Catlin made final preparations before departing from the main center to join Lacomie at his residence, accompanied by a select group of her finest soldiers. As she readied herself, she offered a stern warning to her troops.
"While I am away, soldiers, I expect you all to refrain from any foolishness, especially you, Sam," Catlin cautioned.
Sam chuckled in response, attempting to shrug off her remark. "Ha! How rude, Caty. You know I won't be up to anything strange."
Catlin cast a menacing glare at Sam, causing him to recoil. "Shit! The look!" he exclaimed, realizing the gravity of his mistake.
Catlin turned away, her focus shifting back to the task at hand. "Open the gate, Sam!"
"Just make sure you return safely, and don't make me come looking for you," Sam called after her.
"And who do you think you're talking to, you dumbass?" Catlin retorted.
With her soldiers in tow, Catlin stepped through the gate, disappearing from the main center. Inside Lacomie's domain, his warriors regarded Catlin with a mix of apprehension and unease.
"Hey, bitches! Where's Lacomie?" Catlin proclaimed boldly.
In a swift motion, a young man descended from the air, his vibrant orange hair and jovial expression capturing attention.
"No one told me Lacomie was recruiting kids now," Catlin remarked with a hint of sarcasm.
Uryu Hamilton, the 18-year-old teenager, flashed a charming smile. "Times are changing. I'm Uryu Hamilton, pleased to meet you. It's refreshing to see a lady here. A few pretty faces won't cause any trouble. Anything is better than waking up to some repulsive..."
Catlin brushed past Uryu, uninterested in his banter. "Enough with the bullshit! Show me the way to Lacomie."
"Man, I think I'm in love," Uryu mused, his voice trailing behind Catlin as she forged ahead.
Together with her soldiers, Catlin finally arrived at Lacomie's designated meeting place. Lacomie sat at the head of the table, his features concealed by a cloth draped over his face.
"Hello, Ms. Catlin. Allow me to welcome you to my 'Palatul.' Thank you for accepting my invitation," Lacomie greeted her.
Note: "Palatul" means "The Palace."