"Then I'll get straight to the point," Herta said. "I think it's time we found another partner for the Simulated Universe."
"...You're kicking Stephen out?" Ruan Mei asked.
"No, why would I? Stephen doesn't want to get involved in this, so he abstained." Herta shook her head. "Fine, I respect everyone's lifestyle, but he won't get to take part in this decision."
"Question: are we bringing in a fifth collaborator for the Simulated Universe?"
"Yes, a fifth genius." Herta nodded. "Everyone here knows why we've gathered. Aside from 'answers,' what else could bring members of the Genius Society together?
"No one can resist the secrets of the Aeons. Not even Zandar. Someone will answer us."
"What if the person who comes is Polka Kakamond?" Ruan Mei asked.
"Wouldn't that be perfect? 'Lord of Silence'-are you listening? I'm #83, Herta, and I want to meet you. We're bound to have plenty to talk about!
"What do you think of the Beauty Aeon's current incarnation? He's right here on the Space Station. I thought you might be interested?"
Herta issued her invitation directly into empty space, casually throwing Jiang Yu out as bait.
"Polka Kakamond is unlikely to respond. There has been no word from her for a long time," Screwllum said. "Probability: #64, Dr. Primitive, may appear."
Herta blinked, then rejected that without a second thought. "Oh, no, that won't do. Leaving aside Dr. Primitive's long list of disreputable research projects, the Corporation is sure to make a big deal out of his feud with the Galaxy Rangers. No thanks. I don't want the Simulated Universe getting caught up in any weird publicity."
Herta clearly minced no words. Although Stelle didn't quite understand, she could tell that the implications were much the same as those of the Little Fish fan who