idolpro | Paloma's Heart (#2)

Oh... oh, I'm so sorry. I had no idea.

[Why does she always say the wrong things?]

I - don't think I heard about Avenel, though. I'm afraid I'm not very familiar with Mars at all. I'm not even sure why she would want to attack anybody. You must think I'm extremely ignorant.

Well, even if society's changing... maybe it's better to shield some people from the terrible things that happen, in the world. That some people can still have faith in a better world.

It was Admiral Villiers's dream, after all, but when he went to Avenel with the Navy to negotiate with their rebellion, someone sabotaged his military backup, and that traitorous bastard Vainamoinen got close enough to shoot him. The sabotage went through Naarabot's office, even if she says it was an aide...

Was he - the Admiral, was he your friend?

I'm sorry. Really, I had no idea about any of this. But... if the First Keeper was behind something like that, why would they still be inviting her to parties and things? I - don't mean to suggest you're wrong or anything! I'm just confused why she'd be here now and not - off fighting, or something.

Well, the Countess is a kind person—maybe too kind for her own good. I tried to say something to her, since the council that oversees the Crown's colonies meets here, but—well, she's adamant that politics shouldn't be a reason for people to not talk to each other. She said that was even more of a reason to have a place to lay down arms and talk.

...she's infuriating sometimes, but she's a good person. And as for Naarabot—well, I suppose a lot of business is done, here. She probably wants to gather support for her cause.

She sounds really admirable. The Countess, I mean. Oh, um, how do you two know one another? Wouldn't you rather go inside and - talk, or something?

Well—I'm made of somewhat more common stock than most, in there. Sure, I have a knighthood, and I did run a prominent paper out of Her Majesty's colonies on Mars for a bit, but—

...well, I'm surprised that you're talking to me as well, honestly. My lack of proper Christianity puts me a bit at odds with much of high society.

Oh, that's - well, what kind of use is it if we only talk to people who already know all the things we know, and agree with everything we're saying? You don't learn anything that way.

You're very kind, Miss. I suppose you've taken the spirit of this place to heart.

...perhaps there really is something to be learned from everyone. Some people may teach us negative lessons... but it's still useful all the same.

Not that you'd be a negative, of course.

I hope I can be kind. You've been very kind to me, too. Thank you.

Um... is there anything I can do for you, by the way? I know I said I was looking for the First Keeper, but I'm sure there can wait.

Ah, well... if you do run into her...

...I don't mean to get a holy woman involved in anything untoward, but if you find her, or hear anything about her involvement in the Avenel incident... it'd just put my heart at ease to have real answers so that I can make sure it doesn't happen again to someone kind like you, or to the Countess, or to Raachna.

[She nods.]

I'll see what I can find out? It must be awful not to know. I don't know how much use I can be but if I do hear anything, I'll come back.

Perhaps you're too kind for your own good, too, Miss, but what would the world look like without people like you?

[ he smiles. ]

If you get the chance, I hope you meet Lady Raachna, as well. I think you'd like her.

I'll keep a look-out for her. Oh, um - excuse me, I think my friend may be leaving?

Oh, don't let me keep you, then—but it was nice to meet you, ah, Miss Wednesday.

You too, Sir Benjamin. I hope you have a good night.

Paloma's Heart (#2)

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