>>5191658“The coast could be helpful given Leviathan’s diminished abilities on dry land, and Ziz’s mobility is second to none.” Francine muses, briefly locking eyes with November as the latter gives your doctor an affirmative nod before she adds; “Regarding the Hope fragment, I would like to float the concept of using it to deter two birds with one stone, as it were.”
“I’m legitimately open to anything—this is an Apocalypse Amalgam we’re talking about here. Anything goes.” You insist, glancing around the table to affirm that, yes, nothing is off the table.
“The Breakers and the Hassan are on their way or possibly biding their time, as news of us confronting Behemoth isn’t exactly a secret by this point…also, any news of those two groups, darling?” Francine pauses, casting a glance to Paloma.
“Not yet, but I think one of my people has a lead. They’re following through on it now.” The Skintalker affirms before Francine continues.
“Now, as I was saying; I believe that if we remove the Hope fragment from the Dragon’s Roost, we could use it as bait to force them to either get in Behemoth’s way or leave us alone. Given the sheer number of Daughter we have present, I doubt either force would dare to approach in the ensuing melee.”
“A fair point.” You admit, mulling over the risks as Magnus adds his two cents.
“To that end, while I know we shall have the other two titans at our disposal, I am prepared to bring the full might of Arcadia to bear against Behemoth should be declare himself a threat.” He says, and you have to admit that while you appreciate him adding to the numbers on hand, you’re not exactly sure what he’s implying…until Paloma emphasizes his offer.
“The full might of not just his people, but of Arcadia as a whole.” She clarifies.
Oh…
…OH.
Oh, shit.
You stand in surprised silence for a moment until Uzu coughs, mustering up the courage to throw her own spiraling hat into the ring until Isabelle places a hand on her shoulder. The pair whisper a moment as Uzu pulls back, and Jackie takes a moment to speak her peace…but whatever you were expecting from the Midnight Crew’s leader, it wasn’t what comes out of her mouth.
“This is all well and good, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” She says, lips pursed in a razor-sharp line as her dark eyes scan the room. “Shu’s made it plenty clear that she wants to open with words, so where are our de-escalation measures?”
As if on cue, Cassandra turns to Paloma. “My dear, unless I am mistaken you are a Skintalker of some renown, yes?”
“Indeed I am, although Orwell and young Amara here are quickly closing the gap.” The young woman says with a wink to your ward.
(Continued)
