The Ninth: Invasion

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Authors: Benjamin Schramm
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soup.  The troopers were stunned; they hadn’t expected anyone to intentionally bring that up.  Mrs. Lucchesi noticed the stunned faces and pointed at Ronald again, the only one without a surprised expression on his face.
    “Still not me,” Ronald said with a smile.  “Do you have something against your daughter being in the military?”
    “I choose not to answer that.”
    “I suppose those are the rules of this game ,” Ronald said with a hint of annoyance.  “Time for another hint.  One of us is a heavy-worlder.”
    Mrs. Lucchesi quickly pointed at Cassandra.
    “Sorry dear, but those rosy cheeks give it away.”
    “No reason to be sorry; I’m happy with them.  One of us is a loud mouthed bookie.”
    Mrs. Lucchesi burst into laughter.  She was laughing so hard she couldn’t keep her finger steady as she pointed at Cain.
    “Guilty as charged,” Cain said with a grin.
    “So do I get to know your name?”
    “They call me Cain, ma’am.  Among other things I’d rather not repeat in polite conversation.”
    Cassandra laughed to herself.
    “Time for another hint.  Let’s see what else I know,” Cain said thoughtfully.  “One of us fought off an entire army of troopers during the fifth exam and managed to hold them off long enough to win.”
    Mrs. Lucchesi studied the table and chose Angela.
    “Not me, although I probably could if I wanted to,” she said with a proud, wicked, smile.
    “Your question?”
    “Don’t really have one.  Cain, since you are so interested in this game, why don’t you ask for me?”
    “Do you have a problem with that, ma’am?” Cain asked.
    Mrs. Lucchesi shook her head.
    “Okay, why is everything besides your beautiful residence in such poor repair?”
    “I choose not to answer that either.”
    “That’s your right.  Angela, time to give out a hint.”
    “Me? But you asked the question.”
    “True, but she guessed you last.  Give out a hint.”
    Angela shifted uncomfortably.  She glanced around the table, obviously wondering what she knew about everyone.
    “One of us . . . fought off the attack of over a hundred Weavers.”  Angela scratched her head.
    Again, Mrs. Lucchesi’s eyes widened.  She carefully studied the troopers.  In the end she pointed at Dante.
    “When the girl said Dante was the bravest, you shifted.  So you stood against so many Weavers and survived their attack?”
    “Your powers of observation are impressive, but you are incorrect,” Dante said politely.  “I did take a step against a large group of Weavers, but they were not focused on me.  I don’t really have a question for you either.  Cain, would you mind taking my turn?”
    Mrs. Lucchesi shifted nervously but didn’t protest.
    “What else can I ask?” Cain asked aloud, resting his hand on his chin in a thinking pose.  “I already asked about the bread thing.  I know!  Tell me, are you going to reject Core Industries’ claim on the mining base?”
    Both Rhea and the Governor were caught by surprise and coughed.
    “That’s a rather serious question for such a simple game,” Mrs. Lucchesi said, trying not to sound surprised.
    “Well, I ran out of simple questions.”  Cain shrugged.  “You explained the bread thing.  The other buildings are in poor repair because the local region’s economy is scraping bottom.  Meanwhile, you are funded directly by the government.  Thus your home is absolutely fabulous because your monthly stipend is the equivalent of a fortune.  I was wondering how you are going to react to CI’s interest in the unmanned mining outpost.  If you accept, there will be prosperity in the region again, but you won’t be able to live as lavishly.  If you reject their claim, you’ll continue to live like kings over the broke commoners.”
    “Are you certain you are not the brightest in the group?” Mrs. Lucchesi asked with daggers in her eyes.
    “Quiet certain,” he said with a blissful smile.  “I’m just well informed.  Now, you

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