bando: first blood part two

[bypartisan]

Can anyone hear this?

Just so everyone knows, I'm dead again. Please let me know if my soulless body is roaming around liminal. Currently my consciousness seems to have been summoned and somewhat bound to this world by the Master Summoner of the Sun Guard. He's asked me to spy on a woman named Sora. According to the information I've been able to exchange with a delightfully gossipy ghost named Keiko, Mademoiselle Sora is actually the Summoner's long-lost and estranged daughter, Ran, who ran off from the monastery ten years ago and is currently a Suzuki Riflewoman.

Keiko also assures me that Ridou and Ritsuki--that is, Riddick and Valeri--are adorable together, but I digress.

I did have to explain werewolves to the Summoner, but I managed to distract him enough by explaining the transformation process that he didn't think to press for the rest of my origins or my own mission. I wouldn't say he trusts me, per se, but he seems to recognize that in my ghostly state I can't exactly report to any of the other major players and that I could be of some use to him as I am. And I presented myself as being very willing indeed.

I'll let people know when I have more news. As it is, it's been a while since we've had an information pooling conversation. If you can hear me and you have something to share, please report in.

Comments

[bypartisan]

Then we ought to see if we can find someone competent to puppet him.

[amadine]

That's one avenue, though it would be a gross understatement to say that competence is thin on the ground here. And not unintentionally, I'd imagine - a skilled leader might pose a threat to the infighting and dependence of the provinces.

[bypartisan]

Exactly.

... the tattooist of the Sun Guard seemed somewhat competent when I talked to her. I can't think of many--if any--others.

[amadine]

There might be someone amongst the Mibugumi's officers. They'd need a certain facility with command, at least, though I'll admit I didn't quite run in any of the same circles as any of their number.

[bypartisan]

Nor did I, unfortunately.

[amadine]

And it's late in the game to cultivate those contacts now. Infiltrating is damnably inconvenient sometimes.

[bypartisan]

Oh yes. I'd love another Jaunt where I got to Investigate right from the start, even if it is another Nova Venezia.

[amadine]

Nova Venezia wasn't so bad from where I stood, though it did serve as proof that the majority of our number can neither lie convincingly nor gather information worth a damn.

[bypartisan]

... well, yes. And that even those of us who should be able to can be undone by hubris and end up being kidnapped and interrogated by a crime lord.

[Who he became fond of later BUT THAT IS NOT THE POINT.]

[amadine]

If it's any consolation, most crime lords are paranoid, violent bastards who don't scruple at interrogating anyone who strikes them as the slightest bit suspicious for any reason. It's how they amass their power, and avoid being shot down immediately by the next lunatic who wants it.

[bypartisan]

Oh, I know that. Back home, I practically have one for a father-in-law.

[capital_asset]

Ridou might be competent, but I think he'd also be extremely reluctant to take a leadership position. He might be better suited to an advisory role.

...As would some of the dead, for that matter, although Chiyo would probably be one of the better people to ask about that.

[bypartisan]

Well, at least if our little yelling puppet has decent advisors...

... perhaps I'll pop in to see her if I've the time.

[capital_asset]

Decent, well-protected advisors.

And that's probably a good idea. How much freedom of movement do you have?

[bypartisan]

A decent amount. I'm not sure if it'll get me to Nakamatou but I'll surely try.