[AuinMyrrath]

"Where to we stand, Phaliklos?"

"At present, in firm standing, save in the North. The Invictum have taken Jaeson Hive, and Asephor is in grave peril." By contrast to the deep and sonorous voice of the first speaker, Phaliklos spoke with to tone of carriage bolts in a food processor. His dozens of miniature servo-arms and augmented extremities hissed and clicked eternally, but his appraisal was worth such distractions.

"We must be decisive!" The third speaker had a rich tone characteristic of the upper classes of the Aegentine house, but it was terse, clipped, and measured - sign of an accent trained, rather than born. Grand Warmaster Garthon continued, unheeding of the disapproving jet of steam from Phalikos' nostrils. "We still have the capacity to move forces underground to Aspehor; we should break the Invictum lines take Jaeson hive back immediately."

The figure standing on the balcony waved him to silence. Even through the foot-thick armaplas window, Ceranine's sun beat down on him scorchingly bright, a sight seldom seen through the toxic artifical clouds of the planet, a dizzying distance below.

"The Invictum have made more enemies than just the Aegentine, Garthon. The Arkadians have also found their people under the thumb of the Protectorate. Dispatch an envoy."

The hot-headed Grand Warmaster nodded. "As you wish, Lord Othalion."

"Now, to other matters - which of the lower conglomerates is most trustworthy? We must remove the Genestealer threat from Urael Hive, but I fear that involving ourselves directly would be unwise..."

[hr]

(Edit for clarity.)

OOC: Aegengrad dispatches an envoy to the Arkadians.