For the fallen

[abugslife]

[Hetepheres is standing on the outskirts of Birmingham, looking at the ruined parts of the city. Her staff in her hand, she's singing a song - it's hard to say what is this about, because it's in Gebian and sounds very strange, but it's slow and solemn. And long... But eventually it ends. And she addresses whoever was listening, without turning to them.]

I do not suppose it is a good time to mention Minister Pentu was very happy and agreed to support the PEP, is it?

Comments

[caressthedarkness]

[The distinct sound of a sword being returned to its scabbard is heard. This is followed by footsteps, and a voice that Heph should recognize.]

General...

[Seta stops several feet behind the Gebian, using the longer of the two swords that was once Kazan like a cane - both her hands rest on the weapon's pommel, while the sheathed tip of the blade is against the ground.

She quietly observes the wrecked section of Birmingham for a while, before...]

What...happened here?

[abugslife]

I did not expect to see you here, Seta.

It turned out that Lady's Good Men had a base in this city. Ilinka Venczel went out to attack it on her own, causing a currently unknown number of civilian casualties. She is in the brig right now, awaiting her punishment, and the other members of her team are under house arrest.

[caressthedarkness]

...I was the only one from the Foundation able to reach Birmingham in a reasonable time after an alarm was raised...and I was too late even then...

Do you mean...the same Ilnika in the team with Desta...?

[abugslife]

Yes. It turned out he is not the only psychopath on their team.

[caressthedarkness]

...Even their leader...?

[abugslife]

No. He has a different problem; complete lack of perspective.

[caressthedarkness]

...I see.

I...did not expect things to turn out this way.

[abugslife]

Gavin and his squad had the freedom to do whatever they want, and not enough wisdom or restraint to stop them from doing something like this. It was only a matter of time.

The consequences of their actions will fall upon them now. Or at least on Ilinka Venczel.