acatalepsy_rpg | [video] el minha

[after the Syndicate and the King have sent their messages, the Circle's watches light up with a third unceremonious communication -- but hey, at least it's someone from their number this time. Vern's scowling, but his tone's even enough.]

Hey.

Astoria wants us to change things here, right? I submit that the best way to do that is to take advantage of what we are. I know a lot of us have been getting to know people and getting more involved with the city, but when it comes down to it, we're neutral outsiders. Sometimes you need those, in a place like this: people with clear eyes and no strong prior investment except maybe a general wish to not see the people of this city offing themselves.

I've got a proposal. I don't know all your powers and backgrounds, but I know we've got a pretty good range of skills and capabilities here. I think we'd do well to split ourselves up. Some of us can concentrate on mediating -- break up fights in the street, take care of those who get caught up, try to damp down things before they can blow up into fights in the first place.

And some of us go figure out what in the hells the truth is behind this. I think a lot of us figure this poor child's death was preplanned in some way -- I certainly overheard talk that pointed to that myself -- but we're not sure exactly what the angle is here. Are the Syndicate just trying to kill the King? Take control of the seat of power? Some of us have figured out that there's no obvious natural water sources that would support this city, and the King's got some sort of blessing -- if the King controls the water, is that the power that's being fought over, rather than the actual throne?

Let's find out, and then let's figure out a way to use that to calm everyone down. If that takes locking the Crown and the Syndicate leaders in a room until they kiss and make up, or some kind of public broadcast, let's make it happen.

If you're up for this, we can form groups and take objectives. I'm not a great organizer, but even I can figure out where you're most likely to be useful if you need help.

And if you'd rather do your own thing -- well, go ahead. I'm not your leader or your mother.

[...he pauses as something obviously distracts him, eyes going briefly unfocused behind his glasses, listening to something that can't be seen on the screen]

Ah, and the King's just told me not to trust the Guard, and to find someone named Jalin, and now he seems to be occupied and won't tell me any more. So that's an extra complication. Anyone recognize that name?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Has anyone seen Kathashun in person since he sent that message?

[it's an idle thought, one that hadn't even crossed his mind until Geir asked that question]

What if he's in a position where he can't talk to him?

Maybe he is, but if they trust each other, why didn't they talk before all this happened! Who's the leader of the Syndicate, anyway?! They must both be stupid.

[Geir doesn't know much about humans, but a war taking place between two parties whose leaders apparently like and trust each other seems self-evidently moronic to him.]

[FOR SOME REASON. . . this makes Akira laugh, a short and staccato noise]

Sometimes, leaders are just very stupid. Or very bad at communication.

It's very annoying. And now we have to clean up after them... hmph!

[that rates a HUGE HUFF, apparently.]

What do you think is the most important thing to do first?