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]

My goodness. I did not know what to expect from your answer, and yet I am still surprised. I do not believe I have ever heard of someone wishing for such a thing. I suppose it will do well enough to illustrate my point.

If that is your wish, then it could certainly be granted. However, there is the matter of the toll. Assuming you knew how to set things up properly otherwise, would you sacrifice someone else's soul for that fight? Someone completely innocent?

[dipolar]

(2 seconds later:)

Yes.
I've done it before and I would do it again.

[cutlery]

You are full of more surprises than I was expecting.

Given that answer, I have a guess, but still, for the sake of asking: if the cost of that fight was also your very soul, would you take that deal?

[dipolar]

Sure, take it.
Unless that would mean I lived forever in agony or something.
The whole idea is to stop existing entirely.

[cutlery]

Then honestly, to summon a demon would almost seem ideal for you. I would almost recommend it, though that is a mild conflict of interests.

But take instead a more stereotypical wish: money, power, love. These are all things that a demon can easily grant. But do these have worth at the cost I have laid out?

[dipolar]

None of those things are of great importance to me.
Power maybe, but I'd think a demon would get bored of that one and I'm already powerful.
No, it'd be death or nothing.
Maybe I should start doing some research lol.

[cutlery]

Not you, perhaps, but that is not why I mention it. These are the sorts of things that most humans wish for, though in various shades. Anyone that goes through the process of calling out to a demon already knows what they want. It is something that they are too weak to obtain by their own hands, so they know that they have to call upon something else. But then what is wishes are worth your entire being? It is a question that I am always interested in seeing answered, and power can actually be one of the most interesting.

Succession of heirs, victory in war, or sometimes, it is simple as revenge. But these are all things where I am required to stay in this realm longer rather than waving my hand and having their riches appear. That is what bores me. I much prefer seeing my work finished to perfection where my contractor has plenty of time to consider what the accomplishment of their goal may be.

Which is not to say that yours is uninteresting, mind you. Far from it. Novelty is always worth attention.

[dipolar]

So you don't mind a very mutable wish, do you?
One that changes over time with the person you're contracted to.

[cutlery]

Quite the opposite. I prefer my contracts quite tightly bound in definite terms. It is really not an unfair comparison to call a contract with a demon similar to a legally binding contract. Wording matters very much.

So unsurprisingly, some of my best contracts were with lawyers, you know.

[dipolar]

No, that doesn't surprise me.
That's actually an entertaining thought.

(he may have even huffed in amusement, amazing.)

And your current master?
What does he want from you?

[cutlery]

Revenge. I am not at liberty to give details, but it is an interesting affair to discover just who that wrath will be directed towards.