Quoted By:
"Maybe if he's helpful I will." You toss your head. "It isn't <span class="mu-i">him</span> who stole it, anyways. It was his stupid friend I only talked to, like, one time—"
"That seems about right. You have never been much in the need of a medic. Strange to think the world works that way, though, yes. You haven't received any word from her?"
"No? Why would I? She <span class="mu-i">stole</span> it, and now she's trying to secretly—"
"I don't believe that woman has any idea what she's doing. I won't discount the possibility that she's dangerous, but she wouldn't be the brains of the operation. That would lie in the person of—"
"Your nemesis!" you say. "Uh... I can't repeat his name. It's too rude."
Richard appears faintly embarrassed. "Yes. I am more... crass... when you are not busy tempering me. I will suggest '301.' This is his pet project, and he will be dictating its terms as it suits him. And what suits him is not maximizing efficiency. The success or failure of the endeavor will be a byproduct only. What he will be after is, simply put, my personal disgrace and humiliation."
"Why?" you say.
"Because we do not like each other. And because he is a grandiose personality. And because I have been known to be... provocative to the norm. My existence was a personal offense to him and his... fiefdom. I will not devolve into politics with you, Charlie, you will not be interested. The long and short of it is, I am certain he, and by extension the woman, will be seeking to humiliate me, and by extension you. This is why an invitation will be extended. You can't be left to drift along in peace. That is letting you off too easy."
"Um, okay... but I haven't heard squat. So."
"It's been a week. I'm sure they're just getting established. They're not idiots, Charlie, they wouldn't usher you in while they had weaknesses exposed. In fact, the invitation is bound to be a trap." Richard scratches his nose. "You will come, and they will have allies and power, and they will string you up in public and laugh at you. Maybe kill you, but more likely torment you. This is all by extension me, so you're keeping up— the dominance would be established, my compliance secured, my mouth shut, etcetera. The impact on you would be an nonexistent concern. You might as well be inanimate."
"My crown was stolen," you say, "because of a stupid snake grudge match? Is that what you're saying?"
"Yes. Well, it may have been stolen without it, but that woman would not have known how to work it. Technical instruction is needed. Regardless, Charlie, I guarantee completely that this will happen."
"But you're dead," you say.
"What's that?"
"You're... you're in the snake hospital. You're dead. He has to know you're in the snake hospital, right? So hasn't he already won, according to him? Um, since he's more alive than you are?"
"Ah." Richard purses his lips. "...I would suppose so. Yes."
"So maybe they'll come and give the Crown back?"
(3/6?)
