When Lauren walked into the Clubhouse she was surprised to find Dyson, Tamsin, Ryan Lambert, Vex, and Dr. Abigail Danna all there waiting for her.

"Oh my God, what are you all doing here?" Lauren said surprised.

"We wanted to surprise you! Some of us haven't seen you since you left for the Presidium." Abigail replied as she came up first and hugged Lauren. Then the rest of the group came up and greeted her in turn while Bas Cibor stationed himself near the door and the Seneschal went upstairs to settle Lauren's things.

"You know you could have stayed with us." Tamsin said.

"I know, but I didn't wish to impose with the entourage." Lauren replied.

"You or your entourage are never an imposition." Tamsin replied.

"I know. Besides I haven't seen this place in over 10 months. It's nice to see it again." Lauren replied.

"A big difference from the Presidium that's for sure." Vex said.

"For sure." Lauren replied.

"The Regnant Guard were already here when we arrived." Dyson said as he peeked out a window.

"Small army as usual?" Lauren asked facetiously.

"As usual." Dyson replied.

"Milady, I will see to the Regnant Guard." Bas Cibor said.

"Thank you Cibor!" Lauren replied.

"Where are the four amigos?" Tamsin asked.

"Yeah, where are our namesakes? I brought them all toys." Ryan added as he pointed in a corner full of toys.

"You bought them all those toys?" Lauren asked incredulous at the sight.

"Yeah, thought it would be fun to watch them tear them open and play with them." Ryan replied.

"Well, they're staying at Mary's while I'm here. I thought she would enjoy the time with them. After I'm done here I plan to go back to Mary's for a couple of days before we head back to the Presidium. You could join me and bring those along if you'd like?" Lauren asked.

"Bo's mom." Ryan said as he made a face. "That means I have to be on my best behavior."

"Yes." Lauren replied.

"Let me think on that one." Ryan replied. Everyone smiled.

"Want some coffee?" Tamsin asked.

"Love some!" Lauren replied. Tamsin went and poured her some coffee and then they all went and settled into the living room area.

"Maxima says hello. She looks forward to seeing you again." Lauren said to Vex as she curled up on the couch.

"Yeah, I was able to speak with her at the new Ducal Compound. Appears I am to join her for dinner during the Convocation." Vex replied.

"She's looking forward to it." Lauren said.

"So am I, but when I was last there her brothers seem to give me the odd look." Vex replied.

"They are protective of her, yes, but aren't all brothers like that?" Lauren replied.

"Yeah, except those that can rip one to shreds, or melt one's brains through one's eyes, or tear one apart from inside one's brain with mental terrors. Oh yes, a congenial lot they are." Vex said.

"Bruce will be right there with you." Lauren replied.

"Yeah, but they like Bruce." Vex replied. They all smiled.

"So, how's Bo?" Tamsin asked.

"We spoke this morning before I left Mary's. She sends her love. The Convocation is consuming her and Trick. You should see the agenda for it. It's a thousand pages long, and that is not an exaggeration." Lauren replied.

"Glad I'm not going to that." Tamsin said as she looked to Dyson. "Sucks to be you."

"Gee, thanks." Dyson replied.

"Will you be back in time for the Convocation?" Abigail asked.

"Depends on what I accomplish here first." Lauren replied.

"And that is?" Ryan asked.

"Well, I want to check in with the JFM, then with Evony about these purges." Lauren replied.

"So you've heard." Vex said.

"Now look guys," Lauren began as she set her coffee down, "I know Bo is trying to protect me so I can focus on my work at the Presidium, but when I heard about what was happening here I could do nothing less but come back to see what I could do to help stem the tide." Lauren finished.

"Bo told us not to tell you anything." Tamsin replied.

"I know, but we are family, and I will do what it takes to protect you all. Bo understands that now. I need you all to understand that as well. So, no more secrets, agreed?" Lauren said.

"Agreed!" Everyone said together.

"Now I know Kenzi is returning for her assignment, but I also know Bo sent her to sniff out what's going on with all of these purges. Can you all fill me in on what you know?" Lauren asked.

"Does Evony know you're here?" Dyson asked.

"I didn't tell her office I was here yet. I wanted to wait until I spoke with you all first." Lauren replied.

"Well, then let's catch you up then." Dyson said.


The doors opened to Grand Ducal Marquis's offices and admitted Dr. Lauren Lewis. When Lauren approached she was about to curtsey when Evony stopped her.

"I think we can dispense with that between old friends don't you think?" Evony said.

"Thank you, Your Excellency." Lauren replied.

"And I think we can dispense with that too." Evony said.

"Okay." Lauren replied.

"Have a seat." Evony said as she directed Lauren to one of the flanking couches and Evony took the other.

"So, let's cut to the chase, shall we? You're here to talk about the purges." Evony said.

"Okay, then. Let's. Yes, I am here to discuss that."

"Shouldn't you be at Bo's side as she is about to make her first appearance as The Princess Royal at the Convocation?"

"That's not what I am here to discuss."

"As a future companion to a future Sovereign you should be more concerned about such things than the…mere activities of a Grand Ducal."

"What is going on with these purges?"

"Hasn't Dyson and Tamsin filled you in yet?"

"Since we cutting to the chase, yes, as best as they know." Lauren replied.

"Then you'll know it's standard political operating procedure. Nothing out of the ordinary."

"The fact that over a thousand Fae and humans in our County and surrounding ones alone have been purged doesn't surprise you?"

"In the grand scheme of eight billion? No." Evony replied.

"Evony, you know what I mean."

"And you must understand that as Grand Ducal I'm not only responsible for the Fae on this plane but the humans as well or have you forgotten that."

"All I'm saying for the purges to be happening at their present rate there must be a reason."

"How does Bo feel about all of this?" Evony asked.

"She is also concerned." Lauren replied.

"But not well enough concerned to intercede directly." Evony replied. Lauren said nothing.

"Look Lauren, I know you came back to the County out of sense of nostalgia just as Kenzi will be here shortly, but in reality it is not appropriate for you in your position as a Doctor of the Presidium to interfere or presume to interfere in the business of a Grand Ducal no matter your proximity to Bo."

"I thought I could appeal to our shared interests in the County to make you see that no matter standard practices, the fact is the rate and number of these purges are alarming and should be stopped, at least, pending a review."

"A review? A review of what?"

"Selection criteria, basis for selection..."

"Lauren, such considerations are already had."

"The rates at which they are purged suggest summary judgment."

"In some situations, cases are clearer than others."

"And that justifies wholesale purging without closer scrutiny?"

"Are you saying the Agents sent here are operating with gross impunity?"

"Are they not?"

"They are not."

"So you agree with their methodologies?"

"I have not observed anything objectionable."

"Evony, even you must see that what you may have been use to during your days at the Presidium are not the same practices you have come to know here." Lauren said. Evony stood up.

"Yes, Lauren I am well aware that humans look for due process in everything before they decide to act." Evony said as she went around her desk and sat in her chair. "But there are some things that do not require due process." Evony finished. Lauren stood up and approached the front of her desk and leaned on it.

"You're right, I cannot tell you to do anything, but I ask you to at least slow them down. There is something not quite right going on here."

"The only way I would consider slowing the purges down is if I objected to them, which I don't."

"Evony…"

"That, my dear Doctor, is my final word on the matter." Evony said with a tone.

"But it is not mine." Lauren said as she straightened herself up. "Thank you, Your Excellency for taking the time." Lauren finished as she turned and walked out the door.


Once Lauren entered her transport she made a call. The other line picked up.

"Hey, it's me." Lauren said.

"Great to hear your voice! You back in town?"

"Yes. I need to see you. I need your help. Can you come up?"

"Sure! When?"

"As soon as you can."

"I will weigh anchor and be on the road in a jippe."

"Thanks Crystal!" Then Lauren hung up.