"I can cure the condition they were treating. And undo the treatment if it is not complete. With a lot of effort, but... If you have folk who disappeared recently they may be salvageable. And stopping all that is going to be a condition for my helping them, which they will gladly take since their whole mission is to cure and control the thing."

She grins toothily.

"And all we have to do is give up our life of crime?"

"They'll likely want more. Punishments. But I don't see a justice system around here and the point of those is prevention, so, yes."

"What do you think they want? We need to decide what we can compromise on, and if you could give us any hints about what they're expecting, we might be better prepared."

"I honestly have very little idea. They're... Complicated and foreign to me. You're also foreign, if not so complicated. But the big boss, called himself Moses as if he's a saint, is stepping on a lot of toes and calling in some favors to get others to go along with the peace thing. I think the rank and file are a bit too used to having what they see as the moral high ground to accept turning around and shaking hands easily."

"I'm not surprised. They thought once the government fell apart, they could just do what they wanted. Just because they have the treatment, which doesn't save anyone, anyway, not really. Thanks to you, we stand a chance at rebuilding." 

"I've seen four governments fallen, now. Hope the new one you all build together does a nice job."

"Do you have any advice for us?"

"I am definitely not a stateswoman. Seems like freedom and stability are kind of opposed - a big disaster pushed things over the edge in three out of four cases, though."

Nod.

"We won't accept their authority over us, but we'll recognize their independence. It seems the safest approach."

"You should try for some kind of trade. Very likely for the zucchini, corn, and forage products you'll have some of, soon. Trade usually benefits both parties, even when it's lopsided."

"I guess we can work something out. I've never been a fan of people. I usually let the others manage personal problems themselves, and talking to these doctors will be an exercise in patience."

"In that case I honestly recommend you appoint a governor for day to day administration, and be, I don't know, president or something. It worked pretty well for the Duke of Lindenberg. But again: The extent of my management experience is a squad of Witches, so take that advice with some salt."

"You did say you aren't a diplomat. How would you pick a governor?"

"Quiet, diligent, honest."

There's a giggle as a pair of children approach the adults.

They seem to think they're being sneaky.

Bandit Queen sighs, but ignores them.

"I'm sorry we've used you as a diplomat, anyway. I suppose it's something to write home about."

"It's fine. I'm helping, yeah? Oh, and... I should go sing to the zucchini some more. If I do that every day it should be harvestable in a week."

"Of course. Is there anything we can do for you? We don't exactly have lots of resources..."

"Tell me a little history, maybe? Some more about the tech you guys had before everything went bad?"

Bandit Queen will explain what she knows about prosthetics (arms, legs, eyes), cloning (organs only), artificial intelligence (disappointing to science fiction authors e everywhere), and transportation (too bad they switched to personal rapid transit right before the apocalypse). Also vaccines were nice, too bad they don't really have those. Maybe the medicals have some. 

"We had vaccines, at least... I'll be sure to ask them."

"The medicals have lots of things that might help us now. We've come up with our own techniques, but nothing like what existed before. If you can talk them into sharing, the trade thing should go well."

"I think they'll share at least some of it. And I think I can actually stay and hang out for a few hours now, if it's a good time, nothing urgent to get to."

In that case, she's welcome to join that for some dancing and dinner.