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While things had progressed since Alicia had dipped out to make her wish with Kayli, not all that much had actually changed. Some people were still considering how to evacuate the civilians from Penrose, while others were discussing cutting the problem off at the source. There was plenty Alicia could have said, but reminding them of how the Ascendancy had evacuated cities before didn't seem all that productive at the moment given the attitudes towards that organization. 

An eyebrow rose as Chloe went on, her claims dubious even without lie detection. She had no doubt that the Mint had some people in Wonderland, but exaggeration seemed to be in full force here. But what else was new. The trust levels were still at 'as far as a normal human could throw her' right now, as far as Alicia was concerned. The fact that the scientist was willing to vouch for her was...something. She supposed. 

As it was, the gravity seemed to be moving towards herself and Penny as Chloe moved to negotiate a deal that would allow an open Mint presence in Penrose in exchange for the information that she had. Selling any deal with the Mint was going to be difficult at best, of course, to say nothing of her own personal distaste for the idea. [color=aba000]"The Mint is a business in the loosest sense. It gives you what you want in the moment then ensures you give it what it wants from then on, until it has no more use for you. If you're lucky."[/color] she noted. 

Such things should not be a surprise, yet it seemed that there were some people there being swayed by Chloe's offer. She hoped it was just fear, rather than a genuine belief that the Mint broker was dealing fairly. [color=aba000]"We've survived crises before without the Mint swooping in to offer a solution on a silver platter for a 'modest' fee. I think we can do it again."[/color]