"Dyson, what would you have me do? We present our proposal before the Parliament of Fae in a few weeks' time. There must be progress shown in these matters!" Stasio said as he and Dyson raced down a set of stairs inside the newly built Ducal Compound.

His Serene Highness Julian Prescotti and the Brynai Society of Engineers built the new Compound on their last visit in the same record speed they had erected the Prescotti wing at the JFM. Now that the County served as the seat of power for the all of the Fae on the Human plane of existence Cotadela House was both too small and too understated to serve as a proper Ducal operational residence.

The new Compound, located not too far from the JFM was enormous. Dyson actually laughed when he first saw it. He recalled something Trick had once said about Prescottis and no sense of scale. After his visit to the Presidium the new Ducal Compound was another clear example. What was not a laughing matter was Stasio's directive Dyson relocate from the Ash Compound to the Ducal Compound. With the Light/Dark divide over and a new, combined seat of power created it was only time before they would be physically joined under one space. Dyson had the futile hope that in the organized chaos of the Transition Evony and Stasio would be too busy to notice or care, but when Stasio informed him he needed to move his heart sank. Even the Light/Dark divide leadership titles were on the way out. With Evony's ascension as Grand Ducal Stasio was in line to become the new Morrigan, but Evony quickly made him her deputy under her Grand Ducal role and abolished both the Morrigan title and role. She was the last Morrigan and there would be no other after her.

Instinctually, he wanted to call Trick and complain, no whine – bitterly, but Dyson knew that wasn't an option; Dyson was the Ash, and now the last Ash. He would have to deal with it. He did so by filling Tamsin's ears with his frustrations during a drunken evening venting session at the Dal with Bruce and his brothers Steve, Dave and Eric, Ryan, Vex, Janet and Zachary as his audience to name a couple hundred Fae present at the time. It wasn't appropriate Ash-like behavior, to be sure, but Dyson didn't care either. But after he prayed to the porcelain goddess the next morning it finally dawned on him that he had been on auto-pilot ever since Bo was Recognized, carrying out his proscribed duties and never once having stopped to reflect on the impacts. He thought he was okay with the changes, but the move from the Ash Compound opened a nerve. Dyson realized there was nothing he could do to stem the changing tides but do his part to support Bo as the next Queen, and in course, shape the best, sane path he could for himself.

"All I'm asking is that we slow down certain actions of the Agency Team. It's panicking some of the Fae Elders and their claimed humans." Dyson replied as they turned down a hallway.

"Why did we allow the Presidium to build such a behemoth of a building? Takes eight years to get somewhere." Stasio said frustrated.

"It's not the building's fault we're running late." Dyson said.

"Look Dyson, the Agency Team has twelve primary Agents responsible for each of the seven continents and the five oceans whose job is to see to the security and transition of the Fae here on this plane. There's bound to be collateral damage." Stasio replied.

"It's not collateral damage when over a thousand Fae and their claimed humans are purged in our County area alone! That's purposeful!" Dyson argued.

"And?" Stasio challenged.

"It is my understanding that some of the Fae being purged are Fae whom the Agents deem unsuitable to emigrate to the Presidium." Dyson replied.

"Hardly news. Even Evony subscribes to that policy. Agent Eanes complains of Hollywood all the time. Hates Hollywood. Thinks they're all degenerate sycophants. Wants to eliminate them all and all of Los Angeles just to be sure." Stasio said as they rounded another corner.

"Then surely…!"

"Dyson, I know what you're trying to get at here. But this is a conversation where you'll have to convince Evony. As far as she is concerned, this is all, and I quote…"

"Standard political operating procedure." Dyson finished.

"Then you know what I mean then. Convince her and the Agents will slow the purges down." Stasio said then quickly stopped and turned to Dyson.

"You have to realize that ever since the Presidium has re-entered our lives Evony's perceptions have changed, making her think like them all over again. Not sure if that bodes well for the rest of us, but the Evony you have known all these years is fast transforming into the Evony of Realms past. Right now, if Agent Eanes honestly proposed all of Hollywood be purged and not only Los Angeles but the rest of California purged with it Evony would not blink an eye." Stasio said. Dyson looked alarmed.

"Do you think Evony's changing views are because of The Queen?" Dyson asked.

"You mean her love for her?" Stasio queried.

"Yes." Dyson replied.

"And then some. Let me ask you something? Could you deny Bo anything? Could Trick? Could her friends Kenzi and Tamsin?" Stasio asked pointedly.

"I'm not sure where you are going?" Dyson asked.

"Separately, each of you have a loyalty to Bo rooted either in friendship, in the familial, as lovers or a combination thereof. But together, you are all bonded by strength of loyalty to her, are you not?" Stasio queried.

"Yes."

"With those intangibles, could any one of you deny Bo anything?" Stasio asked again. Dyson looked down for a moment.

"In Evony's mind, incongruence to what The Queen wants, vis-a-vis what these Agents want is the equivalent of denying her something. Haven't you noticed by now? Their band of brothers and sisters are back together and they are on the march!" Stasio replied and then resumed his manic walking pace. Dyson followed.

"That's what you think is happening here?" Dyson asked after few moments. Stasio stopped again.

"I know what is happening here. There is a delicate balance at play here, and if this all goes according to plan, and I intend for it to do so, the resulting outcomes could have long-standing impacts on all of our futures, and I for one, mean to benefit from it. I trust you understand me?" Stasio asked with a thin smile.

"Completely." Dyson replied.

"Good." Stasio replied and then resumed his manic walking pace and Dyson followed. As they neared their destination, a man appeared alongside, matching their pace.

"Blessings and Felicitations, Deputy Alesandese! I tried to find you at your offices to introduce myself and submit my credentials but your aide, Mica informed me you were here." The man greeted.

"Who are you?" Dyson asked.

"Agent Bastiaan Rumlar. I was sent by the Intelligence Pillar to join the Agency Team here." Rumlar replied.

"Welcome to the County!" Stasio said.

"Thank you, Your Excellency." Rumlar replied.

"This is Ash Dyson Thornwood." Stasio introduced as he increased his pace.

"I am well aware. Nice to meet you, Your Excellency." Rumlar replied with a slight bow of his head.

"What area will you be working in specifically?" Stasio asked.

"I will be the primary Agent over the continent you call Europe." Rumlar replied.

"Very good. Agent Iriliam and his primaries will be at this briefing so the introductions will be convenient." Stasio said.

They came upon the main conference room double doors and Stasio pushed through them. Those seated around the table quickly stood up and bowed their heads. Stasio quickly acknowledged the bows.

"Agent Iriliam, we picked this one up on the way." Stasio said.

"I see, Your Excellency. Agent Rumlar, welcome!" Agent Iriliam greeted.

"Thank you, Agent Iriliam." Agent Rumlar replied.

"Please, take your seats." Stasio directed as he took Evony's seat at the head of the conference table. Everyone sat down. Dyson took his normal, designated seat on the left of Evony's chair while the empty one on the right was Stasio's whenever Evony chaired a meeting.

"Her Grand Ducal Serene Highness is running late from her meeting at the JFM. We have a full agenda but not a lot of time. As you know, we present before the Presidium in a few weeks' time so let us understand where we are at. Agent Iriliam?" Stasio prompted.

"Thank you, Your Excellency. First off, welcome again to Agent Bastiaan Rumlar. Some of you may know Agent Rumlar from past assignments. For those of you that don't he is currently assigned to the Intelligence Pillar and will be the primary Agent for the continent of Europe." Agent Iriliam introduced.

"Thank you again, Agent Iriliam. I am looking forward to the challenge of this new assignment." Agent Rumlar said.

"As you all know, if the inclusion of the 25th Delegation is approved by the Parliament of Fae we will have roughly six months after the Installation Ceremony and the Great Sleep to complete emigration movements then commence the implementation of the Transparency Strategy." Agent Iriliam said.

"The Great Sleep has been announced?" One Agent asked.

"Yes. Her Majesty will return to the Prescotti Homelands to conduct her sleep after the Installation Ceremony." Agent Iriliam replied.

"She's delayed it again. Does anyone have a clue how long she will sleep this round?" another Agent asked.

"No idea." Agent Iriliam replied.

"Hope it's not six months again like that one time. Especially, if the 25th Delegations' inclusion is approved. It would put the Realm into a panic." A third Agent commented.

"We all hope Her Majesty's sleep will be a short one." Agent Iriliam replied. "Let's start with the continental updates, and we can make introductions for Agent Rumlar as we go along."

"Thank you for the consideration, Agent Iriliam." Agent Rumlar replied.

"This is Agent Dejen Hesham, my Deputy and primary Agent over Africa. Dejen, any updates?"

"My team of Agents are still working through each of the countries identifying and surveying the Fae populations as to their wishes. We should be completed with that effort within the week. Well ahead of the timetable to submit our summary report before Her Excellency departs for the Convocation." Agent Hesham replied.

"Good. Agent Rumlar, this Agent Aslan Sokolov who was the primary over both Asia and Europe, but will now focus just on Asia. He will bring you up to date on Europe and get you acclimatized to your new duties after this meeting has concluded." Agent Iriliam explained.

"Understood." Agent Rumlar replied.

"Agent Sokolov, if you will?" Agent Iriliam said.

"Like Agent Hesham our documentation efforts are progressing along. I'm also working with Agent Hayashi on moving the Naga." Agent Sokolov replied.

"How's that coming along, Katsuro? The Queen has a special interest there. By the way, this is Agent Katsuro Hayashi, primary over the Indian Ocean." Agent Iriliam asked.

"I communicated The Queen's personal interest in their well-being." Agent Hayashi replied.

"May I asked why the Queen has a particular interest in the Naga?" Agent Rumlar asked.

"Lachlan, a former Ash, now deceased, was a Naga. Her Majesty knew his family." Agent Hayashi replied.

"Good to know." Agent Rumlar said.

"Anything else?" Agent Iriliam asked.

"Not since last reporting." Agent Hayashi replied.

"Good. This is Agent Roald Calixtus, primary over the continent of Australia and its surrounding oceanic islands. Any updates, Agent Calixtus?" Agent Iriliam asked.

"I'm also working with both Agent Hayashi here and Agent Ravi Tolos, primary for the Pacific Ocean to not only survey the Fae populations on land but also the Nymphs, Water Dragons and Sprites as well." Agent Calixtus reported.

"Any issues, Agent Tolos?" Agent Iriliam asked.

"The Sirens and the Mermaids." Agent Tolos replied with a hint of exasperation.

"I share your frustrations. I have the Mermaids and Sirens to move as well." Another Agent chimed in.

"This is Agent Colas Boltares, primary over the Southern Oceans to include the South Pacific and South Atlantic Oceans." Agent Iriliam introduced.

"Agent Rumlar and I know one from past assignments together. Welcome!" Agent Boltares replied.

"As do I. Welcome!" Agent Tolos added.

"Thank you, Colas, Ravi. Good to see you both again." Agent Rumlar replied.

"So Colas, I take it you are having similar problems?" Agent Iriliam asked.

"Some wish to remain here." Agent Boltares replied.

"I have no doubt. Especially, the Mermaids. Nothing but mischief makers." Dyson said.

"Agent Thakkar, are you experiencing similar issues? By the way, this is Agent Crius Thakkar, primary over the Atlantic Ocean." Agent Iriliam introduced.

"To a degree, but not enough to be of a concern just yet. The Selkies are the greater focus for now. They want to leave en masse. I'm still waiting on a decision from the Niseag." Agent Thakkar replied.

"Who is the Niseag, may I ask?" Agent Rumlar asked.

"The Niseag is colloquially known here as the Loch Ness Monster." Agent Thakkar replied.

"Got a handle on it?" Agent Iriliam asked.

"Yes, I do." Agent Thakkar replied.

"Good. Might as well continue with reports from the primaries over the oceans. This is Agent Tane Essosis, primary over the Artic Ocean. Anything new to report?" Agent Iriliam said.

"We need to move the Kraken." Agent Essosis announced which made Dyson spit out a bit of his coffee.

"Sorry. That statement caught me off guard." Dyson replied.

"When we made contact with the Kraken, she could not wait to return to her home plane." Agent Essosis reported.

"The Presidium is her home plane?" Dyson asked.

"No, Your Excellency, she comes from the Uticcus plane. A plane made up entirely of water. This plane comes pretty close with 70% water, but if the icecaps keep melting this plane could be the next Utticus and then we'll be evacuating the humans." Agent Essosis replied. That elicited chuckles around the table.

"I'm Agent Barris Davor, primary over the continent of Antarctica, and I could not agree more. Not only are we tending to Fae in our area, but also monitoring the melting of the polar ice caps. It's a real problem that if it goes unchecked this plane will be the next Utticus."

"The environmentals on this plane are atrocious. I'm observing such degradation that it might be more efficient to destroy whole portions of the continent rather than try and rehabilitate it. The lack of clean water alone in a lot of areas is a tragedy." Said one Agent.

"This is Agent Seraphina Harada, primary over the continent of South America." Agent Iriliam quickly introduced.

"I would suggest adding as part of the Transparency Strategy a recommendation to shore up the environmentals." Agent Harada continued.

"I quite agree. I'm Agent Amanda Eanes, primary over this continent of North America which also has egregious disparity levels, and not just in the environmental arena that need an aggressive plan to address, and it's not just between the humans. It's also between the Fae."

"You have a plan in mind?" Agent Iriliam asked.

"In the immediacy? Cull the herd some more." Agent Eanes replied.

"You mean purges?" Dyson said. It was not a question.

"Yes, Your Excellency." Agent Eanes replied.

"You speak of purges like you were pulling weeds, Amanda." Dyson said.

"Exactly, Your Excellency. Is there an issue?" Agent Eanes asked.

"I'm concerned about the purges. Namely, the unilateral use of them." Dyson asked.

"What is it that concerns you, Your Excellency?" Agent Iriliam asked.

"That there are far too many." Dyson said.

"We are operating under specific guidelines. The Grand Ducal herself approved of our methodologies." Agent Iriliam replied.

"At current rate will any Fae be around to be emigrated?" Dyson questioned.

"We cannot help, Your Excellency if there are some Fae who are either unsupportive of the Transition or unsuitable for emigration." Agent Iriliam replied.

"In any event, I would prefer to see the purges slowed down considerably." Dyson said.

"With respect, Your Excellency but that is a matter you need to discuss with the Grand Ducal." Agent Iriliam replied.

"I'm not saying they aren't necessary. I'm saying slow them down." Dyson said.

"Again, with respect, Your Excellency but that is a matter you need to discuss with the Grand Ducal." Agent Iriliam replied. Dyson said nothing as he looked to Stasio who met his look with a look of his own. Then an aide stepped inside the room.

"Apologies, but Deputy Agent Prime de la Brosse is calling." The aide said.

"I will see to it, Agent Iriliam." Agent Hesham said as he stood and followed the aide out of the room and closed the door behind him.

"Let us continue." Stasio said.

"Thank you, Your Excellency. This is Agent Gavan Madrais who heads the Agency's Transparency Strategy Team here. Agent Madrais?" Agent Iriliam prompted.

"Thank you, Agent Iriliam. We have completed our assessments of the different market economies, socio-political, technological, and environmental areas of this plane, that include some of the various concerns and recommendations raised here today, and are prepared to walk through them with the Grand Ducal at her discretion." Agent Madrais reported.

"Any surprises?" Agent Iriliam asked.

"Nothing I can report." Agent Madrais replied. Just then the doors opened and Evony walked in followed by her aide Naomi and everyone stood and bowed.

"I hope I didn't miss much." Evony said as she stood in front of the seat Stasio had quickly vacated and acknowledged the bows.

"We were in the midst of receiving the reports. Also, we have a new Agent for Europe. Agent Bastiaan Rumlar over here." Stasio replied.

"Blessings, Your Excellency." Agent Rumlar greeted with another bow.

"You as well." Evony said as she took her seat and everyone resumed theirs.

"I just spent more time than I cared to tending to needy human investors. Apparently, they are entering the next stages of their clinical trials and investor concerns needed to be soothed." Evony said.

"Wait until we get rid of money altogether." Stasio said.

"Now that is something even I'm having heartache over. You have no idea what money does to humans. It's like catnip for apes. It's actually quite entertaining." Evony replied to chuckles around the table.

"Any breaking news?" Evony said.

"The Kraken wants to leave." Stasio answered quickly.

"Now she wants to leave. Never should have come here with us in the first place. Where's she headed?" Evony asked.

"Back to her home plane of Utticus." Agent Essosis replied.

"Usasas is gonna let her back in?" Evony asked.

"Already gave his approval." Agent Essosis replied.

"That is news. What else?" Evony asked.

"His Excellency, Ash Thornwood has asked us to…" Agent Iriliam began then Agent Hesham stepped back into the room, bowed in the direction of Evony, and when acknowledged went over and whispered something to Agent Iriliam.

"Agent Iriliam? Is there news we need to know about?" Stasio asked.

"Apologies, Your Excellency. We just received word from Deputy Agent Prime de la Brosse that we have three more Agents arriving in few weeks' time." Agent Iriliam replied.

"And who are those?" Evony asked.

"Agents Ian Greystone and Gunnar Korvo." Agent Iriliam replied.

"Agents Greystone and Korvo? Here? Why?" Agent Thakkar perked up and so did the others.

"Who are Agents Greystone and Korvo?" Stasio asked.

"Two of our finest, Your Excellency." Agent Iriliam replied.

"And who's the third?" Evony asked.

"Ms. Mailkov, Your Excellency." Agent Iriliam replied.

"Malikov? As in Kenzi Malikov?" Stasio asked.

"Yes, Your Excellency." Agent Iriliam replied. Stasio and Evony looked at Dyson who smiled.

"It appears she will be conducting her first assignment here as part of her final phase of Agency training." Agent Iriliam replied.

"It'll be nice to have her back home again." Dyson replied.

"I'm surprised Agent Prime allowed it." Agent Calixtus said.

"Why?" Dyson asked.

"Your Excellency, given the nature of first assignments prospective Agents are assigned to locations other than where they are most familiar." Agent Iriliam replied.

"Why? What is the nature of first assignments?" Dyson asked.

"First assignments are summation exercises of the lessons and skill sets an Agent has acquired throughout the course of their training." Agent Iriliam replied.

"That doesn't sound too bad." Dyson said.

"The first portion of her first assignment is to assess her infiltration skills." Agent Iriliam replied.

"That won't be difficult for her." Dyson replied.

"The other portion of it entails assassination." Agent Iriliam replied.

"Assassination?" Dyson repeated incredulous as he sat up in his chair.

"Completion of a first assignment is the successful infiltration and assassination of an identified target deemed inhospitable to the Realm." Agent Iriliam replied.

"What?" Dyson said still shocked.

"Your Excellency, Agents are called upon to do many things, without prejudice and without hesitation. Ever in service to The Regnant in honor of the Realm." Agent Iriliam replied.

Dyson's smile dissipated.