Elizabeth and Chancellor Lyra: A Desperate Plea
Elizabeth
Elizabeth sat at her desk, her fingers hovering over the secure channel interface. The room around her was quiet, but her mind was anything but. She promised me. She said she’d be careful. But what if this time it isn’t enough?
Her worry had gnawed at her since her conversation with Spotty. No matter how much she tried to convince herself that Spotty could handle anything, the enormity of the risk was too much to ignore. Finally, with a deep breath, she initiated a secure connection to Chancellor Lyra.
As the channel opened, Lyra’s calm, poised face appeared on the screen. Her sharp eyes immediately caught the tension in Elizabeth’s expression.
“Elizabeth,” Lyra greeted, her voice smooth but tinged with curiosity. “This must be important for you to reach me on this channel.”
Elizabeth exhaled, her voice wavering slightly. “It is, Chancellor. I—I need your help. It’s about Spotty.”
Lyra’s brow furrowed slightly, but she remained composed. “Go on.”
Lyra
Lyra leaned forward slightly, her mind already running through possibilities. Elizabeth was typically level-headed, so for her to sound this distressed… It has to be serious.
As Elizabeth began to explain Spotty’s plan to scout the alternate Earth personally, Lyra’s thoughts sharpened. Of course Spotty would do this. She’s never been one to shy away from danger. But this time, the stakes are different.
“You’re worried about her going personally,” Lyra said calmly, summarizing what Elizabeth had said.
Elizabeth nodded, her voice rising with emotion. “Worried doesn’t even begin to cover it. This isn’t just another mission, Lyra. This is the First Evil we’re talking about—something that might be more powerful than even Spotty. I tried talking to her, but… you know how she is.”
Lyra’s lips pressed into a thin line. I do know how she is. Unstoppable once she’s made up her mind.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth’s voice cracked slightly as she continued. “I’m begging you, Lyra. Please. Try to talk some sense into her. If anyone can get through to her, it’s you. Maybe if you frame it differently, if you explain how much she’s risking…”
She trailed off, her green eyes filled with desperation. I know I’m asking a lot, but someone has to try.
Lyra
Lyra’s thoughts were measured, even as she felt a pang of sympathy for Elizabeth. This isn’t just about Spotty’s safety—it’s about the people who love her, the people who depend on her.
“Elizabeth,” Lyra said gently, her tone softening, “you know as well as I do that Spotty won’t change her mind once it’s made up. She believes in this mission, and she believes in herself.”
Elizabeth’s shoulders slumped slightly, but Lyra continued before she could respond. “That said, I’ll talk to her. If nothing else, I can remind her of what’s at stake—not just for the Empire, but for those who care about her. Maybe that will make her take extra precautions.”
Elizabeth
Relief flooded through Elizabeth, though it was tempered by the knowledge that Lyra’s chances of succeeding were slim. Still, she clung to the hope that Spotty might at least listen.
“Thank you, Lyra,” she said, her voice thick with gratitude. “I know it’s a long shot, but it means the world to me.”
Lyra offered a faint smile, though her thoughts were still calculating. It’s not a long shot—it’s practically impossible. But I’ll try.
“You care about her,” Lyra said simply. “That’s why you’re doing this. And that’s why I’ll try.”