Turbulence in the Northern Dynasties: The Goose Lords' War Council

As the astringent taste of soapberry mixed with damp, musty air crept into her nostrils, Xi Da'e was dreaming that she was fighting for the last discounted pack of imported diapers at a supermarket. She was a childcare worker and purchasing clerk, and every day revolved around formula, diapers, and the company's procurement lists. Even in her dreams, she was calculating every penny to get the best value. But the smell was too real, so real that she jerked awake.