[video]

[swissarmyjesus]

[This is the first time Chuck has ever shown his face on the network, so he's looking a little nervous when the video starts up. It doesn't help that, in the worst case scenario, he's about to open himself to potential murder here. Still, he forces a more or less casual expression as the video starts.]

So. I know you, but you don't me. I'm Chuck--moved into town about a year ago, and been on this network since January.

...I'm also a Blood Key. [Chuck grabs the neckline of his shirt and pulls it down to show the keyhole tattoo on camera.] Now, before any of you start sharpening your axes, I'm saying that to try and help--trust me, I think what's going on here is just as messed up as you do, and I have information I bet you guys could use.

So instead of trying to kill me, just...think of me as your man on the inside. [He puts on a confident grin, almost leaning into a smirk.] Deal?

Comments

[wonk]

do

do u have anything on the mob

[swissarmyjesus]

Only a little. Why, what do you want to know?

[Video]

[originaloddcouple]

...Sorry buddy, it's been a while, and I'm sure it sounds familiar but...

Who are the Blood Keys again?

Its on the tip of my tongue, I swear.

[Video]

[swissarmyjesus]

... You're joking, right?

video;

[orangehoodie]

That sounds suspicious as hell. How do we know you're telling the truth anyway?

video;

[swissarmyjesus]

Uh, who else would have a keyhole tattoo on their chest?

Voice.

[flamberge]

Our man on the inside and theirs, as well?

[The question is asked without a hint of aggression, said in a more matter-of-fact way than anything else. Is he mad at the guy for being a Key? Nah. It he a cautious asshole not afraid to be blunt? You know it.]

Voice.

[swissarmyjesus]

[wow, got him in one. Not like Chuck can say that.]

No way, of course not! Why would I be helping them too?

[audio] - so sorry

[jasminebloominginshadow]

Are you kidding me?!

You bastards nearly got me killed a few months back and now you're expecting us to just buy into this?!

[video] no, don't be, i was waiting for this

[swissarmyjesus]

Look, I'm sorry, okay? I have no idea what happened, I wasn't there, but I can tell you, I've never killed anyone before! I've never even tried.

video;

[purestambition]

[ Saretha looks... amused. This is probably a bad sign. ]

That really just begs the question - what can you offer us? As a... peace offering, lets say?

video;

[swissarmyjesus]

...like what do you mean?

video

[sucrosity]

[ Chuck she is Disappoint.

Disappoint, and also Pissed Off. ] You--! Is that how you found out about Reagan?

video

[swissarmyjesus]

[Oh, look. One of the few network people he knew beforehand and didn't outright mistrust. This is a little more personal than the other conversations, so this stings a little more.]

...Yeah, kinda.

[Video]

[notspecial]

[Huh. Evan's kind of distracted by something first.]

Hey, haven't I seen you at school?

[A beat, as he remembers what this video was supposed to be about.]

...Wait, and you're one of those gang members?!

[Video]

[swissarmyjesus]

[hahaha oh crap he didn't think about schoolmates being on this.]

Uh...yeah, kinda.

[Video]

[allformii_ko]

Those people smell bad!

[How enlightening, Mimi.]

[Video]

[swissarmyjesus]

Excuse me?

[He smells SHOWER FRESH, according to his healthily applied deodorant, thank you very much!]

voice

[featherduster]

[ This is either brave or stupid or a generous mixture of the two. He can kind of appreciate that. ]

W~ow, how generous and heroic!

So what's in it for you?

video

[swissarmyjesus]

Helping find a way to keep them from hurting or kidnapping or killing anyone else. That good enough a reason for you?

Audio;

[knights_king]

You're putting yourself in a lotta danger. [Speaking from a guy who's seen enough violence already.]

video;

[swissarmyjesus]

Yeah, like we're not all in a lot of danger just by being on this network already.

[audio]

[neonnerd]

[He recognizes that number - the boy with the robotic arms, who Benjamin showed his own arm buzzsaw to in an attempt to spark an echo.]

How long have you been a Blood Key?

[video]

[swissarmyjesus]

Since January. I actually got my magic numbers right after I joined them.

[Voice]

[gobybessie]

Out of curiosity. What is it that makes someone join the Blood Keys, hm?

[Voice]

[swissarmyjesus]

[Well. That's a question he didn't expect to get.]

Friends, mostly. Most of mine were already in the gang.

[voice]

[seed_of_memory]

There are several things you need to do if you are to be successful at this.

You need an exit strategy for every situation. Do whatever you can to prepare for any location you go to them with. There will be imperfect situations, but you must always keep this in mind.

Do not keep anything that might implicate you on hand. It may be wise to communicate via messages on written paper. Dispose of them when not in use. I recommend burning them.

Do not keep possession of anything that might implicate you as disloyal.

Arrange a meeting place for anyone who is helping you stay safe. It should be different each time. Do not sure this with any other Blood Keys, or with anyone else on the network. Keep it between yourself and your contact.

[voice]

[swissarmyjesus]

Wow, jeez. [He's momentarily shocked into silence before he breaks out into a confident grin again.]

Don't worry, calm down, I've got it handled! Besides, it's not like they can implicate me when all of it's on a secret network no one else can see!

[Audio]

[dead_black_eyes]

You're asking for trust. So... if you really want it that badly, why the change of heart? People don't turncoat without a reason.

[video]

[swissarmyjesus]

You want a reason for me ratting out the Keys?

Private | Text

[evowhisperer]

*Cesar's fingers are hitting keys the instant the video ends.*

Jesús, what do you think you're doing?

*No. He backspaces without sending.

What do you mean you're a blood ke

*Backspacing.*

*How long have you been

*Backspacing. Cesar lifts his hands from the keys, tugging his own hair. He barely knows this kid. What he does isn't Cesar's responsibility, or even really his concern. They're not even family. Not real family. If it were his real brother, Cesar would corner him and demand every answer he could ask.*

*His real brother is missing. His past brother is distant. Cesar forces himself to rein in his response.*

What are you doing?

Private | video

[swissarmyjesus]

[he was dreading this conversation. Cesar was one of the only network people he'd met in person, and they apparently had history in these weird memories of theirs. Very few other people had any sort of expectations of him that this revelation would ruin.]

What does it look like? I'm offering help.