"Speaking of which," Evanthe said as she viewed her phone before handing it to Peter, "I do believe we have a new set of issues with the formerly withheld results now seeing the light of day. In all senses of the word they're toxic; though my insistence upon their release was less of what they actually revealed. We're very much in agreement that the refusal to release them when they were current places a large cloud of doubt above them, and while the results are as expected they're disappointing nonetheless. I had so wished to grant Kadassa the benefit of the doubt."
"I understand well the situation before us," Beatrice added, "though I can offer no guarantee as to what results my involvement will have in this. President Kadassa may be predictable in some respects, however, in others his actions are not so clear and I can't be sure that his motives in wishing for my involvement are as they appear. I am only reassured that while I am engaging him in discussions we will be preparing a response for any contingency." Following her view of the news reports she sighed, "Hope for the best, though prepare for the worst. On another note, you made a fine selection in Koizumi."
"Thank you," Evanthe replied, "I know how dedicated he was in his service to your mother and our nation, and he's been of immense assistance in righting the ship. We'll proceed as agreed and, so long as everyone pulls their weight, I believe we have a strong chance. As Beatrice said we're dealing with an element of unpredictability in Kadassa. Utilized correctly, however, I believe this could be used to our advantage. Naturally with the release of the results I can't expect Koizumi to coddle Kadassa, pressure is most certainly warranted. Beatrice would certainly have more latitude in this respect and, if you must, I won't hold it against you if you bad mouth me a bit: Kadassa would likely appreciate the fact that you hate me just as much as he does."
"You know that's not true," Beatrice said as she stood in immediate protest. "I am well aware of that, however, Kadassa views you as some sort of martyr while viewing me as a pretender to the Throne. Use this to your advantage, walk in there as the rightful Empress of Rokkenjima, it's a role which he respects to this day. If it places you in a better position to handle him it's a tool which should be utilized."