>> @FEATHERBRAIN | @ALL

[bivariant]

This is Brevet General Kel Cheris. I have a request to make of those willing, and an announcement you must hear.

Foremost, I would like to form a strategic partnership with one of you who is considered among the elite of Aranean society. Due to my own peculiar position, I hope to use your status to make myself acceptably "handled" within hierarchy, thus as overlooked as possible by curious or superstitious eyes. Also, because command has suggested we work in pairs. I will repay you in the manner of your choosing, excluding sexual favors.

Less to do with our current mission, and more to do with your continued safety -- I have not had an opportunity to publicly address you on the topic of the shadow in the room. And I do not like withholding information.

Some of you may have noticed him, and some of you may have not had the time to meet with me. With me is General Shuos Jedao, who is both a brilliant tactician and a traitor to the Hexarchate that I am currently responsible for. Despite his reputation, he cannot harm any of you physically, however he is exceptionally good at... talking. And observing. He has asked that I let you know that he made himself absolutely willing to serve on this mission, as he has a background in espionage and game theory that I feel will be well-placed, if not essential. To note: I have made arrangements with Percival de Rolo ( @LORDTLDR ) for the two of us to be handled, should I be compromised and the General does become a danger to you.

I have made my location public should you wish to approach me privately for either matter, and I will answer all reasonable questions and address concerns.

[ ok thats a lot of text to dump here yikes wow ]

Comments

[bivariant]

It's exactly that, but real. And definitely "tryhard".

[ she likes that, she's adding that to her lexicon ]

That is why I need public record, Noctis. So that you may all know me for who I am, in case I am compromised. The network will serve as concrete documentation. Ellipses... and... all.

[fessus]

Yeah it sounds like it lol.

Compromised by your own reflection or w/e? Or just compromised by the Regency? Bc they do that too I think. I'll remember your grandma ellipses though.

[bivariant]

Compromised by the General, Noctis. To think like him, and thus betray my mission, or become a threat to you all. I want you safe and informed.

Now, how do you mean "compromised by the Regency"?

[bivariant]

[ travis you failure of a weeb ]

Cheris. I'll keep you in mind, should I need additional oversight, or should Hei and I be incompatible partners for this mission and no other be available.

[fessus]

I thought you said he wanted to help out but now you're making it sound like he's a bigger deal than you originally made it sound.

I mean they have an interrogation and brainwashing team. It's as messed up as it sounds.

[bivariant]

He is willing to help, absolutely. However, nobody knows why he went mad -- therefore, if he loses his mind and I am compromised by him, he may attempt another massacre like the one he committed before.

[ Aizawa has already scolded her for thinking "traitor" was a better explanation than "murderer", rip. ]

Oh, that. Well. Re-education is one of many standardized ways to maintain cohesion within society. It's understandable.

[fessus]

.................

Those dots were intentional too btw to get my point across but not for any record, just for you. What do you mean massacre? Go back to that part.

I'm ignoring the fucked up re-education part for now.

[bivariant]

No, I am Kel. We are soldiers, one half of the Hexarchate's sword. The General is Shuos, the other half -- information officers and spies.

[ she's trying to be as informative as she can, but most of this knowledge is second nature to her and it's difficult to know what needs to be explained and HOW she can explain the innate operations of her reality ]

He has been kept in the black cradle since his execution over three-hundred years ago. It's a -- specialized prison. They've been questioning him and investigating his mind for whatever triggered his madness for centuries, and there are no answers. I can shoot him now, with the gun in my possession, but it will cost COST a very powerful skillset. And, I am very far from the prison he would need to be returned to.

This is a lot, I know.

[bivariant]

What else could I mean? Our historical records indicate that he lost his mind and killed his soldiers and heretics alike. I'm... I could tell you the numbers, but it won't bring you comfort. And neither I, nor he, expected this to bring any of you "comfort". It is a reprehensible crime, Noctis.

[bivariant]

[ GOOD CHOICES, APPROVAL +10 ]

I am a soldier, is being dangerous not in my domain?

But no, I have not been a danger to anyone while the General has been anchored to me. It was a recent development.

[prizeneck]

you're flattering a lot of soldiers there

how did he get anchored

[fessus]

You don't have to tell me it's reprehensible, I get that. But you can't expect to say that and have people not ask for more info either. Has he talked to you about it? What happened?

[bivariant]

[ hi pretty twin ]

Yes, I have. I am hoping to ensure he is not solely responsible, as it is a difficult question to ask of anyone. But yes, the General is as much a threat as he is a valuable asset. It's why he's kept his rank, despite his crimes.

[bivariant]

He speaks. A lot. At length, and always in circles.

[ ah that's a little aggravation from her toward said general ]

I am the only one who hears him, though. Did you have questions for him, directly?

[bivariant]

I wanted you to know that I am of the same mind as you concerning his crimes, is all. And no, I expect and hope for any and all questions. I don't like hiding things.

He doesn't know what happened. That is the root of the problem. I've questioned him as well, on why he did it, on whether he truly cared for the people who were loyal to him. He doesn't know. And yes, he cared for them. His account and historical record are similar -- at the battle of Hellspin Fortress, he suffered a psychotic break and massacred soldier and enemy alike. I wish I knew "why", so I could tell you.

[bivariant]

Not blindly, I hope. A soldier is meant to be this way, it is what we're trained for.

I'm unsure of the exact science, as I was unconscious when his mind was stapled to my own. The Nirai overseeing us was just as stupidly elusive. He basically told me to read the manual.

[prizeneck]

training can lead to different results

did he want to get anchored to you

[bivariant]

What he wants doesn't enter the equation, he is the hexarchate's weapon. His words, paraphrased.

[prizeneck]

and word for word

[bivariant]

He says: "What I want doesn't enter the equation, I'm the hexarchate's weapon. But, if I had the pick of who I'd WANT to be anchored to, Cheris ranks at the top. 10/10, excellent example of Kel fortitude. And because of that she's going to type every last word I speak, until I say that I'm fi"

Verbatim. I missed the last part, sadly. [ she didn't she just stopped typing to be a brat ]

[thingpuncher]

this isnt a conversation kid
this is a game of telephone

anyway tell your ghost hes lucky that we dont got money here
but im glad he remembered the part about me liking surprises
ill scare up some cards

you mentioned his crimes but that shits subjective
is he a rapist
does he make child soldiers
does he torture people
if the above is no then i got no problem with your ghost
if the above is yes then i got problems but i cant do shitall about it so the results the same
its more about you and if you trust yourself enough not to do some bad shit on the orders of the devil on your shoulder but
im not actually ur therapist
sort your own shit out

[eyedrop]

but it's the inclination TO murder that presents a danger. the instability. right? so that's what you need to say.

instead of forcing all of us to pry the real issue out of you.

@kruger

[trample]

What do you mean by "with me"?

[ By her description, it seemed as if she had an issue that he believed himself alone possessed within COST's ranks. ]

[dipolar]

How?

(a knee-jerk question, but — it sounds familiar. he doesn't like familiar.)

Are you host to him?

[handsomefoil]

[ brushes the dust off his resume ]

Question: Would de Rolo be opposed to someone else taking his place? I've known friends to feel obligated to take on heavy tasks such as this due to familiarity.

I don't mind at all
It's a learning experience for all of us