genessia | [Video]

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[Winter's image snaps crisply into place on the screen, her expression calm and composed as it usually is. She stands stiffly, hands behind her back, and inclines her head once.]

Greetings. I am in need of candidates with experience in marine exploration. Combat skills are not necessary, but a plus. Contact me so that I can evaluate the most appropriate candidates for a small team.

[Her chin lifts slightly, and that's the end. Well that was brief.]

-------------------

[Private to Weiss]

You may wish to come along for this one. That is, if you don't mind getting a little wet.

[Winter smiles, a mild twinkle in her eyes.]

[Private to Cassian]

Your name was absent from the list of election candidates. Explain.

[After he gave her that lecture about stepping up too, WHAT GIVES PUNK.]

[Private to Sidon]

I've recently discovered a settlement of merfolk within Fayren. I wish to explore further. Given your environmental prowess and exceptional diplomatic skills, your name is the first to come to mind to serve as a teammate. Are you interested?

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[ Well. This is...

Actually, why does he feel like he has just been called to General Draven's office for a dressing down? Because that's exactly how he feels. ]

Yes, it is absent. [ And he is sounding wary, which is at least a little bit more dignified than sounding as cowed as he feels. ] I thought you would be pleased to see me making room for someone more qualified.

As you can see, I am not.

[Because it's just so easy to tell her 'displeased' face from her 'normal' face, isn't it?]

I believe I requested an explanation.

[ !!!

It's so hard not to stand at attention for her.

Must. Resist. ]

After two consecutive terms, I decided that it is time to step aside and let someone else take the reins in Attleton. It's an elected position. I wouldn't want to treat it as a fiefdom.

[ Because that's the full truth. Sure. ]

You realize that Attleton's candidates include that temperamental buffoon Dante, and someone whose stated hobbies include...

[She brings up a neat slip of paper, reading from it verbatim.]

Explosions and murder.

[The paper goes down, and she eyes Cassian critically.]

You were not without fault, but those two are ill qualified for a position of leadership and protection.

[ Oh. She would not. His face tightens with displeasure. ]

I will not argue with you on the latter candidate, he is completely unqualified. But Deputy Dante has been serving Attleton longer than I have, and did in fact help me become acquainted with my job when I became Guardian. I can't think of anyone better qualified, or more dedicated to serving Attleton.

[ He narrows his eyes at her. ]

I would thank you to speak with more respect of Attleton's law enforcement, Captain.

Then it appears I must go without your gratitude. Respect must be earned. Your experiences may be pleasant, but I've witnessed only pettiness, unyielding pride, and a desire to solve complex emotional hang-ups with violence.

[She makes a small gesture with her hand.]

Were he to run for the position in Everglade, I would find him more suitable. Attleton, however, is a poor fit.

What Attleton needs is someone who understands Attleton and respects it for the town it is, and Deputy Dante does so. He is proud and he is cocky, I will give you that. But he has never failed in doing his duty, and putting duty first. Whatever he may have done or said to wound your pride, he has been an unfailingly good Deputy, and I could leave him in charge without worries. He has my trust and my respect.

[ And that's all there is to it for him, as the withering look clearly says. ]

And I'll disagree on Everglade. You seem to believe it needs someone violent. What it needs is someone with firm moral convictions and the willpower to enforce, whether it pleases people or not.

You are incorrect. I find him suitable for those very reasons you listed. However, as he isn't running for Everglade, the point is moot.

[She regards him coolly, silent for just long enough where it starts to become uncomfortable.]

Explain why you believe Dante is more qualified than you.

[Because that isn't matching up with the excuse he gave, especially if Dante really does intend to continue with the same agenda Cassian already set in place.]

[ And now she has him. He hesitates. He could steer the conversation back to an argument... but he's tried so hard to be better, be more genuine in Genessia, at least to the people whose opinions he values. ]

It... is not that I find him more qualified. He is qualified. But I didn't step aside for him, he chose to step up when I stepped down... I wouldn't have, if there weren't at least one candidate I trust.

[ But that's neither here nor there, is it? He frowns. ]

I had reasons which had nothing to do with Dante.

[Now she's getting to the heart of the matter. He gives her room to respond, but Winter elects to remain silent, waiting for further explanation. Her steadfast gaze urges him to continue. She's withholding judgment until she hears the truth.]

[ Curse you! Curse you, prettier, younger General Draven! It's so much harder to ignore the sheer presence she has now that he isn't distracted anymore by his outrage on Dante's behalf.

He averts his eyes, never mind that it's a sign of weakness. Showing weakness is the lesser evil right now. ]

There. I have put a great burden on K-2SO in the last year. I have relied heavily on him to fight my battles, as I always did. I owe it to him to do my part. To provide for us.

[ Still only a small part of the truth. ]

[Winter arches an eyebrow, again, inquiring silently for further explanation. Clearly that doesn't seem to make much sense to her. If they served as partners, they certainly spent plenty of time together. She's starting to believe she knows the real reason, but she wants to see if he says it first.]

And...?

[ "and" indeed. So many "and" to choose from, all these small frustrations and helplessnesses that have piled up while he found himself slipping... ]

And I've come to understand the limits of my power. All the compromises I have to make, the ways I have to compromise myself for politics. [ He squeezes his eyes shut and inhales heavily, a hand going up to pinch the bridge of his nose. ] I need a break from it. And I want to find out who I am when I'm not pretending for the sake of other people and some greater good. Things are as settled as they'll ever be. It has to be now. And I...

[ He has to find out who is left when he is stripped of the soldier. If there will be anything left. If he can exist without it. ]

[She listens carefully to his words as well as his mannerisms, watching his face, the gestures he makes.]

[And she understands more than she expected. That surprises her. Their difficulties are more similar than she'd like to admit, with the only difference being that she hasn't expressed her silent frustrations to a living soul.]

I see.

[There is no harsh criticism that follows, because she gets it. She'll stop pressing.]

I suggest that we speak under less formal circumstances when you have a moment. Do you care for tea?

[ He falls silent, slumping - stunned, relieved, so very relieved she hasn't pressed further while it feels like an interrogation, while she holds him accountable with the same doubts he has himself. Maybe, he wonders briefly, it wouldn't be so bad to talk about it properly - to someone who understands, maybe? After all, she was incapable to just return to Fayren after the mess with the royal family. ]

I wouldn't be averse to it.

[ There's the caution again, for opening up feels like setting himself up for another kick in the groin but... Maybe. ]

I will have a lot of free time come July. [ More than he knows what to do with. More than he can handle. He needs to be busy. When he doesn't keep busy... bad things happen if he doesn't keep busy. ] But I wouldn't mind meeting sooner.

[Sometimes people need a kick to the groin, and Winter's got the right boots for it.]

Very well. One moment.

[She reaches for a small black book in her vest and opens it, blue eyes flicking back and forth as she weighs her options.]

Tuesday, June 12th, 10 a.m. Is this agreeable to your schedule?

[ For a moment he finds himself surprised again... why, though? This is exactly what he should have expected. He checks his own schedule, nods. ]

That's agreeable. Tea then. Where would you like to meet? That teahouse in Fayren?

[ Look at him, trying to be accommodating. He's a little proud of himself for it.]

[Winter's head turns to regard him from another angle. Slowly, she begins to smile. That's because she knows what the weather is going to be like in Fayren that day. A little rain never hurt anyone, though, and tea really is best when it's cold or wet outside.]

Agreed.

Wear a hat.

[She inclines her head, and disconnects. Same abrupt departure as per usual. At least he doesn't have to worry about saluting her goodbye.]

Ah Winter! But of course!! I would love to join you! I cannot wait to see what other merfolk there are out there!

When do we leave?!

Edited 2018-06-06 17:33 (UTC)

Sunday. That will give us adequate time to make the necessary plans and preparation. I will contact you Friday for a team debriefing.

[Which means 'thank you' in Winterese.]

[It probably comes as little surprise to find a packet of papers delivered to Sidon's doorstep the following day, stamped 'CLASSIFIED' on the manila envelope. Within are brief notes about the others assigned to this mission, and details about Lake Bellaheim, a village of merfolk hidden in the mountains.]

[Winter states specifically that their mission is primarily one of diplomacy and exploration, and that while she doesn't expect hostilities, she has no former interactions with the denizens of the lake to know for certain and that preparations should be taken regardless as the journey there may not be without risk. She refers to the documents in the back featuring photos of the various monsters that dwell in the mountains, such as trolls and hobgoblins, as well as notes on their strengths, weaknesses, and optimal combat strategies.]

[Finally there's a list of essential and recommended gear for the journey, and a Scroll of Water-Breathing. Much as she trusts Satou's magic, she sees nothing wrong with having an alternative method should something go awry.]

[She's annoyingly thorough. But at least the team will be prepared.]

[as he looked through the papers, he did come to realize just how thorough she was. it was good for him as well, really, to gather up as much info as he could before going. they were going to meet with a race of people, after all! he needed to be on his best behavior, as a prince of the zora people.

now it was just time to wait until they have to depart.]

May I ask for more details, in regards to your marine exploration initiative? I can probably help, but I need to know the specifics before I can confidently agree.

For example, are we traveling on the surface or underwater? I'm not an expert at sailing, but I can provide oxygen and manipulate water if we're under the surface?

Underwater. I apologize for the necessity of clarification.

[It would be helpful to have a secondary method of breathing at hand, especially if it came with water manipulation.]

Your name.

Oh no, it's fine! I thought it was on purpose? If people aren't asking for clarifications, they aren't thinking about it enough?

My name is Satou Kuroneko. I'm a volunteer deputy in Attleton and detective in Everglade. For helping, my primary method is magic. I know a lot about the chemical and physical properties of water, so I can control it pretty easily with my magic.

[There's a faint glimmer of approval in Winter's eyes. There's a tactical edge to the way this girl thinks, and she likes that. Attleton means she's been working with Cassian, something that she also takes into silent consideration.]

What are your experiences with diplomacy and intercultural exchanges?

Hmm... I'd like to say I'm good at such things, since my job back home required I travel to many countries and meet many people from different cultures. However, Genessia is really different, with so many different species and sub-species.. I'm getting better since I started working in Everglade, but I wouldn't put it on my resume yet or anything.

I have an ability called 'empathy,' which allows me to sense emotions. It does help me figure out how to communicate across a language barrier.

[All good points, and honestly delivered. The evaluation thus far is favorable.]

Very good. I will let you know my decision no later than tomorrow.

Thank you. Good luck with the operation!

[It probably comes as little surprise to find a packet of papers delivered to Satou's doorstep the following day, stamped 'CLASSIFIED' on the manila envelope. Within are brief notes about the others assigned to this mission, and details about Lake Bellaheim, a village of merfolk hidden in the mountains.]

[Winter states specifically that their mission is primarily one of diplomacy and exploration, and that while she doesn't expect hostilities, she has no former interactions with the denizens of the lake to know for certain and that preparations should be taken regardless as the journey there may not be without risk. She refers to the documents in the back featuring photos of the various monsters that dwell in the mountains, such as trolls and hobgoblins, as well as notes on their strengths, weaknesses, and optimal combat strategies.]

[Finally there's a list of essential and recommended gear for the journey, and a Scroll of Water-Breathing. Much as she trusts Satou's magic, she sees nothing wrong with having an alternative method should something go awry.]

[She's annoyingly thorough. But at least the team will be prepared.]

[Satou will return her response quite soon after. It includes, first, a receipt for her purchasing the gear: The price has been cut off of the receipt, since Satou doesn't expect reimbursement. She just wants to show she's purchased the extra gear, so that Winter won't worry about that.

Agreeing with the combat strategies, Satou doesn't return any critics. She does include where she can assist best and which monsters expose her own weaknesses. This includes notes such as her specialty in ranged combat, and the fact that close combat wears her down quickly. In general... Just confirming that she can come, and making sure they're all ready to work together.]

The Doctor.

Currently bounty hunter and inventor and laboratory science analyst at Torchwood.

I understand a universal of languages and can speak just as many.

And fair in diplomacy and intercultural exchanges.

[The last remark those eyes look like they have a story or so to tell about that]

I see.

[Winter regards him coolly. They're interesting qualifications, but there may be some overlap with those she's already chosen. She decides to see how his other merits stack up.]

Summarize your combat experience. Are you able to accept and follow orders?

Talking myself out of danger and sword fighting.

Yes.

[As simple as the 'yes' is that remains to be seen how much of a lie that is. After all - circumstances that may not but could happen]

[Winter arches a brow.]

Your definition of 'combat experience' leaves much to be desired.

Your experience in combat, not the avoidance thereof.

[Super firm and dead serious with striking determined eyes]

My words are fighting. I've saved the multiverse with words

Thingw don't havef to resolved with a gun, arrow, nuclear, or sword. Just the first thing everyone seems to go for.

[His face has seen conflict; no doubt]

Not fighting back is smarter because usually then less or no one dies.

I believe I asked for a description, not a loose metaphor. Not a lecture on the benefits of pacifism. As I do not care to request information a third time, this interview is at an end.

Good day.

[She hangs up.]

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