The Minister of New Peoples Acquisition drops off the transcripts with his secretaries and undersecretaries and oversecretaries. He answers a few interviews, to clarify details of tone. Summaries and analysis are dropped off at the relevant departments. 

The Ministry of New Peoples Acquisition is asking for something complicated. Distract the new guests, but allow enough progress on their goals that they don't give up on cooperation. Learn which hooks each one is susceptible to. Separate the recalcitrant one from the group so the ministry can make an offer to either the responsible one or the curious one. 

All of this, without disrupting or being disrupted by every other guest of the palace. Or being disrupted by the most important purpose of the palace– keeping the tyrant happy. Ideally, avoid letting the guests meet him at all, until they are already on board. 

The palace staff prepare for a visit.

Another morning broken by the roar of engines and the arrival of a shiny chrome autowagon. 

Humanoid form today, for interacting properly with other humanoids.

And she really does want to see the palace. The glitz and glam... Not all the time! But sometimes. She'll let it wow her a bit.

Tessa and Megi are here, too. Most of yesterday was spent planting things all around the hex. While Megi and Mati mostly worked to plant seeds and saplings, and then bug Weiss for a nice light shower to water them, Tessa spent the afternoon marking out several likely spots for homes, cellars, maybe an artificial stream, and the new and improved shrine... Construction can start if the Eyerarchy is ready, using the existing log pile "burrow/hut".

The Eyerarchy are ready to go, waking up early in the morning. The work crew is larger, with the extra buildings planned. It is also now guarded by a trio of archers. Just in case the truce doesn't hold.

Muttering of displeasure at the loud engine.

Noise getting closer.

Noise getting closer.

Noise getting closer.

The autowagon screeches to a stop. Two lanky guys with spiky haircuts emerge. "Ey foxes! Your ride is here!"

"Kitsunes, more accurately, but I suppose 'foxes' is acceptable. We kind of are! Any rules or special conditions on the ride?"

"Kitsunes, got it. Foxes is acceptable mean we good to use both words all interchangably? Or stick to one?"

"Conditions. Don't complain about how we drive, unless you're good to take over or walk. Music box is for driver, if there's combat then music privileges transfer to shotgun. Music privileges can be traded for snacks on long trips, but one offer per trip, unless there's a stop. Don't smoke, unless you're cool with explosion, then do. If you're gonna be sick or extrude any substances ask for a bag."