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"They are from downriver," the hunter says, "and not all are slaves. Or…"

The hunter struggles with the ambiguity, but you encourage him to go on.

"They fear the False Icon so much that they will believe anything Stralchus says and do whatever he demands."

"We need to show them that they don't have to be afraid of the False Icon," Vecla says. "That we can stop it and its servants."

The hunters nod vigorously at that, then they start to slump forward, plainly exhausted. Villagers move to help them, but they seem excited to serve as a counterpoint to the Ziggurat—as another way of opposing the False Icon.

Vecla's thoughts on the plight of the slaves fills the villagers with loathing of Stralchus, weakening his hold on their imaginations.

The Specular sparks and sputters, and controllers return to their work.

"We should put the Ziggurat out of our minds for now," Control declares. "Now we must speak to Dr. Sabbatine!"

The rift expands into space, and the doctor's voice crackles out of the void.

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