The Show Must Go On

Colette allowed Asmodeus to lead the way to his quarters, shutting the door behind the little group and making her way across the neat living area to a plush settee. She leaned on the armrest for support, unconsciously rubbing at the little rosette strung up at her throat. Marguerite found a chair as well, and Marie folded her legs gracefully, settling onto the floor by the scientist's seat. She seemed to be taking in the room nervously, as though she wasn't sure she should be there. Colette knew she was an honest girl, sometimes almost too honest--she had a habit of hearing secrets and sometimes repeating them. But whatever was said at this meeting would soon be common enough knowledge. Circuses were breeding grounds for rumours that flew almost as dazzlingly as the trapeze artists and tumblers. Asmodeus remained standing, and Colette could tell he had something on his mind.

"Asmodeus? If you would be so kind, I could do with a little wine." She let her hand drop from her neckline to her lap, trying to blink away the burn of ash and anger. The bottle clinked comfortingly against a trio of glasses, and they were passed around the room. The tension that she felt eased a bit. "Marie, a drink?" The little acrobat fiddled with her skirts, shaking her head in dissent.

Colette simply stated, "Something must be done." She paused. "I stand by what I said earlier. Jacque must be fought in the rings, not... We must make it clear that we are not a silly cirque to be scared away by a little fire and smoke. And the only way to do that is to go on with the show. Make it more daring, more bold than he ever would have expected. We must show no fear." She sipped her wine, eyeing the small group. "I have the suspicion that you all feel that more is necessary, that we must retaliate and take our pound of flesh in payment for the lost ship." To Marguerite she nodded her head in a slight bow of deference. "You have lost a great deal today, and I feel your pain as if it were my own. If you seek vengeance, I won't keep you from it, but I want you to know that your opponent will cease at nothing to win. He has done more than blow up airships, and over less offenses."

She took another calming sip of her wine. "Tonight's show. We need to do something new, and I fear that I am at a loss. You are all talented performers, and more than a match for a few petty acrobats. I'm sure together we can deal quite a blow to the Hirondelle's pride. The question is how."