entropy then was able to get the Cardinal clear, and, seeing his wounds and worried about poison, decided to fly to the hospital immediately. Crocodile and Cobra continued to fight the Bronze Blade. Crocodile fought the Blade to a standstill but Cobra, frustrated by continued failures, demolished the nearby limousine of the Cardinal. It was indeed a miracle that its occupants escaped without serious injury.
During the fight, several members of Intercrime's Power Infantry appeared, looking for Shadow Knight. They did not join the fight but left when it became apparent that Shadow Knight was not present.
Cobra redeemed himself by negating the Blade's gravity and Crocodile proceeded to pound him. Meanwhile, Entropy was able to deliver the Cardinal safely to the hospital.
ADDITIONAL; During the fight, members of Intercrime also attacked the Power Princess in a successful attempt to take her bracelets. Power Princess and two thugs were killed in the battle. The Bronze Blade was not aware that the Power Princess was going to attack the cathedral, only that a distraction had been arranged. It is possible that Intercrime, through agents in the Mafia, arranged a specific distraction to accomplish their own ends.
FOLLOW-UP FILE: Though the assassin was thwarted, several loose ends remain. Shadow Knight appears to be in danger from Intercrime. What do they know about him and what do they want. Should Intercrime desire his technology and press the issue, they may choose to escalate against other Guardians, principally Desist.
It is suggested that a significant amount of the reward for Bronze Blade go to the Cardinal to help repair his limo. It is further suggested that someone talk to Cobra about the meaning of reasonable force.