Désirée: "Oh, the stadium? It is the very edge of the Master's domain, yes. The trucks you speak about come from this factory, at the Master's request. Why, it's been a couple decades since he first gave the order to send food and fuel down there.

You believe the Master wanted you dead for his enjoyment? Hm. Does not seem like him. At least to me, he was always generous and kind. All the freedom I have, I owe him."

Désirée's face turns sour.

Désirée: "As if. You have limbs, and functioning organs, and eyes. Me... I was-

Sigh. Sorry. I got lost in reminiscing for a moment! Let's not spoil the moment with old memories. Go on, eat and be merry. In fact!"

She snaps her fingers, and the maids bring a large barrel of wine, as well as several delicate glasses.

Désirée: "One of my best harvests, just three years after I started planting grapes. I'm sure you'll find it exquisite~"

Désirée looks momentarily appaled.

Désirée: "Oh goodness, I am so terribly sorry. That was thoughtless of me. Perhaps you'd prefer some juice? Milk? Blood? Just let me know, and I will make arrangements for it."

Désirée claps her hands, and the maids scramble around the garden, returning with just-picked lemons, a large pitcher of water, a bowl of sugar and several juice reamers. Within no more than a minute, a glass of fragrant lemonade is placed in front of him.

Désirée: "As much as you could possibly want. In fact, that applies to all of you - if you have any, unusual, requests, just ask. I am here to please~"

EVENTS:

Désirée looks grim, pouring a glass of wine for herself.

Désirée: "Well. If what you say is true, that could be dangerous indeed. I will keep patrols posted along the southern wall.

I... had hoped you'd stay longer, but I won't jeopardize your safety for that. The next convoy shall leave in a week, going farther north into the Master's territory. If there's anyone capable of defeating such a monster, it's him. I am sure he'll aid you, if you ask for help.

As to your multi-armed friend, my servants have had no luck locating her, and they've combed through most of the factory, even the air ducts. Either she's capable of turning invisible, or has left the compound. If you wish, I can send a search team into the wasteland, though I wouldn't give her much of a chance alone out there. I am deeply sorry.


I wish I could have avoided such heavy subjects during our picnic, but - oh well. I suppose it's better to get through with it. That said..."



Her face turns genuinely worried and embarrassed.

Désirée: "I-I notice none of you have even taken a bite of the food so far. Is it... Not to your liking? I-I-I can prepare something else, if you prefer! Anything you wish! I... Had thought I poured enough my heart and love into this selection..."

As if on cue, Curie signals to the nearby maids, and sighs comfortably as they begin to spoonfeed her.

Curie: "Unit requests OPERATOR Désirée to remain calm. The food is more than adequate, and rates extremely high on standard taste metrics. We merely thought it would be rude to begin before our host. Is that not so, OPERATORS?"

The braingirl ogles you slightly angrily, as if waiting for you to vehemently agree.

EVENTS:

Désirée smiles radiantly as the party begins consuming the food. She snaps her fingers once again, and her maids begin cutting and feeding her small pieces of meat, while massaging her shoulders. The other party members receive the same treatment, being offered snacks and gently petted as they eat.

Eigla: "How do you manage munitions production? Guns, ammo. Are those imported, or do you have machine and chemical factories? I don't think your common zombies have the dexterity to hand-craft precision parts - do you use specialized ones for that, similar to Charlotte?"

Désirée: "Good question! I'll freely admit, I am not very good with technology. The factory doesn't use much in terms of ammo, save for the sentry guns on the roof, but we do go through a hefty amount of machinery. The Engineers, Autodocs and most other precision equipment are imported from the Triplets' Rig, farther up the coast. They're rather insufferable, if I may be so bold, but extremely competent at their job.

Charlotte is another pet project of mine, made from spare parts and some... Extra, Flesh. We had just received a new model of autodoc, so I decided to try and test its capabilities. A few disassembled maids, a competent Pattern, some ingenuity, and voilà! We have a new seamstress~

By the way, my dears, do you object to wine? Klimt chose to abstain, but you don't need to be shy~"

Curie: "Unit will have a glass, if possible. Unit is grateful."

The maids immediately pour Curie a large glass, holding it against her lips as she drinks, and wiping the few droplets that fall onto her clothes.