Deathstalker 03 - Deathstalker War

stiff nod.
    "Who the hell are these people?" said Ruby, not bothering to lower her voice.
    "I do wish you'd keep up on the briefings," said Random, not taking his eyes off the two before him. "The woman speaks for the Chojiros in negotiations, and the like. She's also Blue Block, though we're not supposed to know that."
    "Perhaps she wants to negotiate the Clan's surrender," said Storm.
    Ruby frowned. "Would you accept it. Jack?"
    "Not a chance in hell," said Jack Random, his voice flat and cold as death.
    "They've got nothing I want more than their destruction. You ought to recognize Gregor Shreck at least, Ruby. Chief slimeball in a totally disreputable Clan.
    Rebel when it suits him, but always a member of the Families."
    "Toby's uncle?"
    "That's the one."
    "Oh yeah, I've heard of him. I'll toss you for who gets first hack at him."
    "Oh no you won't," said Random. "I've seen that double-headed coin of yours."
    "If we do end up negotiating something, please leave the talking to me," said Storm. "You two could talk your way out of a lottery win. I have experience in this sort of thing."
    "There isn't going to be any negotiating," said Random. "I've waited a long time to bring down Clan Chojiro. The Shreck is just a bonus."

    "Let them speak," said Storm. "What harm can it do?"
    "If nothing else," said Ruby, "they might tell us where the rest of the Chojiros are hiding out. Or where they've hidden the valuables."
    Random nodded curtly. BB Chojiro smiled charmingly at her three visitors. It had no obvious effect, but she kept smiling anyway.
    "Welcome, honored guests. Please excuse the earlier armed responses; at that time the Families had yet to reach agreement on the best course of action to take, and they felt the need to defend themselves while the talks continued. I am happy to be able to inform you that all discussions have now ended, and I am empowered to speak for all the Clans. The Shreck is here to confirm my words.
    Basically, we wish to surrender."
    Random's jaw dropped just a little. Of all the situations he'd expected to face this day, that wasn't one of them. "What? All the Families?"
    "I speak for every Clan in the Empire," said BB. "We see no point in continuing in an armed struggle."
    "Don't let her throw you," said Ruby. "Remember why you came here. She's just trying to distract you."
    "If she is, it's working," said Storm. "There's got to be a catch."
    "Our surrender is of course dependent on our agreeing to certain conditions,"
    said BB.
    "That sounds more like it," said Storm.
    "The Families are prepared to give up their Lordships and associated privileges," said BB calmly, "in return for their survival. Essentially, the aristocracy will disappear, to be replaced by family-owned business operations.
    The Clans will continue to run their particular financial concerns, but will take no further part in the governing of the Empire. It's really quite a simple
    deal. You call off your dogs, guarantee our safety, and we give up politics.
    We're not so blind that we can't see the old order is finished and a new way is beginning. And isn't that what you really wanted, Jack? An end to established, inherited wielding of power in the Empire?"
    "How can we be sure you speak for all the Families?" said Random. "You've never agreed over anything before."
    "Because I'm Blue Block," said BB, still smiling. "No one Family is greater than Blue Block."
    "Jesus," said Ruby. "I always thought they were just a myth. Young Family members conditioned to be utterly loyal to death and beyond, right? Infiltrated everywhere, hidden in deep cover, the Families' last weapon against Lionstone.
    You're that Blue Block?"
    "Oh yes," said BB Chojiro. "Only down the many years we slowly evolved into something more than was originally intended. Our loyalty now is to the protection and survival of all the Families, not just the Clans that birthed us.
    This came as something of a surprise to the heads of the various Clans, but they were quick to grasp the possibilities. Particularly when we proposed this plan to ensure the Families' survival. There were those who took some convincing. Who were so sure they were impregnable in their ancient Towers. Your unexpected form of attack changed all that, Jack. As soon as your people started crashing through their defenses and smashing their way into the top floors of their precious Towers, it was amazing how fast the recalcitrant Families changed their tune, and told us to go ahead and make the