006; text; computer

[kingside]

Is there any chance that we might negotiate for another week of relative peace before our enemies resume their efforts to eradicate us? Yes, I recognize that the chances are slim to nonexistent, but my capacity for higher reasoning seems to have vanished over the past few days.

On a more relevant note, I was toying with the idea of creating a survey that might give us a clearer picture of our numbers, age range, and so on— largely superficial data, in other words, that would not help to identify us individually but would help us to better organize ourselves. I have my doubts about whether a comprehensive database would be the best idea, but this seems a logical compromise. If I were to do this, would you be willing to participate? Suggestions for what to include would also be appreciated.

Lastly, we seem to be gaining newcomers daily. Many of you have already had this link handy to assist them, but I urge those of you who haven't to correct this. This lull in activity is likely the calm before the storm. We need to be prepared.

Comments

[secondcomingof]

I apologize, but I could only ever classify someone who wears sunglasses indoors as pretentious.

[kingside]

Don't be ridiculous. You know why I was wearing them.

[secondcomingof]

And what a shame. Eyes like that are to be admired, no?

[kingside]

If you keep up this sort of praise, you're never seeing them again.

[secondcomingof]

You'll miss mine too much.

[kingside]

What's that supposed to mean?

and then suddenly I put my private filter on???? scandalous,

[secondcomingof]

It means watching you playing at being an adult is rather cute.

If you actually manage to obtain any usable information out of this, you know what to do.

private | text | get out

[kingside]

You'd call it "playing" no matter what the circumstances, wouldn't you?

It's going to be collected on the network anyway, Captain, but yes, I'll bring items of note to your attention regardless.

[secondcomingof]

To my attention, hm? I wonder who gave you that sassy mouth of yours... mother or father?

[kingside]

[... Oh, no.]

That is not up for debate.

[secondcomingof]

I see.

You want to know what my old man did?

[kingside]

No.

[secondcomingof]

[ Oh so that's a yes then.

Good. ]

He killed people, for profit. Sold guns, missiles, that sort of thing. Illegal arms, all of them. Sent his fellow human beings to their deaths, all while maintaining a pleasant persona of the much beloved politician. Smiling in public while he slept around. Don't even know how many bastard brothers and sisters I must have. Never bothered to find out.

Rising above one's roots isn't easy, but it isn't impossible, either. I'm sure everyone here thinks that's exactly who I am, but I'm not.

I am aiming to change this world for the better, Mr. Blake. I'll rid it of the scourge... and I'll start by purging this city. Werewolves, traitorous authorities, what have you. They'll all be gone. I hope you're ready to get your hands dirty.

The real work begins soon.

[kingside]

[Brendan hadn't had much hope that Casval would spare him the details even after his no, but while he had been determined to ignore whatever story the man fed him, that resolution wavered the instant he actually read it. A background like that... Corrupt politicians were nothing new, as were illegal arms and indiscreet men, but all of it combined seems somehow too much. Is the captain making it up? But why bother fabricating that sort of legacy? What would be gained by it? Why pitch it to him, a lowly college student? Unless...

There's a lengthy pause before he responds, but Captain Mass can rest assured that his anger has been defused. Just steer away from any future talk of parents and all will be well. In the meantime—]

You seek to destroy what your father symbolized?

[secondcomingof]

That is correct, Mr. Blake.

And when my work is done, so shall I be.

[kingside]

[Interesting, but again— no, he has to ask.]

Why tell me this?

[secondcomingof]

Did you honestly think I was lying, when I said you had potential?

[kingside]

Telling me I have potential is very different from telling me that you've singled me out for recruitment.

Besides, you've taken your share of liberties with the truth. You'll have to forgive me if I find it difficult to take everything you say at face value.

[secondcomingof]

The truth is ultimately a subjective matter. What isn't is the presence of malaise in this world. Disease that must be eliminated for it to truly prosper.

The choice to believe or disbelieve is yours to make, but that is, and shall remain, a tenant of my philosophy. And given your choice of studies, I assumed it to be part of yours, as well.

[kingside]

You've been researching me? My studies?

[secondcomingof]

I told you pretentious wasn't so far off. How's PHIL 302 coming along? "Philosophy of Justice", hm? Interesting...

[kingside]

You overstep yourself, Captain.

[secondcomingof]

And if I said I was personally impressed with your progress, given the rigor of said studies?

[kingside]

You're still prying into my affairs.

[secondcomingof]

I can hear you huffing and puffing from over here, Brendan.

It's not terribly attractive.