Conversation Space I.

[powersthatbe]

The room is small, intimate. You are alone. There is no sign of a way in or out. Ping-pong balls crunch underfoot, and empty giftboxes, meticulously wrapped and ribboned, are lined up against one wall, while a humming wall of server blades are racked on the opposite wall. A high-backed, gilt chair with red velvet cushions faces an ornate, full-length mirror, and beside the chair is a mug of steaming hot chocolate on a tiny side table, steaming invitingly from beneath a layer of fifteen half-melted marshmallows.

What do you do?

Comments

[callmemeibe]

"One day, perhaps," she answers, "you might hear the whole story. But not today. Today is for next steps, no? We should talk of moving forward, of our strategy."

[claudiometer]

"Fair enough. You're more likely to have something resembling a strategy than I am, though. So what is your plan?"

Not 'the plan.' Claudia will decide for herself if it's one she wants to back. (Given the emotional stakes involved, it's likely she'll be on board, but she promises nothing.)

[callmemeibe]

"For now, we do nothing but wait; our time has not yet come, lady Claudia. We must conserve our strength for times to come."

So... her next time to run this show isn't for a while.

"As for next steps... it depends on the victors. Who wins going forward from here. That will change the plan completely."