[voice/telepathy, ota]

[rebells]

About those messages we've been receiving from the government--if the danger to the coven as a whole doesn't dissuade you from taking their deal, the fact that it's almost certainly a trap should. Shehui is suspicious and fearful of magic, and they must know that we all have it by now. Why would they just let us live among them?

We've been placed in not one, but two situations beyond our control. The only advantage we have is our own numbers, so we need to stick together, take care of one another, and find a way out of this as a group.

If you haven't been following our conversations, we're working on a plan to free those of us who have been captured. Anyone with skills in fighting, reconnaissance, or infiltration who is willing to help should contact Dirk or Percival. Likewise, those of you who are in detention, please keep us updated on what's going on down there. We're working as quickly as we can.

Everyone else, stay close to others in the coven if possible. Be on your guard, and let us know if you get into trouble.

Comments

private to percival, dirk, roy, 9s, shiro, (others to be added?)

[rebells]

That said, we can't afford to assume we won't be informed on. We should keep that in mind.

I'm having this conversation with you because you seem competent and willing to take charge of the situation. Let me know if there's anyone else who should be part of this discussion.

[spaceforged]

As much as I'd like to say no one would turn anyone else in...you're right. It would be a good idea to keep any sensitive information out of the public talks. Just in case.

[rebells]

Yes. I don't think we can realistically conceal that there's a plan, or the general contours of it, but the specifics should be kept on a need-to-know basis.

[spaceforged]

The authorities likely know there's a plan anyway. Why try to bribe someone if you think they're not going to oppose you? Personally, I think they're trying to lure more people to them.

[rebells]

Honestly, I think they'd want information either way. I can only assume the people in the cells aren't giving it to them.

[lohengrins]

The authorities of this land have weaponized their pleasantries against us time and time again — there is no trusting them. Their have an advantage over us; regardless of whatever it is they'd like to negotiate, it's unlikely that anything good will come of it. There is no living among them; after this, leaving is the only option that will leave us intact.

It's grim — but their actions supersede their words.

As for the specifics, I'm in agreement. Those who need to play their part can do so accordingly. But the stakes are high, and people are fearful.

[rebells]

I agree. The question is just whether others will see it that way. Especially if, as you said, they're afraid.

[splinten]

Agreed. Better not to risk it.

That said, there was this really helpful saying on Ancient Earth that goes 'snitches get stitches.' Anyone jeopardizing this mission is going to learn about it.

[lohengrins]

Well put.

[rebells]

You always have some colorful saying.

. . . let me know if you need anything.

[That's the closest he's going to come to 'are you all right?']

[splinten]

Have you been in touch with the people they took?

[this fails to be an answer, but maybe it is.]

[rebells]

I've been able to get through to Shirley. She seems--

[okay, considering the circumstances, maybe, but he falls silent instead of finishing that thought.]

Apparently they're just being held for now. She gave me some details about the inside of the building.

. . . what about you?

[insubordination]

[ it's a smart idea. and throughout the day, riza has been feeding him information from within the cells. it takes some moments for roy to respond, figuring out what he wants to say. ]

I've given specifics of the plan to the people on the inside capable of assisting and readying the less-capable prisoners to be ready to run, once we're inside. I've avoided sharing the specifics to the people less able to withstand any interrogation the city may use.

[ so. the soldiers have the plan. jusis, julius, and riza. anyone else, not so much. sorry, kids. ]

Colonel Hawkeye has been feeding me information from inside the prison to the best of her ability, throughout the day. Any information shared here will be shared with her, first and foremost. [ just putting y'all on notice. ] Other than that, most of you know more about the people here than I do. I only know those who offered to help when I asked for information on how to do so a few weeks ago.

[rebells]

That's a good idea. I'm glad there's someone you consider reliable on the inside, at least.

[He'd prefer not to have to go off the opinions of people he sort of knows here, but he recognizes that there isn't much of a choice.]

I've already shared this with people I consider capable, but I have been remiss in getting to know some of the newer arrivals. I don't think I caught your message; we may want to talk when things are resolved.

[insubordination]

Your name came up multiple times during my ask for intel. I was planning on reaching out myself when Colonel Hawkeye was taken into custody.

[ and, you know. riza being taken into custody is way more important than this shit. ]

Situations happen, unfortunately. We can collaborate after we get everyone out of whatever prison the monitors, or whoever else, has taken them to. Until then, we can focus on this.

Who do you consider capable on the inside, if you don't mind sharing. I'd rather not put too much pressure on someone unable to handle it.

[rebells]

We're in agreement on that.

. . . I don't know everyone on that list, unfortunately. Julius and Jusis have seemed thoughtful and capable, from my interactions with them. You can trust Haru and Jade with some responsibility--they'd been helping me back when we were on the hub island--but I don't know how well either would stand up to harsh interrogation. [A pause.] Dirk would know Jade's abilities better than I would. Madoka and Shirley are tougher than they look, but neither is used to this sort of operation. I don't know Ruby well, but she seemed decidedly timid when we spoke.

Geir is something of an odd case . . . have you met? He's the dragon.

[deem]

2B and A2 are more capable fighters than me, and more experienced. You can trust them.

We should probably make ourselves more difficult to find.

[talim]

I spoke to Percival, and I'll be on healing duty if needed. That being said, I hope it doesn't come to that.

Thanks for this, Jay.

... Lately, I can't help but reflect on what you said in the beginning about seeking out the unpleasant secrets of this place. You were right all along.

[rebells]

I felt someone ought to say it. And of course. Every place has its unpleasant secrets; it's just a matter of how well-hidden they are.

[talim]

In terms of hiding it, they didn't do a very good job, did they?

But I don't think any of us expected it to escalate this far.

[rebells]

[Darkly:]

We still don't know what they want from us. If they just wanted to get rid of us, they could have done that by now.

[gimmecandy]

-The voice across the telepathic void sounds mature, almost soothing in its tone.- You seem very assured of your position, regarding Shehui. Do you have much experience in this regard?

[rebells]

[Careful:]

My experience comes from careful observation over the months I've spent here. Do you disagree with my position?

[gimmecandy]

My experience tells me that the people of Shehui are suspicious and fearful of that which they don't understand. I have been routinely subject to xenophobic practices since my arrival. But this... is nothing new.

-A youthful, bright, cheery tone chimes in, though clearly still the same voice.- It's an aspect of humanity, after all~!

[rebells]

It is. I'm not condemning the people of Shehui. Merely pointing out that their government seems to have it out for us.