In Zion's reception room, the "Queen" was entertaining an important guest.
"I never expected you to be the first to arrive," she said, sounding a little wistful. "I thought some organization eager to make a fortune would rush over to talk business with us first."
"Nine Dragons City wants to make a fortune too," said the woman with the magnificent pair of horns. "We've never hidden that."
"But now isn't the time to make money."
"Exactly. If money were all we wanted, we'd wait a little longer—at least until the various countries and organizations had made their intentions clearer."
"Then why are you here now?"
"Because we care more about doing what's right than about money." The woman looked at the Queen, her gaze sincere. "Some things are worth doing no matter the cost. That's all."
The Queen was unmoved. Over the years, she had met too many people who spoke pretty words.
"Honestly, the few people you brought won't be much help. Nine Dragons City's police force was never strong to begin with. You still need us to help train your emergency responders."
That made the other woman purse her lips. "You really have a poisonous tongue. Aren't you afraid someone will beat you to death one day?"
"I am. But if fear means keeping my mouth shut, I'd rather be beaten to death."
After a light laugh, the icy atmosphere finally warmed a little.
"We've received word that the Slavic Empire may be about to move against you," the horned woman said. "Have Zion get out of the way."
"A mobile city can't outrun tanks. There's nowhere to hide."
"Even a little less trouble would be better."
"Not one bit of the trouble coming our way can be avoided."
The Queen walked to the window and watched the