Kingdom and Greater Imperium

[DrMedic]

Agnes rolled her eyes as she approached the Ambassador, less than excited about digging into her exceedingly rusty commons. 

"What's ye business with 'er then, 'n why yae got such a sizeable group anyway? Ne'r heard 'a foreigners walkin' about like a flock'a sheep, not without bein' part'a the army anyway."

[callmedelta]

Amélie groaned internally. Again, these Elerians and their accents. "I told the Imperatrix that I would get Franerre's spies out of Eleria as your first export in a trade agreement. Well, here we are, ready to return home."

[DrMedic]

She nodded, giving an order to her men as the gates opened. 

"Very well, come with me." Agnes said, leading the group into the palace while the guards and IIB operatives stayed behind. As the door before them opened, Marina stood behind it, wearing the white uniform she'd been wearing the night before instead of the black dress she preferred.

"Madame Lang, what a pleasant surprise. Please, come in, I've been expecting you." She said in Eoch, hoping to at least partially put the others' minds at ease.

[callmedelta]

"Stay here and comply with anything they say as long as it's not too outrageous," Amélie whispered to Marissa before moving to follow the Imperatrix up the steps and into the palace, leaving behind the spies.

"So what do we do now, Commander? Frans whispered, "The ambassador abandoned us. Do you really think the Elerians are gonna let us go?"

"I don't know, Frans, but I'm your Commander on this mission and I say we stay put," Marissa answered, hoping her calm voice reassured Frans.

[DrMedic]

The Imperatrix led the way to the courtyard, intent on enjoying a bit of fresh air while she spoke with Amélie.

"You know, I'm quite surprised you rounded everyone up and brought them here. Have you any clue how easy it would be for me to simply give the order to gun them all down where you left them?"

[callmedelta]

"That sounds like the quickest way to start a war, Marina," Lang said, "And I don't take you for a warmonger. You said yourself that I was a good judge of character, did you not?"

[DrMedic]

"No, I'm not a warmonger, but if your kingdom has any wisdom within it's borders they'd know it would be a fool's errand to step into the coliseum with Eleria. No matter though, simply killing them doesn't get us anywhere, I just wanted to point out my surprise is all."

[callmedelta]

"Let us get to the core of the matter, shall we?" Amélie asked, "You told me that if I could get Franch spies out of Elera and if I could get my Liege here to discuss, trade meetings could continue. I have delivered on one promise thusfar, and I would like to return home, spies in tow, to deliver on another."

[DrMedic]

"Yes, yes I recall, it's a shame though, I rather enjoyed these new guests of mine. Come, I will take you to those we have captured."

Marina led Amélie down a hallway to another wing of the palace with many smaller rooms. She stopped at one in particular that had a wheelchair outside, giving a knock on the door. 

"Madame Chapelière, are you awake? You have a visitor."

"Yes, I am, please come in." A faint voice called from behind the door. Marina opened it, stepping in along with Lang. On the bed lay one of the spies, looking quite haggard. She had clearly been treated for some form of injury, as her neck was quite well bandaged.

"Madame Lang is here to retrieve you and take you back home. Though, given the doctor's counsel, I am hesitant to release you for fear of your condition worsening."

[callmedelta]

Lang felt her stomach rising in her throat as she looked upon the spy. Amélie never had the stomach for violence, and looking at the woman's battered body already made her feel sick. "I know I told you all of our spies would be leaving," Amélie said, "but considering your hesitance, I think we can both make an exception for this case, no?"

[DrMedic]

"That was my intent, but I had to make sure you would accept. I cannot in good conscience release her in such a terrible state, but I can assure you that she will have my protection and no further harm will come to her. She was certainly difficult to break, that much I will say. If she had tried to hold out even ten more seconds I would be surprised if she were alive today. Most impressive indeed, though perhaps your GA should take a look at their training, as given how simple their mission was, there was no sense in any of what I had to do, let alone near killing someone."

"Thanks for that, by the way." Edith said, giving the Imperatrix a weak smile.

Marina chuckled a bit, "Would you prefer I finish the job? I can make it quick this time around, I have my sidearm."

"That won't be necessary, but I am grateful for the offer."

[callmedelta]

Amélie hoped her face was not as pale as it felt as she watched the two woman casually joke about torture and death. The Father built some people differently, she supposed. "As much as I am glad to see you alright, Edith, there is one more thing that must be discussed before we can leave. The plane I brought is rather small, only seating the pilot and three passengers. Considering the four agents of ours you captured, since Edith will not be returning with us, the seven you did not, and myself, that would take four trips to bring everyone home. I believe everyone here would be pleased by the quickest return possible."

[DrMedic]

"I suppose I could charter a civilian plane to make the flight, but it's an expensive prospect for only twelve people plus a pilot and copilot." Marina said as she turned back to Amélie. The look on her face changed quickly, going from carefree and jovial to concerned in a split second. "Amélie, are you alright? You look like you've just seen a ghost."

[callmedelta]

"It's nothing," Amélie quickly assured, "I just don't have the stomach for violence you two do, especially considering how jovial you are about this. If I were in this situation, I know I certainly wouldn't be joking so easily. Regardless, unless you can think of anything else, I wish to go as soon as possible. I want to reopen these negotiations as soon as possible, and that means getting back to Pareau."

[DrMedic]

"If you had served or if you were a spy, you would learn to appreciate dark humor. Besides, Edith and I have come to know each other rather well, she's quite pleasant."

"Oh yes, indeed. Did you know the Imperatrix is very fond of dark chocolate, but finds milk chocolate sickening? Maybe you should try getting tortured sometime, you might die, but if you pull through it could help broaden your horizons."

"She's right you know, about both things. Nevertheless, while I understand you're eager to return home, I cannot simply say a few magic words and have you all on a flight. I have to charter a civilian aircraft for a flight outside the Imperium, this is no easy task. I will be lucky if I can get you back to Pareau in a few days, let alone one or two. Also, aren't you forgetting four others who should be going with you?"