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You cut the feed and dip a nod to your retinue as they break away, either going back to sleep or attending to their new assignments. Emma is the last to leave, pausing at the door frame with a faint, wry smile.

"Peace has been good, hasn't it?"

"...yeah." You nod, returning the smile with a smirk.

"Goodnight."

You wave as you return to bed. Your datapad gives a ping --

---

"Good morning or evening, everyone! Welcome to the Valhol's Retributionists live war stream! Brought to you by our wonderful sponsor, the Holy Fortress-State of Pheonix! Please sit back and enjoy the highlights after operational security specialists have cleared them!" A bright, blue, cheerful androgynous figure chirps to life, announcing itself as you open the link. It gives a wave. Then the feed ends.

...huh.

---

Sleep doesn't arrive before there's another knock at your door.

"Pheonix. Your tour is ready to receive you." A pleasent voice calls.

You rise and dress, slipping a coat over your shoulders and raking your fingers through the mess of your hair. You slip on the heavy spacer boots, taking great comfort in the synthetic leather and soft insole. You tighten your sash around you waist and emerge into the hallway.

You take in what remains of your entourage. Emma wears an airy white dress -- a las-pistol sticking out of her belt. Cephie breathes through a gas-mask, maintaining her masquerade. The rest are dressed plainly in SEED scholar uniforms; the only two that further stand out are the Pirate Twins in their gray, bulky jumpsuits -- flanked by their void armor.

The twin armors give a snappy salute when they spot you. Ethan and Finn flash grins at each other and give you a thumbs up.

"We were up all night working on that." Ethan begins.

"The armor doesn't like you." Finn continues,

"We had to explain the contract." Ethan finishes with a nod. "Even then, they say they're doing it 'ironically.'"

You shake your head, turning to Emma and Mellone. "What's on the schedule today?"

"Well, according to the agenda the Outlanders 'submitted,' we'll be going to breakfast with the family. Then a brief tour of the Temple of Money and War, followed by a bazaar tour. After that, they wish us to attend a military parade, then a luncheon. An inspection of the aqueducts, and finally, dinner in the mountains. There are hot springs there." Emma reads from her datapad, scrolling with a swiping finger.

"Does that sound acceptable, Mother Pheonix?" Mellone questions, politely.

"No."

William's jaw sets as he stares at you. "I can do it, Pheobe. If it helps." He grins, "I'll be fine. It can't be worse than my father."

"No." You repeat, turning to open the door. William audibly grits his teeth.

"Mellone. Would we be able to call upon the Outlanders for military aid?" You question.

"Maybe? We'd have to pay, but I can negotiate it." Mellone murmurs.

"I would speak to Isela if you intend to interfere In her strategy." Emma points out, "No doubt she already has a plan."

((This is a friendly reminder for completely unrelated reasons. Please keep discourse civil and calm. The majority doesn't always rule, but arguments made in anger may not away Pheobe. And remember -- arguments made to Pheobe hold more sway than those towards the other voices. But the consensus has more power than Pheobe.))

Emma's lips curl into a frown as she reads the chatlog. "I...I don't know anything about that thing. Just that Silas is learning from it. He's taking a lot of resources. But...he's promising a lot."

 Then, quietly, "I don't think he's sleeping any more. He's on a lot of [amphetamines]. He's gathered a staff-- they're all practically worshipping that thing..."

You sit patiently while Emma messages the Demon armor for you and -- your own datapad makes a soft 'bing'. You note a history of messages from Emma, from Isela, all of them describing the situation much the same way as Emma's summary. But the final, and newest messages is from [Flesh]


You hesitate.

"He agrees with Isela's plan. He isn't deploying his forces until tomorrow or the next day, however."

Should I send William to reinforce?

This is politics. Not courtship.

"According to Isela? No. Eric has been deployed as a morale booster and force multiplier. The Retributionists are going to be assisting with a total of six [Voidmarines], under the command of Captain Murdach." Emma reports. "Thornton and Family Assets are mobilizing to assist with defense of local settlements."

"You have access now. But if the temple doesn't get paid, you don't either. The God of Money has a trading empire. The thieves bribe their God to help. I embezzle." Rekhyt shrugs.