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

[byfist]

Agreed. But at this present time it serves us to cast our net wide.

As long as we stay apprised of each other's relative positions.

[mylawn]

As long as you think we can reel it in when the time comes.

The Queen already favors COST. Trying to sway the Princess when she might turn on us either way seems like a waste of resources, to me.

[dipolar]

Agreed.

[mylawn]

There's a time and place for votes. This isn't it.

[dipolar]

I hate votes.

[mylawn]

I noticed.

[dipolar]

Anyone would've.
I turned the ship into a fucking tesla coil.

[mylawn]

Your instincts are right, but insubordination isn't going to get you far.

[dipolar]

Considering there's no apparent leader right now, as they're letting us decide our own courses of action, I don't think it can be called insubordination.
If Commander Grothia orders me to do something, I will see it done.

[mylawn]

We were given orders at the initial briefing. Do you need continual reminders of the mission objective?

[dipolar]

No, if you read any of my responses you'd know that.
If no one steps up to lead us, then I'll be adhering to the primary objective - which was the first and last order received.

Other than this one, which was to share our thoughts and skills.
Which I have also done.
Don't patronize me, soldier.

[mylawn]

Look, kid, I'm on your side, but you're being willfully obtuse. We have a commander and we have orders. Your issue is not orders of lack thereof, it's that you want her to discipline the people who went off the rails. That's fair, but this is getting pedantic.

You talk big, but you were willing to throw yourself to the Regency. I haven't forgotten that.

[dipolar]

Don't assume.
No one's deserving of punishment right now, everyone is discussing their thoughts as we were ordered to do.
But some people are going to cause more harm than good, that's clear.
If you don't think so, then I can't believe you're as seasoned as you've let everyone believe.

You don't have to believe me.
You're missing details I cannot provide to you, but it was for the benefit of COST in the long run.
In the end my vote changed nothing, as I suspected it would.

[mylawn]

I won't hesitate to stop anyone who seeks to jeopardize the mission, if it comes down to it. I think you and I are on the same page about that.

Without the details, all I see is a potential liability. You haven't exactly assured me otherwise.

[byfist]

[ BOYS YOU'RE BOTH PRETTY. ]

I agree. I know the Queen is vile, but the numbers involved...

[mylawn]

There's no guarantee the daughter will be any better. If she manages the coup, she's going to need to maintain her power over the rest of the houses. She talks about reform now, but that's easy to do when she hasn't managed to overthrow the Queen.

[byfist]

If it even is her intention.

Her reputation of backstabbing at times precedes her.

[mylawn]

Yeah, I imagine it does. Are you saying she might not want to overthrow her mother?

[byfist]

No, that I am very certain on.

Reform, is rather what I meant. But I admit, I suspect any who ally themselves with the Regency.

[mylawn]

I don't blame you. It might be worth trying to convince the Araneans that the Regency is just subjugation all over again.

[byfist]

For that, I need proof. They like me more so on a... personal level. Given my break for freedom.

Unfortunately, it means little without something to back me.

[mylawn]

They like you, but not necessarily COST.

[byfist]

They like COST, just not weakness or losing.

[mylawn]

Then we'd better keep winning.

[byfist]

Just so. They will so love watching you of all the men here doing so.