Elizabeth grew a little impatient at being interrupted by her again. "The Court doesn't discuss specific details about individuals in open meetings."
She raised a hand to turn off the screen, then continued:
"The second matter concerns the Homing Plan to improve our Talon Assassins. We will begin a new round of assassin selection. I will discuss the details privately with the relevant members."
The meeting ended.
One by one, the Holograms in the seats flickered out.
Ririko was about to leave when Elizabeth told her, "You stay."
Ririko spread her hands.
"These Court meetings are so boring. I thought everyone would sit down and discuss ways to get rich, like which stocks to buy tomorrow."
Elizabeth took a deep breath to keep her blood pressure from soaring too high.
She said to Ririko's projection, "I would like... your support for this Homing Plan."
Ririko hadn't expected her to dump another job on her.
She grew wary. "Hold on... what's in it for me with this plan of yours?"
She had already lost out by working without pay last time. She had no obligation to help this old woman again.
Elizabeth pressed her lips together and spoke in a tone that said, Why can't you be more sensible?
"The things you know are a benefit in themselves. In the Court of Owls, information is currency. Outside the Court, it can buy you leverage beyond your imagination."
Ririko's projection spread her hands. "That's just manipulation. Who's going to work for information alone, without any money?"
Elizabeth ignored her and continued:
"One of our Talon Assassins was imprisoned in the Mayor's Mansion. You should know where he's being held. I need you to free him."
Ririko tilted her head in the projection and clicked her tongue impatiently. "There's even less in that