Episode description[edit | edit source]
The Chime lay on medical beds on the surface of Counterweight, hooked into a simulation to learn as much as they can about Ibex, candidate of Righteousness. Inside the simulation, members of the Kingdom, a coalition fleet lead by The Kingdom Come, are unsure whether or not to keep Ibex at a distance. Just what is it that makes Ibex a threat, and is he more dangerous near or far?
This week on COUNTER/Weight: The Glimmer Incident: The Executive Enters!
Keep your friends close...
Contents[edit | edit source]
Opening[edit | edit source]
“
On the night before it happens: Orth, brown, pocked face, his large stature turned inwards, hidden and unsure on the chaise in the officer's lounge. Tea, a bright spike of golden hair topping a perfectly worn uniform, and the weight of the ship on her shoulders.
Natalya, round eyes looking over round glasses at the info screen, wondering how much she can let the others know. Sokrates, the second prince, standing firm and sleek and alone on the Apolostolosean cruiser: When will they listen?
Addax, his plum hair neatly styled, his tan skin taut with purpose, and Peace around him, ever-threatening. And Jace, poor Jace, his soft, light face, his compact body, drawn even tighter under the stress; a clarity of vision and quiet fear.
And Ibex. And Ibex.”
Plot[edit | edit source]
Crossroads 3: Will the Kingdom allow Ibex to join?[edit | edit source]
The Kingdom almost universally agrees that allowing Ibex aboard is dangerous, as he is a known destabilizing element in the Diaspora. Natalya’s intel from the Rapid Evening has her especially riled, and she goes to Tea to ask if the Queen's Gambit can move the refugees planetside without involving Ibex at all. Tea agrees, and Natalya informs Orth, reassuring him that they can handle this without involving Ibex.
Addax calls Tea, Jace, and Orth onto the bridge of Peace to discuss options if Ibex reacts violently, and Peace ends that discussion by interjecting that when divines fight, millions of people die. This perspective causes Tea to reconsider their position, especially when Jace suggests having Ibex aboard at least lets them keep an eye on him. Sokrates ruminates alone on the mission, and the unity it was meant to represent.
Orth and Addax struggle with their decision. Orth votes to not allow Ibex aboard, since everyone has emphasized how dangerous he is. Addax votes to allow Ibex on, believing the Diasporan philosophy that conflict will drive them forward. In a stalemate, Sokrates pleads their case that they need to focus on helping these refugees, since they are doing this for the good of the Golden Branch. Orth dials Ibex and accepts his offer, and Ibex arrives on the Kingdom Come. Natalya is cut off from the Rapid Evening by Righteousness, and she confesses to Orth that she is not what she appears.
Crossroads 4: Will the Kingdom take food and supplies from the people of Wreathe?[edit | edit source]
The Kingdom continues on, and as Orth predicted, they begin to run out of supplies. The nearby Diasporan planet of Wreathe may have what they need, but the planet is stretched thin as it is.
Orth and Addax discuss whether they can ask for aid from Wreathe, since they are working as part of a Diasporan mission, and assisted the refugees earlier. Orth notes that they can make use of Ibex here to lead the negotiations on the ground, but Tea later disagrees harshly, since they can’t trust Ibex. Meanwhile, Ibex meets with Sokrates and Addax to discuss taking over the fleet so it is led by the Diasporans, saying that Orth is ill-suited to be a commander in times of war. Neither are enthused, but neither disagree outright. Addax later reviews newsfeeds of the Apostolosian destruction of Vox and considers his original orders from the Diaspora.
Sokrates calls Addax, Jace, Orth, and Ibex to the bridge of the Kingdom Come to confront Ibex head-on about his planned takeover, and an argument immediately erupts. Ibex tells Orth that while his heart is in the right place, he doesn’t have what it takes to lead this mission, and tears into both Sokrates and Jace when they try to defend Orth. Ibex and Sokrates both get heated, but in the end Sokrates takes power from Ibex. Orth asks everyone to leave the bridge and sits alone as the power starts to give out, plunging the bridge into darkness.
Orth meets privately with Ibex, and asks for advice on how he can lead the fleet better, ceding his power to Ibex.