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It didn't escape Linus' notice, however, that that this Mevox was a slightly different color than most reapers. A bit darker, not quite so pale. Over his many years, Linus had seen several other reapers like that, ones with some kind of clear visual differentiation.

And they always meant trouble.

But not always the bad kind.

It was just so strange, because it highlighted the fact that, technically speaking, almost all reapers looked identical to one another. He'd heard as much from other servants, as well. No one ever had trouble telling them apart, but when it came to actually describing their visual features, it was a lost cause. Usually.

"I'd be lying if I said the money didn't matter," said Linus. He started walking again as the Rainlords finished filing into the hallway. "But Mr. Vance is an honorable man, doing important work here. This city would've been ransacked a hundred times over if not for him and his wealthy friends funding the RPMP."

'Vantalay also wouldn't be in the middle of a civil war if not for them, no?'

"Hmph. Sure. But it would still be at war with its neighbors. You're not about to tell me that you've decided to switch sides, have you?"

'Not at all. Just playing a bit of devil's advocate. It's a healthy exercise. Keeps us reapers sharp in our old age.'

Linus didn't press the issue further. They arrived at the end of the hall, and he knocked once on the door way.

"Enter," came Mr. Vance's voice from the other side.

Linus led everyone in. There weren't enough places for everyone to sit, but the enormous office had plenty of space.

Mr. Vance wasn't at his desk. Instead, the man was by the large windows on the far wall, overlooking the Ruby 88's square-shaped central plaza. The man had a good view of all thirty-four stories from here, and this was far from the first time that Linus had seen him standing there.