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| − | * - Back to [[GoldenCat/SixthMovement|Sixth Movement]]
| + | #REDIRECT [[ADanceOfAngels]] |
| − | * - Back to [[GoldenCat/DanceOfAngels|A Dance of Angels]]
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| − | == Star-Chosen Plans ==
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| − | '''Alexsei Krauser: ''' He looks through the window, his features relaxed - but his eyes betray his tiredness, and the fact he has not slept well in a moment now. Catching glimpse of a few snowflakes that fall down to the ground fall below, Alexsei turns back his attention to the room inside - and to the young Cedric, accompanied by Millia, the only other people presents in the room.
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| − | He turns back to the young prince, and peers over as the youngest heir to the Holyswords reads the book the Sidereal had given him earlier. "Is it interesting to you, my young prince?" He finally asks, fighting the weariness in his voice as he gets closer, watching over the child. "It was a favorite when I was about your age. In fact, it was one of the only books I had - this is a different pressing, but stories are much more than the covers that contain them, yes?" He smiles, a weary, but genuine smile, then sits next to the young heir.
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| − | "Please keep it, young Cedric. I would like you to have it."
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| − | '''Cedric: ''' The youngest of the Holyswords reads the book, the two long wisps of hair that fall from the sides of his face down to his front seeming to sway like the tail of a idle cat, his eyes sparkling with excitement before he closes it. "Yes, yes, it seems very interesting, uncle Al! I love those pictures of the dragons... I wish I had met a dragon! There were so many gods that visited our parties, but never any dragons..."
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| − | "Thank you, uncle Al... this is cool~! Oh, and how's auntie Ryshy?"
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| − | '''Millia: ''' Millia seems lost in thought, looking out of the window...
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| − | If Cedric seems slightly like a cat, then she seems very much like one...
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| − | One can almost imagine a tail dangling and moving back and forth from her back, as she waits for something, some prey far below... strange, distant, as she walks to the couch and seems to almost curl up on herself... and watching Cedric and Alexsei with eyes that almost siit, but not, just enjoying the cute innocence...
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| − | '''Alexsei Krauser: ''' He smiles and chuckles slightly at the child's reaction, for a moment reminiscing about times long gone. "I used to say the same things, when I was reading the book. And I was living in the land said to be governed by the Dragons! But none of them ever came to my window, even though I wished for it."
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| − | He smiles and peers at Millia, wondering for a moment what might be on her mind, before being brought back to attention by Cedric's question... And for a moment, he wonders what to say.
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| − | "Auntie Ryshy is... tired. She has spent much effort, and has went through.. a lot, since the last battle ended." His eyes cloud for a moment, but they come back to reality in but a few seconds. "She does sends her regards, however, and she does not forget you."
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| − | And, as he peeks at the child holding the book, enthuses about dragons and tales that make his young eyes sparkle, Alexsei suddenly wonders what will become of such an innocent child when the time to grow up comes. Thinking of Ryshassa prompts a swirl of emotion within him, as he struggles not to be taken in by the storm of feelings... And, in a moment of lucidity he would most probably recall for years, he finally speaks.
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| − | "Please, young Cedric. Promise me something. Keep this book as a rememberance, as a reminder... Keep it until you grow older, and keep it even when it looks to you like a silly child's toy. Keep it even when you do not remember the name of the person who gave it to you, nor his face, nor his voice... Keep it with you, at all times. Keed it as a reminder - something to remind you that no matter what, just like the snowflake I told about last time... You are unique. And only you can do the things you do like you do them. Rank is insignificant. Position is insignificant. You are precious because you are you, young Cedric."
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| − | He plants his eyes into the child's, and his very feelings display in them for a moment, like water showing a perfect reflection. "Let no one take that from you, prince Cedric of Whiteshield." And he risks a glance outside, to the falling snowflakes...
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| − | "Please... remember this."
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| − | '''Gennadi: ''' A figure in deep blue garb, sparkling with white snow wrapped around him in swirls that look suspiciously like language knocks on the window, an upside down grin framed by a hood that hangs down and complimented by shocking blue eyes. "Hey, can I come in? I took the shortcut!"
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| − | '''Alexsei Krauser: ''' He almost jumps at the sudden appearance, but for the character, it is almost a trend. "Gennadi." he utters, shaking his head as he walks towards the window. "Give me a moment, I will open it for you.
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| − | * Gennadi has perhaps half a moment, and slips just before it opens. He catches himself on one hand and flips into the small room, brushing away some of the snow... which for the moment, refuses to melt in the heat of the room. "My thanks. I hope you aren't terribly busy."
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| − | '''Millia: ''' Millia watches... with admiration.
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| − | ''Alexsei Krauser, you may just be the sweetest man on Creation... ''
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| − | And then Gennadi comes. Ruining the mood as ''usual''!<br>
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| − | "Nothing but the cutest thing I have witnessed in years, dear chosen of blueness."
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| − | '''Alexsei Krauser: ''' He cannot help but smile at the intrusion, closing the window after Gennadi has slipped in, keeping the cold outside where it belongs. At Gennadi's question, he only shakes his head, crossing his arms loosely as he peers back at the young prince. "No, not terribly. In fact, I was only paying a visit to Millia and young Cedric, now that we have a little bit of time to do so." He tilts his head sideways, suddenly wondering about the reason ''behind'' the sudden intrusion. "Was there something I could do for you, Gennadi?"
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| − | '''Gennadi: ''' "You haven't looked in a mirror lately, have you?" He throws off a wink at her and sits, "Well, certainly, but I suspect it's a talk best left for privacy. Though you could get me a coffee, strong, with sugar. No cream."
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| − | '''Cedric: ''' Cedric holds the book to him... looking up, and into the violet eyes. He does not understand Alexsei's words, leaving him confused, a little lost... but he does understand part of them. ''Rank is insiginificant. Position is insignificant. You are precious because you are you. '' With Alexsei, Cedric looks at the snowflakes outside of the window... each and every one different. And understands...
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| − | "I will, uncle Al. I will never, ever forget." He finally says, pretty much whispers, after Gennadi enters, many moments after Alexsei's words... but he does say it, with the determination and strength only innocence can give you on his voice. "I will never, ever forget."
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| − | It takes a moment after he says this, and still holding the book tightly, he looks at Gennadi.
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| − | "Hi, Genn! Show me a trick?"
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| − | '''Gennadi: ''' He shrugs, and wipes some of the snow together. Deft fingers press it into a small ice sculpture. And then another as he adds more, and then another... finally, he combines them into a single large snowflake and tosses it over to cedric where it strikes his forehead lightly, breaking into a rainbow halo that sticks close around the boy. "Best I can do on short notice."
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| − | '''Alexsei Krauser: ''' He smiles at the child's reaction, then shakes his head at Gennadi. "If I was you, I would not be trusting my coffee, Gennadi. And I worry deeply about the times when ''I'' am more paranoid than ''you''." He chuckles, then smiles as he sees Gennadi's 'trick', which would no doubt spark fascination and admiration in young Cedric. He watches the rainbow halo for a moment, then turns back to the other Sidereal. "If you have something to talk about, however, I do not mind talking for a while."
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| − | '''Millia: ''' "At least, you are a gentleman." She smiles at his wink, and remains curled like she is, following him a bit with her eyes, then looking away with the faintest of blushes... before opening her mouth in wonder at his trick. "Neat trick! You are a chosen of serenity and joy, least for kids..."
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| − | '''Cedric: ''' Cedric looks at the snowflake, Alexsei's words vanishing from his mind now as he can only think one word.
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| − | Wheeeeeee!
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| − | * Gennadi wags a finger at Alexsei. "Details, dear friend, details. I said you could bring it to me, not that I'd drink it." He smiles apologetically to Millia. "I do apologize for interrupting, but it's business. You understand."
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| − | '''Millia: ''' "Not sure I want to ''hear'' your 'bussiness'... and you, Alexsei, treating with him? You are sooo dignified!" She says with a wink of her own. Playing. It was not true... Gennadi had, of course, been a pefect gentleman with her. Something she would not forget...
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| − | '''Alexsei Krauser: ''' "And I never said it would be more trustworthy if you did not drink it. But you are right, details." He adds, a small smile on his lips. He turns to Millia then bowing his head deeply to her.
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| − | "Thank you for letting me visit you and the young prince, lady Millia. You are most kind to have taken the time, even for one such as me. It is very much appreciated." He smiles at her, then turns to the young prince.
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| − | "I suppose we will part here, young Cedric. But you have much to read still, so I suspect you will be quite busy." He grants a smile to the child, patting his head affectionately. "We will meet again at another time, of course. Until then... be well. Both of you." He lifts his gaze towards Millia as he utters these words, then nods.
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| − | '''Millia: ''' "You be well, Alexsei. You have a heart the size of the world... do not let whatever is worrying you weight you down."
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| − | "And Gennadi, take good care of your friend!"
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| − | '''Gennadi: ''' "I take good care of everyone. It's just sometimes they don't realize it at the time." He takes a seat to watch Alexsei silently.
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| − | '''Cedric: ''' "See you, uncle Al! Thanks for the book!" He waves to them, trying to catch the rainbow about him,
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| − | "See you later~!"
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| − | He says as he lets Millia lead him out...
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| − | '''Alexsei Krauser: ''' He watches them leave, smile fading a bit as they walk away from the room. "Now." He finally says, taking a seat across Gennadi. "What should I be expecting to hear about? I dare hope it is not too apocalyptic - it is a bit early for these types of talk."
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| − | '''Gennadi: ''' "Oh, nothing so bad. I'm just going back to Heaven shortly. My intuition is that you're considering it as well..."
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| − | '''Alexsei Krauser: ''' He nods then leaning back slightly in his seat. He did not expect something catastrophic, but the nature of the news make him relax visibly. "Ah... yes. Events... Almost made me want to stay, but in the end... I really have to go and meet with Laisdach. I have not talked with him in quite a bit, now, and I would seek his word on a few matters about the war."
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| − | '''Gennadi: ''' "Laisdach? A mentor, I assume. I'm afraid events have conspired to leave me without an authority figure to look up to..."
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| − | '''Alexsei Krauser: ''' "Oh, yes, my master and trainer. And... I did not know. I thought you had someone like that in Yu-Shan... I suppose my assumption was wrong. In any case... If that is not too much to ask - what business calls for you to go back to Heaven?"
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| − | '''Gennadi: ''' "Well. Sort of." He scratches the back of his neck. "Both things are complicated. I've arranged a workshop for Opal in heaven, with assistants and raw materials. Expensive, but I expect her to pay for herself shortly. I need a refresher course on fighting, clearly, and there's some personal matters... oh. I intend to track down blight lily and brael before they have the chance to recover and really cause trouble."
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| − | * Gennadi blinks and laughs merrily. "Wow. That's a lot of reasons to run away and hide, isn't it?"
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| − | '''Alexsei Krauser: ''' He chuckles, shaking his head as he muses over the facts himself. "This war has left many problems to solve, and I suppose it is wise to use the ressources we have to the fullest. Well, I do not suppose - it is the only viable course of action we have." He smiles faintly, leaning forward as rests his elbow on his knees. "Though 'The Starchosen are running away' is probably an explanation that will be hard to counteract, I admit. Well..." He pauses, reflecting for a moment. "Not really. It can be counteracted by actually coming back."
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| − | '''Gennadi: ''' "Why bother counteracting? It's true, isn't it?"
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| − | '''Alexsei Krauser: ''' He laughs heartily this time, at the truth behind the words. "...Yes. In a way, it is." He gazes down then, his head shaking slightly at the thought of his visit to Yu-Shan. "It's been... a long time since Sijan. Almost 35 years now. Of course, for us, this will only be a speck in time in the end. But it seems like a long time." He smiles sadly now, brushing a strand of raven hair from his face.
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| − | "Ironic that you would say that, since the reason I am to go to Yu-Shan is to put an end to this trend of running away. There is a part I have tried to keep away since Sijan. The part that have caused disasters like Arioch." He pauses, pursing his lips at the mention of the name. "I need to find back what I have lost. Find the edge I left behind, for the past catches up to me - it is no use trying to outrun it anymore. Better make all the threads into one, and go forward."
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| − | '''Gennadi: ''' "I prefer to have as many threads as possible, that my enemies trip and fall on their faces when they try to get close." He shrugs. "Well, we're all different. It is not as if it is a terrible trip to get there, and one gets homesick every so often... But despite our reasons, we need a plan, Alexsei."
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| − | '''Alexsei Krauser: ''' "That much, I would agree on. So you intened we mae the trip together, hmm? Well, I see wisdom in that. Did you have an idea in mind as to which Gate you wanted to use? There is always the one in Gethamane, where my manse is located."
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| − | * Gennadi shrugs. "Ordinarily, I would leave that portion to our golden and saffron brothers. In light of that, why don't we wait and see if something more opportune presents itself?"
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| − | '''Alexsei Krauser: ''' "I am not adverse to that at all. We can wait and pan accordingly. Now... how long did you plan on staying in Heaven? I suppose you might have to fill in some reports and the like, yes?"
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| − | '''Gennadi: ''' "More than a few. The drawback of power is responsibility." He runs hands through viridian hair, knocking the hood back down to his shoulders. "How are you planning on dealing with the shitstorm that's going to show up when we arrive?"
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| − | '''Alexsei Krauser: ''' "The justifying of how things have played out, you mean?" He sighs, at the unavoidable repercussions they would have to face once back to their destination. "This will be... delicate. We will have to be careful - I do not think crying Maidens and the like are going to be dismissed as 'regular occurances of wartime'. My thought is that, the major players are setting themselves into motions, in the great reenactment of that took place here in the previous age. But - some of the players are not quite yet behaving like they should."
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| − | "The matter of Cael Pattona will be brought up, for sure. But getting rid of him is not something I like, nor do I think it is wise, at this point. One of the reasons is the fact that his being around might be our chance to finally understand what Tahira is up to, and what her role is."
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| − | * Gennadi nods. "I agree wholly so far. Even on less epic standards, there is the matter of our open support of the new alliance here, down to anima flares and behemoth wrestling."
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| − | '''Alexsei Krauser: ''' He smiles , lifting an eyebrow. "There is that, also. But for me, anima flares and open wrestling have been things I have had to deal with for some years now. If it makes your paperwork lighter to just say the proximity of Krauser has caused this course of action to perpetrate, then by all means, do so. They are used to reading about my flaring and other 'unethical antics', up there, it should not be too hard for you to convince them I dragged you along for the ride." He shrugs, leaning back in his seat once more.
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| − | "There are those that know about us, here. And for the time being, at least... I believe these people stand a good chance at stopping the onslaught sweeping through the north. Their reasons are personal, of course - and they range the whole spectrum. But we are spread very thin, and unable to commit more to this spot. I think more reinforcement from the Bureau is out of the question, and yet the situation calls for focused action."
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| − | He pauses, musing for a bit before continuing. "I will write my own report in the optic that these people are the most suited for the task at hand. They have the advantage of knowing their land, knowing their enemy, and even knowledge of their own kin - something even we don't possess. It will be seen as dangerous of course, but stranger alliances were forged. Besides..." He gazes down a bit, worries playing on his features once more. "I have the hunch these people will force One Thousand Virtues to come out. All the necessary connections are there, after all."
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| − | '''Gennadi: ''' "Mrm. Would you like to know a secret?"
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| − | * Gennadi grins. "Of course you do. I think it's the other way around. I think Virtues has been forcing us to come down where he can get our hands on us."
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| − | '''Alexsei Krauser: ''' "My thoughts exactly. The players and the played are not always the ones one thinks. I did receive the message to 'keep the Bier out of the North', however. In any case, as crazy a plan as it might sound, playing the game might be our only chance to even catch a glimpse at his plans, after all these years. And isn't playing the great game and coming on top what we were '''created''' for, in the end?"
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| − | '''Gennadi: ''' "So was he. Of course, he is outnumbered... not that that's helped." He shrugs. "It will end as it will end. Is that not fate? Oh, I must apologize, it seems... I've been doing that a lot lately. I've not been truly honest about why I'm here."
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| − | '''Alexsei Krauser: ''' "Hmm? So there is more to it than that. Well then. If you have told me there was something else behind it, then perhaps you might want to tell me what the something is?"
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| − | '''Gennadi: ''' "Actually, it is more of a personal matter. I'm here on behalf of the Bronze, you see."
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| − | '''Alexsei Krauser: ''' He lifts an eyebrow then, showing a bit of surprise at the statement. "Oh. So the Bronze sent you? Or is it a triplecrossing deal?" He reclines back in the seat, holding his head in his hand. "Well then. One thing, I admit I am curious. I can see the Bronze being interested in what happens here, what with the many 'Anathema' gathering in this region. But my question is - why tell me, if you had managed to keep that a secret all this time?"
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| − | '''Gennadi: ''' "Because this way you won't try to stab me when it comes out, dear friend. I'm here for the Gold and I'm here for the Bronze, I'm here for myself and I'm here for an old friend. No crosses involved, simply a lack of conflicts of interests regarding my actions. Both sides want me doing what I'm doing... it is the art of Serenity, you see."
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| − | '''Alexsei Krauser: ''' He laughs heartily, nodding slowly. "Well, spoken like a true child of Venus then. All sides served in one set of actions, one agent serving the interests of both of them... And more. Well." he continues, leaning his head back slightly. "For now, we work towards the same goal. Beyond the factions, is that not our true purpose?" He smiles and lifts an eyebrow, resting his head back on his hand.
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| − | "I will not get in your way. I was sent here by the gold, but I am here for the division of Endings, and for other personal motives above any other loyalty. As long as our goals coincides, I am not bothered by the politics of our wonderful brethren. Who serves who is only a detail in the end - only undelying reasons matter."
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| − | "And as long as those go towards the same goal, I see no reason to 'stab you', Gennadi."
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| − | '''Gennadi: ''' "An enlightened decision. Shall we meet for lunch in Heaven, perhaps in a week's time? I know the most wonderful place for seefood."
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| − | '''Alexsei Krauser: ''' "Well then, That should be pretty interesting. If I am not crumbling under paperwork nor getting scolded by Laisdach, I'll accept the invitation."
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| − | '''Gennadi: ''' "Excellent! It's a date. We can compare notes, perhaps speak without politics interfering. I'm sure by then you'll be properly infuriated with the fools that surround you."
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| − | '''Alexsei Krauser: ''' He stands, nodding the the other Sidereal as he smiles once more. "Indeed. I believe there is no better way to avoid politics at a friendly meal than to be faced with it day in and day out. And I am certain by that time I will remember why I have chosen to elect residence down here, yes." He bows, crossing his arms loosely once more.
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| − | "Thank you for taking the time to discuss, Gennadi. I take it we will see each other when it is time to leave?"
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| − | '''Gennadi: ''' 'Of course. Try not to get audited before I'm ready, it'd be terribly unfortunate."
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| − | '''Alexsei Krauser: ''' "Oh, I will try. I get better at evading the snares with the years, but you know the glee the bureaucrats display as they devise new traps, so one is never too cautious."
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| − | He smiles and waves, bowing once again before heading towards the door. "Be well, Gennadi."
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| − | ----
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| − | * - Back to [[GoldenCat/SixthMovement|Sixth Movement]]
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| − | * - Back to [[GoldenCat/DanceOfAngels|A Dance of Angels]]
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