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

[neutronium]

I already have Anarean's clamoring to attend my Salons. They wish to hear my opinions on politics, on the way of things. Given that I am just 'human' I think that counts.

I have been cornered by these creatures and asked of my allegiances. I've made it clear. At these salons, I am more than willing to twist things towards CHCH.

I know how to.

I've done such things before.

I didn't reach my position by just chance, in my Galaxy.

And I have a token of favor from the Princess. I am not doing this by chance.

[dipolar]

Understood.
You're a General, of course that would appeal to a great many Araneans here.
You should also be aware that it's likely the princess favours the Regency.

May I come by to see your salon's inner workings?
I could use a haircut anyway.

[neutronium]

The appeal comes from what I did here, not my title. I won things here, Hei.

[He doesn't like the implication that it is his title that got him where he is. His title had been hard earned as it was. As was this Salon.]

And she could be swayed, perhaps. Given who her mother favors, of course she would favor the other side. But that doesn't have to be the case. [Even with Hux working for Regency, he knows not to give his hand away, yet. And he understands CHCH's reasoning. But he didn't turn away from the First Order just because he hated his father. As CHCH does not need to turn away from COST. It can be done, if orchestrated well.

Still.]



You can, but--

It isn't that sort of Salon.

[dipolar]

Your defensiveness is unnecessary; I wasn't trying to offend you.

What sort of salon is it?

(there are multiple kinds of salons? is nothing easy? plucks at a strand of his hair, dejected..............)

I don't like discussing politics on an open network.
Salon or not, I want to see you.

[neutronium]

Given where we are, you think you'd be more careful.

[Hux likes Hei, but he takes slights more serious than most; There are certain things that chink his armor--what Hei said was one of them. For note.]

Well, where you will be going, there will be eyes and ears of a different sort.

It's all subterfuge and verbal dancing. A Salon that I'm throwing is more culture. A meeting of minds to discuss things, to hear people speak, and commiserate.

[His favorite]

So the question remains, do you wish to see me in the public setting, or privately?

[dipolar]

I'll keep it in mind, General.

It's a sort of den to volley opinions in?
I don't like the public, I thought it was a salon true to its name.
I can meet you somewhere else, if you can leave it to them for a short time.
That, or a private room.

[neutronium]

Yes, it is. A neutral place, as it were, as any place can be neutral here.

But there will be more private areas to discuss things away from people.

Of course, there are eyes and ears everywhere, no matter where we go.

[dipolar]

Yes, understood.
We will be cautious.
I don't mind if some overhear, we may be able to frame our whisperings as something they can spread.
Any sort of rumours you'd like to catch on, perhaps.

Private from here on out.

[neutronium]

Certain rumors should catch on, I agree.

Subtle threads from the Commander, aside, I will not be swayed from my course. But I think it could be used to COST advantage; even if it is the less easy route.

SAME

[dipolar]

You shouldn't feel as though you have to sway from your route.
This is a discussion of many opinions, similar to the talks in your salon but far less dignified.

I would be willing to help you spread those rumours, Hux.

[neutronium]

Come now, the Commander has made her stance on 'orders'. Funny how she wishes to enforce order now, after our little 'voting' incidents.

But it is heartening to know someone else is also thinking tactfully, and of more options than the ones presented.

[dipolar]

She's not trying very hard.
They have to lie low, but a CO couldn't possibly know the full extent of what was happening in the field without being there themselves.

I have my own option, but there could be a better alternative.
I'm not going to discount anyone, that isn't the point of this post.

[neutronium]

I've faced a great deal worse than her. [Snoke, for one.]

No, I suppose it isn't.

And we all have to make contingencies.

[dipolar]

A plan that has no contingencies isn't a very good plan.
See you at your salon.