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[funbreaker]

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[funbreaker]

Currently fleeing the castle with two other Summoned. We were given advance warning.

[ It's fine. Completely and utterly fine. ]

I saw something about a red cloud? What exactly is happening over there?

[ He could only pay so much attention to the early flurry of messages sent back and forth when he was trying to make sure Yennefer didn't murder Ambrose with her mind. ]

[cryptsleeper]

How many are with you? We have over a thousand in the bunker. It functions, but we're without bedding etc.

Seems some sort of pollen or other biological attack. Doubtlessly done in conjunction with happenings in Thorne to keep the Free Cities occupied.

[funbreaker]

Only the three of us, as far as Summoned, and one escort. Our "mule," as he was called.
Do you swear not to speak of this to anyone?

[ If so, he can give some more information. He thinks he can trust Alucard to keep his mouth shut. ]

That seems likely. This Admiral Sidwell planned everything to the letter, from what I can gather. Has the pollen caused people to fall ill?

[cryptsleeper]

It will remain between us.

[Honestly, Alucard will assume that unless anything is blabbed on the network, it will need to remain secret.]

Yes. Rashes of some sort. There's speculation of Heartwood Syndrome, which removes magical abilities and eventually life. We're waiting for confirmation, and it is making the atmosphere well, tense.

[funbreaker]

Ambrose is the one fleeing with us and leading us to our ultimate destination. He hasn't been particularly open to answering any of our questions, however.

[ If Yennefer could murder him with her gaze, Thancred is quite certain she would. ]

If that does end up being the case, then this is more than just a distraction. The Free Cities could easily consider it a declaration of war.
What about you? Any symptoms?

[cryptsleeper]

For the logical and obvious reason of if you get caught and knew, allies could face harm. I understand, even if I don't like it.

Summon remain unimpacted so far as we can tell, but perhaps there is a longer incubation period since our biology is different.

I'm afraid they might. Frankly, I wouldn't blame them.

[funbreaker]

We can hope that somehow you'll remain immune. While it unsettles me to think that there was any truth to that dream we had, if it means that no one falls ill, I suppose I'll have to thank the Singularity for that one detail.

It's hard to imagine they won't retaliate, even if it's delayed.

[cryptsleeper]

I think time will tell.

It's absolutely a promise at this point.

--I'm being called away for another repair. Be in touch when you're someplace safe.

a few days later...

[funbreaker]

Here is the promised check-in. We've arrived at our intended destination.
Are you still confined to that bunker?

[cryptsleeper]

And you're all in one piece, I trust.

We've been let out. I am currently cleaning up/doing a debrief.

[funbreaker]

Somehow, yes. No worse for the wear.

What is the status of the infection?

[cryptsleeper]

Are you eating well enough?

Unclear. Quarantine was...hard fought, and I believe there is still high paranoia in the cities about infection. Right now, only Summoned are allowed out and about.

[funbreaker]

I've had worse.

[ But it's endearing that Alucard would worry about such a thing. How oddly mothering of him. ]

Everyone else is in the bunker, then? Or have they been sent elsewhere?

[cryptsleeper]

Not ideal.

Everyone has been confined to their homes. It's hoped at that point, all the effects of the pollen will have passed. I'm...not optimistic.

[funbreaker]

I suspect there are many fish pies in my future.

[ But in truth, he doesn't want Alucard to worry overly much. He'll be fine. ]

It seems to be it would be a gargantuan task to prevent the spread of an illness in any dense city. I do hope that the military are prepared.

[cryptsleeper]

That sounds unpleasant.

I'm not sure they are. People are on edge and with good reason.

[funbreaker]

I'll live.

I cannot blame them, based on what I understand of the situation.
What will you do now?

[cryptsleeper]

How are you set for food and lodging, besides fish pie?

Myself and others are providing courier services for the time being. I don't know what comes next.

[funbreaker]

We have been given small allowances, if you could believe that. From Ambrose. He made sure we had enough to get by for a few days and then vanished.

[ Without answering any of their questions, either. Frustrating as that may be. ]

That is understandable. I can only encourage you to stay as safe as you can, given the circumstances. It feels as if everything is primed to boil over, and I mislike it.

[cryptsleeper]

That is..........very hard to reconcile with the mage I met.

And yet somehow funny?

The same goes to you. I touched base with Wanda and it's a question mark over in Solvunn too.

Please stay safe.

[funbreaker]

There is something oddly amusing about it, I will say.

A question mark in which way?

[ Naturally, his thoughts first go to Himeka. He knows she won't want to worry him, especially given his circumstances, but he'd like to hear what Alucard has heard through the grapevine. ]

[cryptsleeper]

If it's possible they'll ally with the Free Cities because Thorne poses a naval threat.

[funbreaker]

That would mean breaking a long period of neutrality. They may simply opt to find ways internally to protect themselves, though I know little of Solvunn's politics or leadership.

I suppose it comes down to how threatened they feel.

[cryptsleeper]

I suppose.

I should let you go. Please be in touch as things progress.

[funbreaker]

Of course. You do the same, and stay safe.

With any luck, we will see one another in Nocwich at some point.