>>FROM:@STORMBORN | >>TO:@ALL

[dorzalta]

I ask that you use caution if encountering Yhych in the courts. Or at least carry with you an anti-toxin.

[ dot dot dot . . . ]

Is anyone a weapon-maker here?



>>FROM:@STORMBORN
>>TO:@BURGERKING, @PONYTAIL, @MODERATUS, @POINTANDKICK, @DIEDHARD, @BOARING, @AEGONNER, @PERSONALSTAFF

Ignore my next message until you are alone or are able to control your reaction.

[ There will be a pause, one which seems to tick away as an eternity for her. And then: ]

I'm told Kebechet is here.

Comments

[mylawn]

What'd she do to you?

If she's important, all the more reason for the Regency to keep her information from falling into the wrong hands. She might kill herself if they don't.

[dorzalta]

While I was held captive? She conversed with me, explained some of the contingents within the Regency, and when I refused to offer my kingdom's aid, I was swallowed alive by the ground and left in a fiery lair.

[ With her father, a decrepit corpse. ]

We'll have to ensure that doesn't happen, then. A man of your worldliness is aware of what methods she may resort to, no?

[mylawn]

Could be any manner of things. In less high-tech days, you'd carry a poison capsule. Someone light Kebechet might have cybernetics that do the job.

[dorzalta]

How do we beat cybernetics?

[ What are cybernetics, exactly? ]

[mylawn]

Depends. If they're deeply integrated, shutting them down or otherwise disabling them might kill her anyway.

[dorzalta]

A loss to us only if her death creates a barrier to the success of our mission.

[mylawn]

If her death happens at the wrong time, I'd say it's pretty bad news for us.

[dorzalta]

We've faced worse odds.

[mylawn]

Generally speaking, yes, but the consequences for misfiring on this one might be disastrous.

[dorzalta]

Which is why we will prepare. Contingency plan upon plan, considering all which may occur. If need be, I will accept any and all responsibility for what may come, to divert those consequences as best I am able, and under the guise of teaching the High Queen's progeny of how best to overcome one's enemies.

[mylawn]

I hope for your sake we don’t need those contingencies.

[dorzalta]

[ She hopes for hers as well. ]

I failed to do what was best for COST in Paris. That mistake will not occur again.

[mylawn]

If you've got Grothia's blessing, then I'm on board.

[dorzalta]

She's given it, but said to act with care.

[mylawn]

Good enough for me.