“Redd would never have left such
evidence,” General Doppelgänger observed.
Hatter nodded. “I noticed it while helping one of our outposts defend itself against an attack.” “It just means Redd’s probably cooperating with Arch,” Dodge complained. “Since when has she cooperated with anyone?” Alyss said. “Bibwit, what are your thoughts?” “Alyss, my thoughts are many and, for the most part, unfathomable. But I do agree with Hatter and the general. During the time I spent with your uncouth aunt, I found her to be extremely proprietary, forever fretting and worrying beyond reason that one of her diabolical inventions would be duplicated by the Alyssians. She took tremendous pains to eliminate all evidence of the manufacturing process in her finished products, be they Glass Eyes or anything else, in order to prevent our scientists from gaining too fine an understanding of their inner work—” From the hall came a din of raised voices: “Wait, ladies and sirs! Please, I must announce you first!” “Out of our way, blubber face, we can announce ourselves!” Into the briefing room marched the Lord and Lady of Clubs and the Lord and Lady of Spades, the walrus flapping worriedly after them.
“Ooh hoo, I’m sorry, my most respected queen, but they—” “It’s all right, walrus,” Alyss soothed. “Does our queen think it proper to unnecessarily risk the lives of the highest-ranking families in Wonderland?” spewed the Lord of Clubs. “Does it amuse her to order them from the safety of their walled and gated mansions so that they can traverse dangerous streets, especially when she could have easily conversed with them via holo-screens? Didn’t Bibwit announce that, while the nation is under attack, citizens should remain indoors for their continued health and well-being?” “We demand extra crystal payments for the needless danger to which we’ve been subjected!” demanded the Lord of Spades.
Incivility I wouldn’t show to the least-ranking citizen. “As members of my cabinet,” Alyss calmly explained, “you share in the responsibility of ensuring a safe future for Wonderland. I’m sure the four of you will agree that we’re in a crisis and that trying times bring out the best in you. What queen wouldn’t want such helpful cabinet members by her side in an hour of need? Forgive me for calling you here. I was thinking only of myself and others when I did it. But for the love of your rank if nothing else, advise me. How do you think we should counter this invasion?” “Uh,” said the Lady of Clubs.
“I know exactly how we should counter it!” said her husband. “First and foremost, a decree must be at once…decreed! All ranking families are to remain indoors and well-protected until it can be guaranteed that every threat of violence is past! It’s imperative that nothing inconvenient happen to us, for the populace would then have no one to look up to!” “Speaking of exemplars of society,” said Alyss, “where are Lord and Lady Diamond?” The walrus’s whiskers trembled. “Not at home or anywhere else I could find, my queen. I have left
Hatter nodded. “I noticed it while helping one of our outposts defend itself against an attack.” “It just means Redd’s probably cooperating with Arch,” Dodge complained. “Since when has she cooperated with anyone?” Alyss said. “Bibwit, what are your thoughts?” “Alyss, my thoughts are many and, for the most part, unfathomable. But I do agree with Hatter and the general. During the time I spent with your uncouth aunt, I found her to be extremely proprietary, forever fretting and worrying beyond reason that one of her diabolical inventions would be duplicated by the Alyssians. She took tremendous pains to eliminate all evidence of the manufacturing process in her finished products, be they Glass Eyes or anything else, in order to prevent our scientists from gaining too fine an understanding of their inner work—” From the hall came a din of raised voices: “Wait, ladies and sirs! Please, I must announce you first!” “Out of our way, blubber face, we can announce ourselves!” Into the briefing room marched the Lord and Lady of Clubs and the Lord and Lady of Spades, the walrus flapping worriedly after them.
“Ooh hoo, I’m sorry, my most respected queen, but they—” “It’s all right, walrus,” Alyss soothed. “Does our queen think it proper to unnecessarily risk the lives of the highest-ranking families in Wonderland?” spewed the Lord of Clubs. “Does it amuse her to order them from the safety of their walled and gated mansions so that they can traverse dangerous streets, especially when she could have easily conversed with them via holo-screens? Didn’t Bibwit announce that, while the nation is under attack, citizens should remain indoors for their continued health and well-being?” “We demand extra crystal payments for the needless danger to which we’ve been subjected!” demanded the Lord of Spades.
Incivility I wouldn’t show to the least-ranking citizen. “As members of my cabinet,” Alyss calmly explained, “you share in the responsibility of ensuring a safe future for Wonderland. I’m sure the four of you will agree that we’re in a crisis and that trying times bring out the best in you. What queen wouldn’t want such helpful cabinet members by her side in an hour of need? Forgive me for calling you here. I was thinking only of myself and others when I did it. But for the love of your rank if nothing else, advise me. How do you think we should counter this invasion?” “Uh,” said the Lady of Clubs.
“I know exactly how we should counter it!” said her husband. “First and foremost, a decree must be at once…decreed! All ranking families are to remain indoors and well-protected until it can be guaranteed that every threat of violence is past! It’s imperative that nothing inconvenient happen to us, for the populace would then have no one to look up to!” “Speaking of exemplars of society,” said Alyss, “where are Lord and Lady Diamond?” The walrus’s whiskers trembled. “Not at home or anywhere else I could find, my queen. I have left