>> @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

@BROKEBACKSTAB

[handsomefoil]

I feel like I have many questions but
perhaps the one that's most dire is:
How would the danger of this general manifest?
Does he become physical?
Lash out in some form of intangible energy?

[bivariant]

It is absolutely understandable, and why I wished to do this now.

He is dangerous, in that he is blindingly intelligent and a Shuos, on top of that. While he cannot speak to you, he can speak to me. I would become the danger to you, if he begins to sound reasonable to me, rather than mad.

I have been informed and learned that he cannot take tangible form. He does... influence things about me. My shadow and my reflection. You'll see him in them.

[handsomefoil]

Fascinating if not a bit terrifying
This does make me wish to get to know you better before any sort of influence takes hold so that I can differentiate between your usual self or one influenced by a Shuos.

[ whatever that means. ]

But you did say an acquaintance/friend of yours will be your contingency plan, yes? Hopefully the getting familiarized will be strictly recreational.

[bivariant]

I would sincerely appreciate getting to know you as well. I like knowing names and faces.

[ She has a good memory for those she serves with, and is always fond of them. ]

Yes, de Rolo has agreed to eliminate me if I am... if I am convinced otherwise. I do not enjoy that he is the only one I have asked to bear such a responsibility, and I am screening for others who will be willing to do what must be done. I would not ask anyone lightly. It is a difficult task.

Becoming familiarized with one another is always a socially layered event, I'm afraid. I won't promise that all I do is... recreational? Recreational.

[handsomefoil]

[ considers offering his service of eliminating someone in lieu of a personal friend having to suffer through that. but...maybe later. not on a public network anyway. ]

That is quite the heavy responsibility.
I'm sorry you have to be put in such a position.

Just conversation like this will suffice I'm sure.
I don't think there's any rules against socializing while working.

[bivariant]

[ you don't think she's screening y'all right this moment for potential candidates?? henny pls ]

This isn't a position I was forced into. I needed a weapon, and I chose the best one for the job. As I said: I'm more concerned for de Rolo, who I do not wish to be alone in this.

Forgive me, I'm still learning local parlance -- as well as which topics are understood by COST and which are foreign. My conversational skills may lack, for some time. If you don't mind, I think we will get along perfectly well.

[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

[bivariant]

He would be the best suited to answer that question, I feel. I do not wish to speak for him. I witnessed his skill at Gallipoli and knew I may have need for it. And while I hope he will mention if he no longer feels able to perform this task, I do not regret asking him.

I think... he is not without his pride, though.

[handsomefoil]

Fair enough.
I do hope it won't ever have to come to that point though.

[ he ultimately decides against offering any assistance himself, figuring public or private, the offer would seem a little odd. ]

[bivariant]

[ meanwhile vax down below like "i got the stabs u ordered" ]

I hope so, too. I don't know when my work with COST will be over, but as I feel I am in it for the foreseeable future... I'd hate to be ill-prepared. Especially concerning the discretion needed during our upcoming mission. Neither I nor the general are

diplomats.

[handsomefoil]

[ if only everyone was more like vax... ]

I'm sure it'll work out in the end
Maybe let others handle the more diplomatic side of things? :)

Good luck, general.