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[quote=@Inedible]“No.” Victoria replies to Nicole’s question. “It was…unexpected.” It’s hard to tell how sincere the Ars Magi is, given her expression seems never to change that much. Yet there’s the slightest hint of a frown, a small note of displeasure with this fact that she shares.

Her frown deepens slightly when Astrelle speaks. Crimson eyes turn toward the dark-haired girl, the Ars Magi holding her gaze for a few icy seconds. 

“It was an Ars Magi.” She replies. “Or something similar enough that I wasn’t able to tell the difference.” Astrelle manages to pry that loose, at least. “It shouldn’t be possible.” Victoria seems fairly certain about that. Regardless of the actual reality. 

“That’s the transparency I can offer you.” She finishes, adding, “But Miss Cognoscenti has it correct.  If you’re going to serve the Imperium as an Ars Magi, Miss Lennox, obedience is what’s expected of you.” There’s been very little indication that Astrelle has a choice in the matter.

“If you’ll excuse me.” The Ars Magi steps back, heading toward the control console. Soon she’s deep in discussion with the pilot manning it, and the surrounding soldiers after that. She doesn’t leave this time, but she makes herself busy enough to avoid further questions. The five girls are left alone in the meantime, with not much in the way of privacy.[/quote]
Needless to say that particular revelation is a shock to Penny; Imperium propaganda and whatever information services she could access never mentions this sort of thing. Then again, it's clearly classified information, and she can understand why; it would hardly help morale if the amazing super-soldiers that Humanity's very existence depended upon could go rogue. People had enough to worry with rations and the ravages of Nox and Void to worry about whether their superhuman protectors would turn on them.

She wants to ask Victoria more, but she's clearly not getting the chance as the Wing of Justice goes off to check something. That leaves her with more questions; is there a risk of another attack? Were they the target or were they just collateral damage?

She should probably be madder about this, she's quite pissed off to be honest, but right now, she's exhausted and has broken bones in her forearm and a dislocated shoulder. She's been up since about the time they left Ciscia. She just wants to sleep.

[color=39b54a]"Well, that was... something,"[/color] she finally speaks up wearily. [color=39b54a]"I'd argue this, but right now Vanna has the right idea, so I think I'll crash. Wake me up when we get to Palmyra, and just pray we don't run into any other surprises."[/color]

She picks a couch, takes off her shoes, and lays down on it, and is soon fast asleep, snoring softly.