[Astral Harmony]

Bertz sighed. "The people picked for the group was actually Rem's idea, as well as the banding of the group to begin with. I'm fine with it, of course. I'm pretty qualified as a leader, though it pisses off my father. According to him, I should take over his job in international politics. Ugh, sometimes I see myself in his position and just do a full body shiver. Boring voices in monotone droning on and on and on. Signing my name over a thousand times a day. Trying very hard not to fall asleep even though it seems the gods have conspired to make politic meetings as dry as possible. Praise Amon I'm a soldier."

He looked over the good supply of girls added to the force. "I imagine they all meet your approval, Master Belidere," he laughed. "Unfortunately, their personalities will no doubt present capable barriers to your come ons. Saren's fiercely independant, Nyam seems to be hooked on Mister Douglas, Lulu's got a bad case of 'just doesn't get it', Radian's part horse, Akane would sooner put a crater in your chest than date you, Rem is all business and no pleasure...all in all, I'd stick with Ezra, though most people wouldn't date her because they're uncertain where she's been."

"Are you done with your chatting," Radian said with a hint of edge in her voice. "I'd really like to get going now."

-----

Intermission: A Hint of Disorder

"There, it is done."

The master healer stood up from being bent over the blonde and bloody woman on the infirmary table, wiping his sweaty brow. "Though there is nothing I can do regarding the disease that is ravaging her body. I'd say she has two weeks, two-and-a-half tops."
Viris took a long drag on her cigarette. "That's fine. You did a great job, doctor. Please, leave us and go make sure no one enters this tent."
"Yes, Your Majesty."

Once the doctor was gone, Viris turned to look at the third and final girl in the room, a blind assassin with a large scythe resting near her. "It will take a small while for her to awaken. In the meantime, I will take your full report, Alba."
The assassin nodded. "The results of the Dimentia Shroud are greater than was predicted, Your Majesty. We know little of the creatures from the war four-hundred years ago that have begun their attack on the Red Army, but our army is on the verge of total destruction, either by death, or by becoming Madsoldiers."
Viris smiled, and not a pleasant one. "I don't suppose my husband was dealt with as well."
"I am uncertain in regards to His Majesty Basscomb," Alba reported. "Early during the invasion, he abducted a number of attractive female soldiers and started a harem. He has locked himself away with much of the supplies that we had remaining, and if he is still sane, then I imagine he is waiting for the moment my older sister Ambi breaks the seal to Necrith's underground."
Viris laughed. "Muscle-bound imbecile. He could have had so much, and yet he let his two braincells form an idea of rebelling against me and acquiring the power for himself. I shall deal with him personally. Is there more?"

Alba yawned. Both she and Cherrylette who had just been healed must have been functioning on very little sleep for some time. "Yes, my Queen. King Basscomb had put my younger sister Asta in charge of dealing with the...results of your experimentation. I believe she is now lost to us."
"That's unfortunate. Asta, despite being a loose cannon with an unhealthy dose of insanity even before Red Island, was a top-notch assassin. I will try to save her the moment I am able to."
"You have my gratitude, my Queen."

Cherrylette began to stirr. Viris stood up and put out her cigarette on one of the tables. "Ming's pawns should have left by now to go find my daughter and ex-husband, if the two have managed to survive so far. Alba. After a rest you, Cherrylette and I shall go to Necrith. There's no point in me staying here any longer."
Alba stood up and saluted. "At once, my Queen."

-----

Chapter 2: "Duties of the Dark Nation"

The terrain gradually changed as the group began to seek out Princess Rosalith and Supreme Commander Shevenston. The first thing to change was the grass, from there to simply no longer there. The dirt was soft and a little moist.

"I think you told me about being the former king of the Ashara Badlands, Master Belidere." Bertz was saying. "Then again, I tend to block out a lot of things I hear. I hope you'll forgive me for that."

"No sign of Nyam yet," Saren mused. "The Dark Nation can't be too far, though."
"The Dark Nation is composed of summoned monsters," Rem explained, though it was possible everyone remembered from the last time she had talked about them. "Overlord Desphon would never put his own loyal citizens in the battle, so he created his own through sorcery."
"I must admit that I am eager to see their mettle," Radian grinned. "I haven't had a real battle is quite a while, especially against enemies I've never fought before. Definitely something to look forward to."