On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Five Hundred And Forty-Three

Director Christopher was in a formal suit, and I now had the experience to recognise it as a particularly high class one. Bethany and Zachary had changed, obviously, both of them in more casual clothing, jeans and hoodies, and seeing me looking, Bethany’s cheeks flushed a little pink. Yeah, she’s dressed rather differently to her flashy style from last night.

The pair of them also looked wretchedly hung over, which made sense, as despite their likely high stats from their Favours, they were certainly downing a great deal of strong spirits, both mortal and Fae, as the mood got to them.

“If we could talk…?” Christopher asked, and as I had no reason to refuse, we were soon in a small private room at the hotel. Zachary was clutching a bottle of water, sipping at it gingerly, and seeing that, I offered to cure their hangover, but Christopher shook his head grumpily.

“Let it be a lesson to them. Young women like Bethany shouldn’t be getting drunk, it’s not safe nowadays.”

I nodded at that, having to agree. “Yeah, my sister will be starting university in the spring, if all goes well. I’ve told her to be careful of that herself.”

“That’s old fashioned, dad…” Bethany grumbled, but he shook his head, expression stern.

“You think so? But it only takes one mistake to ruin your life.” I nodded along to his warnings, and Bethany rolled her eyes, looking younger than she was. Seeing I was supporting him again, Christopher coughed, clearing his throat. “I… well, when Bethany and Zachary came staggering in drunk at such a late hour… I was concerned! I only knew because she’s back from college on winter break.”

Bethany looked a little ashamed at that, but her lip was still curled in defiance. It was Zachary who spoke up.

“Come on dad, I was with her. Besides…”

“Besides? Haven’t you seen the news?” he cried, before taking a deep breath, visibly calming himself. “I’m sorry.” He apologised to me. “I’m just… concerned. I had told my children to stay well clear of any trouble, especially as…” He glowered at Christina, who pushed at her glasses nervously.

“Don’t be so grumpy Chris! I’ve turned over a new leaf, I promise. I’ll find out what I need to know with the highest of ethical standards… maybe not the highest safety standards, but…” she glanced at me, gauging my response. “…when one has someone that can heal any wound on tap, as well as a colleague who specialises in mental health care… I can take a few risks for results. Besides…” Now she was the one with a slightly pink face. “…it wouldn’t be so bad, having Akio here worried about my wellbeing, I think?”

“You’ve…” Christopher looked stunned for a moment. “…I know what you said to us, but… I find it hard to believe.” He blinked, before turning to me. “I know of your… reputation. But… her?” He seemed incredulous. “Christina Bakker is certainly a beauty, objectively so, but… her personality is trash.”

“I’m beautiful, huh?” Christina preened in her green gown. “Don’t be hitting on me or I’ll tell your wife, Chris!”

“I think you missed the point.” He sighed again. “Honestly, I’d rather bed a snake. Nobody knows what she’s thinking behind those cold blue eyes of hers. I doubt she even knows what romance or love is. And my kids are terrified of her. I warned them to stay away from her, and you. But it seems they think themselves adults, too old to listen to their father.” The pair of siblings shifted restlessly, looking guilty as well as hungover.

“I like to unravel the secrets of everything.” Christina shrugged. “This is simply a new mystery. Besides… it’s all water under the bridge, right Bethany, Zachary?” Her smile was teasing, and in the end the two nodded.

“Yeah… though…” Bethany struggled to articulate her thoughts. “…I think you’re even more frightening now. Just… I suppose if anyone can take it, you can.” She nodded at me, and I grimaced.

“Honestly, she’s absolutely not my type. But… it’s not like I can tell her she’s not allowed to fall for who she likes. I’m not taking her up on anything though.” I insisted, and Christina shivered, an almost inaudible moan escaping her damp lips. Damnit, she’s strange. A masochist, right? It’s really hard to deal with her when even being mean to her turns her on…

“Good luck.” Bethany ignored my protestations, perhaps getting back at me for her hangover, and I shrugged, unwilling to talk about it further. She then continued. “I… didn’t want to go, but Zack dragged me out…”

“Hey Beth, that’s so not fair, way to stab me in the back! Else why would you have got all dressed up?”

“Don’t be dumb, little brother! I’m a woman, I can’t go to a bar looking unfashionable! If anyone I knew saw me, I’d die.” She then paused, face red. “I have to thank you again. For… for healing me. Honestly, I just wanted to forget about all of this. I’m not as much of an idiot as Zack, thinking all this is fun…” Her hand went to her side, but this time it stopped before touching, and she withdrew it, further embarrassed.

“It’s not that, Beth, it’s just… it’s all for a reason, right? And stop nodding at me, madwoman!” Zachary was still wary of Christina.

Christopher coughed loudly, again, and his two children fell silent, as did Christina, only showing a knowing smile. “Excuse my rambunctious kids. I’m… I suppose I should thank you for looking after them last night. Even if I disagree with their drinking. I wanted them to keep a low profile, to… stay out of everything.” He seemed troubled, so I let him talk. I still have time. And it’s not like I don’t understand. Even if we’ve made the opposite choices.

“So I was angry when I heard they slipped out to meet you. But… I suppose I do understand. You’re quite the celebrity, Mr Oshiro.”

“You can call me Akio.”

“Fine. I suppose Christina here does.” At her quiet giggle, while Adelheid was sitting and waiting patiently, as if none of this concerned her, he continued.

“I get why your deeds might have inspired my son. But… it’s no game, is it?” He frowned at his daughter, and Bethany looked down and away. “I wasn’t aware of just how serious Bethany’s injury was. I’m thankful you healed it, but… I can’t help but fear you have ulterior motives. Or I did…”

“He never made a big deal of it. I think… by the morning, you’d even forgotten, hadn’t you?” Bethany looked at me, and I shrugged.

“My memory’s not that bad. But… it’s not like it was anything special. I was there, I could do it, so… I did. Girls shouldn’t have scars if they can help it…” I paused then, before smiling ruefully. “…honestly, not that there’s anything wrong with honourably earned scars. A number of my fiancées take battle seriously, and aren’t scared of wounds. Though… I still think not being injured is better. And so do they.”

“Yes. I have to conclude…” Christopher seemed a little amused at the messy situation. “You are not a particularly astute politician, Akio. But… you are a good man.”

I smiled ruefully, scratching at my cheek. “Hinata often says I don’t always think things through. But… your son Zachary is right, I think. This is all for a reason. And it would hurt my conscience to not help out when I can. I’m no saint…” I admitted. “…I can’t help everyone. But Bethany was there, so… I thought I might as well.”

Zachary was grinning. “I told you, Beth! The Hero of Britain is a great guy! I look up to him, he should be our role model!”

“Enough, son.” Christopher seemed a little frustrated. “I understand in your position, he seems someone to respect, but…” His expression turned rather pensive, and he seemed to be struggling with something, before he let out a long, troubled sigh, making up his mind. “It seems that even if my children stay hidden, stay out of trouble, then trouble will come looking for them. I don’t want that.” He glanced at Christina, before looking me in the eyes earnestly.

“I feel I owe you for helping Bethany. She’s grounded…” As Bethany protested she was a college-going adult and was too old to be treated like a child, Christopher disagreed. “…no, you’re in trouble, your wound… you kept it secret. It was getting worse, yes? What if you died? In the end, you would have!”

“Maybe not…” I tried to support her instinctively, as she reminded me a bit of my own sister as she looked downcast, biting at her lip. “…it certainly was poisoned by a nasty adherence…” None of them really knew what that meant, but Christina nodded knowingly. “…but the progression was slow. It’s quite possible that Bethany could have grown stronger fast enough to recover, or developed some sort of talent…”

“Except Beth didn’t want to think about any of this.” Zachary pointed out knowingly. “So… thanks again. For saving my pain in the ass but irreplaceable sister.”

As Bethany pouted, I grinned. “Don’t mention it. I don’t have an older sister… well, unless you count Haanōbō, I suppose…” My grin turned rueful at that mess. “But even she feels younger, despite her age.”

“I was trying to be serious. Oh, what’s the use?” Christopher seemed rattled, but he took a deep breath. “I suppose I would rather have this situation than what we had before. So, I will repay my debt. While Japan has certainly curtailed the NSA’s information gathering there, thanks to our… earlier transgressions…” He grimaced, as well he might. Yes, that’s a euphemistic way of putting it.

“…You’d be a fool not to surmise we still have means of gathering information.”

“Should you be saying that, Chris? Not very patriotic of you. It might be hard for Adam to disappear you, unlike little old me, but he’d give it a good shot. Hearing him bang on about those stupid little figures he plays with, he’d say you were a heretic or traitor, and ripe for the firing squad.” Christina interjected cheerfully.

“I don’t want to hear that from you, who abandoned America to run off to Japan, and no doubt leaked many of our secrets! It’s… a great concession… that we haven’t had you whisked away to a military prison for interrogation.” Christopher shot back.

“Hardly!” Christina was unmoved. “I’m a patriot, Chris! In fact, I’m doing America a great favour! I’m afraid that be it in a year, or perhaps five or ten, Chosen such as Akio will stand at the top. No, he’ll stand at the top. Our data of Growth types shows that, and I have a great wealth of it to pull from in Japan. And in terms of that, Akio and his forces exceed the best we have to offer significantly. No… when he stands at the top, I’ll be sure to put in a good word for our interests, as a proud American concubine!” She puffed out her ample chest with pride, straining her green gown and the scanty, lacy underwear beneath. “You can praise me for the effort I’m putting in! I’m still learning, but I know he’s rather soft on those he cherishes.”

“I doubt he cherishes you!” Christopher began, only to be interrupted by a shout of “Yet! I’m just getting started!” from Christina. I rolled my eyes, exasperated, and Adelheid, despite not understanding, was clearly over this whole ordeal, and while she wasn’t exactly looking forward to the state dinner, I could tell she would take any opening to be done with this mess. I don’t blame her. Saying that in front of me… kind of defeats the point. Although… she’s mostly joking, I think.

“It doesn’t work if you say it…”  Christopher thought the same. As Bethany and Zachary were actually sniggering at Christina’s behaviour, their fear of her slightly dampened by her demeanour since last night, Christopher gave up, running a hand through his hair in exasperated fatigue. “Forget it. But, it’s not patriotism if you’re doing something you want to do anyway…”

“Oh it is! It’s the best kind. Makes me motivated.” Christina was the one snickering now. “Anyway… I get it. You love your kids Chris. So let me give you one last piece of advice. Now’s the time to get in good with Akio.” She winked at Bethany. “Don’t you think?”

“Enough of that. You just want to get your hands on my kids still! It’s not happening.” Christopher grumbled, but he then took a deep breath. “Damn, we don’t have time for this. Enough. Akio… we know that Japan suffered a significant loss of what you call Chosen.” He laid out the information he was soothing his conscience with. “In America…” He took a deep breath. “Damn, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but… our President will likely use it as a bargaining chip. So if you know in advance… basically, there has been almost no Church of True Revelation activity in America. China neither, but here… the reasons why could be that we have already gathered most of our ability users, or some other scheme.”

I pondered the implications of that, before nodding. “Thanks, that is interesting. So… if America hasn’t been hurt by this mess…”

“Our President is likely disinclined to act boldly. Unless given cause, or if he can see the profit in it.” Christopher admitted. “Though with him, it’s sometimes hard to tell just what he’ll do. We tried to keep him as disinterested in this whole new paradigm as possible these last months but…” he sighed again, bitterly. “…London put paid to that. You put paid to it.”

“I see.” I replied after I rapidly considered it, Split Thoughts churning. After a moment, I nodded. “Thanks for the information. I appreciate it. I can only hope America won’t forget what it owes us, and me

“We should go.” Christopher agreed. “I am attending the dinner as well, of course. Bethany, Zachary. Home. Now.”

“Before they do…” I extended an invitation. “I understand your situation better than most. If… you ever want to talk, feel free to call me.” They had taken my phone number last night, and Zachary had teased his sister about that. She reddened remembering, but this was serious. “You never did tell me what your abilities were, which is fine, even prudent, but… should you ever want to take things further, actually be a part of this… well, I daresay as your father’s head of the CIA, you’d favour America, but… as the events of yesterday and today have shown, it’s a worldwide issue, and we should all pull together.”

“I’ll… think about it.” Bethany answered slowly, hand going to her side and stopping again, while Zachary shrugged and winked at me when his father couldn’t see. Christopher seemed troubled, but in the end, he thanked me for the offer. I shook hands with his children, and as they left, Christopher watched them go, shaking his head.

“No father wants their children to do a dangerous job. But…”

“…sometimes you have to just support them. I may not be a father, but I’m a brother, and a lover. My sister, my fiancées… they too chose danger. But… I think in a way, it’s less risky.” As we resumed our exit, we stepped out into the wintry sun, where an armoured limousine was waiting to whisk us away. Christopher had his own black, armoured four-by-four waiting outside the hotel as well, guarded by two black-suited, burly men.

Opening the door for Adelheid and Christina to get in, I exchanged my final words with Christopher. “So… don’t stifle them, support them. Like I said, I’d be happy to provide some guidance.” The Vermillion List data Christina nabbed didn’t have their abilities on, perhaps because Adam didn’t want to cause friction…and while my Eye could easily discern their Favours… I’m disinclined to do so. While I’d probably never be found out, it wouldn’t sit right with me. They seem good people… and I respect their current stance. But I hope they’ll take the hand I offer. No ability is useless.

“I’ll think about it. Well, I shall see you shortly. For the first time today.” Christopher reminded me. Obviously, it likely wasn’t a great secret he and his children met me here, but I took his point. It wouldn’t do if the President thought we were colluding. Though other than the information I received, it was innocent enough…

With that, I took my place next to Adelheid, ignoring Christina’s look of discontent that I wasn’t next to her, and with that, the door shut behind us, and the limousine headed off. All right then. White House, here we come…

***

I had to admit, it was very exciting entering the White House. Sure, I had seen many places I could barely have imagined in the past. Buckingham Palace for one, and of course the lands of the Fae, but that hardly diminished the impact of visiting the seat of perhaps the most powerful man in the modern world. At least for now. I suppose in the future, it’ll be Earth’s Astral Emperor, but that’s likely some time away yet…

Security was tight, as expected, and there were a number of Chosen here too. We spotted Titan, wearing a black suit with a crisp white shirt. His mighty physique made him look a little comical, and he seemed embarrassed, especially when Christina waved at him cheerfully, but he still managed a polite nod of greeting. A number of these are rather powerful. It makes sense. The United States has a decent population, and Christopher claimed they had secured or at least identified the majority of their Chosen, so picking out some powerhouses should be easy enough. Individually, I was confident I could handle any of them, likely even a few at once, barring any of them having an ability that defied convention, such as Arisu-san’s Room. But then, it’s not really about security, is it, but projecting power…

As if echoing my thoughts, Adelheid snorted. “They are all dust collectors. If you wished to cause trouble, how could they stop you?”

We were soon ushered into the very impressive State Dining Room within the White House. The walls were a mixture of pale white and rich gold, and valuable tapestries, drapes and candelabras were everywhere, the lighting natural rather than electric. Impeccably dressed servers were standing around the edges, and there were already a number of people seated, and I recognised some familiar faces. Mr Gerard Hunter, the British Foreign Secretary, who I met in London, was there, and he gave me a knowing nod, though his expression as he looked at Christina beside me was far from amused.

Gina Haskell and Adam White were here of course, and behind us, Christopher was being shown to the room. There were also likely a number of high ranking members of the US government too. Doesn’t look like the President is here yet.

“This way, if you would.” a server asked politely, and the three of us were guided over next to Mr Hunter. I pulled the chairs for Adelheid and Christina before the servers could, which earned me on odd look but as I sat down, Mr Hunter greeted me.

“It seems we meet again, Mr Oshiro. You have been busy.” With his stern face and short, blackish-brown hair, he certainly looked every inch the politician. He offered a handshake, and I took it. Glancing around, Mr Hunter grimaced a little. “We’re quite outnumbered here, it’s mostly the great and the good of American politics. Though…” He glowered at Christina. “…I don’t think too highly of the company you keep. In better days, she’d be seeing the stand at the Hague.”

As Christina tittered nervously, more guests were being ushered in. A server topped up our water glasses from the crystal jugs, and already expensive bottles of wine, red, white and sparkling, were waiting. All American vintages of recent years. Soft power, huh? I get it… we’re doing the same with Fae products.

“I find it best to keep an eye on her.” I admitted. “Properly directed, she’s got the opportunity to start making amends. Although… she knows it’s a big ask.”

Christina nodded. “Yes. I… for what it’s worth, I regret my actions. And not just because we got caught!” She couldn’t help but use inappropriate humour, but I supposed that was who she was, her ability to pick up the correct social cues was certainly lacking, though… I think there’s some calculation in it too.

“You think regret helps?” Mr Hunter scowled, and she shook her head.

“No, but it should be offered, I think. But I hardly think it’s fair to blame Akio for what I’ve done, just because he’s putting me to use. In the right dose at the right time, medicine, but… improperly used, poison.”

“Calling yourself poison?” I raised an eyebrow, and her smile was slightly lopsided now, her face a little red.

“You know how to push my buttons, Akio. They say the beautiful is often the deadly. Anyway…” She shrugged. “Just pretend I’m not here.”

“In that case…” Mr Hunter frowned. “…events have certainly escalated. The civil unrest on the streets of Britain has been a problem. Fortunately, Princess Eleanor appealed for calm, after surviving her own troubles. It’s largely damped down, except in a few impoverished inner cities. Fortunately, our beloved Princess is even more revered now, and as she had been targeted previously, public sentiment is largely on her side. It seems Japan is similar. While Princess Mikasa is not as public a figure, she has come out in support of our policies, and the Gods’ Chosen as a whole.”

Eleanor and Yukiko-san, huh? Yeah, people love Princesses, it probably has more sway than if I’d have done it. “Unfortunately I’ve only been appraised of the situation by those back in Japan.” I pointed out. “But yeah, it seems the troubles back home are manageable.”

“Yes. But… it’s a powder keg. While nothing so base as the attack on a school for noble children happened in Britain, the fact it did happen means that those in power are frightened. It’s a damn mess. Fortunately…” he looked at me strangely then. “…you are still planning to attend the New Year Honours, yes?”

“I wouldn’t miss it.” I grinned. “My mom is excited, she’s British, as you know. My sister too. And Shaeula loves the pomp and ceremony. Besides… afterwards, I have a task to complete with Eleanor.”

“Yes. So I hear, though the details are known only to the Prime Minister and a few others.” Mr Hunter replied. “Just… oh, we’ll talk about this later. He’s here.”

It wasn’t just me, everyone turned to see the entrance of the President of the United States of America. He was tall, a few inches taller than I was, and though his hair was greying, which made sense as he was in his seventies, he still walked with a certain arrogance. His navy blue suit was clearly well-tailored, and I could see it was made of the same sort of high-spec anti-ballistic fibres that Fujiwara-san’s suits were woven from. His watch was one I recognised, a Patek Phillipe Ellipse, in rose gold and dark blue. His shirt was a flamboyant black, and his tie a brilliant red silk. Striding in as if he was the most important man in the room, which in a sense he was, I supposed, he quickly gathered all eyes, and gave a brief speech.

“It’s great to see you all here today. Now, business shouldn’t be talked over dinner, there’s time for that later, but… working on an empty stomach isn’t good business either. Now… no need to stand on ceremony.” As he and the First Lady, his wife, sat at the lead table, servers began opening the wine, asking us which vintage we favoured. Adelheid pulled a face but took some white, while Christina refrained. Seeing my look of surprise, she shrugged.

“I have to keep a clear head. As enjoyable and novel as getting drunk was, I’m here for my brains today. Oh, I suppose I’m here to make you look good too. You have to have a beautiful woman on your arm, or our President will look down on you!”

As Mr Hunter and I both took the red vintage, he seemed resigned. “That’s true, yes. The President has a… fondness for women, certainly. In that regard the two of you are alike.” He fixed me with a steely glare. “Though I hope for all our sakes, you are capable of treating your women well.”

I was slightly offended, but Chistina spoke first. “How rude. You obviously don’t know him, Gerard. I can call you Gerard, right?”

“No, you may not.” He declined her, but in typical Christina fashion, she ignored him.

“Gerard, I may be a newcomer, but I’ve seen his attitude. He’s not a pushy person. More’s the pity.” She giggled as the first course arrived. It smelled delicious, a rich chilled tomato soup with spicy olive oil and sourdough. Taking a spoonful, she sighed contentedly. “Eat up, it’s good! Anyway…” Adelheid needed no invitation, and was rapidly devouring her newly arrived dish. I took a spoonful as Christina talked, and indeed, it tasted as good as it smelled.

“…I do think he could stand to be greedier, I mean, I laid myself bare, waiting for his advances, and he ignored me! I was most disappointed. But… that’s just the way he is. He certainly does fall in love easily, which is both a blessing and a curse.”

“Yes.” Mr Hunter admitted. “A number of people struggle with it in Britain. We’re… quite set in our ways. Princess Eleanor was one of those, though… she’s mellowed her attitude somewhat. She had to.”

Talk turned to more idle conversation, Mr Hunter filling us in with little anecdotes about Princess Eleanor and her current troubles. Obviously I knew a lot about them myself, being as our Territories were effectively right next door due to the Ring Gates, but he seemed to delight in talking about her mundane life too. I chuckled at one anecdote, where Eleanor had been running her brother Henry through his paces, getting him back in shape like a wicked drill instructor, when the main course arrived. It was beef ribs, smoked and fruity, as well as a lobster poached in citrus butter. It was served with well-prepared American vegetables, and while I wasn’t used to such foods, being raised in Japan, they certainly were tasty. And I don’t even need the special cutlery. A brief flash of wind, and our lobsters, Mr Hunter’s included, split evenly.

“He’s a handy man to have around, see?” Christina declared triumphantly, waving her silver lobster fork. “I imagine that Eleanor appreciates that about him?”

“Actually, her Majesty is your biggest fan.” Mr Hunter was rueful as he ate some of the perfectly cooked ribs elegantly, his manners impeccable, as one would expect from a Foreign Secretary. “She’s often heard talking about your latest deeds. The doings in South Africa came to her attention as well…”

“A bad business that.” I shook my head. “And a lesson on the dangers of what happens when Chosen run about unchecked.”

“Yes. Your foresight in establishing a Ministry early impressed us.” Mr Hunter agreed. “Though despite that, these Church fanatics…” His expression said everything, and I nodded.

“Yeah. From what I gather, a number of Japanese Chosen who were hesitating to come forward or didn’t want to be known have disappeared. It’s a huge blow. Still, losses to our enemy have surely been heavy too.” They lost a Cardinal, at the least, and Mae claimed some strange wooden wheel, though without my Eye we can’t fully analyse it.

“Yes. National Power is dictated not just by economy, military and culture now, but… Gods’ Chosen are equally as important. Perhaps more so…” Mr Hunter eyed me. “I understand you took a loan from Barclays to establish businesses, and your cooperation with Ichijou Heavy Industries is about to enter production… but her Majesty and the Prime Minister, as well as the Chancellor of the Exchequer, are all keen for you to enter partnership with us. Rumour has it that you’re instead establishing some sort of factory in Germany?” He glanced at Adelheid.

“Yes. I wanted to set Adelheid’s conscience at ease.” As I said that, she heard her name and glanced over at us, before rapidly going back to eating. For a small woman, she sure can tuck away food. But then, Chosen do seem to eat more in general. I’m curious as to why. Maybe Christina has discovered the answer? I assume it’s to do with stronger muscles and a faster-acting brain, perhaps not all the energy comes from aether, but there’s also a tangible, Material change?

“But we’re allies.” Mr Hunter grumbled. “Although… her Majesty has a proposal. Though… traditionally, it works the other way around… but then…” His mutters dipped in volume as he idly finished his meal.

Taking a swig of wine, a server immediately topped it up. I thanked him with a nod and mused over Mr Hunter’s words. Christina was looking very amused, and also rather envious. The main course was cleared away, and after some more chatter, the dessert was brought out, a basket of white chocolate with candied raspberries, peaches and banana ganache.

Seeing Adelheid drooling as it was placed down, I smiled to myself. I could feel eyes on us from all around the room, and I glanced over to the President’s table. He met my gaze boldly, and gave a little smirk of acknowledgement. Shaking my head, I went back to eating my dessert, and after that was done, I leaned back, well-satisfied, sipping on the last of my wine. It would have been nice to be here with the girls, rather than Christina, but… yeah, this was certainly an experience that wasn’t even possible for me at the start of the year…

“I would greatly appreciate it if you allowed me to accompany you in your discussions with the President.” Mr Hunter asked, as the tables were cleared. “We share a lot of common interests, and… if I may be frank?”

I nodded, so he continued. “This is not just a case of treaties or allied interests anymore. Both our Prime Ministers, as well as her Majesty the Queen, and also his Majesty the Emperor… have decided we need an irrevocable tie, bonds that will not be sundered. After all… the troubles afflicting us now apply pressure to force us all to act in our own interests. But if our interests are anchored securely together, then… such temptation will be useless.”

Christina nodded. “It seems to me, following the logic… that is surely one of the Church’s aims. Make everyone look to their own narrow interests, strike them with fear, if not even their precious heirs and children are safe… if anyone could be a powerful terrorist…”

“I’m surprised you would say such.” Mr Hunter replied, and Christina merely smiled knowingly.

“I’m learning. Little miss Christina can’t stay a fool forever. After all, I would hate to bring shame to my partner here today.”

I ignored her calling me her partner, but nodded at her sentiments. “Yes, unless we can come up with countermeasures for this sort of event, it’s impossible to have stability. I can’t be everywhere at once, and neither can my forces. There’s just too many points of vulnerability. And it’s a lot easier to terrorise with Chosen than suicide bombers, for example.”

It was then that the sound of a bell rang, and we turned, to see the President had stood, his eyes sparkling with excitement. Clapping his hands together, he smiled. “All right then. I hope everyone is relaxed. Now… our honoured guests today are from Japan, Britain and… oh, do excuse me.” He wasn’t sure about Adelheid, and someone whispered in his ear, an adjunct, most likely. “…oh, Germany. I see. Anyway, I won’t drone on and on, I’m not the boring old man who thinks he can unseat me. We’ve a lot to discuss, so…” As the tables were rearranged by the White House staff, he gestured to the one he was sitting at, where a number of empty seats were, and with a wicked grin he rubbed his hands together. “…let’s do some business!”