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

[dipolar]

I understand that, but defining revenge to a man who's intimately familiar with it isn't the best use of your time.
Instead - what are you doing right now?
I want to discuss private matters.
Do you like bars?

[excelsus]

Revenge, no courtly machinations, yes. But I yield, only because I adore you so.

[And Hei asks if Dorian likes bars, he's delighted by this.]

You're right, much better use of our time.
At the moment, I'm up to absolutely nothing at all important, unless you call eyeballing absurdly dressed nobles that smell like essence of grandmother important. [Well, aside from stealing wine, but that's not important enough to mention]
And I do have quite the affection for bars.

[dipolar]

What does a grandmother smell like?

(...........)

Never mind, I don't ever need an answer to that question.
If you like bars, then you know of the one closest to COST's quarters?
Meet me there.
I don't have any money though.

(HEI THE CLASS ACT, ASKING DORIAN TO FOOT THE BILL.)

[excelsus]

Mothballs, dirt, and fruitcake.

[There was no getting away from that question.]

Of course, I will meet you there most urgently, dear, and you needn't worry yourself about money.

[And neither will Dorian since he will show up with his own wine, no less than four bottles. Because that's what you do when you steal from a wine cellar.]

[dipolar]

I said

(leans onto a hand with a long-suffering sigh. dorian please.

sure enough, though, there he is at the bar. sitting, waiting, and doing nothing interesting—because staring at the booth seat across from him unblinkingly isn't interesting to anyone and never will be. upon spotting dorian, his head raises a fraction and he addresses him with a nod to the seat across from him.

hey.)

Where did you get those?

[excelsus]

[It really isn't worth the argument, Hei, just breathe and let it sink in that grandmother's have a very distinct smell.

Dorian is only too happy to do everything he can to make the seat across from Hei more interesting to look at, as if it were any sort of contest. Dorian is infinitely more amusing and several times more appealing to the eye. It's not like a booth will dazzle you with the most perfect smile you've ever seen in your life.]

Oh, these?

[Dorian holds up the four bottles of wine...and that's just what he has in his hands. He looks perfectly innocent, but doesn't he always?]

Ask me no questions, I'll tell you no lies amica. [Dorian's wearing his shit-eating grin now as he passes two of the bottles off to Hei, just for a start. Who needs a glass anyway?] You need something better than swill anyway...and an ear to listen I assume?