Mikaen was on his feet in an instant. “The Revs?”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgHpcEcKIo
“The person piloting the Breath of Fire wasn’t Galden.” One said, “He was human. A little poking around, and I found his insignia pin. The Revs were behind the attack.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtZT8yvgZ0
“The Revs are on Vinta?” It was Jyle who spoke, having finally found his voice, “How? When?”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUV49ITpER
“I don’t know,” One said, “But I think it’s safe to say they’re the ones who’ve been masquerading as monks.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4ozWQdwvc
“No wonder they were so interested in the Breath of Fire,” Mikaen said, “A combat dreadnaught would give them a major edge on Earth and Vinta.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7DWpACnIq
Jyle took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “This … this changes everything.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdTDujDjW2
“I am not understanding,” said Shae, no doubt confused by the reactions of the Earthlings, “What are these Revs being, and also what is the extent of the impaction due to their involvement?”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PPULWtCbH
“Revs view humans as the only pure race. They’ve killed millions of non-humans and magi back on earth. Mikaen and Jyle will back me up on that.” One nodded at them both.copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmpiXOeeH2
Mikaen asked One, “Do you know why they’re here?”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHHt8rKfz6
“Not yet, but a friend of mine’s working on scanning what’s left of the pilot’s gray matter.” One made a face. “It’s fried as the rest of him, but we might manage to get a little useful information.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GKiUr8Rlj
“In the meantime,” said Jyle, addressing the council, “I move that we take Daughter Myssohn’s suggestion and send a small team to infiltrate Ronisgald in a non-aggressive manner, for the purpose of discovering the nature of the connection between the Ronisgald Government and the Restored Earth Alliance. All in favor?”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCZRp3eZkQ
Most of the room signaled agreement, even if it was a bit reluctant in some cases.copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrYesJvwPA
Iniagus let out a sigh before finally relenting. “Oh, very well. We will go with the majority.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMtBmlBo5F
“Then we are all agreed.” Jyle said, “Given the urgency of this matter, the rest of the Council will be postponed until we have the appropriate information necessary to make proper judgment.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxxuk2ihbd
As everyone got up to leave, Teria caught Jyle mouthing the words ‘stay here’ to Mikaen.copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLKvzGlXFh
She bumped her sister’s arm, whispering, “Ten to one he asks Mikaen to head the team and tries to make us stay here.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfpwx0heZs
When the other delegates had left, Jyle sighed. “Tirinia, would you mind stepping out for a few minutes?”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTSqWBcgZz
Mikaen said, “Let her stay. I’m just gonna tell her about it later anyway.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2AhjqMNyr
Jyle frowned. “Fine. Teria?”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡFM5mS6D9XY
“Don’t waste your breath.” She said, picking at one of her claws.copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2k8kma669
Sighing, Jyle said, “I suppose you have a right to be here, seeing as the four of you snuck into the Galden camp in the dead of night and managed to sneak off with the prisoners.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8P35seoG72
“Four of us?” said One, “I didn’t sneak into the camp until later.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlVh6fMCaB
“I know.” Jyle said, “Mikaen, Teria, Tirinia … and Jeronem.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Dbi8MFv5S
Mikaen smirked at the empty chair beside his. “Nice try.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAPjqZzhtr
Jeronem popped back into existence, pouting. “That’s not fair! If you can be here, then so can I!”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1NNlQseV5
“Fine. Everyone can stay. It’s probably better that you all hear this anyway. I’m going to be assembling a team to investigate what’s been going on at Ronisgald. Mikaen, I realize this is asking a lot, but I’d like you to head the team.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxgUAN5NYy
“I’m going too.” Tirinia said immediately.copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9JT2mghGt
“I go where Tirinia goes.” said Teria. copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ll9AI5GXd
Jeronem waved his hand. “Don’t forget about me!”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmZ9PddpA8
“No, no, No, NO!” Jyle frowned at them. “I can’t send out a bunch of Council delegates on what is clearly going to be a dangerous mission!”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡhStI0r0NOe
“Oh really?” Teria put a hand on her hip. “You didn’t seem to mind when your daughter was concerned.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡyY3MI2Q3P1
“I asked you to make sure she didn’t get into trouble, not to actually go rescue her if she did.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8TdntfNGI
Mikaen held up a hand. “Hang on a moment. If we hadn’t gone to save your daughter and the other captives, they would have died before your troops got there.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡarldm1zaVA
“I’m not questioning any of your abilities.” said Jyle, holding a hand to his head, “Far from it. I am grateful for what you did, but Ronisgald isn’t a little camp in the forest; it’s one of the biggest countries on Vinta, filled with the latest security technology. The entire country is built inside hundreds of subterranean enclosures, the smallest of which is easily the same size as Muonsol, not to mention Angela.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJoYyTEHMn
“Who’s Angela?” Mikaen asked.copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuzIJbBhxS
“Angela’s the central intelligence construct that runs Ronisgald. She’s pretty advanced too; caught me hacking into her systems a few months ago.” Teria paused a moment and rubbed her neck. “Just thinking about it makes my datajack sting.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLkcMVAags
“This isn’t just about getting inside the city and sneaking around.” continued Jyle, “We need to know how deeply the Revs have infiltrated the government of Ronisgald. I hope to the Creator this hasn't gone as far as the Triumvates.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHXHqBzhSz
Teria snorted. “Seeing as the Revs had a contingent of the Galden Security Force with them, I'm guessing they're pretty well in.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8voIb3HjL
“That doesn’t necessarily mean the government knew they were Revs.” One told her. “They were in disguise, after all.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡGR8ajJoX4S
Teria rolled her eyes at him. “Riiiight. Seriously, don’t you think someone in the chain of command would be a bit curious about a bunch of priests and monks wanting to excavate a giant robot?”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡIW0GOFHoti
Jyle cut in before One could respond. “So I’m sure we can all agree that we should send a team of trained professionals. As such, I want Mikaen to lead the group.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9h3sz9VqVU
After a moment of silence, Mikaen said, “I don’t have a problem with leading a group, but wouldn’t I do better with a group whose abilities I’m already familiar with? I mean, Ronisgald isn’t just Galden, is it?”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MY7KeT9Pd
“Well, no.” Jyle admitted, “It’s a melting pot culture; pretty much a little of everyone there, though it is mostly Galden.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fnfwWypmG
“Then what’s the problem? We can gear up and be on our way by the end of the day.” Mikaen looked to the others, who nodded in agreement.copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AkPzgrJzj
“That’s not the point. Tirinia and Teria are Daughters of Longshore, and Jeronem’s the son of the vuestan Elder.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXTuYJ26ZO
“Oh, so you’re saying I’m more expendable?” Mikaen said, crossing his arms.copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAKe3FKbOa
“Of course not!” Jyle said, “But you are more experienced. If the Revs are really up to something, who would be more qualified to go than you?”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡifNzABT50d
It was a good point, and Mikaen knew it. Sighing, he said, “Fine. You win, Jyle. I’ll head your little team.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3e44n1zCoD
Teria and Jeronem looked at Mikaen, both clearly disappointed. Tirinia didn’t respond at all, which struck Teria as vaguely suspicious.copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡSa8mz54EYu
Jyle gave Mikaen a long, hard look. “Well, I’m glad you’re willing to listen to reason for a change. I’ll have the rest of the team ready tomorrow morning.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mvcsIg9ne
Looking at Tirinia, Jyle said, “Don’t worry, Tirinia. I’m sending him in with my best; he’ll get home all right.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3g34cKfNWc
Tirinia nodded silently, a strangely calm look on her face.copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnkOwkgj9S
With a final nod to One, Jyle left the chamber.copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLov2QRMxT
“What in Nocturnes is this crap?” Teria said, once Jyle was gone, “We can’t go because we’re Daughters? What kind of bullshit is that?”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡehaB5XtG1H
“Yeah! What gives?” Jeronem's voice squeaked in the head of everyone present.copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsHzstZP9m
Mikaen didn’t reply. About that time, Teria realized that he and Tirinia were counting silently on their fingers.copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWKwK0wxSs
Once they reached the count of ten, Mikaen clapped his hands together. “Okay, he should be out of hearing range. Here’s the plan: we’ll meet up in the stables at midnight, hijack a few mounts, and head out before morning.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFzCbyRKGo
Teria's mouth hung open for a few moments before she let out a laugh. “Cute. Real cute.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡwflGQpGOgR
“Ooh! Come with us, One! That would be awesome!” Jeronem looked eagerly at the Dreamer.copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRcb1Rjsoz
One opened his mouth to reply when the chamber doors slammed open, revealing two men. Thinking it would be Jyle, Teria was surprised to recognize the perpetually slouching Narrator Number Two (mostly from that tasteless hat with the feather). The angry man with the spectacles was unfamiliar … and a little frightening.copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9ixhhICbz
“One!” The bespectacled man barked, “Back to the Elsewhere, now!”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IlDZ9WgFZ
“What’s wrong?” One asked, sounding genuinely startled.copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYkKsresrM
“Not here. Get back to the-”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54kd67dW8C
“What in Nocturnes is your problem?” Teria interrupted, quickly stepping between the two, “You just barge in and-”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJHhXR3XlR
“Stay out of this, norm. It doesn’t concern you.” said Teach, not even looking at her as he spoke.copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡzusd7StPAC
“Hey!” Now it was One who sounded angry, “Don’t talk to her like that! Y’know what? Teria’s right. What the hell is your issue, Teach?”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡinE2Z6tWLH
“We can discuss my ‘issue’ back at the Elsewhere.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnJPWfPlvi
“Fine, I’ll head back when I’m done here.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ldFniJUAm
“NOW!”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLHWy1RYWr
A tense silence fell between One and Teach. Even Two shrank back from the two Dreamers. Teria wasn’t sure what to think. She had witnessed first-hand what a Dreamer could do, and didn’t want to think what would happen if two of them started fighting.copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRgBBvOkts
“Come on, One.” Two said, glancing worriedly between One and Teach, “All right, both of you just cool it already. We’ll get this cleared up back home.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzaAnMfLS0
One glared at Teach for a moment longer before nodding. “Fine.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdSU5KFvSQ
An angry look on his face, One walked briskly across the room, making a point to brush past Teach. Two followed shortly after, leaving Teach.copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡy52kXHci6N
“I apologize to all of you for this interruption,” Teach said in a much calmer manner, bowing slightly, “Please, bear it no further thought.”copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iphN0dfR9
Without another word, Teach strode across the room, presumably following after One and Two.copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtsezvCVF5
As the chamber doors closed, Teria looked at her sister and Mikaen and asked the question on everyone’s mind. “What in Nocturnes was that all about?”207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlG5CpEB4mi
copyright protection203ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTQ9ddjpCW
