[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/z6cC6JC.png[/img][/center]

Alicia could understand where Rachel was coming from, and did not hold that against her. Yet she could not agree with how she saw things, or the methods in which they went about things. She still held some reservations, but if they did not give people a chance to prove themselves, then it would merely become its own self fulfilling prophecy. 

[color=aba000]"But this isn't a virus,"[/color] she pointed out in turn even if Rachel did not want to hear it. [color=aba000]"What we're fighting is intelligent and plans as much as we do. If we try to burn it all for the sake of killing an infection, then everyone else will turn away from us, even the normal girls."[/color]

She glanced away, hands balled into fists. [color=aba000]"It was hard enough trying to convince people before. The dark forces that we're trying to stomp out, they're only going to get stronger as they earn sympathy, even as we stamp them out."[/color] But she didn't expect Rachel to get it, not yet. She had only just been put in charge after all. It seemed that she was just going to have to play damage control to the Ascendancy. 

Turning from that, she nodded to Elora as the Ascendancy girl informed them of where Penny had been. [color=aba000]"I guess that explains it. She does not waste time,"[/color] Alicia remarked with a hum. Still, she would have liked if they could talk first before her friend went off picking fights. 

When Serenity picked up, she nodded in agreement. [color=aba000]"Both of them were with us during our time in the pocket dimension. Most o the work must have been done by their allies or subordinates."[/color] It wouldn't have made much sense otherwise, though it was probably only a distinction by degrees. They were still clearly causing trouble for the Ascendancy. [color=aba000]"Have you had any luck with scrying?"[/color]

Before she could go on, pandemmonium broke out as Serenity angered pretty much every Ascendancy member in the room. As it stood, Alicia had to try very hard not to facepalm. Five minutes. The good feelings from the trial hadn't even lasted five minutes. Seriously!?!

[color=aba000]"Serenity, I appreciate the intention, but you can't just do that sort of thing. We have limits.,"[/color] she said with a sigh. Shaking her head, she thought over what a good punishment could potentially be that would even mean anything to a former Horror. Without being too cruel about it. Everyone was waiting on her with an answer. 

After a moment she stiffened, looking to Serenity with a firm gaze. [color=aba000]"It's clear that you need time to reflect, to further consider the ideals that Beacon tries to uphold. To trust in the well intentions of something incomprehensible is to court disaster. Still, your actions were driven as much by ignorance as actual intent to do harm. As penance, I want you to go and clean up Anti-Beacon and Anti-Ascendancy graffiti in the city, without the use of magic or your powers. I'm sure Elora knows a good hot spot for you to cover."[/color] she glanced over at the girl in question, hoping that this was actually a thing going on. Otherwise she was going to see very silly.