Two ServAis came out from hidden doors in the walls, carrying seats for TO, DH, and Noss. They set them up in silence and asked all the civilians if they wanted something to drink. After they did that, they came up to TO and DH. 

“We would offer you refreshments.” They said in their overly polite, mechanical voice, “But we understand you do not consume refreshments. Is there anything we can retrieve for you?”

“I’d really love to try this drink they had out there with all kinds of fruits infused into it.” DH said through the helmets.

“We’re fine.” TO said. Unlike all the civilians, there were no ears around the heads of the AIs, and they didn’t even seem to present any imitation of emotion. They vaguely remembered something about AIs not being allowed to experience emotion, but they weren’t particularly interested in AIs, so they hadn’t paid all that much attention. 

TO and DH sat down as the AIs turned and left. They weren’t even out of the room when Buteo started speaking again. “We have everything prepared for you in each quadrant. As you saw, your permanent landing for your ship is right here in the political district of Okoia, but each quadrant has set up a location for you to land your ship for temporary residence.”

“Do we need to go to each one?” DH asked, “I thought we’d just travel from where we are to any locations we needed.” 

“If we have to work for extended periods in a single quadrant, It’d probably be better.” TO said, then to the civilians they said, “We will organize in Okoia first, and then move to the quadrants afterwards.”

“Of course.” Buteo said. As TO watched them, the superimposed ears around their head stayed relatively neutral. Of all the civilians, Buteo was the only one who hadn’t been visibly anxious around them… Still, the superimposed ears didn’t work exactly like a synth’s ears did; they only showed what the system could translate from physical actions and tone, which were things that civilians could control. 

The ServAis came back with drinks for the Praetors, Vassal, and Noss. This time, they ignored TO and DH. 

“I was hoping to know your plans.” Buteo said once they had their drink, “So I might accommodate you better. Were you planning to work across the planet from here, or would you be focusing on individual quadrants? Did you have an idea what your first actions might be?”

TO did, of course, have an idea. After all the research they had been doing, they had what they considered being an excellent plan to stabilize Arkane, though it was rather different from the actions taken by previous synths here. 

Still, that was a good thing, wasn’t it? Previous synths had failed. 

“I have plans.” TO said, “But for the time, we must keep those plans confidential; I’m sure you understand. After all-“ TO watched Buteo as they spoke, “You already know that there are suspicions regarding the planet’s leadership.” 

“Oh, yes.” Buteo said, unfazed, “We are well aware, and have of course been launching our own internal investigation. We have not yet come across any hard evidence of treason.” 

“And we will give you all the data that we have from that!” Noss said from his seat just behind TO and DH, “And I’ll make sure you have all updates as they come in!” 

“Of course.” TO said, still watching the impassive Buteo, “And while you are more than welcome to continue your investigation, I am not concerned about it; once the insurgency crumbles, I am certain that the leaders, as well as any traitorous allies, will be flushed out.”

“At that point, we can deal with such malefactors ourselves.” DH said. The odd choice of work for DH, along with the unfamiliar formality, threw TO off, and suddenly they understood why; They sounded more like how a normal Synth would sound; they were talking like Kei might talk. Oddly, they relaxed a little. Of course, the translations would be more effective with normal synths; it was nothing to worry about. 

“Of course.” Buteo said, “As Synths, you have every right to do as you please, regardless of our planet’s own policies; we are loyal to King Decon and His will.” The superimposed ears around his head perked up joyfully as they quirked their head at TO, their eyes widening. He leaned forward, “Though I assured you, I have the harshest punishments waiting for those who would turn against King Decon. Punishments that will the citizens will remember for hundreds of years.” They tilted their head, “Would you like to see?”

“I don’t like Buteo.” DH said to TO, “I don’t know why, but I don’t like them. There’s something about the way  he’s acting that’s  making me... Uncomfortable.” 

“I know.” TO said, wishing they could reach out to touch DH and calm them. TO didn’t like Buteo either, but they knew why right away; they seemed excited to discuss the punishments they had in mind- almost gleeful. TO switched back to the translator, “King Decon has punishments already prepared for insurgents.” TO said, “Death for all leaders, punitive and restorative measures for any who have cooperated with the insurgency in more minor matters.” 

“Of course.” Buteo said, and as his eyes relaxed and his head straightened the excitement to drained out of them, “Well, we will have a demonstration in a few days to deal with a criminal guilty of a mere planetary crime; perhaps you would be interested in attending the event and seeing what we do to Arkanian criminals; I assure you, you’ll find that my method of justice is more preventative than punitive. An inoculation against future crimes to make this planet even more worthy of being in King Decon’s domain.”

“Preventative justice?” DH said to TO, “What does that even mean?” 

“No idea.” TO said.

“With all due respect, Vassal Buteo.” Noss said, “I am unsure that our honored synths have time for such events-“ 

“Of course, Minister Noss. And I assure you that there’s none who wish for them to find and deal with the insurgents more than me.” they turned back to TO, “But if you have the time and wish to see how we deal with criminals under my law and justice; I wish for them to see how his Civilian representatives live up to His standards.”

“We will see if we have time.” TO said to Buteo, “Though I cannot guarantee anything; we have a lot to do.” 

There was that flinch again, this time visible only in the Praetors.  TO wasn’t entirely sure how what they said had translated, but clearly it influenced those present. Maybe they were speaking too formally, and the translation took that further than necessary and appearing  cold.

“Of course.” Buteo said, “In the meantime, I’m sure that my Praetors would be honored to speak to you one on one, and discuss issues relevant to individual quadrants, and potential issues- “

“That won’t be necessary.” TO said, “We will pursue such information as needed. You can send anything that is urgent to us through Minister Noss.” 

“If possible, I’d like to have information sent to you directly.” Buteo said. “Why bother with a middleman?” 

“I am the delegate to any honored synths to come to Arkane!” Noss said from behind them, and even TO could hear the panic translated though their helmet, “If you wish to send any information-“ 

“You may send us information directly, if you wish.” TO said, cutting off Noss. “Minister Noss will share with you our contact information.” 

“You want to talk to the Vassal directly?” DH asked through their helmets, “Why?”

“I don’t want to.” TO sent back, “But I want to see how what Buteo sends us differs from what Noss shows us.”

“My thanks.” Buteo said. “I’m sure that given the suspicions as of late, it’s best to get information directly from the source, no?” 

“So long as we get the relevant information, it doesn’t matter where it’s come from.” TO said, standing up. “Now then, if there’s no other urgent matter, we will take our leave.” 

“Leave?” Noss stood up from their chair, their hands clenching and unclenching as their forehead gleamed with multicoloured sweat from the glowing stones above, “But.. there’s so many others who wish to meet-“ 

“We don’t have time to meet everyone right now, I’m afraid.” TO said, “We have much to do, and your planet’s security and future is in a critical state; there’s very little time to waste.” 

Noss flushed, bowed, and backed up, “Of course.” They said, They turned to the Praetors and Vassel Buteo, “I will escort our honored synths back to their residence then.” They said, 

“Very well.” Buteo said as they stood up. The praetors stood up with him, and they all gave a curt bow to TO and DH, “We look forward to working with you to rid our planet of the insurgent threat; for the glory of King Decon.” 

“For King Decon.” TO said with a brief nod before they turned and followed Noss out of the room. 

======

The three of them were walking down the hallway towards the entryway when another vaguely bird-like person ran up to them. They bowed to TO and DH, backed away, and then turned to Noss. 

“Minister Noss, Minister Kahan wants to see you immediately.” 

Judging by the fresh sheen of sweat that appeared on Noss’ forehead, TO didn’t even need to look at the digital ears to know that this Minister Kahan scared him. 

“Tell her I’ll be there after I’ve escorted our honored-“ 

“Apologies… She said she wants to speak to you right away. I’ll gladly tell her you’re busy, but you know what she’s like.” 

Noss glanced from TO and DH to the new person as they reached for their tissues and dabbed at their forehead again. 

“It’s no problem for us if you wish to deal with this issue.” DH said, surprising both TO and Noss, “I’m certain that we can find our way back to our residence with no problems.” 

“Oh, but I couldn’t be so rude as to-“ 

“Go ahead; it doesn’t matter to us and I assure you we do not need your supervision.” DH’s voice was sharp and cold. Noss backed away from them, but then bowed. 

“If you’re certain.” Noss said, “My sincerest thanks to you. I will send you all the information you need as soon as I’m able.” He backed away a couple more steps, then turned and took the other civilian by the arm, pulling them towards the door. 

As soon as the door to the ballroom closed, DH grabbed TO and pulled them down the hallway until they came to a door that was labeled as a washroom. Without explanation, they pulled TO in. 

“DH, what are you doing?” TO asked once they were in. TO looked around, and noticed that the washroom was thankfully empty despite the fact that there were three entrances to it. 

“No cameras in the washrooms.” DH said. They pressed at their wrist and let their armor dissolve and retract back into their bracelet. They took a deep breath, then suddenly gasped as they did. “The air is so COLD in here” They said, taking suddenly slower breaths, “I can get used to it but-“ 

“Why did you take your armor off?” TO asked again, looking around the washroom. DH’s ears flicked down in confusion as TO spoke, then just shook their head. 

“Let’s enjoy the party.” They said with a grin, “I want to try the food. You want to look around. We can talk to civilians and see how we blend in! It’s like a test!.” 

“You want to spend time around the civilians?” TO asked, feeling their ears quick up in confusion beneath their helmet. 

DH shook their head, their nose wrinkling up and their ears pinning back, “‘want’ is a strong word.” They said, “But… We’ll have to anyway, right? If we practice here, we can try new foods and listen to the music while still being productive! Besides, if we listen in on the civilians without them knowing who we are, we might hear something useful!” 

DH wasn’t wrong. Still, the idea of spending time at the party just trying to mingle made them anxious. What if they messed something up? What if they gave away who they were?

 A door opened somewhere in the washroom. TO glanced around, and quickly deactivated their armor before another civilian came into view and wandered into one of the toilet rooms set into the wall. 

“Alright.” TO said, “An hour; no more… let’s go check out a civilian party.”