[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/8jFw1Lt.png[/img][/center] Tetrad was admiring her reflection in a mirror at the Golden Trove. Some people thought she was vain and, to an extent, they were probably right. Though Tetrad wasn’t one to become spellbound by her own appearance. After last week, it was only natural that she acquired a deeper appreciation for her youth. She gave her reflection a wink before strolling down the hall. The ruined streets of Penrose held little shelter for magical girls these days. Her interdimensional apartment was nice, but it brought few comforts for people like Terad. People who craved social interaction and partying like tomorrow would never come. It just so happened she knew someone who was trying to amass people for a party, and they recently joined Crimson Cradle. Tetrad placed her fingers beside her head. [color=75c159][i]”Hey new girl, you there?”[/i][/color] Tetrad scanned her surroundings to see if she could spot Eliza’s glow. [Color=mediumpurple][i]"Yeah, I'm just on lookout if you wanna meet up."[/i][/color] the witch replied, landing on a building near the hotel. She didn't have her hood on, but was still hiding her wings in her cloak. Tetrad did not respond over magicoms, and instead ran up the stairs as fast as her legs could muster, which was faster than most humans. Once she got to the roof, she put on the breaks and skidded to a stop in front of Eliza. [color=75c159]”Oh yea, they said you looked a bit like a witch.”[/color] Tetrad rubbed her chin as she looked Eliza up and down. [color=75c159]”Pretty cute though! You wouldn’t happen to have a boyfriend, would you?”[/color] [Color=mediumpurple]"Oh! Uh, n-not really?"[/color] Eliza scratched the back of her head nervously. [Color=mediumpurple]"Never had time to consider finding a date, ya know?"[/color] [color=75c159]”That’s fine, I know how to fix that.”[/color] Tetrad patted Eliza on the back. [color=75c159]”Mmmmm, doesn’t feel quite right.”[/color] She placed her hands on her hips. [color=75c159]”Hiding something back there?”[/color] The witch looked around, then back to Tetrad. [Color=mediumpurple]"Guess I don’t need to use my magic right now."[/color] Her illusion cloak disappeared to reveal her wings. [Color=mediumpurple]"Better?"[/color] [color=75c159]”Oh, an angel!”[/color] Tetrad walked around Eliza. [color=75c159]”Alright, cool. cool. Yea that’s good.”[/color] She kept nodding. [color=75c159]”So, I heard you were handing out invitations to a party?”[/color] Eliza nodded. [Color=mediumpurple]"Cindy asked me to herself. Times like this, my illusions turn out pretty handy."[/color] She tilted her head. [Color=mediumpurple]"Why? Did you want an invite?"[/color] That was really all Eliza had to say. Tetrad gripped the angel girl’s shoulders. [color=75c159]”Yes! A thousand times yes!”[/color] Her eyes were shining like rubies. [color=75c159]”How many tickets ya got? Are there games? Dancing? Boys!?”[/color] She let go of Eliza and folded her arms. [color=75c159]”I mean like, sure, why not? I’m not a dark magical girl or a monster though, is that a problem?”[/color] [Color=mediumpurple]"Not at all! Normal magical girls are welcome as long as they behave themselves!"[/color] The witch explained. [Color=mediumpurple]"Though I'm worried the Ascendancy is going to ambush the party the first chance they get, so it might be best to keep your wits about you."[/color] [color=red]"I can't imagine a future in which they don't crash the party,"[/color] The two heard a voice from a shadow on the roof, and from it, a familiar agent appeared. She gave Eliza a once-over, and then nodded before turning to Tetrad. [color=red]"Is it really that exciting to you?"[/color] [color=75c159]”You bet!”[/color] Tetrad hugged herself. [color=75c159]”Look at you Silhouette, you just stepped out of a shadow. It’s natural for you to feel comfortable there I suppose.”[/color] She pointed at herself with her thumb. [color=75c159]”Well [i]my[/i] preferred habitat is the opposite of that. Bright lights! Noise! Warm bodies moving side to side to the beat of the music!”[/color] She sighed. [color=75c159]”But hey, how long have you been up here? Eh, never mind that. Point is, the only other way to get into the party is with Trixy. I think she’s swell and all, but she’s been warming up to you a lot recently.”[/color] [color=red]"And I've got someone who doesn't seem to care much for me too,"[/color] She sighed, thinking about Blair. What was she going to do with that girl? [color=red]"I may have bitten off a bit more than I can chew."[/color] Samantha then turned to Eliza. [color=red]"Try not to give me more work on the Cradle's site if you end up using it."[/color] [Color=mediumpurple]"Eh, don't worry. Keeping things in order has been my main focus, so I won't be on the site often 'till all this blows over."[/color] Eliza crossed her arms, shrugging. [Color=mediumpurple]"I'll admit, it's been a long while since I've been to a party, so this might be fun."[/color] That was when everyone could hear a voice in their minds. It was Veronica. [i][color=#bd71e8]“Oh good, the three of you are together. Make way to the harbor, I wish to speak with all Agents in person. I understand this will be the first time some of you are meeting face to face.”[/color][/i] [color=75c159]”Now that’s a party!”[/color] Tetrad rubbed her hands together. [color=75c159]”Guess we shouldn’t keep her waiting. I kinda want to meet that styx chick. She sounds like a real gas.”[/color] [color=red]"Somehow I feel like it isn't going to be so jovial in nature,"[/color] Silhouette sighed. [color=red]"I'll meet you guys there."[/color] Silhouette dove off the roof of the hotel and then blinked out of vision. [Color=mediumpurple][i]"Understood. We'll arrive shortly."[/i][/color] Boosting herself back into the air, Eliza was about to fly off when she turned back to Tetrad. [Color=mediumpurple]"Oh, do you need a lift or anything?"[/color] Tetrad looked over the edge of the hotel, then back at Eliza. [color=75c159]”Yea, that would probably be fastest. ”[/color] She approached Eliza. For a moment, she seemed to look genuinely concerned. [color=75c159]”I’ve never done this before, where do I hold on?”[/color] [Color=mediumpurple]"Piggyback ride?"[/color] The witch suggested, turning around to let her climb onto her back. Tetrad straightened out her back. [color=75c159]”Sounds risky, I’m in!”[/color] [hr] The harbor was a shadow of its former self. Ships would come in at all times of the day to deliver goods to Penrose, But now the harbor was empty. Everything was covered in snow, and the lack of footprints gave the impression it had been abandoned for ages. The last time the harbor was used was to help evacuate the general populace. Now the water around the dock had frozen solid. Betty stood guard near one of the docks. Silhouette was the first to appear, seemingly popping into reality. [b]”Hello Silhouette! Um, weren’t you with the others?”[/b] Not long afterwards, Eliza and Tetrad glided down to Betty’s location. [b]”Oh there they are!”[/b] [color=75c159]”That was awesome!”[/color] Tetrad hopped off of Eliza’s back and looked at Silhouette. [color=75c159]”You got here first, but I think my way was more fun.”[/color] [color=red]"Is that what you think?"[/color] Silhouette disagreed. She found her method quite enjoyable. If she could fly herself, then that would be one thing. But relying on someone else? She did not like that a bit. [color=red]"Swift and quiet, getting around like that is my preference."[/color] [b]”Everyone else is already here. Silhouette, have you ever been inside Veronica’s interdimensional mansion?”[/b] A pair of black double doors appeared under the dock. There was a swirling darkness oozing out of their hinges. [b]”Either way, you can go inside whenever you are ready. I’m just going to wait out here for Maura before coming in myself.”[/b] [color=red]"I'll see you two inside, then."[/color] Silhouette gave both Tetrad and Eliza a nod, and then made her way to the ominous-looking doors. They screamed 'Veronica', but these sorts of things had long-since stopped affecting Silhouette. With an inhale, she pushed the doors open and stepped inside. [Color=mediumpurple]"Well if I know Maura, she'll arrive soon- Found her."[/color] Eliza pointed to the renegade sitting on the edge of the dock near them. Maura gave them a polite wave, and walked over next to Betty. [Color=mediumpurple]"Well, everyone's here now. Let's head in."[/color] She said, following Silhouette through the door. [b]”Ohmygosh!”[/b] Betty squealed. She watched as Eliza and Maura walked inside. [b]”She’s so cool!”[/b] [color=75c159]”Better ask her for an autograph then.”[/color] Tetrad patted Betty on the back as they both took up the rear. Once they passed the threshold of the doors, they slammed shut and sunk into the ground. There was no trace anyone had been there save a few footprints that were filling up with snow. [hr] Beyond the entrance was a long hallway filled with many doors, all shut except for the one at the other end of the hallway. Everything was very rustic looking, clearly inspired by the European mansions of the gilded age. There were portraits hanging on the walls that had to be a hundred years old. Yet there were also more “recent” additions. Most of the furniture was clearly from the 40s and 60s during the art deco craze. Even from the entrance way, the arriving magical girls could see a banquet set up in the far room. A small one, at least if you went by the head count. Veronica was sitting at a giant round table facing the newly arrived. The other agents stood at attention. Once everyone gathered around the table, Veronica raised her hand. [color=#bd71e8]“Be seated.”[/color] With that, everyone took a seat around Veronica. Naturally, Sil sat directly to her right while Betty sat to her left, with Eliza and Maura sitting practically opposite of Veronica. [color=#bd71e8]“I’m glad everyone could arrive. I have something important to discuss with all of you, but first, reports.”[/color] Veronica scanned everyone around the table. [color=#bd71e8]“Did anything worth mentioning come up?”[/color] [Color=mediumpurple]"Nothing to note during lookout, ma'am."[/color] Eliza spoke up, resting her head in one of her hands. [Color=crimson]"The Beacon Ascendancy hasn't caught wind of the corrupted magical girls' location, as far as we know."[/color] Maura added. Veronica looked to the duo. [color=#bd71e8]“Are you talking about Cindy’s forces?”[/color] [color=ccBFFF]”Oh, you work with Cindy, right?”[/color] Trixy leaned towards the two. [color=ccBFFF]”Does she trust you guys a lot??”[/color] [Color=mediumpurple]"I mean, she trusted me with handing the party invitations out, if that's something to go by."[/color] Eliza shrugged. [Color=mediumpurple]"Other than that, she seems pretty cool."[/color] [b]”Hah!”[/b] Blair folded her arms with a smirk. [b]”A mere party organizer couldn’t possibly understand the deeper workings of Cindy’s operation. She has charisma, and you are but a pawn.”[/b] Veronica leaned against her arm. [color=#bd71e8]“While I am inclined to agree that Cindy wouldn’t tell Eliza much, using the party for nefarious schemes does not fit with her profile. Cindy seems to have a lot of faith in those around her, and I don’t see her working with the Ascendancy. She’s too proud to work with anyone who holds themselves above her, and Beacon as a whole falls into that category.”[/color] A white haired girl leaned in. [b]”Let me guess, you think the Mint is going to try something?”[/b] [color=#bd71e8]“Maybe, if not someone else. The set up is familiar, is it not, Remedy?”[/color] A shadow portal opened up under Veronica’s hand, and a wine glass rose up into her waiting fingers. [color=#bd71e8]“Victoria Reales was assassinated in an attempt to drive a wedge between monsters and Beacon. Tensions were high, and it was a long time before Justine was discovered.”[/color] Remedy leaned back in her seat. [b]”So history is going to repeat itself. A war between Beacon and corrupted girls.”[/b] [Color=crimson]"The outcome could be worse if that were to happen."[/color] Maura crossed her legs, sighing. [Color=crimson]"A battle between light and dark on a greater scale as this can cause the order to shatter, tearing a rift in the balance of this world. Whether or not Miss Ford is keeping things from us, it doesn't matter as long as we can make sure both sides don't end up getting themselves killed in the end."[/color] She explained, giving Blair a stern look for a moment before turning back to the others. [Color=crimson]"After all, light cannot exist without darkness."[/color] [color=red]"This is beginning to sound like the plot to a generic fantasy film and I'm not a fan of that."[/color] Silhouette spoke, her eyes glowing. [color=red]"But onto the subject at hand. We simply need to prepare for the eventuality. Light and dark be damned."[/color] She drew her blade, and a a schatten appeared before her. With a single stab to its chest, it disappeared. [color=red]"If we knew who was going to act, then it would be much easier."[/color] [Color=crimson]"That's the thing though. Even I don't know the exact outcome."[/color] Maura looked at Silhouette. [Color=crimson]"The dimension could collapse on itself, or it could just be a mass genocide. Either way, it won't end well."[/color] The renegade crossed her arms. [color=ccBFFF]”I have an idea for that!”[/color] It was Trixy who spoke up this time. [color=ccBFFF]”If the problem is that Beacon and Cindy will wipe each other out, we simply need to give them a different enemy!”[/color] She gestured towards Veronica. [color=ccBFFF]”Veronica has a lot of black coins. If we can catch the would-be assassin, we can just plant a coin on their body. This will make the assassin look like a Mint agent, and cause Cindy to rebel against the Mint instead of Beacon!”[/color] She looked between all of her fellow agents with a huge smile. [color=red]"That is... not a plan I would've expected from you, of all people."[/color] Silhouette confessed. [color=red]"A very shady proposal. But I don't think it bad."[/color] She glanced around the room, interested to see what other people thought of it. Trixy clapped her hands together. [color=ccBFFF]”Yea, I’m really cute, and I like cute people, but I’m also one of Veronica’s agents.”[/color] She giggled. Both Eliza and Maura had comically blank expressions with Trixy's proposition. They didn't know what to make of it. [Color=mediumpurple]"Well, I mean- That [i]could[/i] work...?"[/color] The witch looked over to the others. [Color=mediumpurple]"Any other suggestions?"[/color] Remedy shrugged. [b]”Sounds underhanded, but I can’t think of anything better. If Cindy has to fight someone, let her kick the Mint’s butt.”[/b] Blair slammed their fist into the table. [b]”I for one think it’s a horrible idea.”[/b] Remedy rolled her eyes. [b]”You would.”[/b] [b]”Hear me out, it’s a more useful use of your time.”[/b] Blair gripped the edge of the table. [b]”This plan simply has no substance. The situation that Veronica is anticipating isn’t a sure thing. It’s great to prepare for an outcome, but it’s impossible to prepare for something blind. What if instead of a simple assassination it’s a massacre with hundreds of dead bodies? What if there’s more than one assassin? What if they manage to capture an assassin alive and he confesses to being part of Beacon? Planting a black coin in any of these instances does [i]nothing[/i].”[/b] [color=75c159]”This plan also hinges heavily on no one knowing Veronica has a stash of black coins. Everyone knows Veronica split, it’s not hard to assume she took some coins before leaving.”[/color] Tetrad was dealing Tarot cards at her side of the table. [color=75c159]”Also, if they had a divination expert like me, they would be able to tell that coin was planted. One look and I’d be able to tell you where it came from. Looking into the past a few seconds is child’s play. This plan could backfire pretty hard.”[/color] The next card she played was the fool. The result made her grin. [color=75c159]”I’d love to stick it to the Mint, but it feels a bit too risky.”[/color] [color=red]"We cannot be certain exactly which plan of attack they will use, but it would be wise to plan for something,"[/color] Sil said agreed. [color=red]"Still, it is troubling we don't have more to work with. I think assuming there will be an attack is most certainly the right course of action, so long as we don't overcommit before we confirm something, we stand to lose nothing.[/color]" She crossed her legs. [color=red]"I think the best we can do with as little knowledge as we seem to have is simply try to position everyone in such a way that we can respond according to how events play out."[/color] [Color=mediumpurple]"Yeah, I'd have to agreed with them on that."[/color] Eliza nodded. [Color=mediumpurple]"Unless we find something out, Sil's plan seems to be our best shot."[/color] [color=ccBFFF]”Hey!”[/color] Trixy waved her hands. [color=ccBFFF]”It was my plan first!”[/color] [color=75c159]”But Silhouette made it sound good.”[/color] Tetrad winked at Trixy. [color=75c159]”Cindy has little reason to trust any of us, so even if all we do is prevent a disaster, it will improve our standing with her. The more she trusts us, the easier it will be to convince her to take action against the Mint.”[/color] she turned over another card, this time it was the magician. [b]”Do you even hear yourselves?”[/b] Blair lowered her palms onto the table. [b]”This doesn’t change the fact that we know nothing! I would be very surprised if the Mint didn’t already enter Cindy’s ranks. They certainly aren’t hiding in Beacons. They will likely do everything in their power to ruin our reputation, if not outright kill us. ”[/b] Her eyes scanned everyone in the room. [b]”There are plenty of magical girls with plans of grandeur outside of the Mint that would [i]love[/i] to watch Cindy fall. Furthermore, I see nothing wrong with letting Cindy and Beacon wipe each other out!”[/b] Before the debate could go any further, a ringing sound filled the room. Veronica had taken a spoon and tapped the side of her glass. What caused everyone’s voices to die down wasn’t fear, but reverence for their leader. [color=#bd71e8]“Out of all the forces in Penrose, Cindy is the one that I am least threatened by. Her pride makes her easy to control, and we presently have no reason to remove her from power. A perfect contrast to Beacon’s rigid rule. We’re going to be at the party, so why not try and help Cindy out?”[/color] She looked to Maura [color=#bd71e8]“I also have a deep respect for Maura’s words. Cindy’s death would create a power vacuum that the cradle is unable to fill, and we would be left at the whims of whoever chooses to fill her throne. They would likely be stronger than Cindy, given they would be backed by the unrest caused by Beacon. If the Mint didn’t fill her throne, I shutter to think of who would.”[/color] She folded her arms. [color=#bd71e8]“But Blair also has a point. Many things have changed, and it will be difficult to attack what still lays in the shadows. Fortunately we happen to be of the intelligence gathering sort, and we have some time to prepare for the party. Don’t spend it all picking out a dress. This is our chance to earn Cindy’s trust, which will be important for Cradle moving forward. That takes priority over screwing over the Mint. You will all attend the party, even if you only stay outside to watch for suspicious activity.”[/color] Veronica turned to Betty and nodded. Betty looked at everyone else at the table. [b]”I take it all agents have nothing left to report? Then let me give mine.”[/b] Betty stood up and placed. [b]”While Veronica was visiting a bank in Penrose, I was attacked by a stranger.”[/b] Remedy raised an eyebrow. [b]”You didn’t call for backup?”[/b] [b]”There was no need to.”[/b] Betty fidgeted with her fingers. [b]”Don’t leave us in suspense, girl.”[/b] Blair squinted her eyes. [b]”What happened?”[/b] [b]”I-It was Katelyn. The monster girl Silhouette attacked when Soth appeared. She’s still alive. She, erm, protected me, sort of? It was kind of weird.”[/b] Eliza's eyes widened when Katelyn was mentioned. Not just out of shock, but of a rising anger. [Color=mediumpurple]"The dragon chick?? [i]She[/i] attacked you?!"[/color] [Color=crimson]"Elizabeth, calm down. You know what happened last time you encountered her."[/color] Maura patted the witch's back. [Color=crimson]"If Everance hadn't recovered via regeneration, I've to believe it was the work of her patron."[/color] Trixy also seemed to be perturbed by the news. [color=ccBFFF]”You let her live?”[/color] She raised an eyebrow while looking at Silhouette. Silhouette shook her head fervently and directed a glare a Betty. [color=red]"Nonsense!"[/color] she denied, nearly jumping to her feet as well. The thought she hadn't killed someone she intended to was ludicrous. They must have been mistaken. [color=red]"As I mentioned in the report after that incident, I made a clean cut that left her head rolling. Even regeneration doesn't fix that, and she didn't have a soul jar either."[/color] [b]”B-but it was her!”[/b] Betty stammered. [color=#bd71e8]“I looked through Betty’s memories myself. It is the same one. The only thing I could think of was that Shona must have blessed her on death, though her patron intervening is another possibility. One I even consider more likely.”[/color] Blair was unable to contain themselves and erupted into laughter. [b]”Just be thankful you [i]not[/i] killing something is worthy of a report, Silhouette.”[/b] [color=red]"I would have thought you wouldn't want us talking about people not worthy of report around you,"[/color] Sil snapped. [color=red]"Aside from letting Trixy get to you and threatening violence upon another agent, I've only seen you be a backup diversion plan for agents doing real work."[/color] [b]”Well, there’s a lot to be said for someone who never does things. As an example, I’ve never needed Veronica to personally extract me from any of my operations. I’ve also been doing operations since you’ve been shitting in your diapers.”[/b] Another gentle ring filled the air, and the bickering stopped. [color=#bd71e8]“You may squabble online to your hearts content, but I will not hear it here. Sam, you know better than to rise to someone's taunt. Blair, you may have magic wrecking your psych, but that’s not excusable behavior for an agent.”[/color] Veronica set down her spoon. [color=#bd71e8]“Sam carried out my request perfectly. She killed Katelyn, she was simply resurrected afterwards. I had Betty bring this up because she may attack us again. Moving on.”[/color] She waved her hand. [color=#bd71e8]“While in the beach dimension, I discovered something rather troubling. I’m sure you all remember the Dijinn girls, correct?”[/color] Veronica squinted her eyes. [color=#bd71e8]“It seems that they are protected by magic now. Their presence is a nuisance, as their ability to grant wishes could spell disastrous for long term plans. Worse still, is that the magic appears to be tied directly to Mariette. I’m sure you noticed it too, right Sam? With your special eyes?”[/color] Silhouette composed herself before answering Veronica. How shameful to be spurred on by the likes of Blair. She was just jealous. [color=red]"That's correct,"[/color] Sil affirmed. [color=red]"My eyes see all, and such a connect was not hard to spot,"[/color] her eyes lit up as if to emphasize this fact. She looked at Veronica. [color=red]"What do you suggest we do about that, then?"[/color] [color=#bd71e8]“It would behove us to find a way to kill or befriend Mariette, preferably the latter and the former if that fails. Normally tracking down someone is difficult, but Tetrad has proven to be quite dependable in that regard. I just want Eliza and you to tag along with her when she does. Eliza to help sort out if she’s telling the truth, and Sam is there to negotiate terms.”[/color] Veronica ran her finger along the edge of her glass. [color=#bd71e8]“Speaking of masterminds. It has also come to my attention that Justine has returned to Penrose.”[/color] [color=CCBFFF]”Justine?”[/color] Trixy adjusted her collar, still visibly annoyed. [color=CCBFFF]”THE Justine? Mrs 'remove love from the world' Justine? 'Budget Veronica' Justine?”[/color] Veronica glared at Trixy before looking at everyone else present. [color=#bd71e8]“I do not know why she has returned, but we need to know more about her. She's working with a magical girl named Ronin, who is looking for friends. She is currently working for me on a temporary contract, and it is vital that you befriend her. This will allow us to monitor Justine's actions as well as increase the likelihood of Ronin extending their contract with us. Becoming a permanent member may even be a possibility.”[/color] [Color=Crimson]"Ah, yes. Amanda had informed me about Visceral's return. Or atleast someone who fits the description."[/color] Maura said. [Color=Crimson]"Ronin seems like a nice kid. She's already befriended some of my girls, so there seems to be no ill intent.[/color] [Color=mediumpurple]"Huh...Justine as an ally. That's gonna be interesting."[/color] [color=#bd71e8]“The information was relayed to me by your girls, Maura, though I was unable to confirm it until I met Ronin in person.”[/color] Veronica chuckled. [color=#bd71e8]“I did not expect their name to fit their appearance so aptly.”[/color] Tetrad tapped her finger on the table. [color=75c159]”Not too sure I like the idea of using Ronin to spy on Justine. She’s a known brain washer.”[/color] Veronica nodded. [color=#bd71e8]“I would normally agree, but my contracts allow me to peer into people’s minds as long as they are active. I do not believe Ronin has been brain washed, and if they are down the road, I will be aware of it. But only if they are under contract.”[/color] Silhouette kept a hand on her chest as they spoke of Justine, some less than pleasant memories being evoked by the name. [color=red]"I'd honestly rather have her be done away with. She's a dangerous individual."[/color] She closed her eyes. [color=red]"If her reason for returning pits us against her,"[/color] Sil opened her eyes and looked at Veronica. [color=red]"Let me be the one to deal with her."[/color] [color=#bd71e8]“I see little need to keep them alive. People don’t change all that much as the years go by. She’s dangerous, an anomaly. My greatest opponent as a Mint coin broker.”[/color] Veronica let out a slow breath before grinning. [color=#bd71e8]“Watching my top agent carve through her would be simply divine.”[/color] And just like that, she returned to normal. [color=#bd71e8]“Something I neglected to mention earlier was Chloe. I spoke with her, she’s involved with the party somehow.”[/color] Veronica sloshed her drink before taking a sip. [color=#bd71e8]“She is difficult to figure out, and has many powerful allies. We included, but I trust her as far as I can throw her.”[/color] She raised her finger. [color=#bd71e8]“Out of costume.”[/color] Veronica added. [color=#bd71e8]“Do be wary of her. She has ties with Beacon, Mint, and Cindy. If someone wanted to start a war in Penrose, she could do it with the snap of her fingers.”[/color] Veronica snapped, just to show how easy it was. [color=#bd71e8]“She needs to be watched carefully. Unfortunately she is the type of target that needs to be eliminated or assisted and we lack the knowledge to figure out which course we should take.”[/color] Veronica sighed. [color=#bd71e8]“Thoughts?”[/color] [Color=mediumpurple]"What if Chloe decides to rat us out? She actually seems like someone [i]I'd[/i] wanna kill. Uh- Technically speaking of course."[/color] Eliza scratched the back of her head, having not wanted the part about killing the spirit girl to slip out. [Color=crimson]"That makes three to four we have to keep an eye on, then."[/color] the renegade thought. [Color=Crimson]"Chloe and Justine running into one another wouldn't end well either."[/color] she dryly chuckled. Silhouette nodded. [color=red]"Nothing sounds like it wants to end well right now,"[/color] she commented as she closed her eyes. [color=red]"And water is wet,"[/color] as she opened her eyes, she turned back to Veronica. [color=red]"There's nothing of note involving Su, is there? I am to continue as I have?"[/color] Veronica leaned towards Silhouette and nodded. [color=#bd71e8]“Yes, and inform me of any developments.”[/color] She looked at Blair. [color=#bd71e8]“Your opinion on Chloe?”[/color] [b]”If you want a dog to stop wagging its tail, you cut off its head.”[/b] Blair dragged their claws across their own neck, practically decapitating themselves. But then new flesh bubbled into place under the wound. [b]”Chloe, Justine, Mariette, the Dijin twins, they are threats to the Cradle and need to be eliminated. To pretend any of them can be reasoned with is folly. If a war starts, we’ll be better off for each one we’ve removed.”[/b] [color=75c159]”Classic.”[/color] Tetrad dealt another card. [color=75c159]”If Chloe is as powerful as you think she is, we can’t go against her right now. But let’s remember she’s friendly to us as well. I’m sure all of her allies share our skepticism. But hey, as long as she’s still a turbo lesbian, we have ways of keeping her interested.”[/color] [b]”We just need to learn more.”[/b] Remedy folded her arms. [b]”She’s plotting something, and if we can win her trust, maybe she’ll tell us what that is.”[/b] Trixy let out an alluring hum. [color=CCBFFF]”Well, if you need someone to put the moves on her, count me in!”[/color] She looked at Silhouette. [color=CCBFFF]”O-only if the mission requires it, of course!”[/color] Sil cast a glance at Trixy, but didn't say anything. [color=CCBFFF]”Ahem!”[/color] Trixy went back to brooding. [color=#bd71e8]“Perhaps I overestimated her as a threat to us. It would be worth our while to remind her of how fun we can be.”[/color] Veronica smiled briefly. [color=#bd71e8]“We covered a lot of ground today, but the main reason I brought everyone together was to discuss something else.”[/color] She brought her hands together. [color=#bd71e8]“My departure from Penrose.”[/color] There were murmers all around the table. Save for Trixy. She was gritting her teeth with quivering palms. She had actually been that way for a while, but it hadn’t become especially noticeable until now. Silhouette then 'uncomposed' herself immediately thereafter. [color=red]"What?!"[/color] she seemed to be the most surprised of the bunch. Betty turned to her master. [b]”Why?”[/b] [color=#bd71e8]“There is much that needs to be done outside of Penrose, and I feel presently that those here can hold the fort for the time I am gone. You will of course come with me, Betty.”[/color] Though her expression appeared rather saddened, the witch understood. [Color=mediumpurple]"How long will you be gone?"[/color] Eliza asked. [color=#bd71e8]“At this time, it is unclear.”[/color] Veronica stated. [color=red]"When did you decide this?"[/color] Sam demanded. [color=red]"And when did you intend to leave? Not now of all times, right?"[/color] [color=#bd71e8]“Trixy has established a base of operations for Cradle outside of Penrose. It is a good start, but I will need to be present to bring it to completion.”[/color] She gently placed her hand on Sam’s shoulder. [color=#bd71e8]“I have more things to do in Penrose before I depart, but I thought I should let you all know now.”[/color] [color=red]"But I..."[/color] [color=red][i]...Don't want you to go.[/i][/color] Samantha trailed off, not finishing her sentence. [color=red]"Very well,"[/color] she said. [color=red]"Who did you intend to leave in charge while you're gone, though?"[/color] she asked. [color=#bd71e8]“I would select you, but I feel that management would interfere with your ability to carry out duties. This is something that needs to be given to someone who has proven experience but won’t be missed on the field.”[/color] She pointed across the table. [color=#bd71e8]“Trixy, I will contact everyone for special meetings, but I believe you have what it takes. You kept Cradle together in my absence, and you will do it again.”[/color] [color=ccBFFF]”Hmm?”[/color] Trixy relaxed her hands. [color=ccBFFF]”Right, yea. Got it.”[/color] [color=red]"As long as she takes it seriously. I'm more of at tactics than a strategy kind of person anyways."[/color] she nodded. [color=#bd71e8]“To briefly recap, we are all going to the dark magical party. You can tell Cindy as much if you’d like, Eliza. I may even show up.”[/color] She chuckled. [color=#bd71e8]“We are also to keep an eye out for the Mint, as well as Katelyn. If you’d like a more detailed account of what happened to Betty, you can speak with her over coms. I’d like you to make contact with Mariette at your leisure. We need to ensure the Dijinn sisters cannot interfere with Cradle operations. We need to ensure our organization remains attractive to Ronin so that we can continue to spy on Justine. Finally, Chloe is someone we need to know more about, while also ensuring she continues to see Cradle as a useful asset.”[/color] Veronica cast out her hand. [color=#bd71e8]You are all dismissed.[/color]