An aristocratic monologue
Jacob stopped writing his report as he heard Uppercrusts phone ring. As usual he wouldn't hear anything from the remote end; the tinkers Uppercrust had access to prevented overhearing, just as they encrypted its electronic communication.
"Ah, Armsmaster, how good of you to call."
Uppercrust gestured to Jacob, who pushed over the abstract of the summit report he had been working on.
"No, no, you weren't interrupting anything important; I'm still working on what to do with the emitters that are in the field interference area. Speaking of, I have to take the opportunity to commend Kid Win to you - the young man seems very dedicated, and a credit to you and this city."
"Oh, one of Casks brews? Of course, of course, you know me, this is entirely off the books and if someone protests, who could blame you for me talking your ear off? Well, there's that woman, but, honestly, she's grasping at any reed now, no matter how thin."
"So, do you want the good news or the bad news first?"
"Good news, then. Apeiron has claimed no territory and has declared himself interested in peace for the city. He also declared that anyone who caused civilian casualities might encounter him, or some of his team."
Jacob spread out the second and third pages of the abstract for Uppercrusts perusal, then went back to parade rest.
"Ah, yes - I thought I'd save the best for last - his team, I mean. Moving swiftly on, you'll be happy to know that the relationships between the city's factions has never been better! As a matter of fact, this was likely the first time I have heard of Kaiser, Skidmark and Faultline agreeing on something that wasn't about Lung. There was a small matter between the Empire and the Undersiders that was resolved without any violence. Speaking of the Empire, they - ah - put their feet in it. Apparently Victors ability does have a continuous effect, something that's enhanced towards whoever his attention is directed and likewise by any attention paid to him."
"Yes, I'm sure that's not very reassuring to hear, but since Kaiser brought Victor to a meeting under truce, well... Kaiser had to pay. Somewhat unfortunately, the payment was not Victors head, but instead mostly monetary payment, a truce wtih the Undersiders regarding those dreadful dogfights I've heard of, and pulling back from a certain part of the city as Apeirons price for not doing anything... unfortunate to them."
"Oh? Survey, a most remarkable woman - thinker, I'd say, but she might very well be a tinker - illustrated the effect. Victors reaction made her observations seem accurate. Don't you worry, we'll come to the rest of his team, later, as I said."
"No, no, I don't mind, feel free to imbibe a bit; it is, after all, your time off, and we're just two men having a conversation. How is Dragon, by the way?"
"Yes, a few friends of mine was rather impressed - though one of them slightly more horrified than impressed, admittedly - when they reviewed the digital spat between her and Apeiron."
"No, I could hardly blame her. I might not feel the same with regards to laws and regulations, but I can understand how someone of her talents feel that she has to restrain herself."
"Eh? Ah, the bad news. Well... the Empire seems to have found and recruited Damsel of Distress. Speaking of annihilator capes, my sources tell me that among Skidmarks new recruits is another, newly triggered one, goes by the name of Scrub. Yes, it's interesting how those pop up. I don't know of any connection, admittedly, but it does beggar my disbelief, too. On the other hand, we all saw the video of what that upstart March did to Apeiron, so it might be a simple matter of two people from the same city having the same thought."
"The end of the bad news? No, sorry to say - the Dragonslayers were there, on contract they said - do make sure Dragon knows, yes? Also, the Teeth made an appearance, tried to claim the territory of ABB and got shut down by Apeiron and everyone else. Yes, the Butcher was there. No, no, we managed to talk down Apeiron on hunting her down himself; though honestly, I don't even think Kaiser considered what a terrible thing that would be, he was so incensed by her presence."
"No, Apeiron didn't seem worried about becoming the next Butcher. I don't know what his confidence was based on, but I hope we don't have to find out whether he does know what he's talking about."
"Yes, Apeiron's team. There was Survey - as I said before, a remarkable woman and beauty, but with the brains and poise that's a rare combination, and then there was Matrix - obviously linked to that giant robot, but more human-sized - he did seem rather upset at the cleanliness of the establishment we met at, but was positively impressed by their service. Proto Aima, the red - mink-like case 53? Apparently there is a connection between her and Apeiron, possibly some sort of familial relation. She ordered a glass of blood and was quite interested in Hemorrhagia - the first time I have seen that one so shaken, rather refreshing I must say. Next, Lethe - the person in the power armour who extracted Apeiron at the end of his spat with Lung. Yes, that's right, the one with those peculiar heels. Lethe has some sort of power, likely some sort of teleportation ability - she prevented Othala from doing something terribly stupid when Victor was threatened by Fleet. Hm? Oh, Fleet is the person responsible for the deployment of the tinker tech that took out Lung. Solid looking man - though his power seems to be related to speed, as he moved incredibly quickly - near teleportation - without causing a disturbance, then caused a sonic boom by raising his arm when he prepared to neutralise Victor. Lastly there's Kataklyzein, a most competent cat, whom Apeiron mentioned would have been able to deal with Lung on his own."
"Yes, it was quite an interesting bunch of people. They seemed to know each other well, too, quite a bit of trust there. Yes, Apeiron was clearly the leader. No, not mercenary - as a matter of fact, they seemed like they were friends with each other; perhaps there is something to that cluster trigger theory? Ah, I see, no comments as usual - oh, really? Well, I'm not sure if I'm happy to hear that, but I have to admit, my sources have given a lot of conflicting information. Due to March? That's... entirely plausible, now that you mention it. Hrm."
"Speaking of Apeirons team, there was one thing that was rather interesting. As Survey was illustrating the effect of Victors ability, four of Apeirons team was unaffected. Survey herself, Fleet, Matrix and Proto Aima, with Apeiron showing occasional immunity. Everyone else in the room was affected, allegedly at a very low level. I thought that was interesting. Yes, a clear breach of the rules. Honestly, who knows what Victor's been up to all these years."
"Why, thank you Armsmaster. Be sure to drink some water, I've heard that the hangover from Casks cures can be rather painful. Have a good night, and please, give Dragon my regards."
Uppercrust nodded to Jacob as the call ended.
"Very well done, Jacob. Let's just get this report finished, and then we can all retire for the night. We have a full day tomorrow."
