"But two of three is all we need?"

"Yes."

"Then we're probably okay. Would Mustang be disqualified if we talked to him beforehand?"

"Might throw some suspicion on the outcome, and make it harder for him to get the seat, if he's seen as too involved..."

"So better not to, then. Directly, at least."

"I'll talk to him as a friend and can happen to mention it, but, yeah."

She nods.

"You girls need anything in the meantime? I'll need to call this in soon, as late as I can plausibly have heard of it, but - I want to make sure you're all alright."

"For one thing, it might be better if you three are all together, and if I'm present whenever any investigative teams arrive."

"Just- help with the military is all we need, I think."

"I can do that."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"I should go back to Bellona now."

"Do you want me to come with you? I probably won't be able to talk the military out of sending an investigative team to the house..."

"That would be good."

He nods and goes to let Gracia know he's going out, doesn't know when he'll be back, and to get a jacket.

And then they can head back to the Tucker house.

And Bellona. Who is hopefully still okay.

She is, sitting with September in the living room. Several of the cats have hesitantly approached them. One has perched himself on top of September and started purring as hard as he can.

Cats. Good.

"Hey. Everything go alright?"

"More or less. Hughes thinks there will be a tribunal."

"Oh. Do you think it'll go okay?"

"Hope so. Akira'll probably get September, at least."

"Yeah. Don't want you in trouble, either, though."

"There's a good chance that won't happen."