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<Serpent's End, the next day, Master Peck's office>
Master Peck: Any news on the granite from Goldhaven? We can't wait forever to fix that hole in the city wall ...
Halen: There were some heavy storms the last days. The harbourmaster said it'll probably take another week at least ...
Master Peck: HMPH. And meanwhile we have all sorts of JUNGLE CRITTERS running around in the streets. What about this plan with the temporary wooden walls?
Halen: The Carpenter's Guild said they are very busy due to recent -
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Master Peck: I can't BELIEVE it! How am I supposed to run a city with -
Halen: Gregor, DARLING, please calm down. I will TALK to them. I think I should be able to make them RETHINK their priorities.
Master Peck: <sighs> Thank you, Halen.
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Master Peck: Any OTHER catastrophes?
Halen: Well ... the City Council meeting is tomorrow and they once again insisted on putting ... you know. Putting THAT topic on the agenda.
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Master Peck: AGAIN? When will these clowns learn ... I bet it's LORD HARNICKY who pushed for that.
Halen: Yes, probably ... But ECH'ETA and her clan are behind him. And I hear LADY ILVIAM is throwing her weight behind the issue, too, lately.
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Master Peck: These UNGRATEFUL BASTARDS! Haven't I done ENOUGH for them? I'd rather DIE than let one of those ENTITLED IDIOTS take control of MY city!