Messages pinged across the screen, reports from all over the cosmos reaching her commpad. It hadn't taken long for them to strike. They must have been getting desperate. Gabriella sighed.
"You were right, Madame," she said. "It was a trap."
The spider sat at her desk, multiple hands moving across the many hovering screens. It seemed she'd never stopped working since that spirit showed up. Though that was no surprise. The Madame had always been protective of her children. Even the ones she adopted.
"I was afraid of that," she said. "Did my child get taken?"
"Not according to my reports, no. But they got her partners, though."
She looked up. "Xan?"
"Chained up with the rest. They're all en route to the capital as we speak."
The Madame nodded. She wasn't sure if it was her imagination or not, but the spider almost looked disappointed. She turned her attention back to the many monitors, Gabriella returning to her commpad. Regardless of what happened, their course was already set. Having a few extra bodies out of the way didn't change anything.
The AIC had made their move. As did that idiot controlling the White Legion. Now it was their turn.
"Anything on the other spirits?" the Madame asked.
"They're not backing her, it looks like. Apoli and Jelia have agreed to our terms, but the others are staying clear."
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"It'll have to do then. Tell them to fortify the Nivilieen and Terra. We lose Earth and humanity's support dies."
"Yes, ma'am."
She quickly relayed her message. Though she doubted the spirits would be of much help in battle, having them there would do well to keep civilians at bay. The Madame had long since made preparations for the inevitable wars to come afterward.
The AIC was only the first hurdle. So many worlds depended on their resources. Taking that away would be the worst financial disaster in history. But Madame Dyre was no fool. And as she secured more and more worlds, the prospect became less and less daunting. Gabriella flicked over to the AIC reports again, frowning as she saw what was bound to appear sooner or later. A wanted poster. They'd finally declared Sasha a traitor to the public.
"Madame, they've put out a warrant," she said.
"Already? Huh." She shut down her different screens. "Well, everything's ready anyhow."
The Madame stretched out all six of her arms, letting out a low yawn.
"I've sent word to the runners," she said. "All worlds have been fortified. Give the command. Oh, and wake the new recruit while you're at it."
"She's already up, Madame."
Gabriella looked over at the voice, their new graduate appearing in the doorway. She was rubbing one eye, her tail flicking at the ground. Given how useful she'd been, Madame Dyre insisted she be put in the room next to hers. The same one Gabriella was staying in, for better or worse.
"And I'm still just a stowaway," she said. "I'm going back to peacekeeping when this is over."
"As is your right," the Madame said, letting out another yawn. "You should get ready. We're setting a course for the capital."
The fox snorted, wandered over plopping down next to Gabriella. Though her new roommate was an adjustment, it helped to know things were only temporary between them. Cecil let out a yawn, drearily pulling up the reports on her own commpad.
"How long we got?" she asked.
Gabriella smiled. "We should be there within the week."