>> @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]

Accompanying me. Two for the price of one?

I've said to the others as much. COST has my skillset and that of the General's, at service.

[ oh man if only she turned into a naked giant, if only ]

[trample]

The way you say it makes it sound like you are one and the same.

[ you really don't want to be a naked giant, trust me ]

[bivariant]

Physically, that is correct. The general no longer has his own form, and must share one if he is to be deployed.

[ teethteethteeth.meme ]

[trample]

[ could you be ANY less direct ]

I suppose you share a body and mind, then.

[ A thoughtful gap in messages, before the conversation's brought to the privacy of an inbox. ]

You and I are the same.

such screen very privacy

[bivariant]

No, he's... there are two minds, his and mine. He is not an alternative personality. He and I cannot read or share one another's thoughts. Think of him as a ghost, if it helps?

[ wow!! she's being perfectly direct!!

Oh, okay. The rest of this is definitely private then: ] You are an anchor? For whom?

[trample]

Countless others. My father. My predecessor. I never thought to find another who shares a curse similar to mine. But I suppose anything can happen.

[ finally someone to talk to about this that isn't within the confines of his own head ]

[bivariant]

I didn't think that other realities would have technology capable of this.

[ that's because anyone not part of the hexarchate is inferior, cheris.

hold up: ] There are MULTIPLE minds stapled to yours? How are you able to maintain yourself?

[trample]

[ ha ha ]

By means of willpower. That's what some would call it, at least. Force of will.

[bivariant]

That's... unhelpful. No one's will is unbreakable.

[ she says, to an animanga character ]

:^)

[trample]

You care to bet?

:) got your nose

[bivariant]

I don't care for betting, no.

I would prefer to be shown what you mean by "willpower", in this case.

:(

[trample]

It's a difficult unit to measure.

:*( is this better

[bivariant]

Not really. All you need is time.

:*)

[trample]

True enough. But I meant methods.