In council assembled

[Agmen of Eladesor]

DeVirgo smiled back.

"Your comment gives me hope, Stoat, whether you intended for it do so or not. You still refer to 'us'. Excellent."

DeVirgo turned back to the assembly.

"Very well. I will take the advice of our ... Ambassador Guildmaster ... in these proceedings, unless there is some objection?" He barely paused to take a breath. "I didn't think so."

"In light of the evidence presented, and as much as it pains me to admit it, I suspect that the only blame for our loss is our own hubris. At the same time, I see no reason to change our total long term plans in light of our short term losses. I propose a reorganization of our structure, so that each of our groups can focus upon their own main objectives while we ... make plans."

Turning to look directly at 'Cracker' Jack, Max said, "Cracker - this hurt us. Badly. Both financially, of course, and in personnel and equipment. I have complete confidence in your ability to guide our in-house forces in all matters. Take charge of those forces - those that remain, anyway. Rally them. Give them a cause. Make them effective fighters, leaders, and hunters. Strengthen our presence so that once again the pirates of Sirius fear our very name."

He turned towards Varrus. "The Core has been crippled by this. But just as a wounded animal is most dangerous, so shall the Core be. Take personal command of all Core Operations. You WILL be responsible now for everything that happens. Reinforce Dabadoru. Maintain the safety and integrity of our system here, Rostock and the surrounding area. Make your plans for the long term - not just our survival but our ultimate success."

"Yes, Stoat, I have learned. Return to your new friends, but remain in touch. While you may be part of something bigger than yourself now, your heart is still human. Remember that."

"Is there anything further to come before this assembly?"

---

Oh god... The end of days... Agmen agreed with me.