Avrika's hearts pounded against her chest. Her arms were shaking, and despite the cold she felt uncomfortably warm as she crossed the border into inking territory. Kalisha and Aishi walked behind her, eyes scanning left and right for threats. For the first time since they'd been escorting her, Avrika felt she was probably more anxious than they were.
She tightly clutched the briefcase in her right hand. Its contents were few, but they were probably the most volatile contents an Octarian ambassador's briefcase had ever held short of an official declaration of war.
The guards at Cuttlefish Cabin bowed as she neared. "She's waiting for you inside, Ma'am."
"Thank you. Make sure you keep warm."
They smiled and bowed their heads again. Such a remark might not have meant much from an Ambassador but from a mother, it meant a lot to them. A responsibility of every Octarian mother who returned to duty was to pass on motherly affection to all those younger than her (when the situation was appropriate). It helped lift spirits and remind them that their own mothers had not forgotten them.
The warmth in the cabin was welcome but she couldn't allow herself to stay put for long, lest she lose what nerve she had managed to work up.
Three sat at the squat table, her jacket sat discarded on the floor behind her. She arched an eyebrow in her direction, mantle turning a darker yellow. Avrika didn't understand what that particular colour meant but she had a strong suspicion she was wondering why Avrika couldn't have mentioned the reason for her being there.
"I am sorry I did not explain anything in my message, but I could not risk my mission being leaked."
Three looked intrigued, and her mantle rippled, but even Avrika was able to notice the wariness in her eyes.
Avrika took a deep breath and forced it all out in one long exhale. "I need you to take me to your foriegn office!"
The normally unflappable Three reeled, and gaped at her. Avrika counted breaking through Three's stoic demeanour as a small victory. Without even trying to compose herself, the inkling asked, "why?"
"I have a letter to deliver," she said, lifting her briefcase a little higher. "I must deliver it, in person, to whoever is responsible for your Foreign Affairs Ministry."
Avrika had gotten to know Three better over the weeks since they had first met, both in-person and by reputation. Seeing her so anxious after being told what she intended, made Avrika have more second thoughts about what she was attempting.
Three's expression turned deadly serious and she leaned forward, red eyes burning into her. "Are you sure?"
Her asking the question in Octese added extra punch and it made Avrika hesitate to answer, but only for a second. She couldn't back down now, not after everything she had done to get to this point. Lady Protor's tireless hours of research, Lord Hobber and Lord Sabbart's theorising and coaching, and Lady Octavia for just giving her the go ahead to proceed. She actually seemed impressed by Avrika's boldness, even though it made just about every other member of the Or'ufala nervous enough to be physically ill.
"Yes, it's necessary for our cause. For one thing, it will get Callie freed. So, if you want to make that happen, you will do everything you can to help me."
Three's eyes went wide then she stood up, walking to a nearby desk and shifting through a few drawers until she took out a few slips of paper and a fancy-looking pen. She carried them over and set them on the table facing Avrika.
Avrika sat down at the desk and frowned as she scanned the documents. They were in Inklish and she didn't know some of the words, but they appeared to be agreements of some kind, both papers identical.
"What are these?"
"Forms that will let me be your bodyguard for the day," Three explained. "We had these prepared just in case. Long term contracts have to be approved by the Bodyguard Association, but not these ones."
Avrika frowned. "But, we never needed these before."
"We never needed to deal with the government before," Three snapped. "I can only legally protect you from the guards at the Pinnacle if you sign these."
Avrika's brow creased with worry. She didn't think that would be necessary but… well, considering what she was doing, and considering she hadn't exactly told Three the contents of the documents she was carrying, it was honestly understandable she didn't want to take any chances.
Avrika picked up the pen and felt its weight. "I don't know how to sign my name in Inklish characters."
"Just sign the way you normally would. It'll still be legal."
Somewhat relieved, Avrika signed on the lines Three indicated then waited as Three signed her own name.
"Alright, let's go. I hope you know what you're doing."
Me too.
Three had to make a quick stop at Callie and Marie's home to pick up her bodyguard uniform, but they were soon on their way to what she called, The Pinnacle. Avrika's best guess was that it was similar to their own Kraken's Den. The trip there, however, was a new kind of experience for Avrika in and of itself. Instead of a larger vehicle, Three was taking her in the small, sleek vehicle she had used to follow them to the Vasilika.
It was a whole different world to other vehicles she was used to being in, even the inkling ones. It was much lower, and the interior space was much tighter. It seemed rather impractical, even if it was quite luxurious. When Three had stopped at an intersection and Avrika had asked her what the point of the vehicle was, Three's response was to accelerate the vehicle, quite suddenly, pressing Avrika firmly into the seat until she levelled off the accelerator. Avrika didn't enquire further.
"There it is," Three said eventually. Avrika stared through the windshield and gaped at the structure looming across the long bridge, an enormous pyramid structure stretching taller than any of the domes, and gleaming gold in the sunlight.
"So that's The Pinancle."
"Yes, and they are all very nervous right now, so keep your hood up for a while." Avrika did as she was told.
They disembarked and headed inside, Avrika trying to look as natural as possible. Despite her foreign attire, nobody batted an eye at her. Inside, she saw a scene not unlike what she had seen at the Vasilika, with the main atrium full of inklings of nearly every description, though all appeared to be adults this time.
They passed no less than half a dozen matriarchs on their way to the elevators, which were transparent, allowing them to see out all the way to the atrium's ceiling before it all became enclosed.
The elevator dinged and the doors parted to reveal a large arrival chamber, with four corridors stretching out to the ends of the building. Three brought them around to the other side to a large reception area. A rectangular space with couches and chairs was set up across from the reception desk, though there were only a handful of people there, all seeming quite bored.
Alright, it's my time to act. Can't turn back now, have to move forward.
Avrika mentally psyched herself up all the way to the reception desk. The receptionist herself, a dark-skinned inkling with a bright pink mantle and large glasses, didn't even look up.
"Do you have an appointment?" She asked in a totally disinterested voice. So far, everything was going as anticipated.
"I am merely dropping off an urgent message for the Minister of Foreign Affairs."
The receptionist yawned. "Very well, you can hand it to me." The receptionist grabbed a nearby pen and, without even looking, brought it to her notepad. "Who is it from?"
"The Octarian Empire."
The receptionist began writing only for her hand to freeze at the second "a", eyes widening as she looked up at Avrika just as she used her tentacles to push aside her hood. Putting on her best authoritative expression seemed sufficient to help produce the desired reaction in the receptionist.
Scrambling, she hurriedly stood up, almost dislodging her glasses. "Um, p-please wait here, Your Grace." Then she hurried down one of the corridors.
Your Grace? She had never been called that before. She couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious.
She looked down at Three, expecting a disapproving glare, but instead, she was watching the receptionist's departure with a sadistic-looking smile. Avrika couldn't help but share the feeling, seeing some slacker having drive forced into them.
She looked around, caught everyone else in the room staring at them before they hastily averted their gazes. Perhaps she had been the first Octarian they had ever seen. Nobody in the room looked old enough to have lived during the war.
The receptionist returned after about five minutes, panting heavily, her pink mantle a mess of bright, swirling colours.
"The… the Minister will see you, Your Excellency."
Avrika did her best to maintain a pleasant smile, not wanting to look too triumphant. Things were going exactly as Lord Sabbart had predicted. Perhaps bureaucracy was just one of those universal things that was the same everywhere.
The door to the Minister's office was at the very end of the hall next to the reception desk. The hallway gradually changed colour as they walked down, turning more purple until they reached the end where, "Minister of Foreign Affairs" was written on a brass plate over the doorway.
Three preceded her into the room, checking for threats, then allowed her inside.
The room was much neater and more organised than those of any of the Octarian ministers. The walls were painted in relaxing waves of bright-greens and blues, a map of the world was on one wall between sets of bookshelves; on the right side was a small sitting area, the Calachoran flag pinned to the wall, and a few potted plants. At the far end of the room, silhouetted against the windowed wall of the building, Minister Halmir Brentuk sat behind his massive oak desk in his high-backed chair. He was giving them both an appraising look, but his attention was almost totally on her.
In a grand fashion, he rose from behind his desk and walked around it to approach her, extending his hand and offering a pleasant greeting.
"This is an honour, Ambassador, to be the first to greet an emissary of the Octarian government in over a century."
"The pleasure is mine," Betanuss replied, slightly slower than her usual cadence. She was considering her words carefully. "I am sorry to bother you. Although my message is urgent I only meant to leave a letter."
"Not at all, not at all. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to get to know each other. I am Halmir Brentuk, Calachora's Minister of Foreign Affairs."
"And I am Avrika Garath Wavecrest Summer Betanuss, but it is polite to call me just by my surname, Betanuss. I am the Octarian Empire's representative to Calachora. I speak for our head of state, Lady Octavia Pacifica."
"Ah, wonderful. Ambassador Betanuss it is then."
Avrika was impressed. Most inklings were shocked or bewildered when they heard an Octarian's full name for the first time. Octarians always had their given name, then the first and last name of their father, then the same for their mother. An Octarian could choose either their mother or father's last name as their surname when they turned fourteen. Had Brentuk also managed to absorb all the rest of that information?
"Please, have a seat." The minister gestured to a chair and then sat behind his desk again. "Now then, what is this message you have for us?"
Avrika placed her briefcase on her lap and removed a small envelope. "Everything should be contained in these letters. There is one written in Inklish and one in Octese, just in case."
She lightly tossed it onto Brentuk's desk and the minister took it in his hands, staring at it as if trying to extract some further information.
"Care to give me a brief summary perhaps?"
"If you like. It is nothing worth worrying about, really. It is merely a thank you for keeping one of our citizens safe while our government has been in transition. Now; however, our government is more sure-footed and we would like for her safety and security to be returned to our responsibility, and give you one less headache."
"We could use fewer headaches," he agreed. His tone ever so slightly lower in pitch and he spoke more slowly, as if considering his own words as they left his mouth.
"You say your government is still in transition? What happened to the previous administration?"
"Deposed. His… uncompromising aggression towards Inkopolis was not shared by the rest of the government. He still has his supporters but as long as we can proceed with a…." She paused briefly, trying to remember the right words she'd been taught to use. "Peaceful reconciliation, they should gradually lose influence and membership."
"I see." Brentuk stared at her levelly for several moments. Avrika felt like a raw recruit getting scrutinised by her CO. Brentuk had probably been a diplomat for more years than she'd been alive. If she had to go off script, would she last against him?
"Ambassador," he said slowly, "say you do achieve peace. What would be your plan then?"
Avrika shrugged her tentacles. "I believe it would be mostly to rebuild our civilization as it was before and work to improve the lives of our citizens. It will take time but it must be our highest priority."
"A fair and reasonable goal, but it might be the path of most resistance. There are other options."
Avrika frowned. "Such as?"
Brentuk opened his hands. "Unfortunately, Ambassador, trying to rebuild your nation from what is, effectively, ruin, will take a considerable amount of time, time in which countless unnecessary tragedies may occur, time in which your people will continue to live in, let's say, unfortunate conditions."
Avrika felt like she was being talked down to, but she had to keep as many options as possible open and there didn't seem to be any harm in inquiring further.
"So what would you suggest?"
"You need to start considering other options, options which your predecessors refused, which put you into your current predicament in the first place."
Avrika frowned. "I do not believe I understand."
"No, I suppose you wouldn't have been told. You see, I've been doing research into the armistice negotiations from the war. Apparently, your leaders at the time refused peace many times when they could have easily achieved it, and remained on the surface. There would have been reparations but hardly anything compared to a century of living destitute underground, wouldn't you agree?"
"I… do not know. What were these other options?"
"Well, neither side would accept a cease fire. A proper end of the war was the only thing anyone would accept, but neither side wanted to be the 'losing side'. That's why the conditions of the final treaty were so poor. Because your government at the time refused to accept the position they were in, they sacrificed all of their land in order to avoid technically surrendering, regardless of the long-term consequences."
The official history that Avrika had been taught did say that the arrogance and pride of the House Lords had been what led to their defeat in the Great Turf War, but it had also said the inklings were to blame for them being forced to live underground in domes. Brentuk was no doubt leaving out a lot of details but his broad strokes could be seen as correct.
"Do you have a proposal?"
"Just one option. As it happens, Bellchora has been offering itself as a vassal to our own nation, in return for our protection and support against the Grand Consortium. I see no reason the option shouldn't be made available to you also."
Avrika just stared at him, baffled as to how or why he could suggest such a thing after all that happened. He wants our army, of course, but if he thinks we're going to put it under the authority of these fools, he is sadly mistaken.
"And how would we benefit from such an arrangement?"
"You would be able to use our currency, have access to our banking system and infrastructure. Over time, your people would be able to purchase the lands you used to own. We've hardly been using it so there should be no issue with that. Details would have to be worked out but it's a perfectly valid solution for your current problems. Having access to our resources would make it easier and faster to rebuild your lives."
"But not our culture," Avrika argued. "There is much we wish to preserve."
"As long as your culture doesn't conflict with the values and mandates of the country at large, there should be no issue with maintaining your own traditions. Of course, you would have to disband your army – or at the very least, have it absorbed into the NSF."
And there it is. That's what he's really after. Even he knows he can't protect Bellchora from the Consortium, he can't even protect his own country from it.
"And what guarantee could you give us that we would receive these benefits in short enough time that it would save us? What guarantee can you give us that we would not simply be discarded and forgotten?"
"You would have our word, Ambassador. A written agreement as a guarantee."
Avrika didn't buy that for a second. Trust was earned, not merely given away. The New Squidbeak Splatoon had earned the trust given them, had kept their part of every bargain, and then some. This self-important bureaucrat thought he could say such things because he thought he had all the advantages, or at least thought he could play like he did. A bluff. Well it wasn't going to work. All of her fear evaporated, replaced with newfound determination and bitter contempt.
"Shall we test that then, Minister?"
He arched an eyebrow at her. "How so?"
"We can see how you handle the safe return of our citizen. That is why I am here, after all."
"Ah, yes, this citizen. Well, I am not the one that handles those things so I would have to pass along your request to the appropriate parties."
"Of course, I well understand that bureaucracy can get in the way of things, it's so easy for messages to get lost in the shuffle. Some things get forgotten completely. However, I believe that would be against your best interests were that to happen given the prominence of this citizen in your own society."
Brentuk's stoic expression faltered, his brow creasing in confusion for just a second before he recomposed himself. "I wasn't aware Marina Ida was officially under our protection."
Avrika smiled. "As far as I know, she is not. I am not talking about Marina Ida, I am talking about Lady Cuttlefish."
Brentuk's mask of stoic professionalism finally fell, exposing a shocked and confused look. With admirable restraint, he opened the letter Avrika had brought with a sharp implement on his desk and pulled out the letters.
"As it states in the letter, Lady Callabria Cuttlefish is a citizen of the Octarian Empire, more than that, she is a legate, a high-ranking civil and military position."
"Really now?" He said, his eyes hardening but he wasn't quite glaring at her. "How convenient that this information should suddenly be revealed."
"You're accusing us of merely making her a citizen and a legate just to get you to release her. I understand why you would think that, but you are wrong."
Avrika looked over her shoulder. "Three, you remember when Callie was abducted six months ago."
Three frowned. "Yes but… is she still a legate?"
"Yes, she is. She was never discharged from those duties or charged with treason or desertion, so her title remains. More than that, in order to serve as a legate, one must not only be an Octarian citizen, but also a member of the nobility."
Three's mantle flared to a neon orange and her eyes went wide as dinner plates. She understood the gravity of what she was saying. Minister Brentuk only seemed to be grasping the edges of it.
"Callie is Octarian nobility?" He asked. "Impossible. The Octarian people would never accept an inkling in such a position."
"Many in our own government thought the same, until Callie proved herself extremely capable in both civil and military matters, doing much to improve the lives of our people. That kind of merit gets recognised in our society, Minister Brentuk. Lady Cuttlefish is an honoured individual amongst our people and we have no intention of forsaking her"
To her surprise, Brentuk actually scowled. "So that's the reason they've been so bent on peace. They've been working for you all along."
Avrika stared at him. "All along? Callie and Marie were fighting us until fairly recently."
"Just long enough to remove your previous leader from power and put the new one in charge. How convenient."
Avrika felt her train of thought derail and tumble. Where was he going with this? What was he talking about? Callie couldn't have planned out something like this, not under hypnosis which made her loyal to Octavio in the first place.
"Callie has been working towards peace since she was freed. She is not aware she still retains her rank and title as kravah; even we did not know until we dug through the official paperwork that had been hastily filed."
"And what exactly is a 'kravah'," Brentuk asked through barely concealed scorn.
"The highest rank of Octarian nobility. Lady Cuttlefish is only one step below royalty. So you can see why we would be eager to have her back under our own care and protection."
Brentuk's gaze finally hardened into a glare. "She is still a Calachoran citizen and we are taking her security very seriously."
"And we appreciate that, but as I said, we would prefer she were under our protection and kept safe back in the domes."
"From what I heard, your people are barely struggling along as it is. Can you honestly provide and care for someone in her condition and protect her? We've managed to keep the Consortium at bay, but they might not take you as seriously."
Avrika laughed bitterly. "Take us seriously? In case you have forgotten, it was primarily Octarians that saved your city from the Consortium's scheme, while you did not even know it was happening until it was over. Frankly, Minister, we doubt your capability to adequately protect our kravah when you cannot even protect yourselves, which is one of the reasons we want her back in our care."
"We're doing more than you think, Ambassador," Brentuk replied in a low voice. "Perhaps you're not aware that the Consortium is actively threatening them and your kravah has already been given the death sentence there."
"I am aware. All the more reason to take her out of their reach. I saw what the Consortium unleashed during the Liberation first hand. Your assurances are worth nothing to us, Minister, if you can't even detect a threat as large and obvious as the Crab Gangs in your own capital."
"The situation is more difficult than you appreciate, Ambassador. If we hand Callie over to you instead of the Consortium, we'll be deliberately helping someone they consider a mass murderer to get away. By keeping her in custody we at least give her some kind of punishment and leave room for negotiation."
"Are you officially stating that your government regards our kravah as a criminal?"
"Of course I'm not. We haven't charged her with anything. That's why she's in protective custody."
"Which we thank you for, but, again, we would like her back. I don't know why you are concerned about a nation attacking you when it's already attacking you."
"That was not officially the consortium."
"So you are worried about…" She asked Three to translate. "Yes, plausible deniability. If that is your best defence, Minister, then it is all the more important that we take over her care and protection. Once she is ready, we'll take her back to the domes."
The minister's piercing glare was nearly enough to make her quiver, but she'd dealt with worse. In fact, it was standing right behind her.
"I'll speak to the Monarch and the Chief of National Security," he said in a low, somewhat amicable voice. "Ultimately, it's them who has to approve it."
Avrika bowed magnanimously. "Thank you, Minister Brentuk. I am sure you will be able to convince them."
"They'll certainly be interested in the rather odd concept of peace you have, Ambassador."
Avrika stood. "You will have to forgive us, we are somewhat inexperienced at it. Look at it this way, Minister: I didn't have to bring the army to get our kravah back."
The minister paled slightly. "Are you telling me…"
"Had you refused to let Lady Cuttlefish go, a high-ranking and much respected noble and Octarian citizen under dubious protection, yes, we would have liberated her by force, and we would have taken very different steps towards peace." She bowed. "Good day, Minister."
Three, again preceded her out the door, pausing for a moment before letting her through. In the hall were half a dozen armed guards. The secretary must have called them in when they went to the Minister's office. They eyed Avrika warily, almost ignoring Three completely as she continued ahead of her down the corridor.
Once they reached the elevator, and the doors shut, Avrika let out a heavy breath and her body nearly gave out. Three briefly steadied her as the elevator made its descent.
"I'm fine," she said wearily. "Just a little worn out."
Three let her go and stood next to her in silence. She merely gestured that Avrika should put up her hood again before they reached the bottom.
Marvellous a building as The Pinnacle was, Avrika was glad to leave it. The cold blast of winter air that battered against them as they made their way back to the car helped refresh her mind after the stress she had just endured.
When they got back in the car, Avrika asked, "You think I've gone crazy, don't you?"
Three paused, staring straight ahead through the windshield with her hand on the ignition key, thinking. Finally, she said, "No, I think I would have done the same thing. Marie said that peace can only work if respect goes both ways. I'm just… sorry."
Avrika frowned. "You are sorry? For what?"
Three's mantle was a horrible mix of dark colours that mixed together hideously. "We just… didn't expect it to be this hard."
Avrika understood. The former NSS members had laid so much groundwork for peace between their people. It should have been easy for the government to pick up where they left off; instead, they seemed content to let it lay and rot. Small wonder Three felt so frustrated and disappointed.
"Some of us have different priorities, I suppose," Avrika mumbled. "When you're an officer you don't want to let down your subordinates but you don't want to let down your superiors either. The two don't always coincide, unfortunately. Really, it's the same at all levels."
"Not everyone cares for their subordinates," Three said bitterly. "People like that have no right to lead."
"But they do sometimes anyway. All we can do is do our own best. Callie is my superior now too. I can only hope I didn't let her down."
Three flashed green and put the car into gear. "I'll take you back."
"No, take me to Xapheerell Ward."
Three stared at her, confused.
"I need to see what's going on there, to speak to… Scylla, yes. We have other things that have to be discussed. And, they should be made aware of what's going on. They are some of our most important allies."
Three grimaced but seemed to consent, and started them off towards Xapheerell.
—-
Avrika had only been to Xapheerell twice but that was enough for her to see that things had changed dramatically. It was much busier, for one thing, with more cars and people than before, and she saw large crews of octolings and inklings working together on various lots as Three drove along. Many people pointed and stared at them as they went by. Avrika realised quickly that in an area that had mostly industrial vehicles, their own fragile-looking mode of transport might stand out.
Three pulled along the curb near a large truck with several inkling guards standing around it. Nearby was another work site with Inklings and octolings mixed together, and it was the octolings that seemed to be the ones shouting orders.
If only the Ravalda could see that.
"This is Scylla's mobile headquarters," Three explained, referring to the large truck. "She has to move around a lot so this is more practical than her having any fixed place."
As they approached one of the guards opened the door to lean inside. "Three's 'ere to see ya' Scylla."
"She's back already? Alright, let 'er in."
The interior reminded her of the recreational vehicle she had once spoken in with Callie; although this one was much larger and appeared less modern it still had many of the same amenities, including a small kitchen.
Scylla greeted Three with warm colours and a big hug. Three returned it; although, she seemed a bit taken aback by the level of affection thrust upon her.
"Ey, Ambassador, you're back!"
Avrika smiled and bowed. "It is good to see you again, Ms. Sunreader. I see you are doing well."
"Oh, just call me Scylla. Ms. Sunreader is my mom."
"A-ah, Scylla then. I hope I am not bothering you, but I'm not bringing more trouble at least."
"Well that's a switch," she laughed. "I feel like everyone who comes in either has a problem or needs something from me."
"I wish only to borrow your ears, and perhaps see if there is some way I can help you."
"Sounds great! You two 'ungry? I was just about tah 'ave lunch."
"I am actually," Avrika admitted. The stress of the morning had drained her of energy and what amounted to an Octarian breakfast wasn't enough to satisfy her anymore.
Scylla got to work grilling something on the stove and Three helped her. Avrika was glad just to have a chance to sit down and relax, but as she sat the extent of her exhaustion became keenly felt and she nearly passed out by the time the food was brought.
"Grilled tuna sandwich," Scylla announced gleefully. "One of my favourites growin' up."
"I see. What are these green things?"
"Pickles! They add flavour."
Avrika bit into it and found that the pickles had a very strong taste, almost eye watering, but they tasted especially good on the sides of her tongue and added flavour to the rest of the meal too.
"So, what's on your mind?"
Between bites, Avrika told Scylla what happened today at Minister Brentuk's office, about how Callie might be able to drive forward the peace efforts with her greater understanding of the world at large, not to mention the differences she might make within the domes themselves.
"You've got guts, Ambassador. I agree it doesn't sound like the most peaceful way of goin' about it but I think people would be more suspicious if you acted super nice-like anyway. Don't worry about how everyone else'll think of it. Most people would be on the moon if they found out Callie's nobility."
Three had to translate the moon idiom for her, but she understood the gist of it. Still, she'd expected a much stronger reaction. Scylla was taking this remarkably calmly. "You think so? They wouldn't be opposed to us taking Callie away?"
"You're not talkin' 'er away, exactly, you're freein' 'er. Once she gets there you want 'er tah do 'er thing, whatever that ends up being. Better than bein' cooped up like a chicken in a hen house."
"Callie would probably go," Three said. "If she was allowed to do what she needed, but you know she's going to use all the authority you give her."
"That is what some of us are hoping for. Callie had talked about many projects she wanted to carry out before she was… um… liberated the first time. From what she said of them at the time, it sounded like they would make a big difference in the lives of our people."
"Which would show 'em real benefits to the peace route." Scylla nodded in understanding. "Things people can see, feel, touch, eat, that's what really makes a difference. It sure has been here."
"I noticed that there seemed to be a lot more activity than before, even though it's so cold."
"Cold slows down a lot of work but doesn't stop it. Most of it won't start until spring but there are some things we can get goin' right away. Clearing lots for new developments, renovating shops an' stuff. Got plenty of new 'ands now too thanks to Callie and Marie's army."
Avrika frowned. "Army?"
"Buncha' kids showed up wantin' tah join whatever group Callie and Marie were runnin' tah fix whatever mess is goin' on. Everyone was scared an' they didn' wanna' wait for the government tah figure things out. The matrons are busy tryin' tah figure out what tah do but they need a solution now, even if it's only a temporary one." She grinned. "So, Work Detail came up with a scheme to get the kids to 'elp out with the work goin' on in Xaphereerell. That way they can be here where, it's safer, and earn their keep. Also helps us figure out who we can rely on for other stuff that might come up.
Lotta kids didn't stick around after the first day, preferin' tah be cooped up at 'ome instead of doin' an honest day's work." She scoffed. "Worthless. Different with the rest though, they're sorta' gettin used to it and slowly bondin' with the Octarians 'round 'ere too. Oh, speakin' of which, we got most of the think tank 'ere today. Maybe we oughta' bring 'em in too."
As it turned out, the 'think tank' was Pearl, Marina, Four, and Hachiko, who all crowded into the vehicle and were surprised to see Avrika there.
After they'd been brought up to speed, Marina asked, "What if the government still refuses to let Callie go and they think it's a bluff."
"They'd be shooting themselves in the foot," Pearl answered. "If you leave the Consortium out of it, the Octarians have the moral high-ground, and the legal one. Everyone will see them as just trying to start a fight instead of preventing it, which is what they should be doing."
"Won't people be unhappy with Callie being taken away?" Four countered. "I mean, whether she's locked up or in the domes, she isn't helping out here, is she?"
"Depends how Callie handles it. She can probably explain it to everyone in a way that would get people's support."
"Best way would be to convince people it benefits Inkopolis and Calachora too, not just the domes," Scylla said. "'Course, I don't know how that'd work."
"And it doesn't solve our immediate problem. Right now, everyone in Inkopolis is worried about the crabs and about the possibility of things souring with the Octarians. Whichever way that tree falls will point at which way things will go."
Avrika leaned forward. "So, you are saying that whoever can do something to safeguard the city and its people will be the one to win."
Pearl flashed green. "The current government's good at planting trees but they're always afraid to shake 'em. The Squid Sisters got to where they are by being good at both."
"The Liberation was shakin' a whole forest of trees," Scylla smirked. "If Callie and Marie could pull off the political version of that, we'd be set."
"I do not even know what that would be," Avrika sighed. "Only Callie and Marie know what they can really do. They do things I never would have imagined even trying."
Four laughed. "Oh, I dunno, threatening the government by exposing their weakness for the whole world to see, again, sounds like something Marie would do."
Three flashed green in agreement and Avrika flushed slightly at the compliment.
Eight timidly raised a hand. "But, did you not say that not even Callie herself knows about this? Should we not tell her as soon as possible so she can plan? If she is going to move to the domes, she will need accommodations and nothing in the domes will suit her now."
Avrika frowned. "What do you mean? It served her well enough before."
Eight shook her head firmly. "Ma'am, you misunderstand, Callie and Marie are not the same they were before. They have changed a great deal since you last saw them."
Four let out a puff of air. "Yeah, no kidding. Callie would probably eat up the entire food supply in the domes in a week."
Avrika swallowed heavily, a feeling of horrible dread making her stomach sink almost into her boots. Had she just made a terrible mistake? But surely Four was exaggerating. What could have possibly happened?
"Hey, my mom's big," Pearl protested. "Sure, she eats a lot, but it's not all that bad. It's only bad for Callie now because of yun'brennen. She can't be any bigger than Mom."
"I've never met your mom."
Marina spoke up next. "Um, maybe we should actually talk with Callie and Marie. We shouldn't be discussing this sort of thing without them."
Pearl crossed her arms and nodded. "We need a face to face. The Ambassador needs to see 'em in person."
Three flashed red. "The guards barely let their own mothers in. The only reason they let me stay is because I was already living there, and it helps them keep an eye on my activities."
Scylla frowned. "They follow you?"
"Not after the first time." She didn't elaborate and that sent a shiver down Avrika's spine. She doubted the unfortunate government agent had any idea what he'd been messing with. Nobody inquired deeper.
"There's still gotta' be some way we can all get in to see 'em," Pearl insisted. "You've been guarding them for months. You've gotta' know a few back ways in."
Three flashed red but Pearl appeared unconvinced. She looked at Eight and gave her a suggestive smile. Eight was reluctant to do whatever Pearl was asking of her, her tentacles curling outwards and her suckers puckered, but Pearl's gaze hardened and her mantle turned a tyrian purple. Eight seemed to give in at that point. She asked Avrika to switch places with her and she did so, wondering what was about to happen.
The switch did not escape Three's attention, and her mantle darkened immediately upon the switch, looking at Eight very warily.
"Cortina," Eight said softly. "I know you, you'd have a way to sneak in if you had to. I know you want to save it for an emergency escape but this is very, very important. You have to know that."
Three stubbornly looked away. Eight appeared slightly miffed but remained persistent, and changed her tone to one light and honey sweet. "Cortina, liebla, everything Callie and Marie dreamed of, everything we dreamed of rests on this. Besides, Callie and Marie probably can't fit in it anyway."
Avrika could practically see Three's mental walls wobble and crack but they didn't fall. Were they seriously trying to seduce Agent 3 into letting them in? Avrika wasn't sure that could even work, and while she would normally frown upon the idea of such manipulation they wre desperate. She was deseperate.
Eight switched tactics, cupping Three's face in her hands and starting to kiss her relentlessly, all over her face, calling her sweet, Octarian pet names over and over while resisting attempts by Three to push her away.
"Alright, alright!" Three's face was flushed a luminous blue as she finally managed to push Eight away, and then began wiping her face with a napkin.
With an angry grunt she said, "Callie and Marie always have a nap after dinner so when they wake up would be the best time to talk to them. That should give you plenty of time to get in. It's also near the end of the guard shift."
Pearl grinned. "There, was that so bad?" Three's mantle turned black as coal and gave her a glare so cold Avrika thought the older girl might freeze solid, but Pearl acted as though she didn't notice, a smug grin plastered on her face.
It was after dark and the small troop of Pearl, Marina, Eight, Scylla, Four, and Avrika were making their way to Callie and Marie's house, at least as far as they knew. They were all crammed into a tight space built underground, in their cephalopod forms, but even then they felt the tightness of the space, a small gap between the concrete wall and the pipes carrying water for the sprinkler systems.
Avrika didn't know how long they had been inchworming their way through the small tunnel but they had to have travelled a fair distance by now. Her one comfort was that she was having an easier time than the inklings, who couldn't squish their bodies as much as she could.
Finally, Four stopped and squirmed her way into a vertical position, just enough to dislodge a piece of earth, letting a blast of fresh, cool air into the cramped, barely breathable space. She motioned for Eight to go up first.
Eight's octopus form vanished as she activated her camouflage and slipped outside. Several minutes passed before she whispered for them to come up.
Even in the night, the neighbourhood was well it, the snow reflecting every source of illumination. The secret tunnel had them appearing between a row of barren bushes and the wall of the house.
The sound of footsteps approached and they all blended into the snow. It was freezing cold to the touch but Avrika forced herself to bear it.
"It's Three," Four whispered before anyone appeared. "She's letting us in. Everyone move, quick."
Four reverted to her humanoid form and picked Avrika up in her arms. She rounded the corner into a bright entryway, forcing her to shield her eyes. Four skidded to a stop and moved out of the way to let the others inside. Only when the door shut did Four carefully let her down.
Avrika reformed and stretched. Even in her humanoid form she felt the aftereffects of being in that confined space for so long.
"Four, get everyone into the studio," Three said quickly. "Everyone, stay away from the windows. Ambassador, you stay put."
Avrika obeyed, following Three's gesture to a small corner of some sort of sitting or meeting space, while the others hurried into a nearby corridor. She could hear voices and the sound of splashing from the other side of the wall.
After Three returned, Avrika asked, "what did you tell her?"
"Only that she was getting company. This is something you have to tell her."
Avrika nodded solemnly. It was her duty, and she was the one to set these things in motion. There was no one else it could be.
Four reappeared and she and Three went through a nearby sliding doorway. Avrika took the time to put herself back into the correct mindset, reminding herself why she had done things the way she did and of the things that had happened shortly afterwards.
The door opened again and Three appeared, gesturing for Avrika to come. Bracing herself, she followed, hoping she would be able to keep herself together.
Avrika rounded the corner only be struck dumb by the sight in front of her. When she'd been told Callie had grown, she hadn't truly appreciated Three's words! As she craned her neck up and up, she started to understand what Minister Brentuk meant when he mentioned Callie's condition. Callie more resembled a creature of myth or a genetic wonder of the world than the girl she remembered. Even the large robe she was wearing couldn't hide her enlarged hips and ample nutreae, clear indications of superb breeding potential: ideal characteristics for a kravah!
"Nice to see you again, Ambassador," Callie greeted. Despite her huge size, her voice was only slightly deeper than she remembered.
Her wits returning to her, Avrika knelt. "Tenz ivot, Lady Cuttlefish, it is good to see you again."
Callie arched an eyebrow, her now vast mantle turning a dark yellow. "Um… I know it's been a while Ambassador, but…"
"You misunderstand." Avrika made sure to look Callie in the eyes. "You remember that you were granted the rank of legate when you served under Octavio?" Callie nodded slowly, still not understanding. "Well, in order to be a legate, you need to be an Octarian noble, and in his haste to give you as much authority as possible, Octavio gave you rank equal to his own: that of kravah. Since, you were never officially accused of treason or any other criminal act, and because you have continually worked in the interest of the Octarian people even while here, Lady Octavia saw no reason to revoke your title or position."
Callie's eyes widened slowly and her mouth opened. Marie, came up behind her and helped her to sit on the concrete floor.
Avrika respectfully kept her distance, trying to maintain a professional air without coming off as too impersonal. She cared about Callie, as an ally, as another living being, but she hadn't been thinking about her feelings much when she'd come up with the scheme. No, she hadn't thought about them at all and she felt a strong sense of guilt and self-loathing at only realising this now.
Four ran up to Callie, hugging her as best she could manage. The size difference between them was almost comical. Another inkyora with tentacles identical to Callie's gently touched her face and began whispering reassurances. Avrika knew, instinctively, that had to be Callie's mother.
Gently stroking Callie's head, Marie asked, "Where are the others?"
Three answered, "In the studio."
"Bring them here. I don't really care about stealth at this point."
Avrika expected Three to protest, but she merely flashed green and left the room. She returned a moment later with the others, all of whom exhibited similar reactions she had to the girl's new size.
"I guess the dreadnought gene really does count for something more than eyes," Scylla murmured.
"The doctors still aren't sure," Marie told her. She was holding onto Callie's hand now.
"Sure seem to be dragging their tentacles," Pearl muttered. She walked up to Callie and gently patted her on the cheek. "Hey, girl, wake up." Callie's head shook a little and those huge golden eyes swivelled to the diminutive Pearl.
"I know you're processing a lot right now, but we don't have a lot of time and there's a lot of stuff we need to figure out."
Together, they helped bring Callie and Marie up to speed on everything that happened. It was a lot to go over.
"I know I should have discussed it with you first," Avrika admitted, bowing her head to Callie in apology, "but there was so much at stake and we've been feeling powerless. Besides, it does not change the fact that neither of you can do much while you are imprisoned here. To be blunt, we need you. Without you, and with your government's current attitude towards us, war is almost inevitable."
"Which is what the Consortium wants." Marie forced herself to her feet, something that took her a great effort, judging by how flushed her face got. Then she started pacing, holding her chin in a thinking pose.
"Doesn't that mean the Consortium has its hooks in someone in the Assembly?" Scylla asked.
"Unlikely, but possible," Marie admitted. "Matriarchs don't usually scare easily, you have to threaten their shoal."
"They're threatening everyone's shoal right now. That's why I have matrons coming to me to do somethin' about it."
"No Matriarchs?"
"The only Matriarch that's ever come to me is yours, and that was about somethin' else."
Marie flashed green. "They're afraid of making their shoals a target. They're worried that any shoal that allies itself with Xapheerell risks being attacked. The Consortium would only have to hit one to discourage others." She looked down at her cousin, who was still somewhat lost in her thoughts. "Callie, you okay?"
Callie blinked, her eyes snapping back into focus. "Huh? Oh, yeah, I'm okay. Just… still a little surprised is all. I thought the last thing Octavia would want is me coming back to the domes when things are so tense with the Loyalists."
"It is because of the Loyalists that we need you." Putting her discomfort aside, Avrika walked up to Callie and placed a hand on her leg. "While we were working on trying to get you released, I heard many stories about the good things you did for the Octarian people, in both civil and military matters. Octavia herself said that you contributed more in a matter of weeks than Octavio did in half a century. And it wasn't just the things you did, she said the goodness of your soul was also plain for everyone to see, and it infected everyone around you." She turned to face Callie's mother and bowed.
"Your daughter has made such a difference in the lives of my people, giving us hope where we had little. We cannot thank her enough. "
Callie's mother smiled, misty eyed, and bowed in return. "You honour me."
"It is my pleasure."
Callie sighed and rubbed the side of her head, but at least she was smiling a little. "I just did what I thought was right… I think. Memories from then are still kinda' fuzzy."
"There is another reason we need you; although, it's a reason I wasn not aware of until I came here today."
Callie frowned. "What's that?"
"Your government fears you, both of you."
Callie and Marie looked at each other, and Marie displayed wry amusement.
"Well, they've always argued we have way too much influence for a couple of kids." Marie pulsed grey. "But we were never interested in grabbing power."
"But you have it now," Callie's mother interrupted. Marie's wry smile fell, and both Squid Sisters stared at her, utterly serious.
Callie's mother began gently stroking her daughter's cheek, her expression seemed somewhat sorrowful.
"You have power now, Callie. A real, official title and authority. It might be in a different country but you have it. That means someone else recognises what you're capable of and values it, even more than our own government. Think about how your fans will react to that. Remember that you still have all the influence in this country that they were worried about before all this."
Callie pouted. "But Mom, I don't want them to be worried about me. I wanted them to work with us."
Her mother gave her cheek a light smack and put her hands on her hips. "Stop moping and worrying about what they think. You've never let what other people think of you stop you before. You've always wanted to be able to change things for the better; why stop now when you have the power to do exactly that?"
"But… but what about Nana, and you?"
"Nana's a big girl, she can handle herself, and I was your mother before I was ever a matron." She placed her hand on Callie's cheek, tenderly, her expression softening. "I'll always be your mother."
Callie hugged her. The scene was a little disorienting with child being so much larger than parent, but Avrika still felt the painful tug on her soul through the threads that linked her to her precious daughters, and she habitually felt her pendant through her clothes.
Finally, Callie met Avrika's eyes. "Alright, I'll go."
A huge weight lifted from Avrika's shoulders, and she felt like she could breathe properly again.
"That's right," Marie sighed. "The Squid Sisters have always done the right thing, even if it was hard."
"And we've always preferred forgiveness over permission," Callie grinned.
"None of us would be here if we didn't. But there's no way the domes can accommodate you right now. They'll have to prepare a place for you and they won't be able to do it in time with the resources and people they have."
Avrika's mind whirred. It was true, they had no facilities that would suit someone of Callie's proportions. How would they supply her with the food she needed? Where would she sleep? A kravah would need bodyguards too!
Callie grunted as she rose to her feet. Marie helped her up, even though just bending over appeared painful for her. Once Callie caught her breath, she began giving out commands.
"Alright, first thing, we need to find a place for me to stay in the domes. Since nothing will be built for my size we need to modify an existing building, something like a warehouse or storage building. That should have high ceilings to start with, and we can add rooms from there. Pearl, Marina, you're gonna' want to take some notes because we've got a lot of delegating to do. I'm gonna' need a new outfit, something new but still evoking themes of Octarian nobility. We have a couple of girls at Work Detail studying fashion, let's get them on it. They should be able to find some references at a library somewhere. We'll call in a friend of ours to help. As for the food situation…"
Callie went on and on, delegating tasks and responsibilities one after another. Avrika was glad she had her own detapad on which to take notes; although, it wasn't as efficient as Lillibet's dedicated word processor. Still, it was amazing just how well Callie was adapting and how she was quickly taking charge of her situation.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Marie take Pearl, Scylla, and Four aside. For what purpose, she didn't hear, she was too busy writing down Callie's instructions to her. But if it was anything like what Callie was doing, things were going to get very busy for them as well.
Author's Notes:
At long last, the story is here, the long-awaited sequel to In Shadows Tall. I thank everyone who's been waiting and I hope you all enjoy the story. I plan to update at least once a week. I hope you all enjoy.
