**Kitsune Vulpine's Log, Supplemental**
**Discovery recording**
**35 days after Rothgard's Fall**
Glass walls hide the fox's fangs.
Major Lucas Grant led the way with brisk, professional strides, his fatigues crisp and his bearing that of a man who had escorted countless VIPs through secure facilities. Kitsune Vulpine walked beside him, her nine luxurious tails swaying gently with each step, the white kimono with gold trim catching the evening lights. Her apprentices, Cedric and Miriel, trailed behind with heads bowed in humiliated silence. Lord Alistair Greymoor followed with measured dignity, while the rest of the entourage—servants and advisors—brought up the rear with the remaining supplies and gifts.
The tall building rose like a gleaming glass box fifty stories high, standing adjacent to the Command Center. Its transparent walls reflected the valley lights and the distant stars, giving it an almost ethereal quality against the night sky.
"This tower was originally designed as a hotel for visiting delegations and high-profile guests," Major Grant explained as they entered the lobby. "We've outfitted the top floors specifically for VIPs like yourselves—secure, private, and equipped with every amenity the Republic can provide."
They ascended in a swift, silent elevator that felt more like a gentle glide than mechanical movement. When the doors opened on the top floor, Major Grant stepped forward and opened a set of double doors with a respectful gesture.
The massive suite unfolded before them. A large central area served as both office space and a gathering place. On the east side of the central area, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the valley, offering a breathtaking view of the transformed landscape below. Along the north and south sides lay the bedroom suites, each door discreetly labeled. On the far wall, a massive screen dominated the space. On the east end was an open-plan kitchen where her servants were already at work preparing dinner. Stacks of additional instructional pamphlets, printed in flawless Albion script, lay neatly arranged on a side table for operating the screen and all other amenities.
Kitsune took it all in with a warm, gracious smile. "Major Grant, you and your people have gone to considerable lengths for our comfort. I thank you sincerely. Your hospitality does your Captain credit. The Major gave a crisp salute. "My pleasure, Grand Mage. If you need anything, the comm panel is linked directly to the command desk. Good night."
As the door sealed shut behind him, Kitsune's smile vanished like a snuffed candle. Cedric opened his mouth to speak her name, managing only "Kit—" before her fist connected square with his face in a sharp, resounding crack. He staggered back, clutching his nose.
Miriel started to plead, "Grand Mage, please, I—" but halfway through her half-spoken apology, Kitsune backhanded her across the face with such force that the elf spun on her heels and nearly fell.
Embers rose from Kitsune's nine-tails, flickering like angry flames as she verbally tore into her apprentices with a string of creatively crafted fox-kin curses, the words sharp and guttural. "Vulthra-kai! Thryssar-vex! Mira-korath! You brainless whelps with the diplomatic sense of a drunken badger in heat! Kaelthrix-mor! Thraxis-vul! You gutless, flea-bitten, sky-forsaken fools—how could you possibly fuck up the one reason we are here? Securing an alliance that could save our entire kingdom? If Nolan had half your arrogance, he would have ordered you executed on the spot, and I would gladly press you against that impressively strong window and see what shatters first—the glass or your worthless skulls!"
The apprentices cowered, gasping.
Lord Alistair Greymoor gently intervened, his voice calm and soothing as he placed a hand on Kitsune's shoulder. "Enough, my lady. They have learned their lesson. Let us not waste more energy on fools who have already been humbled."
He turned away from the apprentices as though they no longer existed, speaking directly to Kitsune with measured observations. "The Americans are pragmatic and capable, but their lack of formal nobility is both a strength and a weakness. Captain Nolan carries real authority earned through deeds, not birth. This could be an advantage if we play it correctly. Their technology is formidable, yet they are cautious—perhaps too cautious. We must give them a reason to commit more fully."
Kitsune's breathing slowed. The embers on her tails faded as she calmed. She shared her own thoughts, especially about A.L.I. "That one… Ali. She has energy flowing through her, but it is not magic, nor is it life force. It feels like the Americans' technology itself—cold, precise, and endlessly complex. She is no mere servant. She is something new, something that could tip the scales if we can understand her."
Lord Greymoor nodded thoughtfully. "Then we must tread carefully tomorrow. Show them respect without yielding our dignity. The princess is already an ally in spirit; we should use her goodwill to our advantage."
Kitsune's golden-orange eyes gleamed with renewed calculation. "Agreed. We came for an alliance, not to beg. Let us ensure they see the value of standing with Albion's greatest mage."
The suite fell quiet once more, the distant lights of the Command Center glowing through the glass like stars brought down to earth. Outside, the valley continued its steady transformation. Inside, a fox and her court prepared for the negotiations that would decide the fate of kingdoms.