Story Reader / Affection / Bianca: Veritas / Story
Bianca: Veritas I
>Commandants Gala, Vanderbilt Holiday Hotel, Babylonia. 3:30 pm.
A rainbow of lights from the chandeliers glisten in the ballroom, the crisp tinkling of glasses and silverware ringing around the room. Laughter and toasts weave together into a festive waltz.
The band performing on the stage is playing the newly recovered Golden Age single from Squared Circle last month. The ecstatic electronic music paints a romantic picture of a time long gone.
Men and women dressed to the nines, delicacies served on silverplates, cocktails brimming with colors... The guests have been transposed to a strange fairy tale, leaving the war behind for a moment of respite.
...
...
?
Is that so?
The other commandants are all socializing. Why aren't you joining them?
...My mission is to make sure of your safety.
But if you think it would affect your ability to socialize, then I'll keep my distance.
...
...
...
...
I'm sorry.
I'll be waiting for you at the door. Please let me know immediately if you need anything.
I'll pass. My job here is to keep you safe...
I'm still nearby. I'm just guarding the door.
No matter what happens, I will not leave you behind, Commandant. Your safety is my top priority.
I'm just doing my job.
...
But...
But the mission I received was to guard you in all your public functions.
The President was just worried about your safety.
After all, Babylonia knows so little about Ascendants, and you're the only commandant who has had meaningful contact with them.
...If it makes you feel better if I do as you say?
Very well.
...
...
What do I do next?
Ah. Alright.
I'm sorry. I've never been to an event with the objective to socialize.
Constructs don't need to socialize.
Maybe some of my colleagues would have private gatherings, but as long as those don't interfere with their work, I wouldn't intervene.
...
Thanks, Commandant.
