I get shoved through the hallways, and I almost trip a couple of times, muttering insults under my breath.

We finally arrive at a dungeon where they shove me in a cell and I slam against the bars. Too late.

I look around me to find other prisoners, some of them rough-looking.

I shrug and sit down.

But not for long because the guards come and take me again, this time to a completely white room with a single white table and two white chairs across from each other. Why is it always white?

They shove me in a seat when someone comes in and sits across from me.

"Hello, Mina," she says, smiling.

"Hey snake," I reply.

She clears her throat and ignores my comment.

"I was hoping you could tell us a few things," she begins.

"Like what, your face is as ugly as your personality?" I shoot back.

She inhales sharply but lightly places her fingers on the table. "Look, Mina, just tell us where your friends are. We want to moniter them, we won't capture them or anything."

"You lie like a snake too," I spit.

But wait. If I tell them a false location... They might send Alexandria... I can communicate through radio morse for them to go to that location to ambush and capture Alexandria and hold her ransom and not kill her and OH MY.

"We won't kill you if you tell us, and we won't kill them either," she continues.

I sigh. "Fine. Looks like there's no way out of this for me."

The girl silently celebrates, as do I.

"They're in New Cogsvill."

"Perfect," she says. The girl smiles evily. "Now to pay them a little visit."

I pretend to be shocked. "But you said-"

"I know," she smirks. "Like you said, I'm a lying snake." She turns to the guards. "See if you can send Alexandria."

She marches out of the room and I'm left sitting, smiling to myself.

Poe Allen opens his mouth to speak but closes it. "Maybe later?"

I point my finger at him. "Yes, well you and I have a lot to go over later."

I turn and walk off to the command center, when a soldier comes up to me, salutes, hands me a piece of paper, and walks away.

It reads:

General Reguex,

You are being asked to find Mina Courageux's friends, who are also Resistance leaders. Bring two others with you to New Cogsvill, for we do not want to create any disturbances.

Please bring the leaders back alive. 

Sincerely, 

New Republic Command Station

I shake my head and go to my room, getting ready.

I meet two other guards outside as I check to see my Aether pistols are loaded and that I have a knife in my boot and jacket.

We set off.

~~~~

After what seems like forever, we arrive at New Cogsvill's forest. We carefully walk through it, and I can see the lights of the town when I hear two thuds behind me.

I spin around to see the two soldiers laying on the floor.

I whip out my gun and point it to wherever those Resistance leaders could be hiding.

I glare at Trillian. This was stupid I know, but I needed to ruff her up a little bit. I mean, she just left without a trace.

"Well, to catch you up on things," I start but she raises her hand.

"I think it will be to long of a list to say," she says. I smile. She was right. 

I look at the flyer in my hands.

Masquerade Army Ball in two nights! All are invited! Also open to public around base. Please come!

I guess I will. But what to wear. 

Sorry, butbI did not allow a larty? On base. What the heck? I am nkt going to be there. I will be in Northern Kyngdom, negotiating trade lines.

Trillian~

Sprocket filled me in on the latest update, Elliot being killed, the whole affair with shadow going to the SOCS school etc. when she was just finishing up a letter fluttered down from the sky,

To Sprocket and Trillian

You are invited to the Powers Ball (that's just what I'm calling it in my head) it is to take place in three days time. It is a formal masquerade and members of both the resistance and SOCS are invited. Thank you.

i look at Sprocket. "I things just got way more complicated."

oops, sorry! what if it was an invite that someone lost and was blown away by the wind? i just was lucky to grab it