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Lafiel · 09-04-2009, 12:55 PM,

it had taken less than a day to get to leeds and fill up with refugees and time had flown as they arrived at manhattan. Lafiel hadn't mingled with the refugees at Olivers request it was an unknown if there were any Kusari agents hiding amongst them even though lafiel knew that a small portion of the refugees were actually crew in disguise. She hated having to quickly run down hallways when going from her room to the bridge an back again dodging doctors but especially staying clear of any refugees. There had been many stops on the way as the medical ship rendered assitance to many planets Lafiel didnt know or recognise on the way. She felt so lonely as she looked out view screen on the bridge at the blue planet that was Manhattan.

The senior Aviator a middle aged man with dark brown hair an hazel eyes named sampson Mertel had been courteous enough to point out various stations an planets of note as they had made their way through liberty space. He had just finished explaining about the various imports an exports of planet manhattan as Lafiel stood by him at his console were he sat towards the front of the bridge.
It was small entertainment but she was happy in a sense she had made a sort of friend he didn't seem to care about class who she was he treated her as an equal. Lafiel pointed at the smaller station on the view screen she spoke her well spoken posh accent of the bretonian nobility flowed gracefully from her lips, "Senior Aviator... I mean um Mister Mertel what is that station over there." The senior Aviator with out a second glance spoke in a thickly accented scottish voice however accented was not the heavy belly roll that she had accustomed to people of that decent, " That is Trenton station Muh girl. You can find many a cargo item there I tend to think of it as a Freelancer Nightmare myself. There is a nice pub of the station too." Lafiel couldn't hold back a smirk as she thought to herself that the Senior Aviator must have great experience an a practical knowledge of the pub butit turned it to a slight grimace as she scolded him, "I'm not a girl Sampson Korin Boltalas Mertel I'm a lady not a child please don't call me girl it implies such miss information." The Senior Aviator smirked, "Countess have you slept with any man made love with a man before?" Lafiel Blushed an looked away hiding her face with her long blonde hair as her cheeks turned a deep shade of red which contrasted heavily against her pale alibaster skin tone. She blurted out, "What Kind of question is that?" The Senior Aviator sat back in his chair looking smug, "I didn't think so muh girl your still but an innocent child in the eye of the universe and my book. An till recently you are now once again seen as such by your own nation who have raised the drinking an age of adult from 18 to 21." as Lafiel folded her arms he quietly teased whispering, "There is no place for sulking on the bridge of a starship muh girl. straighten your lip an pull up a chair by my calculations we will be departing soon for Rheinland we have our new cargo. It should be a little touchy though as Liberty an Rheinland are at war they might not take to kindly for us to be carrying such goods." Lafiel spoke, "Surely there will be no issue we are all from Bretonia besides this is a disguise that should keep most people unsuspecting." The Senior Aviator looked at his console as it bleeped a message popped up in text he read it before turning to Lafiel, "You are to return to your quarters Lafiel. Your butler Oliver wants a word with you." Lafiel frowned she wasn't about to forgive Oliver yet, "I guess I better go see what he wants it is obviously important since I havent been on talking terms with him an he obviously presumes I have forgiven him. Thank you Mr mertel it has been nice to talk with you" The Senior Aviator nodded looking at his conosle as the crew made ready to depart, "Call me Sam."

Lafiel · 09-04-2009, 02:46 PM,

Lafiel had arrived at her room casually walking the corridors as the refugees had long departed. She hesistated to enter she still felt uncomfortable in the way Oliver had manhandled her but he had been a faithful servant to her family for as long as she could remember. She finally gathered enough courage to enter her room she saw the window the stars were moving Oliver sat in the only chair in the small room which was next to her desk he sat facing the doorway his face drawn impassively. Lafiel hesistated at the doorway but then hurried to the safety of her bed were she sat down gracefully. They sat staring at each other for a good ten minutes Lafiels soft green eyes regarding Oliver staring into his cool blue.

Lafiel was growing ever more uneasy she felt her gaze beginning to falter under olivers icey cool blue eyes. She didn't know what to expect so many different things had happened in the past few months so much had changed would he hit me or smack me like a naughty child would he hurt me what could a spy get away with. Lafiel tried to banish such thoughts away with the thought of her father killing Oliver if he went out of his way to hurt her. She was just about to look away losing her nerve completely ready to bolt for the door when he spoke his voice was level an calm, "I know you may not forgive me at the moment for the way i have treated you in more recent times an I am sorry that it had to come to such a way that I would have to lay a hand an drag you like a child. But know this countess it is in your best interests an I will always work in your best interests I will follow your fathers orders flawlessly but I will alter them should they run less than apropriately with the will of her Majesty. For it is also her will that you be moved to safety an put under protection as it is her will that all the young nobility an children of nobility are to be moved to safety. I was acting on her command before your fathers it is only once I received word from your father that I have slightly altered the plans to incorporate his wishes as they coincide with her majesties to some extent. Know that what ever should happen I will give my life in the service of your protection countess." As he said the last sentence like a pledge he knelt before her his head down. Lafiel felt a little shaken as her thoughts to tear shreds off of him had crumbled she was humbled an in awe that the queen would also seek her safety an that of the other members of the nobility that were in no way to fight. she didn't at all know fully understand everyones roll in things all these sly covert games. The man before her she had known since she was a little baby was their friendship yes she would call it friendship as he had been a kind companion an uncle like figure to her before regardless of her noble born blood was it all a lie had it all been a facade did he actually hate her secretly or was she just a job to him. She was lost for words an she wasn't one to speak with out thinking but her mind now raced as the silence expanded as her voice came out in a whisper, "I'm not quite ready to forgive you Oliver if that is what you might be seeking I was truely hurt by your course of actions even if they were in my best interest. An the knowledge I now possess was it all a lie the many years in our household your friendship an service the memories I have are they just all lies were you just the man from the secret service acting his role to better protect me." Oliver rose from his kneeling position to stand suddenly Lafiel recoiled to lay back on her bed her arms protecting her face as if she expected to be suddenly struck as time passed an no blow calm she brought her arms down so she could better see Oliver who had moved back to his seat his lips had turned to a frown an his brow had creased, "Lafiel you recoil as if from an expected blow. It saddens me that your trust an feeling of safety around me has obviously dwindled know that I would never Hurt you touch you in any inapropriate manner however I will restrain you or carry you kicking an screaming or as I said if you prove to be extremely non compliant I will at worst sedate you to what level depends on you as well I have no qualm about carrying you half way around sirius in the work of her majesty." lafiel cut him off, "You say it saddens you that I dont fully trust you an am uncomfortable after you dragged me about the place an made me comply with everyones will but my own should you not be surprised such thing has come to pass. But no tell me this spy is all my memories of you just lies was it all a show an act how do you truely regard me." Oliver looked older an winced, "Lafiel I might be a spy in the service of her majesty an to a lesser extent your father which he of course knew who an what I was but our relationship the experiences shared my high opinion of you as a young girl with brilliant potential was no act some might have said this as getting too involved with the subject as being compromised I however do not. In the respects one should have honesty an reality to the greatest extent one can afford less one loses touch with reality an ones work is unravelled. Oliver the butler is the same as he had always been to you an your family Oliver the man of the secret service differs very little." Before Lafiel had time to think it over Oliver continued, "On more important issues my young countess a proffessor from the university of Cambridge and one from Oxford on New London have boarded after visiting Manhattan once we are underway an better setup they will continue your education whether you wish to become an ambassador on behalf of bretonia or a member of the armed forces or what ever really takes your fancey they will be continuing your basic education, before you take specialised subjects an then onto degrees an things that might take your fancy in profession. You will be well educated an you will have but two days off to do as you please. This should help pass the time till it is safe for you to make a permanent return to your home an go to Cambridge university or Oxford university on New London. Am I understood."
Lafiel just nodded it was obviously the end of the conversation as Oliver said veru good as he suddenly stood up an left her quarters. Leaving Lafiel to lay upon her bed as she thought things over.

Lafiel · 09-05-2009, 08:11 AM,

Lafiel sat in small crammed room she was sweating as she bent over the data pad an her PDA as Professor Richard Idrin of Oxford univeristy spoke on a history of diplomatic relations of Bretonia. The small room had been turned into an improvised lecture hall for her study the environmental controls were set to 35 degrees celcius Lafiel didn't understand how the proffessor could stand such a rediculous temperature the temperature was makig her dizzy. She retrieved a hair band pulling her hair back from her face to lil relief. The professor suddenly barked at her, "Lady Tarrant are you paying attention. It is most important you listen to me in my lecture or you will not learn what you need to know an you will fail in your education to become part of the Foreign office." Lafiel retorted, "I'm sorry but its this rediculous heat you have this room to I can't concentrate. Besides I don't need your education I'm sure my being part of the nobility will get me anywere I wish. High marks an education or not" The professors fist suddenly came crashing down on the desk making lafiel jump, "The heat is on purpose you don't know what situation you might be in an you will need your wits about you in every condition whether you are an ambassador or a street sweeper you are a member of the nobility an any situation can be dangerous. But as for swinging your title an having people dance for you young lady you are sorely mistaken it would not only be dangerous for not only you but also dangerous an catostrophic for Bretonia. How do you think wars occur through break down in communications. As a professor an friend of your father I am going to teach you all you need to know an I will be dammed if you manage to escape without at least a photographic knowledge on the history an diplomatics of sirius and have a basic encyclopedia forced into those grey matter cells of yours do I make myself clear."

Lafiel grimaced at to the sudden knowlege she was being subjected on purpose to this hellish inferno she let out an inaudible sigh as she thought of how much she prefered the Cambridge professor an how this one reminded her of a military officer the shock registered upon her face as she let the thought hang in her mind.

The professor repeated himself this time more calmly, "Do I make myself clear Lady Tarrant."

Lafiel nodded her eyes averted his as her PDA suddenly bleeped a message of a crew member came through, "Miss Araluen you are needed on the bridge immediately to take charge. There are Agents you will need to deal with."

The professor nodded as Lafiel got upto leave, "Consider this the first test of your diplomatic ability."

Lafiel nodded snatching up her PDA an heading down the corridor to the elevator that would take her to the bridge. Once she reached the bridge Captain Foster got up from his seat an sat in his second commands chair whom was absent the captain gestured for her to take a seat beads of sweat were still dripping down her neck from the fiery bombardment of her lecture. She hesistated to the chair but then walked determined to it she let down her hair to cover the beads of sweat taking the seat an leaning back into it. The communications officer on deck announced, "We are to cut our engines immediately an open a communications channel." Captain Foster nodded as Lafiel looked at the little console in the arm of the chair an noticed two space craft sitting either side of the ship she could tell by their chunky yet sleek design that these were both craft that meant business of a military nature it sent shiver down her spine but she calmed herself noting the system they were in Hamburg that was in Rheinland territory. She suddenly realised how far from home she had come as she look to the view screen were a man in a uniform she had never seen before came into view.

Lafiel · 09-06-2009, 12:18 PM,

Lafiel sat looking at the Rheinland agent his face looking stern an intimidating. She wondered whom should speak first when then man speaking his voice was deeply accented which sounded to lafiel like a drawl that might attempt to murder the english language if it attemptes to so speak any longer than a sentence, "Gutentarg Frauline." Lafiels face went blank she understand the greeting but should he continue much further she was at a loss. She thought to herself that she would have to make proffessor Idrin teach her in the language of Rheinland. It was lucky that the communicator suddenly blurped into life an his words translated into the common tongue albeit his accent still shocked her ears how badly words could be abused she replied impassively,"Hello Sir my name is Lafiel Araluen of the transport ship trexus how may I be of assisstance to you?" Lafiel heard him respond but didn't quite make out his name as his heavy coated accent weighed heavy on her ears, "I'm agent Sch... Frauline Lafiel are you aware that there is war going on between Liberty and Rheinland we have detected you carrying luxury goods heading from Liberty." Lafiel's mind raced but she was perfectly calm an level in her response, "We are on a trade mission from Bretonian specifically New London were we have aquired said goods. We are headed to New Berlin." The agent's face became even sterner his voice showing hints of arrogance, "If you were from New London you would have come through the Omega's an not be coming through Liberty space." Lafiel rebutted, "We decided it was a prudent course of action to travel through the safety of Liberty space taking more a main stream route." The agent looked down his nose now at them Lafiel wondered if this was the behaviour for all Rheinlanders he spoke crisply, "We will escort you to Hamburg you will off load your goods there an depart Rheinland space."

Lafiel calmly acknowledge this, "As you wish sir the cargo is of very little concern but I must protest after we have dropped the cargo that we be allowed to continue to New Berlin it is a matter of great importance." The Rheinlander suddenly looked angry, " Frauline you will turn back the way you came. We do not like being lied to." Lafiel's face was impassive but she continued as they docked an cargo started to be offloaded, "With all due respect we must be allowed to New Berlin sir. You have not been lied to it is unacceptable for us to be prevented." The Rheinlander raised an eyebrow, "An to what purpose should we let you to New Berlin you shall leave an not return or you will be removed by force." Lafiel got up she was unsure if she should do this but it could not hurt this was an officical representative of a house in many respects her voice flowed with emotion now her posh well spoken accent escaping no longer in check, "Sir I must confess to you the entire truth, we are from Bretonia we picked up these goods from Liberty as disguise not for smuggling I am Lady Lafiel Countess of Araluen of Cambridge member of the nobility of Bretonian empire it was in disguise that I am forced to flee an go into hiding as the Kusari make more planets frontline battlefields. I admit it I have not left my home willingly in fact far to the contrary. Rheinland is the furthest nation from the vile Kusari dogs whom murder even refugees an civilian which breaks my heart even more at this this running away. Now I must insist please let us as far as new berlin or your outer territories past new berlin."

The man's face went from anger to shock to dumb founded realisation that the situation was not quite an operation of smuggling but an irrational movement of a young girl. He spoke what lafiel seemed as politely or at least his face wasnt as harsh, "Well that at least explains why a mere child is in command of such a large trading vessel. I'm sorry but I can still not allow you to pass through an hide within our borders. The Kusari are more our traditional allies than Bretonia an it could mean many disatorous consequences if we were to grant safe haven for a Bretonian Noble now you must turn back. I am also not at liberty to make such heavy decision as such we must turn you back."

Lafiel blushed her attempt to cover it was ineffective her alibaster features betrayed her as her cheeks turned crimson but she concealed any anger she might have at the mans calling her a child it was most inapropriate and most disrespectful, "I understand sir. We will turn back an attempt through more official channels."

The man nodded his expression impassive, "Good luck Frauline, Safe journey."

Lafiel returned his sentiment, " Stay safe sir."

Lafiel · 09-06-2009, 12:34 PM,

As the screen went dead Lafiel turned to leave the bridge she was shocked to see the proffessor standing by the Elevator observing her moved to intercept her as she walked to the Elevator yet he made silent till they were both in the elevator, "Well I must say in someways you will need a fair amount of training but you seem to have gotten at least the basic nack politeness elegance the whole bantering proposal counter proposal under hammer or at least in a minor form for your age. I must admit I will have to teach you The language of the people of Rheinland hmm no one better all of the houses of sirius for it would do you well I saw you falter there with his name though you were correct in addressing him as sir considering you didnt know his rank. Though I will definitely admit young lady you will never make a spy or at least not with extreme training. How ever thats enough for today you can read these texts oh an you are to write an essay" He pulled a pad out an enscribed his orders for her handed her the pad he got out at the next floor leaving lafiel on her own.

Lafiel sagged but got ready for a nights hard work.

Lafiel · 09-06-2009, 06:38 PM,

Lafiel lay back on her bed satisfied that all the study had been done she sighed her blonde hair had cascaded around her as she stared at the roof of the cabin. She thought to herself lazily first they want to hide me for my own protection by force I might add now they want to kill me with over study. Maybe they expect me to be greater than you father or maybe its your own expectations of me flowind down the hill as the ball is passed in to other courts. Well if I am to study I rather than basic things I wish to have a proper goal. I could be an economist no it doesnt appeal astrology hmm beautiful but not an occupation how may i serve my queen best I could join the armed forces they are always needed more pilots. it was at that moment Lafiel burst into a fit of laughter at the image of herself in the armed forces her father had tried to give her an education an basic knowledge an training of a fighter pilot but she had tried destorying asteroids he had set her in the time limit she had barely hit 5 of the 20 targets when the ten minutes had been up.
Know I know exactly what I want to do I wish to be an ambassador an how best to serve my queen than to make treaties in the best interest of her majesty maybe even get aid in this war. But it might take time albeit not at the rate my two lecturers are ramming knowledge down me.

She looked at her PDA sitting on the desk an a great idea came to her surely someone could recall her or maybe she could apply for a position or job at the foreign an colonial office an rise to a position of ambassador or at the very least ask how one becomes an ambassador what one must do and qualifications needed.

She began to write a letter which she would transmit the way her father had taught her so that the frequency was only readable by the recipient.

*********************** Letter***************************
Comm ID: Lafiel Tarrant
Encrypting: *** *** ** *** **0 channel encrypted
To: Foreign an Colonial office

Dear Foreign and Colonial office Please forward this letter to the most appropriate person

I believe it is best addressed to one Lord Canning.

This is Lady Lafiel Tarrant current Countess of Araluen Estate Of Cambridge.
Currently in protective custody of certain priveleged citizens of the empire.
I am contacting you in regards to the ambassadors of our fair empire.
It is in my current interest in serving our queen an empire in such a role.
I acknowledge that I am only of the age of 19 an am by many standards very young
however my mind is set an I am greatly determind to study to serve as an assitant or secretary or a mere observer till I am sufficiently skill that I might take on such an honourable role as ambassador for our empire. I wish for you to give me goals an set me on the correct path to acheiving this.

Second layer of encryption ( I urgently request that the protective custody that I have been taken into in disguise an ruse by an agent of the crown in the interest of my safety as young nobility be brought to a close an removed that I might return home to Cambridge or to New London were I might study. As I do not feel it is safe hiding me as a civilian an refugee in Rheinland or Liberty or where ever I might be moved to next. I feel it also pains me that a person of my birth should be hidden away like a trophy in a vault. Final note please can you give to me any information about my father Sebastian Tarrant I can assure you he is very much not dead.) Second layer encryption set.

Regards

Lafiel

Channel closed

Message sent

**********************end of Letter*****************************

Lafiel hit sent looking to the door satisfied that no Oliver or any other crew member came running in yelling an scolding she got changed and went to bed.

Lafiel · 09-06-2009, 06:49 PM,

It had been almost a month at Olivers request they had gotten more refugees from Leeds as they got to manhattan. The trexus came into contact with a combat engineer Lafiel had attempted her ever growing diplomatic skills on him an managed to befriend him. He would serve as protection to their freighter on the journey back to Rheinland were they would try for a second attempt to sneak into New Berlin an hide.

The Trexus medical transport ferrying refugees an its new escort found in the engineer to which there had been a great argument between Lafiel an Oliver over there had been a quiet truce between them an Lafiel had taken leadership over this issue hence for his service. They arrived in the Hamburg system were Lafiel had managed to out smart the Military officer of Rheinland even managing to aquire him an another officer to escort her to New Berlin yet she had secretly wondered if it was because they looked like a convoy now or she had actually began to master her Lessons headed by the two proffessors either way the crew was glad to have arrived at New Berlin where the next course of action was unclear to anyone even the MI5 Agent Oliver seemed to be lacking in specific orders so he had adopted the approach of they would wait in Rheinland till further orders to him either came through or their disguise was uncovered or they were expelled from Rheinland.

pbrione · 09-07-2009, 12:10 AM,

[Incoming Transmission]
[Encryption: Secure]
[Source: Whitehall, Planet New London]
[CommID: Foreign and Colonial Office]
[To: Countess of Araluen]

Dear Lady Tarrant, Countess of Araluen,

Your request to enter the diplomatic service has been received and duly accepted by the Foreign and Colonial Office, given your current situation and social standing. Instructions are being forwarded to your bodyguard via MI5 channels to have him escort you back to New London at the earliest opportunity. Report to the main Foreign Office Building at 12 Whitehall upon your return for your initial briefing and allocation within the diplomatic corps.

At present you are expected to serve initially as a Private Secretary under the Principle Private Secretary to the Permanent Under Secretary of State to the Foreign and Colonial Office, whilst you become acquainted with civil service operating procedures. From there you shall be posted as an attache in the diplomatic corps, before possible future elevation to the position of Consul, High Commissioner or Ambassador.

Regarding your father, I have reliable information from the Defence Intelligence Staff that Lord Lieutenant Tarrant has been returned to active duty alive and well and is currently serving with the Norfolk Great Fleet.

My Regards,

Sir Humphrey Appleby,
Permanent Secretary to the Foreign Office

[End Encryption]
[Close Tranmission]

Sir Stanley Nelson
[Image: kbeb.png]

<span style="color:#000066">Charles Canning [Image: 1-2.png]

</span><span style="color:#000066"> Foreign Secretary</span>

Lafiel · 09-07-2009, 12:38 PM,

Lafiel read standing in a blue dress eagerly reading a message it was from Sir Humphrey Appleby of the Foreign an Colonial office as she reached the end her face lit up with joy she put her PDA on her desk she couldnt hide the joy she was feeling as she turned into a blonde blurr as she went to run out the door but turned back to scoop up her PDA an ran through the corridors of the ship in the direction of Olivers quarters. As she turned a corner she tripped on an out of place bulkhead almost knocking down Captain Foster the white haired man had caught her before she could hurt herself he let go of her after she was steady an spoke his aged voice warm but a bit crackly, "Whats all the Hurry Lady Tarrant you shouldn't be running around a ship it is by far the least place for it an you could have a painful accident." Lafiel gasping for breathe spoke her eyes glinting with joy, "Head for home Captain head for home set a course for New London immediately. Exscuse me I must talk to Oliver." The captain looked dumbfounded at her words an her lack of heeding his as she took off again his voice called to her,"Steady on girl. walk on the level two there is a lot of equipment being transfered around dont want it getting damaged or you hurt." he grumbled something to himself about putting her under lock an key.

For Lafiel the lift couldn't go fast enough to level to two when the doors opened she raced dodging equipment an boxs both agily an graceful she squeezed between her bickering proffessors their faces registering shock at the blonde streak that past them but there argument resumed as if nothing had occured. She stormed into Olivers quarters her voice screaming joy, "Oliver we are headed home. We are going home. Take a look at this message." Her eyes found Oliver who was standing just outside his bathroom with a towel rapped around him an his side arm present he quickly lowered it at the sign of no threat. Lafiel gazed quickly looked to the window an her cheeks began to turn crimson as shock registered. Oliver seeming unfazed calmly spoke, "Do you mind giving me five minutes." Lafiel didn't respond she dissapeared as quickly as she had burst in an stood facing the wall as the door behind her closed.

She gazed at the bolts in the bulk head calming herself the crimson had turned to a pink hue against her alibaster cheeks. Oh my she thought I didn't mean to do that oh how embarrasing maybe I should go. But she looked at her PDA once more looking at the message of Sir Appleby an her embarrasment took a back seat with the hope of home. So she waited patiently

Lafiel · 09-07-2009, 02:01 PM,

"I am displeased what is this about you have circumvented my authority an went above me." Lafiel jumped at Olivers voice she turned around to see him standing right behind her she hadn't heard the doors open but there stood Oliver dressed in what appeared to be the formal attire he wore back home which resembled a suit with tails. Lafiel ignored the harshness in his voice an hugged the Butler her PDA still in her left hand she hadn't done such a thing since she was Six when he used to tuck her into bed when father was away or when he saved her from that wild dog when she was seven. She remarked now in her own mind that he was far to muscled for the age he portrayed an felt like hugging one of the old fashioned light poles father had at home. He kind of gently pryed her off him with great difficulty as they joy an emotion had made her strong but as she came free Oliver snatched up her PDA an entered his room. Lafiel followed him sitting in the chair he pointed to as he read the message an the contents of her PDA.

Lafiel sat in the chair but didn't know how to say this she didn't feel like she had dont anything wrong, "I thank you for your protection Oliver an would apreciate it in the future. But I'm afraid this is my dream an I can't be kept hidden an safe for ever if I don't go mad stir crazy I will die of loneliness. Surely you can protect me back home just as well as if you were here with me now. Also I'm sorry if I caused you any embarrasment."

Oliver handed her back the PDA an sat on the desk his voice calm an level,"I understand were you are coming from but you should have spoken to me first rather than take such actions of your own. I received a message at the early ours of this morning informing me of my new orders they basically said I am to continue my protection of said member of nobility but I am to bring her to the foreign office. It took no feat of genius to realised you had managed to contact home in secret. But you must know I serve as your protector an harbour you no ill will for your actions though it will be much harder now I am nolonger at liberty to control your whereabouts. I how ever have things to prepare my lady I would talk to the professors if I were you to organise what you will need to be taught an any additional things you wish to take on to study."

Lafiel nodded an left it was a clear order to leave.

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