Keria runs up the white stone staircase, feet flying, looking for her sister. As she runs up the staircase, she accidentally knocks over a passing servant, who clatters down the stairs, rather discombobulated. “Oh my goodness! Are you ok sir?” The old man gets up, slightly teetering* “Of course miss. But please watch where you are going.” Keria runs up the stairs to Ikari’s door* She bursts in the room, and finds her younger sister floating upside down in the midst of a storm of floating data streams* “Ikari?” “Hello Keria! How are you?” “Good good. Have you seen Father?” “I believe he’s in his office. Please tell him I am close to hacking into those ships remotely.” “Thanks Ikari!” Keria runs out, traversing the hall hurriedly, hoping to please her father with her achievement* She spots the large wooden door, and bursts in, to find Crowley standing in front of a holographic connection with a pale, skeletal, man in a three piece suit* “Dad—“ Crowley senses her, and turns around and freezes her in time* “Well. That presents complications. Continue with the search. Kill anyone who stands in your way.” “Yes Lord Crowley. Inferno out.” The hologram disappears* “This to put it vaguely, Ikeriabelle, is shit. But you shouldn’t have walked in on me.” He waves his hand and she unfreezes* “Umm what was that? And ever heard of ethics?” “That was Inferno. He is the head of my secret police. I only activate it in times of extreme danger.” “Still! You better have a good issue for killing people!” “I’m finding out who tried to attack you. Residue signatures suggested it was someone in the highest circles of Hell. Possibly the Daemon’s.” “But how many of us are there?” “That’s the issue. Three. No more, no less.” “If I didn’t do it...and you didn’t do it...” Keria lets the question hang in the air* Crowley grimaces* “I know. Oh. And I’m commissioning a competition of gunsmiths for a new weapon for you. And possibly armor.” Keria smiles at the possibility of meeting new people* “Thanks Dad. Want me to keep an eye on Ikari?” “No. I can keep an eye on her easier then you can. And you have less experience. But thank you though.” TO BE CONTINUED...