incoming transmission detected...
signal source identified: crimson.veil
establishing secure connection...
video feed active from: Crimson Veil to: Civil Servant subject: Our Castles
. . .
The girl's voice, although slightly distorted by the mask, sounds with a clear mixture of deep thoughtfulness and irritation.
"There is an old saying that a man's home is his castle... It is curious how some old things remain relevant, although our paths lead us far from their roots."
"And these paths lead us to the need to provide ourselves with proper castles, built not of stone, but of metal alloys. Protected not only by armor, but by stealth and mobility; hidden by a veil from unkind eyes and influences."
"It becomes all the more irritating that these simple truths are not understood by those whom I would like to see in a higher light. More suitable for a vision of the future, in which the need for castles and walls will be no more than a precaution, than an actual measure in active resistance."
"I have no doubt that you understand what I mean exactly."
"But where does this leave us? I would continue the dialogue, gently explaining why we cannot accept their likely, given my private talk with one of their people, response to our request. They would retain the right to recall the vessel back... As ignorant as these people are of the delicacy and complexity of our work, there is a correlation in our enemies and our goals. There is always power in numbers, however temporary."
"Of course... They will not give me what I need. A vessel that I could use to lay out a path to the future that the people of Sirius must have. My home, my castle. My manifestation in... the Void. It is not something that can be taken away; to sever us from such a home would be as great a loss as the severing of a limb. To agree to do this willingly would be foolish, so the addition of this limb to me will not happen... On their terms."
![[Image: IwWKhRE.png]](https://i.imgur.com/IwWKhRE.png)