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'A large offensive is soon to begin,' said Ezmortig. 'So while the heavy hitters are all busy beating each others' brains in, you are going to sneak in and plant some seeds.'

'Seeds, huh? So we're playing a long game?'

'Aren't we always?'

'Wasn't the feeling I got with this incursion. Everyone keeps talking about how it'll be over soon, after one last push. Then we can all go home and lick our wounds.' Naturally, that didn't include the idiots who seemed to genuinely believe that they were about to conquer the entirety of Intar. The opinions of those morons didn't even deserve consideration, Desmond felt.

'Indeed,' said Ezmortig. 'Which is why this mission is important. We are unlikely to get another chance to plant seeds like this. Not for decades. Maybe even centuries.'

Desmond resisted the urge to sigh again. He could see their presumed destination in the distance now, slightly concealed behind a line of tents. They were heading to the parking lot, where all manner of vehicles were waiting, military and civilian models alike.

'So let me get this straight: I'm supposed to sneak into an active war zone where some of the most powerful servants in the world will be duking it out... and accomplish what, exactly? Chatting up a few politicians? Convincing them that, actually, Abolish is just a bunch of chill guys who deserve their support?'

The reaper chortled silently. 'Yes. More or less.'

'Sweet. No problem. That plan's not stupid at all.'

'You've done it before. Multiple times, in fact.'

'No, I haven't. These circumstances are way different.'

'Relax, Desmond. Just planting seeds, remember? You don't need to achieve all of that in a single conversation.'

Oh, boy. He wanted to protest further, but what was the point?

The truth was, he already knew how to proceed. What kind of tactics might work. Politicians were a specialty of his, at this point.

He just really didn't want to go. 'Will I be working alone, at least?'

'Yes. I assume you do not want a team.'

Hell no, he didn't. They always fucked everything up when it came to undercover operations like this. 'Am I allowed to do anything besides planting these seeds?'

'Such as?'

'Mm. Y'know. Maybe just a little assassinating.'

'I'll that to your discretion. But not your indulgence. Use your head. I know you can think, Desmond, much as you try to convince people you can't.'

Bah. Indulgence was so much more fun, though.