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.
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Topic: McCreary's Planet -- (FINISHED) (Read 240241 times)