genessia | ℘ Dear Anon [text; anonymous]

[Maybe he's pushing a little too far here, especially under the guise of anon. Still, surely Cassian expected more discord to be had as the situation unfolds live.]

Trying to lull me away from anonymity still? Careful, I might take you up on it but how am I assured you won't spread my identity to all? Believe when I say Marco has many allies here, myself included.

If any ills befalls upon him and his merry little lot, there will be hell to pay.

That's where you're wrong, Guardian Andor! Public discord exists already. I'm merely facilitating the talks. That's all.

I've been looking into the matter of Guardian Sutcliffe's disappearance and I'm convinced someone among the Guardians sold her out. It's only a matter of "who" at this point.

[ There's a slightly longer pause this time. While the entire setup deems it nothing but an attempt to stir up trouble to him, it would not look good to an audience to be seen as overtly dismissive or scornful of such a serious accusation. ]

Let me clarify again: You are welcome to bring your security concerns to me, even anonymously. I believe this is what you have just done, in your own way. As I am one of your suspects, I suggest you approach other Guardians as well.

I'm not trying to lure you out of anonymity. I have no pressing need to know your identity at this point. In the interest of not being infants, I would appreciate a private discussion but that's your decision.

[ Public discord does exist, Cassian would agree with that - and he knows exactly which Guardian team he condemns for it, but he's got no intention to do so publicly. Not at this point, when it would serve no purpose other than to stir the flames. ]

Your threats are noted.

[A dark chuckle escapes Augustine once he finally sees this response.

So, the Guardian of Attelon isn't an idiot. Excellent. Maybe Marco is right about this man after all. Augustine is almost grateful for that. Cassian didn't just brush off his concerns like he assumed he would. The others will, no doubt there. He holds a rather low opinion regarding the Guardians since none has truly acted in regards to this situation.

None except Cassian.]

I plan to approach the others in due time. That is if they even humor an audience with me. I just might be too beneath them to be worthy of their precious time.

[Sarcasm at its finest.]

However, perhaps I can trust you enough to play along like a good little citizen and speak to you in private. Shall we?

I'm game.

[ Oh, and now he's done it, Cassian's got to laugh as well.

Game. Yes, it does look like it's a game to his anonymous agitator. ]

I wait with bated breath.

[ And, well, he'd have to be lying if he said he isn't terribly curious now who has been stirring up the wasp's nest. This isn't the style of anyone he's had his eyes on so far. ]

Then wait no longer, Guardian Andor.

[After a few deep breaths and a quick glance at the mirror, Augustine changes the channel and presses record. With his beautiful office here in Nova City as the backdrop of this illustrious meeting, Augustine appears with his hands folded neatly upon the black sleek surface of his desk. His office is an expansive white room bolstering two enormous clear windows behind him.

It's sunny out in Nova City, so the lights are off for the most part. He has a slight fondness for sunlight despite his vampire lineage. Augustine is dressed in a modest but sleek black suit with a fuchsia shirt underneath, gothic skull cuff-links and a silver cross sitting proudly upon his black tie. He looks quite fancy for a mere museum curator, a bit over dressed. However, Augustine is simply vain like that. Horribly vain judging how he wears his hair messily cascading down over his left eye like a mock veil and that pretentious as fuck pencil thin mustache.

The man looks cross between Dracula and a bloody fashion model. Just who in the hell is this guy? Well, Cassian is about to find out,]

Bună ziua. [Augustine says with a slight nod.] I'm Augustine Gheorghe Vlad Țepeș of House Drăculești, former Lord of Ranslyvania.

However, here I'm none of those things. Instead, I'm the Curator of the Nova City Museum.

[He smiles some.]

How do you do?

[ Cassian takes it in in silence, momentarily stunned. He can't say what he had expected, just that it wasn't this. It doesn't fit in with the rough and tumble picture of Everglade's power dynamics he's gained lately.

Meanwhile, the scene on the other end of that video is nowhere near as glamorous. It's not even the detached Spartan office background that he would use for his public service announcements on the network or on local television.

No, he's currently standing in the tidy kitchen of his Attleton home, while the vegetables for supper are laid out to be chopped, obviously abandoned when Augustine's message had diverted his attention. There's a streak of mud on his cheek from the last round of wrangling with his Mudkip, his hair is still a little tangled from when his Swablu had been playing around with it earlier.

For a moment he feels chagrin at his own messy state - not the picture of a professional Guardian. Then again, there's no way he could intimidate this man by looking regal even on his best day, no opportunity wasted here.

He gives a nod, a hint of amusement lurking behind the blatant disapproval in his eyes. ]

So the agitator has a name, at last. It is... somewhat of a pleasure. I liked to visit your museum when I worked in Nova City.

[There's a reason why no one knew about this quiet rabble rouser. Augustine has all but kept his presence a secret among these parts. Some might know his name but none know of his intentions. The dhampir is a slippery one. He's been observing everything with that hawkish red gaze of his, barely voicing his opinions publicly.

He's been quite careful of that and for good reason.]

That he does. [He confirms with a rich chuckle.] I do apologize for my brashness earlier. I allowed my tongue to slip numerous times today.

[It somewhat makes him proud to see poor Cassian in such a disheveled state. This serves him as a reminder that despite the politics at play, that everyone involved is indeed "human" on some level. Except for him. Augustine is motherfucking immaculate and he knows it.

So please allow for him to look a tad smug for a second. He totally nailed this first impression.]

I'm grateful to hear that. [His voice is gentle but stern. It's clear the common tongue here is a second language for him. His accent is quite heavy and reminiscent of early Eastern Europeans.] I do strive to keep the museum in excellent condition.

Edited 2018-03-07 23:56 (UTC)

[ Yes, he has definitely nailed the first impression - while poor hapless Cassian considers himself blessed that he is (currently) not being climbed by overenthusiastic pokemon. A blessing which might run out any moment, he just hopes for the best.

If Cassian knew how secretive Augustine has been so far gaining precious information would have been a consolation for his current state, alas, that is something he will only realize once he starts investigating him. He does wonder if this is the Vlad Emerald has spoken of, the one who started off this entire mess in Everglade but that's a question for later. ]

Now you're not giving yourself enough credit. Everything you wrote was well-calculated to cause maximum damage.

[ He's not feeling quite so rankled by it anymore now that he has a face and name to put to it, somewhere to start figuring out this puzzle. Mostly, though, now that they're no longer performing for an audience. He leans back against the stove, eyes narrowing at Augustine. ]

I do wish you would show even half as much care to keep our cities in excellent condition as you do with your museum but... We all have our roles to play, don't we?

[ And there is a first hint of the scorn he had kept out of his carefully worded text messages. Yes, they all have their roles to play but he can still condemn it. ]

[Cassian's comment isn't praise but to his delicate ears, it is. The Guardian might as well be showering him in gold dust now. Augustine cannot control the grin spreading across his lips. He's impressed with his handiwork thus far.]

Quite perceptive, I like that.

[He reclines on his chair some and crosses his legs. They might as well get comfortable, no? This is bound to be a lengthy chat.]

You're misunderstanding my intentions, guardian. [His tone remains calm.] My role is not to cause more discord but to display it front and center for all to behold.

For too long, the Guardians have done nothing but sit back and enjoy the luxuries associated with their prestigious occupations. While you might be the exception---

[He pauses as he gives Cassian a look over.]

--a handsome exception at that, the other Guardians are unlike you.

[ Did he just really...? Cassian raises his brows, only a fraction of how stunned he actually is. It's been a very long time since he's run into anyone trying to flirt themselves into his good graces. Either this man is extraordinarily vain, hoping to trip him up or... he really thinks Cassian is that stupid to be swayed by flattery.

With how this week has been going, he's inclined to believe it's the third option. He gives a snort. ]

Thank you. That is very kind of you. You are showing yourself very concerned with matters outside of Nova City and Everglade. That is unusual.

[ Speak: Most people stick to trying to topple one Guardian at a time. ]

[There's a hint of amusement in Augustine's gaze once the shock of his words washes over the Guardian. This is good. Now that Andor rightfully has no idea what to expect from the likes of him, Augustine decides to get down to business.

He's worn the Guardian's patience thin, that much he can tell from that glare.]

Is it truly so unusual? I do happen to live in Genessia City, so I do quite a bit of traveling. It would be ridiculous for me not to be abreast in the politics of all the realms. [Except for Fayren. That city could burn and he wouldn't even blink an eye.] With that stated, let me explain something.

[He keeps his tone formal but pleasant. It's not his intentions to instill fear but rather foster dialogue.]

I'm quite aware of some of the bad blood Everglade has with the other city-states. Whether or not this is Madam Sutcliffe's fault is irrelevant since Everglade always been a subject of controversy judging from what I've uncovered. However, she did play a role in said controversy and because of that---I don't think I'm not being presumptuous in assuming at least one of the Guardians would love to see her gone.

Edited 2018-03-08 15:56 (UTC)

[ It's tempting to be a lot more scornful of the accusation in private but the recordings of private videos can still be shared. He's done so before often enough.

So all he lets show is a heavy sigh and a more pinched look, showing some of his annoyance at the insistence on this story. It's not even a bad story, coming at a time when he's willing to consider every possible incompetence and crime committed by Guardians. It's just... Well, he's fresh out of trust, especially for people who are trying to bring down everything he's built here.

Stars, but he's tired. Why did he have to go and run for a second term again? ]

I'm not going to insult you by pretending I've been won over by your flattery or your displays of concern. But if you have more than vague allusions, I will listen.

[ Because it always pays to listen, as a spy it's been his job to talk to people regardless whether he agrees with them or not. Especially to the ones who don't agree with him.

He takes the phone to the chopping board and starts on peeling vegetables. He always prefers to keep his hands busy during difficult conversations. ]

Have you been suspecting the Guardians of foul play prior to Guardian Sutcliff's disappearance?

[How woefully domestic! Cassian's insistence in preparing dinner during this conversation is moderately insulting but intriguing. Even Augustine has mundane household chores to do once he arrives home.

He has a son and hungry daughters to feed. By son, he means his roommate and by daughters...pokemons.]

...Cannot say I have considering the timing of my arrival to Genessia.

[He admits tersely.]

[ It's one thing Cassian would be surprised to have in common with Augustine, as he sees his own pokemon as his children and treats them as such.

Cassian looks up from his chopping, giving Augustine a quick glance to acknowledge him and the tension now in his voice. It feels good to see him a little bit less relaxed, really. ]

Why so? When did you arrive in Genessia? Talk to me assuming I know nothing. [ His lips curl a little. ] After all, I'm just one of these incompetent, corrupt Guardians.

[A brief hint of frustration flickers across Augustine's face as he brushes his hair out of his eyes. He's nervous. Cassian will get to know this telltale gesture well. Whenever this crafty vampire starts doubting or gets the least bit uncomfortable, he toys with the long strands of his hair.

It could be as simple as him raking his fingers through his hair or him tucking it behind his ears. Either way, he's nervous.]

I arrived just a few days before Valentine's Day. [Mutters.] On my birthday, no less.

[February 8th.]

Now, now! I never exactly said all that, now did I?

[ That...? He is a new arrival?!

Cassian quickly looks down at the Kibla greens and space carrots he was chopping for his stew, though the halt of his knifework would have given away his surprise anyway. It has been a year since he did any spy work. ~~Time to get back in the game, he's getting sloppy.~~ ]

You're welcome to say that and many other unflattering things about us Guardians. In fact, I would like to hear more about my incompetence. I don't hold a grudge over matters of free speech.

Especially not when I'm dealing with new arrivals. [ You're welcome, Augustine. ] Or did I misunderstand?

[Yes, Cassian. He's a new arrival.

Augustine misses that look of surprise upon Cassian's face thanks to that artful glance away from the screen. He figures that the other is merely hard at work with dinner. It seems the poor man has much to prepare for this stew. It makes Augustine wonder just whom he's preparing this food for.

Cassian is certainly not eating alone.]

Free speech is not without consequence. [He states quietly.] While you might not hold much of a grudge, I'm certain your constituents will.

[Augustine is quite certain that Cassian is recording this video for a later date. Why wouldn't he?]

However, I'll take your bait like a good little fish and voice an opinion.

[He smirks.]

All of you are quite sloppy or rather it seems that way. [A slight chuckle escapes him.] After researching so much about this particular collective of guardians, I must confess I'm a little baffled as of how these elections work.

If there was so much discord caused by Miss Sutcliffe's win in Everglade, then why was it instated? If a new arrival, such as myself, can pick up on some of these troubles behind the scenes---then imagine others who've been here for longer.

[ Of course he's going to keep records, he keeps records of everything. The chances of getting Augustine to slip up and say something blackmail-worthy are low, but it's still information which can be traded or shared to win someone's favor. Or, if nothing else, be reviewed at leisure for your own analysis.

At the mention of being a good little fish he snorts, only half scornful now.

He's not wrong, though, so Cassian busies himself with washing a handful of Kiwip grass to put into the soup. As he holds it under the sink his hands are close enough to the screen to show the ring on his finger - not actually a wedding or engagement ring, but easy enough to take for one. ]

I'm sure there are plenty of people who pick up on the troubles behind the scenes. It's more like... [ He looks towards the camera, a slight frown on his face - but a pensive one now as he tries to find words for something he doesn't understand well himself. If the question had come from someone here longer he would have dismissed it as another game, but, well, he had been questioning everything too around that stage of his stay here. ]

We have a delicate power balance here. There are a whole lot of people who individually have great powers. While there are certainly people who just wish to see the world burn, for the most part even the powered ones have no interest in chaos. At home, all these superpowered people are behemoths who can use anarchy to seize power. Here, they are only one among many. They are nothing exceptional. Outside of these few people who want chaos for chaos's sake, nobody can have an interest in toppling the Guardian system completely.

But keeping the status quo includes respecting the results of elections, no matter how divisive they are. Keep in mind, there is no permanent death in this place for us pendeant-bearers. There is a way to permanently remove your opponent but that is far more work than anyone is willing to put into it.

[The alleged wedding ring is duly noted. If Augustine could possibly find out who's Cassian's spouse, then he could use that information for another day. It's easier to bribe someone when there's something at stake. Not saying that Augustine would embark upon such a dirty road but he's willing to take it if forced.

For now, he merely notes it.]

Delicate? [Augustine arches his brows some. He hadn't expected for Cassian to describe the power balance here as delicate but that certainly makes sense. He listens further.] Of course not everyone is a feckless destroyer. Some of us actually care about the world around us but it only takes one to ruin things.

[He pauses.]

Especially if they've "blessed" by those powers you've mentioned.

[Marco certainly comes to mind.]

Ah, yes. I nearly...forgotten about that. [Augustine looks perplexed now.] A world without death, the great equalizer. How can such a world function with so many who defy death? Well, I suppose I should be lucky. My brief skirmish with a peculiar summoner left me bed ridden for days.

[The dhampir let's out a curious hum.]

So what is the point of us pendant-bearers? If so many of us possess such fantastical abilities, some more zanier than the next, then what is the point of us being here and working together? I'm surprised there isn't full-fledged anarchy here minus that of Everglade.

Oh, did you have a bad run-in with unfriendly neighbours? [ He sounds so sorry, too. As far as he's concerned it couldn't have happened to a nicer person, really. ] As for death, though, there's still a price to be paid for death. Every time you die you lose something. An important skill, a memory which is part of what makes you you. This system is self-cleaning. Those who cause too much trouble will be reduced to something which isn't capable of causing trouble anymore... or so it would go, in theory. I haven't heard of anyone taking it this far yet.

[ But it's a nice thought. Calming. Comforting. The lack of permanent death may be deeply disturbing to an assassin but there are still ways should they ever become necessary. ]

There you have it why we play nice, for the most part. If we didn't, the death toll would be gigantic and the battle never-ending until none of us has enough wits left to keep fighting.

[ Finally done with the vegetables he can get his soup on the stove. Once that's done Cassian picks up the phone again and takes it to the living room, where he sits down on the couch. There are pet toys scattered all over the floor and the couch. He's a lot more relaxed now than before, and that's not just a pretense. Right now the conversation isn't too different from his usual chats with new arrivals - just knowing he's talking to someone who will use his words against him. But that's not new either. ]

You misunderstand Everglade. The past weeks aren't indicative of it. It's actually a very nice town. It wouldn't have taken much and I would have moved to Everglade.

[ He'd also planned to work for the Everglade police, after the end of his tenure as Guardian. Of course, that had been before things soured. ]

As for what our purpose here is? Scientists have been trying to figure that out for years and they're not much closer than when they began. I could tell you what I know but you're better off talking to a scientist. Personally, I believe we're all nothing but lab rats in a very elaborate cage.

I suppose you could say that. [See those fangs peeking out as he smiles? He's a little annoyed with you, Cassian. Think of those chompers as subtle threat.] Ah, so death isn't so insignificant after all.

[This certainly worries Augustine more than it should. If a person was to die, they could potentially lose everything that makes them unique. That's...terrifying. Moderately terrifying. Death almost feels kinder than becoming this mere shell of a person in the long run.

Augustine does his best to keep the disgust off his face.]

...I see. [He whispers. Clearly it bothers him but he won't admit it.]

[Augustine peers into the screen once he sees that Cassian is changing location. Now that he has a better view of this quaint little home, he cannot help but feel oddly charmed by the fact that it's in such disarray. It brings a smile to his face to see all those toys upon the couch. It seems that Cassian has a very big family.]

Then perhaps I judge them too harshly.

[Augustine the critic.]

The lab rat angle is certainly better than the "nothing" the scientists uncovered during the years. I would rather that explanation than none at all but to what means? That is what nags at me now.

Edited (/just because I almost never use this damn icon!) 2018-03-09 02:01 (UTC)

[ So he's bothered by the kind of death this place has in store for them. Good, Cassian decides, maybe this will make him think twice the next time before he tries to stir up violence. Unlikely, but a small hope is better than none.

For now he's momentarily distracted by catching sight of a tiny white and blue fluff ball curled up at the far end of the couch, half buried under a pillow but watching him with eager, gleaming eyes. He has just enough time to brace himself before the little fluff ball explodes into motion and rushes him, clinging to his chest. He grumbles to himself and holds the Pachirisu cradled against his chest; he really doesn't want to have a bushy tail smacking into his face for this conversation.]

I have no idea what our purpose is. Well, we know the purpose of the cities, to some extent. The fear generated by Everglade holds up the barrier. It stands to reason that our presence plays into it. That we too are batteries of some kind. Or maybe we are just pets. There's no knowing at this point. There was a scientist, a Doctor Moore, who dedicated her career to uncovering the past of the cities and she made good progress. [ He pauses for effect. ] But what do you think? Just as soon as she was getting somewhere she was gone... That's part of the problem. Knowledge keeps getting lost before it can be effectively shared or filed.

[Augustine shifts a little in his chair. It's been a long day already and it's not over just yet. The evening is slowly approaching about he's starting to feel mildly constricted in his beautiful office. Usually Augustine is already on his way home. The journey back to the apartment is an arduous one since he does live mildly far out.]

Aw. [Augustine's seemingly icy exterior melts a little once he sees glimpses of that cute ball of fluff. The creature reminds him so much of his little darlings a home. These two share that in common and that mildly worries him some.]

I've read that nearly everything in this realm is fueled by our presence whether it be fear, happiness or sadness. The barriers need our energy to keep things afloat here but I didn't it would be true. [He's a skeptic.] We could be both lab rats and pets, couldn't we?

[Augustine states as he pushes away from the desk. He rises out of his chair in favor of stretching his legs some.

He's been sitting down most of the day. One thing that Cassian probably knows already just by looking at Augustine is that he's eccentric as hell. The vampire or rather "dhampir" has a quirky sense of style that borderlines avant guarde but seems just too practiced to be experimental. That explains why despite the fact he's in this stylish gothic suit that he chosen to wear a dainty pair of "red-bottom" stylish black heels. He's a very odd fellow but he damned if he doesn't look like he shouldn't be on the catwalk.]

Doctor Moore? [A curious hum escapes him as he moves towards the window. He's just gazing out the window for now.] Now that's a name I haven't heard.

[He frowns some.]

That's vexing. How is anyone expected to solve the riddles here if the clues keep getting lost? We're in a dire situation, one that seems utterly inescapable but for some of us, I can imagine most are complacent.

Edited 2018-03-09 16:09 (UTC)

It's not that people are complacent, there are plenty of people working on it. It's just difficult under the circumstances and they have better things to do than to make a public spectacle out of their work.

[ It's work being done quietly and efficiently. Cassian's mood sours again at the reminder that it's the same with their Guardian work - but if it isn't advertised all over the network you get slandered for inactivity. His Pachirisu seems to sense the mood shift and butts her little head under his chin to demand more petting. ]

There's the Genessia Scientific Research Foundation, for which Doctor Moore used to work as well. It's headed by Weiss Schnee these days... yes, Schnee as in Schnee Corp, but the company is her brother's.

[ He lets his eyes wander over Augustine's clothes, taking in the attire which is bizarrely elaborate to him. It looks like something that would fit right in on Naboo. Nothing like his own outfit of off-white shirt and fatigues, clothes fashioned after the uniform he's worn for half his life and still feels most comfortable in.

He heaves a heavy sigh. ] Either way, I'm sure you won't find your situation here all that dire. You feed off strife so you will do just fine with the regular catastrophes inflicted on us. It should keep you entertained for as long as you are kept here.

[Work being done quietly, hm? Augustine can understand that at least. Not everything needs to be placed on display for the world to see. It's more respectable for these researchers to keep some semblance of secrecy among them. It makes sense for them to do so, doesn't it?]

...I suppose. [Augustine mutters under his breath as he leans against the wall.] However, silence can be seen as inactivity to those not in the know. It's easy for assumptions to be made...quite similarly to what I've done.

[Is he admitting faults here? Heavens no! Augustine would never---]

Ah, the GSRF. I heard about them briefly from another. They're a nonprofit organization, yes? I didn't know about their ties with the Schnee folks.

[There's a lot he didn't know but he doesn't want to admit it.]

Pardon but I do not "feed" off of strife! [He glares ito the screen as he approaches the desk now.] The whole truth behind this little ruse is to keep Marco out of prison! Can you not tell?

Sway the public's opinion to save a man who's desperate for answers.

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captain_by_the_book - 2018-03-09 19:25 (UTC) - Expand

℘ Dear Anon [text; anonymous]

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