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The familia is pressured by the familia Ineri on several fronts. It is growingly clear that this is a family of merchants who wish to increase their power and form a web of relationships with the familia Akriasel. Marianna (Duchess of Information) indicates to Tess (Duchess of Loss) that there is quite a market in what Tess's estate covers and that market is willing to pay quite a few prices. In the course of conversation she requests the lost innocence of David Manidrille, a poet whose work changed greatly at the beginning of the century, soon after he lost that innocence. The True Regal of Evolution plays several games with the familia Akriasel, most of them lowering him even further in the esteem of the Duchess of Cities. The familia is called before their Imperator who demands answers on why Ineri is here. She further demands that a gift in kind of miraculous import be made. Akrisael also tells Tess that she would like to read the book that was never written by David Manidrille. The familia spends the next days in a countless round of parties, social engagements and social ballet with familia Ineri. All the while attempting to develop an appropriate gift as ordered by their Imperator. There are many conversations about things Miraculous, including a lengthy discussion on the Roots of the World. Alec (Knight of Brilliance) begs apologies and leaves the assembled Nobles to attend to his business in San Francisco. He appropriates the aid of Silvia. The two of them learn that the United States in 2004 is highly predisposed towards the use of psychopharmacological solutions towards dealing with the problems of youth following a trend of tragic school of violence over the last 5 years. Combined with ruthless suppression of dissent through legal and illegal means by the Pharmaceutical companies and their agents. This has led to their being only splinters of organized protest against this, and a clear road for the medication of youth. Alec believes that this is the direct threat against his Estate that he has become aware of. Alec tracks down Linda Greene, a dismayed activist, and starts woing her, planning on utilizing her as his tool. |
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