The invitation catches Isabelle by surprise. After all, what would Kiriala really have to celebrate given her defeat and exit from the tournament? And, moreover, why invite the person who defeated her? It didn't make sense.

Isabelle probably should have declined and, as recently as a few weeks ago she would have. Now though, she thought she recognised her mother's voice in those questions and it gave her pause.

[i]Stop. Reset. Take a fresh look.[/i] 

What had her interactions with Kiriala and Mirror's crew been like to date? Supportive? Cordial? Not antagonistic. Not ... well, Mirror had wanted something from her, but hadn't hidden that behind other requests or maneuvers. She hadn't come at her sideways, she'd [i]asked[/i]. 

Even though she hadn't told her everything about what the broadcast was meant to include or do - she had stated her objectives pretty plainly. They were things Isabelle could empathise with, and see right to support.

That said, she found it hard to think of anything that actually supported [i]trusting [/i]Mirror - not yet. Maybe if she came through on her promise it'd be different. On the other hand, she had no specific reason to avoid her either.

[i]Data inconclusive. Other perspectives?[/i]

Ultimately, their interactions had been interesting. Which was a damn slight better than most other interactions within her regular circles. They [i]promised [/i]things. Things Isabelle had hoped for, but at a layer so deep she hadn't known until they'd spoken the words out loud for her to recognise.

Still, it would be wrong to leave her own crew - her real crew - Asil, Tomas, Rosalinda - in the lurch.

[i]Maybe some way to achieve both objectives?[/i]

"I'd love to come, although I think my own team will likely want to do something together too after today. Would it be alright if I brought them?" she asks. "Completely understand if you don't know or can't fit us all in."