5

Thérèse explains that the new king of France has finally offered to recognize the independence of Haiti—if Haiti and its President Boyer reimburse the French slave-holders for their losses during the revolution. Of course, Haiti was the wealthiest colony in all of the New World before its revolution—it was more valuable than the entirety of the Thirteen Colonies combined. And the king wants every sous repaid.

"This offer will return the country to slavery. They will be free in name, but this debt will hold them in shackles for generations."

"The rich care nothing for anyone but themselves. I wish I could say that this suprises me, but it does not," Villanueva concludes.

Before Thérèse can reply, however, Jesse arrives. When he catches sight of Thérèse, he stops cold.

"Thérèse?" he says.

"Jesse," she returns. There is no warmth there.

"What are you doing here?"

She explains Haiti's predicament again, to which Jesse nods along.

When she finishes, Villanueva brings up a different matter. "Tell me, where has Governor Praz gone?" Both Thérèse and Jesse become even more still. He looks from one to the other. "I suppose that confirms it. Praz is dead. And you killed him." He pauses to muse a momemt. "He deserved it, I'm sure; I thought he had the personality of a donkey's backside. But shouldn't I punish you for violating the Three Rules?"

"Yes, I killed Governor Praz. But by the customs of the Society, you have no authority to punish me for it, as it did not occur in this province, much less in your city."

"Perhaps I should just kill you anyway. As you note, you are in my city. And acknowledge your crimes…"

Thérèse bares the slightest hint of fang. "I'd like to see you try."

He nods. "Is there a new Governor of Cap–Français, then?"

"You mean Cap–Haïtien. And no."

"Why not?"

Thérèse purses her lips. "There are so few of our kind on the island. Why do we need a Governor?"

"Then a quaestor?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"We don't need one."

"You mean, you don't need the Society."

"That's…"

"That's exactly what you mean. So you must choose. Do you wish to belong to the Society, or do you wish to be indebted to France?"

Jesse interjects. "Dominus, perhaps we could aid her…"

"Jesse, I do not know what your rôle in this was, but I do not think you should be opining at this moment." Jesse goes silent. Villanueva turns back to Thérèse: "Choose, now. Declare yourself Governor and I will aid you. Decline, and return home empty-handed."

As the room falls silent, you sense the opportunity to speak.

"You should just kill her, Dominus. You will only regret not doing so later."

"Please, Thérèse, let us help you. The Society may have its flaws, but you must see its benefits…"

"I applaud your courage, Thérèse."

"Dominus, allow me to go with her to fight the French."

"Dominus, you have spoken often of the system of debts that underpins the Society. Is there no debt you would be willing to accept in exchange for aiding your guest?"

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