The house of PUNCH

[nietzsche_waifu]

[You've been invited to the Kwan family house - which turns out to be but a small, practically arranged home. Sure, the surroundings are swarming with barely-hidden security agents and it's probably a step or two up from what a normal Gucun citizen can afford... but still, a Chairman General could live in a giant, luxurious mansion if he so desired.

He did not. And more importantly, neither did Devon - who is sitting in the living room equivalent on a simple chair, thoughtful and serious like a ruler of a vast empire in her throne room.]

You came, good. It'll be a while yet before dinner - my daughters are still busy playing outside. But I promise it will be edible.

...

Do you think I should stay here, in the State?
Give me your sincere opinion.

Comments

[nietzsche_waifu]

Punch misbehaving politicians into obedience.

Or rather, provoke them into a position when this punching is acceptable.

[Not sure how serious this answer is.]

[emorangerpink]

Somehow I suspect you do more here than that.

But out with the Chalice, you represent Gucun on the spot for all the crises that flare up out there. That's valuable too.

And I don't suppose either you or Cheng would want to stay here with the girls while the other goes with the Chalice.

[nietzsche_waifu]

I do not actually do that much. Han Zhi handles most of the details - I am a warrior, not a politicial or an organiser. All I have is a vision, a direction for this country to follow - and I make sure it does not stray from its path.

That aside, we shouldn't split. Being together is what gives us strength.

[emorangerpink]

So if you're confident in Han Zhi, and don't think it puts the girls in too much danger, it make sense to stay with the Chalice.

Of course, I'm biased. Having you with us is what I'm used to - I only saw a little of your life in Gucun.

[nietzsche_waifu]

White Chalice is the single most powerful force in Earth Sphere. That makes it both a safe place, and a target.

...

Once this whole mess is over, you will be able to see more. Of my life, I mean.

[emorangerpink]

I think it's safe to say the girls couldn't be any safer than they are with their mother. And their father and godparents aren't exactly slouches, either.

Once it's over... that'll be something to see. With everything that's been happening lately, everything that's still coming to a head... I wonder if there'll be one big dramatic event to end all the chaos or if we'll just look around one day and realize nothing's trying to blow up the planet any more.

Either way, it'll be nice to be part of one another's ordinary lives. If you can call your situation ordinary...

[nietzsche_waifu]

Ha, I wonder myself. It surely would be easier if it was the former.

One way or another, it will be over one day. And until that happens... let us protect all things that are precious to us.