The drink of choice was always a Gibson. A gin cocktail with a pearl onion as a garnish. It shared everything in common with a classic Martini with its singular difference being it has an olive. All of the elite could be seen imbibing a Gibson at nearly every official function.
It gained special prominence and a resurgence in popularity shortly after the great war and defeat of the Artesians. It was the signature drink of Edgar who maintained a private well stocked bar, modest by most standards considering his status as the leader of the free world. He was known to serve up his own rendition that was quite excellent and the Siph-Gleiss family honored him by branding a line of Gin with his name.
Gibson's remain the favored drink among most of the military and political elite. Often one can spot an adherent simply by his choice of garnish. Proto-Artesians with Gibsons and Neo-Artesians opting for Martinis. The exception and often symbolically, they mix both garnishes in a drink or for more somber times the garnishes are tossed away, more vigorous, more intent the gesture.
They were more raucous times, the years of Edgar Sinclair shortly after the end of the Artesian's reign. His new Politiburo was the new world power, with a nod to the few surviving sisters who remained in the shadows. He privately consulted with Olivia and made a pact to allow the sisters to replenish their ranks, provided they agree to some conditions.
His concern was more of the rising tide of the Neo-Artesians and viewed the sisters as a counterbalance. He was also aware of the Ancients and forced Olivia's hand to have the sisters infiltrate and finally annihilate that group. In exchange for the remaining secrets of the Ancients, Olivia dissolved their partnership.
She confided in her daughters she felt the price for the existence of the sisters was probably not worth the price they paid in granting Edgar Sinclair the old tombs of the Ancients. She felt personally responsible as she found a kindred spirit in the leader of the Ancients, Theresa who she betrayed.
The old books were all Edgar needed to unlock the remaining secrets of the Devil Beetles and the Computer Brain. He solidified his power and formulated the emergence of the Proto-Artesians and with some practice earned them legitimacy in the legacy of the Knut.
He placed all this in the hands of his trusted lieutenants Jacob Swan and Elaine Porter who filled in all the details and concocted the new religion. They elevated Knut into a god and Edgar as his prophet. They then set free the Pacific Foundries.
