Graves sipped some water. He looked much recovered since his stroke, younger almost. Uncannily younger. Like he had undergone the kind of medical treatment you could devise using some hyper-advanced alien stem cell therapy and a supernatural power source.
"Gentlemen, fellow Guildmasters, hunters, veterans, the current situation we find ourslves in is troubling. I am calling this emergency session to establish the exact details of the incident in Leeds which has caused the Kusari Emperor to suddenly start throwing his weight around like a promiscuous hippo.
"Why didn't our representatives in Kusari didn't see this coming?
"Had the Kusari had planned something like this all along and were just waiting for a chance to grab Deshima?
"How have events have progressed since we issued orders to secure the base?
"What should our next step be?
"I have bought us some time by agreeing to return these individuals. They aren't really what's at stake. What troubles me is how poorly our relationship has progressed with the forces of the Kusari government. I mean, this Emperor, he's a puppet surely. I want to know who is pulling the strings. Who stands to gain from the seizure of Deshima?
"We decided long ago not to get involved in this war between Bretonia and Kusari, and our long-term goal of a Sirius-wide operation must remain the ultimate aim. But I wonder if we can expect to move closer to that in the current climate..."
He turned to the packed Guildhall. Hunters from all Houses, independent operators and former affiliates of disparate agencies were seated. It looked like it could be a long session.
