I've often told people we are no strangers to failure; that we keep trying until we get it right. But in truth, I hate it. Failure is a sordid, sticky, sickening substance. And it is all over us now.
Sheriff Derek still looked ready to invoke an ancient right of duel against Jayce. And I would accept in a heartbeat.
"We won't persuade them on sentiment. I'll make a rhetorical argument," Shoola told Jayce.
He nodded, but still felt rage shooting off in so many directions–at the Sheriff, the military committee, the Council, and himself.
They reconvened and Shoolal took the lead. "Perhaps further violence and even war is inevitable. But we will be failing not only our people but our ideals if we look to it before exhausting opportunities for a peaceful resolution. War will be costly in terms of blood, values, and money. It could also flare into a wider conflict, as Noxus and other nations will not sit by as Piltover and Zaun tear into each other."
That last point is a strong one. Noxus would look to intervene; probably for Topside given Mel's position, though I've heard they have their own internal conflicts. The leaders and workers in Zaun could cause a lot of economic problems for everyone, even without the hextech gemstone.
Mel stood. "To avoid confusion, let's prioritize the proposals. Dismissing either committee would create too much division among us. If neither carries the plurality, we will continue the meeting. Agreed?"
Reasonable enough. I don't have any more points to make and it doesn't seem like Shoola does either.
"In favor of the diplomatic proposal," Jayce moved. Shoola and Cassandra joined him.
"In favor of the military proposal," Mel moved. Bolbok, Hoskel, and after hesitating, Salo concurred. "The military committee will discuss the sheriff's plan. We can hear from Heimerdinger tomorrow. Let's adjourn."
There was no objection to it. Jayce greeted Cassandra as she came over and started speaking with Shoola. He kept his arms crossed and attempted to follow along while staying in earshot of the military committee. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Mel approaching.
"Jayce, I–"
The great doors swung open and in ran Heimerdinger. With him was someone in an Ionian pig mask and carrying a large strange device on their shoulders. Ekko, the Firelight leader? No, Silco said he wears an owl mask and they look too tall and have an athletic woman's build.
"I thank Mister Tallis for acting as my proxy, but I relieve him with important–"
"The meeting has already adjourned, Heimerdinger. The minutes will be available soon and we can go over your report before the next meeting," a tired Salo told him. Mel returned to the military committee.
Heimerdinger frowned. "What were the decisions?"
The Firelight had walked over with the diplomatic committee. Jayce kept his attention divided between Heimerdinger's conversation and the new arrival.
"It is important you don't overreact," the Firelight told them as the group looked with a mixture of concern, confusion, and curiosity. She switched off the voice filter. "But I'm safe and here for now."
Shoola bit her lower lip in uncertainty. Cassandra's eyes widened and she reflexively reached to touch the guest's hands. Jayce restrained embracing his oldest friend. "Caitlyn?"
She exhaled and after adjusting her stance so her back was fully to the military committee moved part of her hood back so her blue hair was briefly visible. "That's me," she stated matter-of-factly.
Finally, a light in the darkness. I have many questions, but if she arrived with Heimerdinger, I should be able to get answers from him. She said, "for now." Don't fail to help a friend, again.
Jayce walked quickly back to Heimerdinger's seat as Cassandra and Caitlyn talked. He heard Mel was finishing the summary of the meeting.
Heimerdinger was shaking his head. "I understand the urgency, but it is folly to advance military action without having crucial information. I have seen so many get slaughtered from that."
Jayce picked up the papers he was looking for and rushed back. Shoola was frowning.
Hoskel snorted. "Again, we're out of time, Heimerdinger. Talk with your committee and control that poster child of yours."
His face was reddening when Heimerdinger slammed his fist on the table. "You forget yourself, Hoskel. I made this city when the Hoskels were known as huskers. Piltover was meant to be a refuge from bigotry, ignorance, and militarism. I don't intend for it to fall to those failures any more than I will let the arcane cause its destruction."
Caitlyn pulled her hand away from her mother's. "You can't shift back to violence just because of that!" she proclaimed in an indignant but low voice.
"Take this," Jayce instructed and placed the papers into Cait's hands. She glanced at them a second in bemusement, but then folded and pocketed them.
"Enough yelling," Bolbok said with the equivalent of a sigh. "As someone from the original refugees two hundred years ago, we owe you a debt, Heimerdinger. But your position as first among equals does not make us your students to be lectured at."
Cassandra looked more conflicted than Jayce could ever recall seeing her. "You should know better than to make outbursts. You have multiple responsibilities here and you should understand it is challenging to balance them effectively."
"And the responsibilities that win out are always the closest, right? It goes House Kiramman, then business, then Piltover's prestige. The people are resources to be spent in our aggrandizement. Maybe Topside commoners are conceptually owed something, but surely the Zaunites are animals, right?"
Cassandra put up her shield of politeness. "You have been through an ordeal. We can discuss matters after you've eaten and rested. There–"
"Eaten and rested? Yes, that would be pleasant. How good were the accommodations for the uncharged in Stillwater? How many complementary courses will be served to those working in the factories and mines of Zaun that make the armor the enforcers wear and the carbines they bear?"
Cassandra did not falter. "I am not going to feed your anger. You have been among violent radicals and parroting their propaganda was probably necessary to look out for yourself."
"We're out of time. Tell Tobias I'm safe and well," Caitlyn said and turned to leave.
Sheriff Derek tried to block her. "If you are who I think you are, I can't let you leave here now."
Heimerdinger stepped forward. "She is an envoy I've received and has diplomatic immunity and privileges. Do not attempt to detain her."
Sheriff Derek seemed uncertain but didn't step aside. "If you're doing what I hope you are, find a way to communicate with us."
She nodded slightly and he gave her a path. The Firelight threw the hoverboard down, jumped on, and flew from the room. There was a ruffle of many papers on the table as most of the councilors watched with varying degrees of surprise and worry.