"I'm not, but I am qualified to enter the suites of their officials at my own leisure and remind them to frequently address and sort their mail, as well as carry these propositions along. So this is what I am going to do... For context, Antonin - I'll speak on behalf of Buro but bring your other propositions by their jurisdiction. I may have a seat in a high place but making decisions like these alone simply outside of my authority."
- - -
Direktor only spoke up after Lusignan, listening intently to each point raised. These were good points, but employing some of them required more people involved and more opinions opted in - of Military, and more Government officials.
- - -
"I've got personnel in the Buro with experience in developing a new proplusion system from scratch; and my agents in the field are keeping track of Unioners activity in Cologne and Zurich. Some were, and are in our custody and undergoing interrogations. My key point is the amount of their activity suggests both systems hold Unioner-aligned installations. Shouldn't be long before they're exposed. Then, joing strike craft squadrons will be enough to set these asunder."
- - -
"And in the light of Houses power consolidation I'm certain my colleagues will be inclined to go along with the rest of propositions."
"Very well, although I would prefer to simplify the bureaucracy as much as its possible." answered Antonin. His face did show no emotion but a spark of coldness flashed in his eyes for a moment. The man certainly was not satisfied with the way where the conversation was going. "I'm afraid Unioners might made an alliance with our local terrorists - the Maquis. Anarchists or whoever they are, who aim to disrupt the functionality of our state and bring chaos to perfection. Imbeciles, in short. Although some of reports saying that Maquis are not even against working with the Outcasts who are the utmost enemy of the mankind."
"Alas, Antonin - we're bound by the law, and it's been sternly enforced to this point. I'll see what can be done, and that you're involved with the papers to the bare minimum. With that you should be more content, correct?"
Direktor chimed in after Lusignan's speech with arms crossed and a subtle sigh.
- - -
"You're quite elaborate on it, and your judgement of those deviants signifies their sentence. There's no negotiations with terrorists, anarchists and the likes. Only through gunfire."
"Indeed, you are as right as anyone. It is a pity that some, indeed most, politicians do not think so, and try to solve the problem with these scum peacefully. However, that is a topic for another kind of conversation." As soon as Antonin had finished speaking, the communicator rang with an incoming call. Accepting it, the man stared at the small figure of an officer. "Sir, the matter cannot wait. We have captured the leader of the Maquis cell, who we suspect has been collaborating with the Outcasts. I suppose you'll want to conduct the interrogation in person, he's already been taken to the Citadel."
"Ladies," the man cut the connection and rose from his chair. "Agent Nymph, please. The rest is on you."
Having said that, Lusignan hurriedly left the room.
The Nymph nodded to the Lusignan, and as soon as he left the office, she finally spoke to Wilcke.
It's nice to finally be able to talk to you in person, Minna. We haven't seen each other since the last joint exercise, have we?
She moved to Lusignan's chair and sat cross-legged.
We can now discuss this banality that monsieur Marechal suggested, but we can also turn our conversation into a more informal form. How do you like this? Proposals for improving the mutual defensive capabilities of our countries and future exercises are contained in the folder that lies before me now, but there is... Lots to see. On the way of our excursion we can discuss everything. Or... Shall we go to a more comfortable place? You know what i mean, mon amour.
Wilcke shuddered to think of the last visit; it was painfully formal, until the very conclusion of the exercises. Staining another with more formalities seemed unpleasantly excessive.
- - -
"No, there's no need, I'll get my subordinates to draft the formal subjects on our side – there are capable individuals perfectly aware of my views and opinions. There'll be absolute correlation with what we may discuss in greater comfort; let's make the move."
Direktor slightly stirred in her seat before lifting herself from the seat, and anticipating for Juliette to follow.
Juliette smiled tenderly at her and rose from her seat... When their eyes met, Wilke for some reason felt a surging calmness and a sense of satisfaction. Juliette took her hand, gently touching her palm with her fingertips, and slowly led her out of the office.
Unbearable work, isn't it, dear? And why did I only listen to Lusignan and return to the service? On the other hand, that's what brought us together. What do you think? Personally, I consider this a godsend.
They walked along the spacious corridors of the upper floors of the citadel, through the panoramic windows of which there was a majestic view of the almost virgin nature of Orleans.
Such a beautiful planet... Much better than my homeland - Metz. It seems to me that if heaven exists, then it is here. Even a few cities and military installations do not spoil this place. The architects did their best. in order to make these cities almost perfectly fit into the landscapes around and nature in general. Oh, by the way, this planet is although full of resorts. Skiing mostly.
Women walked past breathtaking landscapes and Wilcke, much more subtle in expression of her affection, sparing all the honeyed vast speeches, narrowing the expression down to few words and ample action. Right now, Minna was firmly grappling onto countess' slim, delicate digits, processing all the words said and compiling a fitting response.
- - -
I don't believe in ethereal powers that are granted control over our actions, decisions, meetings, nor in mythical promised lands. It's our decisions and actions that brought us together, ans this far, amidst that beauty, too, and so is the mutual affection."
Minna got slightly staggered, and blinked.
"Skiing resorts? We must visit one om the vacation."
We will visit, dear. And not only them. Gallia is full of great places to stay. And now...
With an imperious and confident movement, Juliette pressed Minna against the wall, hugged her waist and kissed her. Boldly and passionately, as was the ex-Countess herself. She released her from her embrace only when she heard the sound of footsteps from a distant corridor.
It's too crowded here, I guess... Let's go find a more comfortable place, hmm?
Taken aback by the sudden affection in the spark's very first moment, Wilcke would've grinned in the next
if their lips weren't tight pressed against each other into the casually tender moment of... finally admitted reunion; Direktor would've disregarded the warning, but did common sense make her heed Lorriane's plea and postpone her intentions until a moment just slightly delayed? Perhaps.
Again intertwining their digits, Minna pressed on, more impatient that her regular, subtle facade, pulling Juliette along, until... stopped in her tracks, barely aware of Citadel's interior planning, or if countess had a specific "comfortable place" in mind.
