>>5968841“C5d. Yes, Creation-Lover, it is indeed that cruiser, the Black Sun, which has roused my interest.” You decided to temporarily withdraw to the stronghold in C section. Faced with an impregnable defence, the Whites would instead turn against the Reds, Terran against Lamian, human against hive-human.
“B8h. For felling one of your soldiers before his fated time? We can help you avenge the ichor-debt...” It was as if this one just vomited out whichever thought first came to his limited mind. All the better for you, the more his tongue wagged unchecked, the more he would inevitably let slip. Such as how little he knew about the raid on Pishkaq Hold. “C3a. The warrior's body fell, his honour did not. Nevertheless, I shall commemorate the generosity of your people.”
“B9f. Forgive my presumptions then, Yamir. But even without a debt, the warriors of this worm remain a danger. If they suspect that their initial encounter with the Terret hunter was not entirely coincidental, it will be... difficult to maintain our relationship.” Your opponent was finishing his net for the last group of Reds. Just then, a novel strategy revealed itself. Wedging into the last few empty spots, you could both spoil White's elaborate trap and expose many of his isolated pieces to counter-capture.
“B7h. It is your end that troubles me more. Has the sudden change in station chiefs upset Lighton greatly?” You played out future scenarios in your mind, but all came to the same conclusion. The spoiling probe would only be a minor inconvenience to your foe's tightening noose. Unless, unless you followed it up with greater support for the Reds, even at the risk of some of your own pieces.
“B8f. No need to worry. Our assets have gone into hibernation, we still have the initiative.” So be it then. You had been conservative, passive even to the less wise, but as you had put it, the rules have changed. “B8g. Keep up your end, and we will keep ours. Excuse me for a moment.” This is, after all, a game of relations. You are not strong, only stronger than the other.
Satisfied with the wait, you called out to whoever had been knocking the door for the last few minutes. “Come in.” Your subordinates needed to understand that it was you who decided when to talk to them, not the other way round.
The softshell bowed deeply at your visage before presenting a worn but well-maintained datapad. You checked to make sure it had not been tampered with before browsing the contents. Interesting, interesting... “Pahan. Drones order, Last Feather reactivate.”
His voice shivers with excitement. “Leave of Your Lowness I take.” Both of you had sensed it, the long run's end is finally in sight.
