"Oh, those days are grand. I always enjoy playing with my food." [i]She lowers her estoc, but not her guard. Curious of what you've approached her for, she cocks her head back, as if to look down upon you. [/i] "I must admit too, you've left quite a mark on me. It's strange too: I'm talking to the only man other than Felix who made me lose confidence in myself during a clash. Normally, you'd be dead by now. So what peeks your interest tonight, my cerulean roc?"

[quote]A history lesson, I suppose. I've gotten one side of the story, and I don't even know if that side of the story is true. So I tend to gather more information and infer my own truth.[/quote] [b]Idly flipping around a few of his Japanese knives, he seems rather bored. Even in the face of June's playful foreshadowing, Phoenix is tame compared to most others at the moment.[/b] [quote]To clear up my question: what is the Monarchy? More specifically, what are you? Who are you? And how did you end up [i]in[/i] the Monarchy?[/quote]

"Ah, perceptive aren't you. It never really occurred to people to think that the monarchy is the better half of this war. They all listened to the words of a madman." [i]June sheathes her estoc. It is an odd sight to see, but nonetheless welcome. She turns around and waves you to follow.[/i] "Time is short, dear Luis. Come inside and we can show you [i]what[/i] the Monarchy is."

[quote]Yeah, very funny.[/quote] [b]The formerly dormant minigun slides into firing position and whirrs to life with an industrial roar. Still looking rather nonchalant, he stops tossing his knives and tenses the muscles in his forearms.[/b] [quote]I'm not going where you can summon reinforcements. And if you think you can force me in there, you're wrong. Burke or someone else could easily be waiting within those gates. I know the Monarchy's tactics, and I will not fall to their clever manipulation. So, Miss Bellicose, it shall be you who gives me the history lesson. I do not need a visual representation of the kingdom: I need information. And as inaccurate as it may be, I'm gonna get it from you. [/quote]

" no funny business from me, not when you approached with a desire to talk. Either you come and meet the family, or you stay out here like some filthy beggar." [i]She turns her head to you, smiling innocently. Such a smile does not go hand in hand with June Bellicose. [/i] "Besides, wouldn't you rather ask the founder herself?"

[quote]You people have the ability to screw me over with a single look. Of course I'd rather stay out here. But fine then, I will consider this a parley and agree to your terms since you've agreed to mine.[/quote] [b]Sighing, his minigun retains its current readies position but stops spinning. He follows June through the gates.[/b]

[i]June escorts you from the gates through the districts to the Palace. Each street is lined with emotionally ambiguous sprites. Their days are normal, for war has made them accustomed to fear. Even in these trying times, they all partake in the community, helping in whatever ways they can. Marketplaces bustle with incoming foodstuffs and miscellaneous goods, and the denizens of this city crowd around. They gawk and shout, thirsty animals, held only in check by the finite source of nutrition. But they do not trample each other or cut in front. Despite the chaotic scene, they are all fairly civilized. And while you can only assume that such disorder is controlled when authority is present, you look to see no guards or officers. June interrupts your staring as she looks backwards to you. [/i] "Quite a lovely place, isn't it? It's nothing like the beauty of Cataluna, but we all have our tastes and preferences. But this land speaks for itself: you can just look at it and see that something marvelous lies within each street and store. It's rather rapturous..."

[quote]We're not going to Cataluna either way: I have no need for such "beauty" at the moment. Are these people all being controlled by you? Because if not, I'm genuinely impressed. Far from a happy civilization, but I cannot say I did not take part in making them like this. I am fine without having audience with your Queen. I have enough information standing right in front of me, and I know not to venture deep into the Lion's den.[/quote] [b]Observing the scenes through his helmet's HUD, he immediately starts scanning the area for possible threats. His days in the Imperium's service have made him rightfully cautious to everything, even on these so-called "peaceful" trips. [/b] [spoiler]I woke up. Can't fall asleep.[/spoiler]