Even we were not safe from the blockades. We had enough space to run the cab depot and the strip club, but that was it. To get under our skin, they would come into our businesses and try to order stuff. They knew better than to target Paul, Brett and I directly. There were attempts to snipe or poison us, but we survived them all. It was almost funny watching their reactions as we got up from a direct headshot like nothing had happened to us. We would then throw some magic their way and then go on with our day. I got to talk to Alexei, Niko and Keith more. Keith was just as surly, but he managed to keep from trying to kill me. Too many eyes were on us. Both Alexei and Niko were also under pressure. Shepard had been kidnapped. He obviously called them to report it as they were his clan. I had to weather a lot of mean names and lecturing from the pair of them. At least they were both invested in his well being. It was nice to see and hear that. Niko gave me a stern look. "I cannot let an asset of that strength go. Him having human emotions and familiar instincts make it easier to manage."
Manipulation was a core part of socialization. I did not mind it. Mothers used emotional guidance on their sons all of the time. The real world was no different. It was fine with me. As long as he did not try to turn Alexei against me or my clan, Niko could raise him however he wanted. When they made moves on Void and Wind clans, we did not intervene. It was not our fight. Wind Clan had their confederacy flood the area to break the siege. Void Clan was loathe to rely on Volition Clan, but there was no choice for them. 01 and 03 were heroes of the battle. They called me to detail just how many soldiers that they had slaughtered. It was clear they wanted praise and respect as they went through their war stories. Because they were Conquerors, they had reservations from killing humans or cruelty. Both AEP unit relished violence and were giddy. "You do remember that I am human, right?" I asked them at one point. There was a pause on their end. "... You slaughter humans too." 01 said. That was a true statement. 03 added "If you know that, you should be nicer to us next time you see us."
I decided to humor them by promising them that I would think about it. They certainly seemed pleased about it when they hung up. I wondered what I could give them. If I was back in an earlier point of the game, I would have just given them the weapon upgrades and golden nanites. I had already given them that. I had no clue what else they would want. Maybe I could just openly ask them what they wanted. They would be sure to not hold back when they got the opportunity to make demands. I had the opportunity to watch the clan at the church defend it from the military. I decided against it in the end. It was technically in Lightning Clan territory. They should be the one to take point on it. However, I was obligated to do all that I could to defend the faith as a paladin. I made sure to send lots of guns and tech to the barracks. The human clergy were no slouches either. With their magic and devotion, they were able to bear the weight of the military siege. While the clans were doing fine, the unaligned PEP units that walked the streets were all systematically hunted down and killed by the humans.
