(OOG: I forgot just where the Ministry was supposed to be stationed in DeM, so... yeah. ^^)

"Is this a matter of importance? We have a military campaign to command."

One thing could be said about the Ministry, that would remain the absolute truth: they were /arrogant/. Arrogant beyond any privilege humanity possessed.

Didn't those data banks contain even an inkling of respect? She didn't ask for much more than courtesy... it was obvious they would never accomodate her without threat of force. But was it really that difficult for her children to overcome their stubborn pride?

"Important? Do you think I would waste my time here if it were not?" Myaru shifted her gaze from the hologram to her hands, smoothing her fingers over her snow-white gloves. "I've only come to make a simple request - that's all."

Peter's smile was as dry as it was transparent. "Your requests are never simple, Mother." He gestured, the expression fading, though it remained in his eyes in derisive echo. "But please, let it be known."

She raised an eyebrow, but suppressed the comment that welled up in her throat. Instead, she stated simply, "I'm sure you're aware of the situation regarding the... potential Anti-types."

"And your interference... yes." Her eldest nodded, the gesture somewhat wasted for a hologram, and again gestured to her. "You mean to bring that debate to light again? We've given you our verdict, Mother. And I think my brothers agree that you are the best person to take care of that particular matter."

//Yes, less work for yourselves, hmm? Less complication for those simple mechanical minds of yours.// If she'd ever needed proof that electronic chips were not capable of creativity or original thought... "I understand your position, children." Yes, she did indeed. But the remark was pefectly polite - not a trace of her thoughts marred her porcelain face. "But contrary to popular belief, I'm afraid I cannot do everything myself - if you would be so kind as to render a bit of assistance, I would appreciate it.

"This is, after all, a shared goal... If I fail, it will only bring your own plans down, in the end. We may be able to substitute the Contact, but Zohar knows its own creation; you cannot do the same with Elly, if you play your cards wrong."

Peter raised a sharp eyebrow in reflection to her own, but said nothing. Instead, another appeared, shimmering into existence beside his brother. "And how might we render aid, Mother, without drawing undue attention? Our resources do not allow us great versatility..."

"Why beat around the issue, Xavier?" Another form appeared, somewhat apart from the rest. So they were all awake after all? A shame. "I'm sure our dear Mother won't be offended if we state simply that we have no inclination to help her."

"Let us not jump to conclusions, my brothers..." Peter raised a hand - or the faint outline of one, rather. "Don't you think it would be wise to see what she wants?" He offered a shallow, apologetic bow, though she doubted there was any substance to the sentiment. "Please continue, Mother."

Myaru's eyes flickered to the others quickly, before returning to Peter. She'd always thought Xavier showed promise... at least he showed some semblence of courtesy. Not that she'd ever trust him, however... "I've seen that you have deployed one of your more valued agents to serve as an observer in the upcoming attack on Bledavik..."

The attack... A wild card in her hand, an event that could mean the final, blessed end to everything, or the hell of another era of waiting...

"I wish to make use of this agent, if you would be so inclined to allow that. With his skill, I should not have much trouble contacting at least one of the potential Anti-types -- Lord Ariath's Elements can take care of the other, if necessary."

"You want Aloysius?" Abner inquired, slanting his eyes to glance to Peter. An irritating habit of his... but interesting, that he lapsed back into it even as a hologram. She wondered - not for the first time - whether they transmitted more than just a shred of consciousness into these... forms, whenever they decided to take them.

"That will be fine," Peter said after a moment, raising his hand again to ensure silence. "His mission at the Gebler base will be completed once the attack is over; if you wish to use him then, we will transmit the proper orders to him as soon as possible."

So easily? Myaru lowerd her hands and clasped them at her waist, tightly enough that the leather creaked. That was unexpected - and it didn't bode well. She'd have to watch this agent as carefully as she did her children. "That will be fine... Please see to it."

She turned and strode away from their staging area, her world plunged into darkness as soon as she left the small confines of the spotlight. But she knew this chamber well, perhaps better than they did - she'd been created here in a different time, when it had been something else.

And in truth, she preferred the darkness. Not because it concealed her, or because it made her feel safe... but rather, because it reminded her of a time when she'd had no worries. Beyond birth, beyond life and death... there was the Creator.

"Ah..." She paused, twisting slightly on her heel so she might look back at her 'children'. "Thank you... I appreciate your cooperation."

(Summary: Myaru meets with the Ministry, and secures use of Aloysius for her future plans.)