FROM: @CMDR | TO: @ALL

[byfist]

ATTN: ALL PERSONEL.

We have had recent recruits that have joined our fight. I understand you have been briefed and given training for this mission and our stay in Aranean society. As for the rest: I am your Commanding Officer, Grothia, previously of the Regency. Unfortunately, at present, I am often tied up in diplomacy meetings with the high court. But you can reach me via your BCE, or at certain times during the day in COST's supplied quarters.

Field Officer Young, who is at present wearing of her human appearance, is also present. She can be found at similar through similar means.

If you have any concerns, you may bring them to either of us.

As for your mission here. Our main concern is to secure COST's supply of Ymir, this substance is responsible for powering all forms of time travel in the Galaxy and the dimension shifting required to do so. It is the bones of the fallen God, Ymir and it seems mankind was not made to touch their Gods. Aranean's are a species genetically made to mine such a thing and no human is capable of it. That is why they are absolutely crucial and our alliance with them over the Regency, at all costs, must be assured.

At present, High Queen Thsch is our best bet of this. There is no denying the woman is cruel. A slight is enough to make her snap your limbs, one by one. But the natural Jhashcn bias to those who would eat those who suppress inclines her to us, and we need to foster that fondness.

Her daughter, on the other hand, wishes to overthrow her mother, as is their way. So far in my dealings with her, she has been far more moderate. She favours neither heavy slavery nor absolute forms of punishment. She even has an open, qualitative relationship with her brother as I have observed them. They frequently whisper together at the meetings I have attended. That may be appealing, but she will have no bar with us, as we cannot at present assure what she needs to take the throne.

That is as much as my limited position has allowed me to learn. Sadly neither Officer Young or I can move too freely due to our high profile scrutiny. Remember: if it moves, it is a spy, here. There is nothing you say, or do, that is not being reported to someone unless it is done through the BCE.

As such: COST operatives, I require a debrief of your actions, so they we may assist one another. If you have an idea, a skill, speak up, so that we can use it. This is not a usual type of battle, more's the pity, and awareness of movements is needed more than ever.

Comments

[cutlery]

Personally, my only action of any note thus far is attending the Shaiy house's celebration. However, it is worth noting that while I think the three of us did well, I did get the distinct impression that they were not pleased at there were only three, and men at that. Arthur did find something of interest, but I shall leave that to him to explain.

Though with the arenas, I am personally interested in competing in the stadium, though it does leave me with a slight conflict of where to place my allegiance should I win. The Queen is the choice most beneficial to the cause, but considering the graciousness that House Shaiy did show, it may be perceived as a slight to not place the victory in their favor. Worsening that relationship does seem rather disadvantageous, so I do look forward to any opinions that may be offered.

Otherwise, I must say that this realm of affairs fits rather neatly into my skillset, though being quite magical does leave me at something of a social disadvantage. Still, should anyone need a partner for the court or for the stadium, I can readily provide either.

@BURGERKING

[dipolar]

I can accompany you in the stadium and we can declare our victories in House Shaiy's honour.
I have a lead within the house that could be beneficial.
We will win, with your skills and mine.

[cutlery]

Is that so? I am glad to hear it, in a way, since truth be told I rather enjoyed the party.

[ He's biased for #aesthetic, so sue him... ]

I would be interested, though I would like to know a bit more, if you do not mind. In this sort of environment, operating without knowing as many pieces at play as possible can cause mistakes.

[dipolar]

This would work well, then.
Lady Hthyj - do you know of her?
I met with her privately, she says she'll give me information on the fall of House Chchai should I pledge my wins to Shaiy.
Chchai thought favourably of COST.
It could be important.

[cutlery]

I know of her, but I did not speak to her. Really, the only thing I would note about my interactions with Shaiy would be that it is not difficult to get the impression of how they prefer the Regency over COST.

As such, this sort of information certainly interests me. If it is promised, it certainly implies that it is more than a matter of cutlery. I believe I may try a fight on my own to gauge their strength and to give my thanks for the token of the ring they gave me, but perhaps a joint effort in addition may gain a bit more of her interest.

MATTER OF CUTLERY TITLE DROP, GDI

[dipolar]

Understood.
Winning their favour over the Regency's could be useful as well, then.
In my opinion, getting the houses before the royals will be paramount.

Show off your ring and we'll meet in the arena.
It'll shed considerable light on you as well.
It will seem as though you've swayed an artificial to House Shaiy.

[byfist]

Acknowledged.

Is there a woman you might ally yourself with for the purposes of gaining more invitations? I would hate to see your skills wasted.

[cutlery]

There are a few, yes. Miss Cheris would be my first choice, so I will see if she has any interest in attending the court.

Though if you do have a particular recommendation, I will take it to heart. I imagine you know the personalities and skills of the various recruits better than I.

[byfist]

A wise and excellent choice. She has a decent head upon her shoulders.

To a degree. They often hide from their Commander, so I am at times limited to my reports. But you might try Operative Natasha Romanoff, Operative Samus Aran, or perhaps Operative Lena Oxton. Operatives Jeyne Westerling or Dolores Abernathy might also serve.I believe Operative Danaeyrus is already engaged on several fronts.

But if the female company is otherwise occupied, Operative Pavus might well serve you. He is a clever, quick-witted man. I imagine the pair of you might also make a dashing pair.

[ Look, anyone but Mordred is what she is saying. ]

[cutlery]

I agree. We have not spoken at length, but I was impressed all the same.

Thank you for the recommendations, since it is a far better starting point. I will send them messages to see if any of them have plans to attend the more formal affairs. If nothing else, I suppose there is little better way to start a working relationship than to attend a court where a misstep has such dire consequences.

[ which is only half a joke, because no, really, it probably is the best way to get to know someone ]

Though out of interest, is there any line of inquiry that you may be especially worth pursuing? I can hardly promise anything since Araneans are as skilled at keeping their secrets as our training would suggest, but we could be lucky enough to find someone a bit more talkative.

[byfist]

I find it makes everyone honest about themselves.

I am eager to find out more about the Twin Generals stance outside of what they have publically displayed. They must have a preference, even if it is only private. In meetings, they are consummate in their silence. But if we can figure out where they lay, who knows how much this fight could come down to their support.

NOT HERE.

[bivariant]

[ preens ]

[pointedlook]

Found one item of definite interest. Jury's out on the other thing.

Managed to find a BCE belonging to one of the members of the late House Chchai. I've already spoken to Young about it and if anything, it suggests the Araneans aren't playing as impartial as they're supposed to. If we can dig a little more, them actively working in either side's ranks could provide some social upset.

The other item is a scarab shaped trinket, no idea what it does.

[dipolar]

Destroy it.
If it's Egyptian-themed, it belongs to the Regency.

(I'M SORRY FOR THIS SKEPTIC, ARTHUR)

[pointedlook]

And waste the opportunity to trace it back? If it has identifiers like our BCE does, it could more than implicate that the Araneans aren't playing the neutral ground like they're supposed to.

[ Though admittedly the possibility of it being Regency definitely makes his fingers itch to smash it. ]

[dipolar]

Trace it back to where and for what purpose?
Storming their HQ?
We're already aware of Princess Chch's alliance with the Regency.
Destroy it.

[pointedlook]

No, who it belongs to. Who gave this to Shaiy? Or even if a part of Shaiy hasn't just thrown in their backing to the Regency but joined their ranks.

They're supposed to be impartial, if there's hard evidence of the contrary, then I'd like to pursue it.

I'm not destroying it until I've ruled out what I can.

@LOUISLAMOUR

[omniavincit]

What's the deal with them and Egypt?

[pointedlook]

Maybe they're just in it for the aesthetic. Or the lean towards death worship.

You've gotta admit the unified theme does make them look put together.

[omniavincit]

I'm not a big fan of explanations that start with "just."

[dipolar]

I don't know much about Egypt, but the hierarchy within their figures and gods is clear.

L O L SORRY HE HAS NO FUCKING CONTEXT

[omniavincit]

Where does Kebechet rank?

lmk if this is gonna contradict our other stuff and I'll delete with extreme prejudice!

[omniavincit]

You didn't say anything about a scarab.

Where was it?

this totally works!!

[pointedlook]

Wasn't sure how I wanted to approach it.

House Shaiy, amongst their things. It was in a hidden drawer compartment, so clearly someone had gone to some lengths to keep it away from prying eyes.

[omniavincit]

It's metal? Heavy?

Why'd you take it? [ As if he wouldn't have done the same thing. ]