#fenixtj

"Tough shit" Mitra says rather rudely "THAT we can take. "

"Yup. And if we see you again, I promise you will -absolutely- get those weapons back."

They growl and grumble but not as loudly as they could. Soon, they are dropped off outside the city.... and Demos drives Jessica and Mitra back

As Mitra and Jessica are returning, Mitra says "WHY did Diego want them let go?"

A deep sigh. "I think he feels guilty."

"For WHAT?" She says

"Turning his back on the Cause, believe it or not."

"The.. wait, the fact everything isn't anarchy is being held against him?"

Mitra shakes her head "Do they not realize he has been oneof the main voices behind the town meetings?"

"It wouldn't surprise me at all if they -wanted- anarchy." Jess grumbles "And no, I guess they don't know. Or don't care."

Demos says "Remember, boss, I had my own doubts. I was a rebel too. Phobos seems to like the feudal system more than I do now that he's part of it. But those three are idiots if they think removing Diego will help them. Diego was the voice of freedom, and he still tries to be. What do they do? Bitch and moan in the dark?"

"Well said, Demos" Mitra agrees "God knows I've wanted to TWIST Diego's horns off, but that's because I thought he was TOO 'progressive' and they think he's sold out? He's never shut up and they should be grateful. I'm actually mad on Diego's behalf and he and I fought all the time when I was at Fenix"

"It has been a lot quieter since you became Regent, true." Jess is.... teasing?

Mitra blinks, then smirks "I could come by more often and tell Diego how wrong he is while you listen in if you're bored?"

Jess chuckles. "I could send him to the Pitt to point out all the mistakes you're making?"

"I'm not sure we have enough liquor for me to cope with that"

Another soft chuckle. Then, "Phobos, let the patrols know? If those jokers show up here again, I want to know about it."

"WIll do , boss" He nods "We'll send word to Sunkissed and Skyhook if you want"

"Yes. All the Freeholders."

Demos says "That'll put more eyes all over."

And to the hold, they return

Jess makes her manners to Mitra and Phobos and seeks out Diego to let him know how it worked out.

Diego gets the news, and frowns "You kicked them out of the city??"

"I let them go." she points out.

"I asked you to let them go, not banish them" He frowns

THen he says "I .. know you mean well. But this will only fuel their belief I am sold out"

"Good. I'm ok with that. Like I told them, if they're stupid enough to believe that, we have a huge advantage."

A weak smile "As you say. Pardon, Jessica. I think.. I think I'm going to get myself a glass of wine... or three"

"Diego, are you ok? Are you sure it was a good idea to let those guys go? I mean... I could send someone after them."

He rises "Jessica... I'm going to get drunk" the smile falls "I'm not okay, but there's nothing you can do about that. Now don't make me embarrass myself by trying to stop me and My having to use satyr speed"

"I wasn't going to stop you. I just wanted to know if there was something I could do to help."

"You do help, you help our people. I can not ask more of anyone"

"You haven't. I'm offering."

"I know" He says "And I'm grateful for the offer. But right now? I'm getting drunk and thinking of past friends"

Jess nods slowly. "I ... maybe I can't understand that, but I can honor it. Let me know if you need anything." and she leaves him to his cups.

It's not how she would like to leave him, but, she's done what she can.

(End Scene)