"As I remember, you mentioned the one with the symbiont connects to the hive mind," Lusignan's voice came a minute later - the man was obviously pondering and worried, but he was careful to hide it. "What about the host personality? Does it change in any way?"
- You will not lose your identity. As an example, I haven't changed at all. Is that... You will become calmer after half of the year in "connection". Perhaps some emotions at first will be felt brighter. For example joy. But it's temporary like I said. You are still, you. And that's the beauty of the process. You get incredible powers and virtually immortality without losing yourself. But be ready to feel something... It's hard for me to describe it. A sense of kinship with everyone else who has been subjected to the same. The desire to protect them as your family. Sometimes you have to fight this feeling when you face a choice or your life or the life of your "brother".
"How can I be sure that you are you, and not alien using knowledge held by de Lorraine's brain?" he asked, looking on de Lorraine and analysing her reaction. There always was such possibility to become just a puppet, and even if he agree for her, certainly attractive proposal, seeing what she know and her abilities, as well as including how this and his own goals and ends may coexist... It could benefit the plan. However: "This reminds me about ants we have on Orleanais and New Paris. Their behaviour sounds similar."
- I don't know, Lusignan. If more tests are needed, I will pass them. Or... Merde, I'm not a fortune teller to guess what you want and what exactly will be your proof. You forbade me to climb into your brains and I did as you ask. Now you're asking for proof... Hell, I don't know...
It looks like she's completely pissed off.
- I am who I am. Believe it or not.
Now she did not act scared, as liars usually do, but very hurt. Although she tried to show indifference, but her face, that seemed about to burst into tears, said otherwise. It's human. No one who has lost his mind and himself does not behave like this.
He nodded his thoughts, and looked carefully at the infected woman. "Is she really infected or maybe just different?" flashed through the man's mind. It was as if he was trying to find something on her face that should tell him the right answer in this situation - there was more at stake than just his personal comfort. If everything worked out and was as she said - a united Gallia would be a sparkling sapphire of humanity, a beacon dispelling the ignorance of Sirius' barbaric culture and bringing understanding of how humanity must live in order to become better, at least according to his understanding of mean "better"... or he will personally bury what he has worked so long for - a better Gallia.
Here and now the fate of not only these two was being decided, but perhaps - the whole Gallia. The Nomads had a tarnished reputation, but these were "different". There was clearly something wrong with them. For good or for bad. She stood in front of Lusignan - living evidence of the metamorphosis of those, who fell under the influence of "others".
She do not found anything to say to him. Instead, she got down from the box and approached Lusignan close, holding out her hand to him.
- Trust me Antonin. At first it will be difficult for everyone. To you, to me, to the people of Gaul. But damn it, this nation has gone through such tests that the dogs of Sirius never dreamed of. I promise we will not expose this long-suffering people to a new threat. You will personally decide his fate. As for me, I will help you. I will teach everything that I have learned myself. I will teach you to understand things that cause only horror in the minds of the unprepared. - Nymph or Juliette finally said with a good-natured smile. It seems that she believed in what was said by herself.
Antonin slowly nodded, making a final decision: the risk worthy a reward promised, and even if he fail - the people below, on or above his rank will remove the threat if he becomes one. He took a communicator in hid hand and called his deputy, located in same Citadel as he, cancelling all meeting for at least one day. He didn't know if that enough of time, but hoped it is. Once the call ended, Lusignan stared on woman: "What next?"
- We need to move to a more comfortable and secluded room. No extra eyes or ears. Preferably with the opportunity for you to relax. Sleep for example. I know what I'm talking about... From 12 to 24 hours, you will be very tired and sleepy. Also, at the end of the day, you will start to eat a lot. This is absolutely normal. The body of incubus will grow and require nutrition. Exactly like your own would start adaptation at that period of time. This will also pass with time, yet, get used to the fact that you still have to increase your diet in the future.
Juliette nodded in the direction of the exit and took Antonin by the hand.
Her palm gently enveloped Lusignan's slightly woolly palm, squeezing it slightly as if to soothe it. He sighed - the confidence that had been bubbling like a volcano was fading, but the man was not in the habit of changing his mind: if he said yes, then so be it.
Withdrawing his hand, Lusignan walked forward, leading the woman to her chambers on the upper floors - guarded by droids and GSB agents under his control alone, this part of the Citadel was one of the most secure and isolated. Soon, after taking the lift and walking a few short corridors, they entered the Marshall's spacious suite - ascetic but tasteful. Having discarded the top of his tunic and hung it up neatly, Antonin was left in a simple shirt and black trousers. A gilded chain with a small amulet flashed on it, a gift from his parents before his career in the armed forces.
Juliette examined the amulet thoughtfully before doing anything else. It was unusual to see such trinkets on such significant persons.
- Unusual trinket... Must mean a lot to you, Antonin? - she answered casually and invited him to sit down on the bed with a gesture and then, did the same, crossing her legs.
