#fenixtj

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Things seemed to have calmed down in Renaissance, and that has its down side. For the Nunehi are slipping back away from patrols

And Jessica seeks Otem to see if there's a way to keep them.

Otem admits "I am trying, but they claim the danger is over, we can handle our own, and you your own" He looks frustrated at this "I feel as if I am speaking to a rock and asking it to please roll forward"

"Are -all- of your people of the same mind?"

"No, of course not, we're not a hive"

"Didn't mean to suggest you were. Any leverage there? I don't mean it like starting a civil war but....."

Reluctantly he paces, then "THere have been some of the braves, those you would call wilders who have expressed frustration at the slow pace"

"Yeah, they can join the club...." Jess mutters, then looks sheepishly at Otem. "Sorry. Was that my outloud voice?"

Otem actually smiles a bit "if there is a club, I too am a member"

Jessica chuffs with amusement and claps him (gently) on the shoulder.

Otem's smile expands a touch more, but he shakes his head, not at the gesture, but at a shared frustration "I respect them, and honor them but they are so... set and slow. Even when the tests we do take show so much promise"

Jess sighs "And forcing them is probably not going to help. Damn."

"No, but.. there is no rule against asking individuals among us what they wish to do of their own accord now that threat is over" He maybe dark crystaline in nature, but he squirms a bit as he knows this is working the system, but it is all he can do

"I think that's fair." She admits "You just said your people were not a hive; let them decide for themselves."

A nod "I will approach those who share my views. There are more of them than you might think, but probably fewer than you hope"

"I'll take those odds."

A nod "I will summon them. Would it be too much to ask for some food prepared to lure them? In any people, the young can have an appetite"

"Of course! Maria and Rosa's normal fare, or something else?"

"Their 'normal' fare will enough to lure the others and then some" A nod 'i am glad for long walks or I would crack out of my skin" He pats his belly

Jess chuckles. "I know the feeling."

"I will go contact my peers who I think will want to 'volunteer'"

HIs smile is very small, almost troll like, but geniune still

"Thank you. I'll get some food arranged."

A nod , and off he goes

Jessica makes her way towards the Kitchen and finds Rosa who looks up "Your excellency?"

Jess explains the situation and need.

"Oh," SHe says delighted "Oh yes, Maria and i have been keeping track of who likes what among them... I know just what to make and I'll havei t soon."

"I'm not sure when Otem will have his meeting, but I'm sure he'll let you know. Thank you both."

"De Nada" She waves it off with a smile

And gets to work

And Jessica feels hope that maybe, just maybe, not all progress is lost

(TBC)