A Test of Ingenuity, My Doves ~ by SaralynArati

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"That sounds perfect," Catleya says tentatively. "How?" "I fear that you may not consider it so perfect, my dove, once you discover the details of how... However, there are other classes of people that it's awkward and suspicious, not to mention risky and incriminating, to assassinate besides blind women." "Oh?" encourages Velen, sensing that this ruse may help to separate Cat from the Syndicate at least temporarily. "Yes," continues Sevresina, "such as those already under police scrutiny."

8 years ago

SaralynArati

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"Secondly, we could likewise cause Catleya to vanish without a trace, either with or without feigning her death. Yuugure would be an ideal refuge. But, honestly, I'm not fond of this plan either." Madame du Leethe's young guests are now almost hanging on every word. What is the third option? The one that, by default, Sevresina must like... She smiles. "The last plan involves stalling for time... long term, of course... so that we can destroy our enemies before they dare act against us."

8 years ago

SaralynArati

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"This will test our ingenuity, my doves. However, the way I see it," Sevresina says finally, "we have three options... other than capitulation, which is absolutely unacceptable." Cat and Velen look up expectantly. "Firstly, we could fake Velen's ostensible suicide, which would be terribly difficult though not impossible, and then arrange for him to disappear for as long as is necessary." In a confiding tone, Velen's 'auntie' comments, "I don't mind admitting I'm not in favor of that plan."

8 years ago

SaralynArati

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Sevresina snorts derisively. "Melodramatic," she pronounces with disdain. "The assassination is to pass for suicide, with the stipulation that poison may not be employed." Madame du Leethe frowns. "Gratuitous cruelty. I don't think highly of your Syndicate Bosses, my dove." "How does spelling out the details help us?" Catleya queries, with something like hope in her eyes. "I don't know yet, my brave little dove, but it never hurts to have a clear picture in one's mind. I need to think!"

8 years ago

SaralynArati

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"Catleya has heard from her Syndicate," Velen states flatly. "Her choices are to kill me, or die." "I see! How very odious of them, to be sure!" exclaims Sevresina. "Is that the letter, my dove? Perhaps you'd better let me borrow it," and the Secret Police agent proceeds to read the encoded correspondence through. "We have," she muses while pacing, "two weeks maximum before Catleya's allotted time is up. The event must take place in the main Temple of Nocturnia, here in the capitol city."

8 years ago