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~~((The July 4th Special -- page 4 of 12))~~
"Competition?" said Melchor. "I was under the impression that oligarchs of Ridgemark were of unified beliefs."

At that remark, Renart was silent for a time, merely observing them blankly.

Perhaps he hadn't appreciated Melchor's use of the term oligarch, Raul thought. It did seem like a needlessly provocative choice of word, even if Raul didn't necessarily think it was inaccurate.

"...Some in Ridgemark view Abolish's presence in this country as a necessary evil," said Renart. "Our employer feels differently. As do you, we suspect."

'We aren't here to run them out of Vantalay for you,' said Orric, 'but yes, we do feel similarly.'

Raul tensed further. He could understand Orric and Melchor's frigid approach to this conversation, but he also couldn't help feeling that being a tad friendlier in tone might be better. They most certainly had seniority over him, though, so he kept his mouth shut.

"Good," said Renart. "In that case, perhaps we can offer some assistance." He motioned to the man on his right, who was carrying something, but Orric interrupted first.

'You'll have to forgive us,' the reaper said. 'We're a rather untrusting lot. Why exactly does your employer feel so differently about Abolish?'

"Does that question truly need answering?" said Renart. "This is Abolish we are talking about."

'Okay, then why do certain 'others' in Ridgemark not share your employer's feelings?'

Renart fell briefly quiet again, and he glanced at the reaper attached to his shoulder. "...I am not sure what relevance that information has to you. Do you think that their views might somehow convince you to change your own minds with regard to Abolish?"

'Hah, not likely,' said Orric. 'But like I said. We're an untrusting lot. We'd like to have a better understanding of things, especially when they pertain to who we're working with and why. Too often, simple misunderstandings cause avoidable problems, wouldn't you agree?'