When are we going to get proper planes? Max asked.

Ask me again in five years, Tia said.

… Really? I expected a higher timeframe, he admitted.

No, but in five years, I'll be able to give you a good estimate.

He laughed over their psychic link. Tia was not in the capital right now; she'd been going from place to place recently and only stayed in one spot long enough to sleep, cuddling with whoever of the other drones was around. It had let her meet more of her little siblings, so she didn't mind. In contrast, Max had stayed in Cera, and stuck close to their Mother's side. He'd been just as busy, but he still prioritized her security. It made sense, he was the commander of the Star Guard after all.

Why planes? she asked. They had talked about a lot of things, including several technical challenges, but he had to know actual airplanes were a bit of an unrealistic goal for the moment.

I was thinking about flying drones and how we can use them, and wishing we had something sturdier. Also getting standardized equipment for them is a headache.

You don't say, she commented drily.

Equipment for their army was more or less her bailiwick. And Tia had done her best. With all due humility, she thought they had done pretty well.

There were still weak points and tradeoffs, of course. She couldn't expect to actually equip an army with the standard of an industrialized nation. But that was fine.

There was a lot that went into outfitting their soldiers, even if you looked past artillery and weapons. They had set up manufactures or hired craftspeople in large numbers. Many things were needed, from flasks to belt buckles to tent pegs, and of course uniforms. Proper footwear was important, for instance. Some of it soldiers even brought themselves. There was no need to standardize everything, even if she'd prefer that in an ideal world. The army still employed a lot of cobblers. Tia had looked at their budgets; if they could use all the money for weapons and ammunition that was spent on various sundry equipment, they'd have a lot more firepower.

That said, it was usually easier to equip Hive drones, especially Swarm Drones. Mostly because they just weren't given as much equipment. But for important and somewhat specialized roles like flying drone Mounts, they did need something, and the constraints of their task didn't make it easy.

You haven't rethought their armor, I take it? Max asked.

Tia sent him the feeling of shaking her head. She was currently sitting in view of other people and didn't want to seem like she was talking to herself, so she didn't emote outwardly. No, we ran tests and Ben agreed with our analysis. Switching to heavier armor would not be worth it when weighed against the decrease in their endurance and top speed. We may make enough such armor for some drones, for cases where defense is most important, but it won't be standard issue. We'd be running into material shortages, anyway.

Currently, there were several variants of 'light armor' used for flying drones, all obviously optimized to hinder them as little as possible and to weigh as little as possible. They couldn't use Conjuration for everyone, so they largely had to make do with normal materials, but cloth, good steel insets and the occasional bit of monster hide were still useful.

Some laughter drifted over on the wind, and she glanced at the terrace below her. She was currently in Nerlia-city, or more specifically, being hosted in their royal palace. Not that Tia really had much to do here, but it was a convenient base for overseeing several matters and facilities she did want to visit. Her current location was about as sheltered as it was possible to get in their expansive palace complex, overlooking one of the sparse gardens, rather unimpressive even compared to Cera's. The season also made sure that not many people were out and about, although some seemed to take it as a challenge to brave the conditions.

It wasn't the first time she'd been here, and there were a few other drones around, so she didn't feel isolated. But the atmosphere felt a little different this time. Tia wasn't a psychic, of course, besides her connection to the psychic link, but it was easy to see why.

She turned and raised a hand, looking through the wide and open doors leading onto this terrace and getting the attention of a young woman waiting a respectful distance away. The human approached, bowing deeply as she reached her. "Your Imperial Highness?"

"I find myself curious who else is out here."

The girl — actually a young noble sprout and probably a squire or something, she believed — hesitated for a moment. "I believe it is Princess Adelaide and some of her companions, my Princess," she said. "They are training outside. I have also seen Princess Rosalie, she sometimes likes to observe and offer encouragement."

"I see, thank you," Tia replied. She tapped a finger against the rim of her cup absently, ignoring the sound. "If she is still there and is amenable, invite her to come speak to me."

"Yes, Your Imperial Highness."

"I would also like another cup of tea, please," she added.

The girl scurried off to do as she was bid and Tia turned back around. Sometimes, it was good to be a princess, she mused.

Shortly after, a servant showed up with more tea, and it took a few minutes longer until the older princess appeared. She curtsied with, Tia was sure, a bit of reluctance.

"Princess, please come and sit," Tia invited her. "I do hope I didn't take you away from anything pressing."

The older woman smiled courteously. "Not at all, Princess Tia, in fact I was hoping for a chance to speak to you."

"Splendid. I was looking over some figures and reports and considering some concerns raised when I visited our nearby works. I thought you would be a good person to talk to, regarding some complaints from the Nerlian court. Your input would also be appreciated on the administrative details."

Rosalie Harlon frowned slightly, answering after a momentary pause, "This is about the ironworks and forges, then?"

"Of course, what else would I want to speak about?" Tia smiled. "There have been regular requests for more Swarm Drones to work the mines and smelters."

She was a little ambivalent about that. Recently, the Empire had concentrated much more on local production of metal, partly because imports were becoming untenable — the Western Confederation and Esemen had stopped selling, obviously, and other countries were both hesitant and did not have large surplus. Rising demands from their fledgling industries meant just using magic was also not a solution.

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She'd anticipated this and prepared, of course. In principle, it was fine. Getting iron was easy enough, comparatively — although a lot of deposits were apparently 'emptied', and she'd heard from Delvers that even finding old Ancient mines wasn't rare — plus they were in reach of some tin and copper for the occasional bronze-working or wires, and they could still Conjure the truly rare earths. Of course, the actual work was still demanding. They'd done a lot to try and reduce the labor required, but using traditional methods were still sometimes necessary. Mining in particular still used some unskilled labor, and switching workers to other places where labor was in demand, where they might use some skills, made sense. Though Swarm Drones were often weaker than human laborers because of their lower stats, and also needed oversight.

Introducing technological upgrades, like blast furnaces with better heat management, had increased their efficiency a lot, but it was still far outstripped by their need for steel and other materials. So this wouldn't go away any time soon.

"That is unsurprising, I feel your regional managers are in a competition regarding productivity," the princess said, smiling slightly. But the smile faded quickly. "Although, forgive me but I am not sure why you would speak to me about it."

"Like I said, you are experienced, and have a reputation for shrewd acumen," Tia shrugged. "You know the court, and the local conditions. Anything you would like to share would be appreciated."

It was also a bit of a job interview, at least if things worked out well. Tia was flattering her a little, but she wasn't lying, and giving the older princess a position managing their infrastructure projects would be good for several reasons. If she wanted to and if she was trustworthy.

"I will do my best," Rosalie replied. She clearly understood at least some of the subtext, and did give good answers and comments as they kept talking.

She also managed to slip in several references to her niece and how Adelaide was smart and capable, too, and would perhaps shine in a position with more responsibility. Tia appreciated the effort, although she would have to disappoint her on this point. That certainly wasn't something she could or would try to decide on her own; it was Regina's decision. Not that she was against an effort to give the rulers of Nerlia a bit more of a personal stake in their industrialization.

They had talked for almost an hour before they were interrupted. Tia's attendant came back, hovering enough to be seen and signal that she had something to say. A few seconds later, Captain Theraln, the leader of her current protective detail from the Star Guard, showed up as well, looking more impatient.

"Excuse me," she said, stopping her conversation partner, and turning to them. "Yes, Chloe?"

"Your Imperial Highness — and Your Highness," she seemed nervous as she bowed her head to her own princess, "I have been told to inform you that His Majesty the king is feeling unwell. He appears to have suddenly fallen sick, with symptoms of vomiting, fever, and a wet cough."

"There is some concern that he may have been poisoned, given recent events," Theraln cut in. "We must make sure you are safe, Milady. I will stay with you and I urge you to return to your quarters."

"Bad news indeed," Tia said, glancing at Rosalie. "I hope he has been seen by physicians? Have healers from the Hive been called?"

"Court physicians are attending to him now, Your Highness," the young woman reported. "I am uncertain about anything else."

"Yes, as far as I know," Theraln cut in.

She nodded, mentally reaching out. She'd make sure a good healer got here quickly.

"My brother will not be pleased," Rosalie muttered. She looked a bit pale. "Let us hope they will be up to the task."

"They certainly will," Tia reassured her. "Please also be careful, Princess. You should consult a healer to examine you as well, just to be sure."

She knew the Nerlian king had been ill before, quite a bit, apparently. It might simply be some kind of autoimmune disorder or infection compromising his immune system flaring up again. Though that was as far as her medical knowledge went. He hadn't wanted Regina to see to him, but hopefully, he would be more reasonable with another healer right now.

Rosalie smiled sardonically. "I doubt anyone would bother with me, but thank you for the concern, Princess Tia. Rest assured we will do all we can to assure your safety while you are our guest."

"I wouldn't doubt it. But I should at least reassure my guards. If you will excuse me?"

They split and went back inside. Tia wasn't particularly concerned. If this was the same poison, then it clearly had trouble working on Hivekind, which made sense given they had rather different biology. She also didn't think their enemies would try to poison her like that. But, if they had actually made an attempt on King Roger's life, that was troubling.

She withdrew to her assigned quarters mostly for her guards' peace of mind and because there were more Imperials around. Tia reached out and talked to a few of them, trying to get a picture of the situation, and what arrangements they'd made. It didn't look like they had locked the palace down yet, and she suggested it, though the local authorities might want to wait for a proper diagnosis.

Her Mother contacted her after a few minutes, asking for more information. Tia reported everything she knew. She could tell that Regina was also concerned. Their talk was brief, before she moved on, presumably talking to other people as well.

After a brief hesitation, Tia instead searched for Dan and connected to his mind. Have you heard? she asked him.

I did. Are you safe?

Of course. But I was going to ask you that. She let him sense some of the concern she was feeling. If this is part of some coordinated strategy, they might be making moves. Have you seen anything?

No, but we're reporting everything anyway, you could just look in the psychic link, he pointed out. And I'm not a Scout.

Sure, but you're still close to the border to keep an eye on them.

Dan had been going through various positions either in the mountains or on the northern borders. She knew that he wasn't just sitting in one place and would make sure to learn what was going on around him.

Maybe, Dan grumbled. They haven't done any large-scale troop movements, and getting any eyes in the Western nations is always dicey. Too many flying beasts, compared to what there should be. I'm pretty sure they've been breeding them.

I could have told you that, Tia interjected. Obviously they need an answer to our flying drones, and we've conclusively demonstrated the virtues of air superiority.

I know, he said, irritated. She knew the irritation wasn't aimed at her, but at the situation. Regardless, I think for once, you might be looking in the wrong direction, sister. The Western Confederation has been calm, as far as we can tell. The south has not been; the monsters in the mountains are still putting up a struggle, and people from Veragles and the other southern cities are also venturing into the mountains. And what's more, the Esemen are also stirring. Or, whatever the opposite is. They've basically stopped any travel through the border, and guard it more heavily.

Tia frowned. She'd been vaguely aware of that, but Dan sounded downright annoyed. Is it that much of a change?

I don't know, I just don't like the feeling. These religious orders have popped up there, too, Tia. By now, they're everywhere. Only excepting in the Empire, and even then only because the government has taken a stance against them. I wouldn't bet that there aren't things going on beneath the surface.

June already suggested sending more psychics there, I'll support her suggestion. Now that they've all been cleared, it should be fine. They can help suss out if there is any reason for concern. Or, are you thinking the Esemen are behind all this and not the Western Confederation?

I don't know, Tia. He sighed. I just don't like the way this is going. Mother is right not to give in to their provocations, but the initiative is still far too much on their side right now.

Tia hummed consideringly. She could see where he was coming from. And we have too many enemies.

Yeah. That too.

But still. We also have many allies, she reminded him. And, if you can come up with a good proposal for how we might regain some of that initiative, I'm sure everyone would appreciate it.

I'll try, he sighed again. You know I'm not the strategist type.

Then talk to Ben. Or stop giving yourself too little credit.

Tia smiled as she ended the conversation. She would give the matter some thought, too, and speak with others. They were already doing a lot to prepare. And she trusted in her Hive. They were strong, and they would manage whatever may come.

Besides, she knew Dan was looking forward for the actual fighting to start, and he was hardly the only one.

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