>>5380774Orwell, I want you to trace her operational network and the most commonly used waystations for the delivery route of her ‘cargo’.” You answer, ignoring the delighted ‘squee’ on the other end of the line. “There's bound to be waystations that act as strategic hubs in her trade network, ones that have a commonality with all three of her hideouts.
“Additionally, get a tally count of her informants, messengers, and clients associated with this ‘Deprived Trade network’, and thorough maps of their trade route.” You continue briskly, staring into the corrupted horizon. “I want to know where her ‘cargo’ gets stored upon delivery, and where Daughters that don’t meet her standards get shuffled off to. Every trade network has an inbox and an outbox…knowing both is key to unraveling her operations.”
“Of course! I’m on it!” Orwell chirps excitedly, beyond enthused at the prospect of pulling this mystery apart. One hasty goodbye and a few careful steps later, you sidle up to the crew member who is, without a doubt, on the exact opposite side of Orwell on the enthusiasm spectrum.
“Yes, Defiant?” Iris asks at your approach, and when you fix her with a smile her face remains a mask of passive toleration.
"So, how did you end up as the coach driver of this caravan?" You begin…and you never thought it possible, but somehow the other girl manages to roll the mere suggestion of eyes in her empty sockets.
“Sauti is our driver, Defiant. I merely serve as the lookout.”
"What's the captain of the caravan li-?”
“Defiant.” She sternly interrupts, hollow eyes fixed on the horizon alongside her suite of floating substitutes. “I am the lookout. My entire job description is to stay alert and stay focused. We’re all rather in a rush, if you haven’t noticed.”
You almost wonder aloud where shelling innocent girls is part of a lookout’s job description, but you hold your tongue on that particular thought, voicing instead; “Why the rush for the Cord, then?"
It’s this that finally makes her turn to face you, the girl’s round, delicate features contorted into an incredulous visage. “Are…are you serious?”
"Is there a threat that looms beyond my vision? What is it that you see in the wastes that I cannot?" You press, genuinely curious. "Or is it the general need to keep moving? Look, I understand the urgency and the need to ascend and finish-“
“You.”
A blink from you, a sharp intake of breath from her.
“You, after the Monastery. After Mara’s gifts, and your snowballing of reputation and power.” Iris continues, voice taut like piano wire. “You, and your endless proclamations, your infinite speeches, your nigh-unending well of compassion and goodwill. We…all of us are here, now, because of YOU.”
(Continued)
