[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]