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"And I understand your frustration, Crowchar," Dr. Sabbatine says, "but we are all bound by invisible chains. You, me, the River People, even the Empress. You may recall a certain doomed and pointless invasion of Mali a few years back. Byzantium, I am afraid to say, is in debt. We are…" The doctor hesitates. "We are very close to economic calamity. As a Mexihcatl, you might say you don't care, but if the solidus collapses, we risk global depression.

"And not everything must be gold prised from some villager's ear! Send us fruits and nuts, animals for study, photographs, anything! That is what must sustain us!"

"I guess I'll do the deed," Alexius says. He makes one final inventory of your meager treasure, then passes what is demanded through the rift.

"This is for science," a controller tells the merchant as the treasure vanishes like hell money tossed into a brazier. The nearest controller has abandoned her signature red jacket and now stands beside you in only her skirt and blouse. The unit helped with the heavy lifting and actually breathes a little faster than the others, chest rising and falling.

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