(Untitled)

[in_the_cracks]

Telrim was in the process of walking straight through this area, intent on a task that led her elsewhere in a hurry. But her steps slow as she takes notice of where she is; she turns to frown at the sign, brushing a strand of hair from her eyes as she hesitates. She takes a chair, in the end, rubbing her head. She feels another headache coming on.

Comments

[mind_your_elder]

I should like to be present.

*The old bird speaks as it approaches, long legs folding as it crouches down to Telrim and Natasha's eye level, its own eyes narrowed against the glare of the sign.*

To lend what aid I may, or at the very least to bear witness.

[in_the_cracks]

She's a little sluggish in her response, as if she wasn't expecting an answer - hadn't thought quite that far ahead. There's plenty in the recent past to distract her. Still, Telrim pulls herself together, exerts enough control to assume some kind of composure, and nods to Kian'shar.

"Given the choice, I think I'd prefer the same. At least that way you know if you're needed or not. Although... I suppose it's more important to be useful than to be there."

[mind_your_elder]

Truly said. What has happened?

[in_the_cracks]

This time the pause is a more familiar one - that of the Yeerk screening her own words. Her tone when she explains is merely tired, though. There isn't much energy she can spare for wariness.

"One of our bases was destroyed in an attack. Fortunately, most of those who had hosts escaped..." She's a little quieter, then. "But there were many people who couldn't."

[mind_your_elder]

I am sorry to hear it. That you are yet well is at least some small balm.

[in_the_cracks]

It seems like such a small thing, considering. But she shouldn't really take it for granted. "I was... fortunate, not to be within range of the blast. I'm afraid there isn't much left of Natasha's hometown. But this is only the beginning, now the humans know we're there."

[mind_your_elder]

*The feathered head dips in a nod.*

What do you wish to do?

[in_the_cracks]

"Wish to do?" There's a harsh edge in her brief smile. "I very much wish to get my hands on the humans responsible. Realistically, however, we have our plans and our orders. At this stage in the game you just... get down to the unpleasant business. On the bright side, I no longer need to worry about legality when it comes to acquiring human artifacts."

No more persuading curators and playing nicely with all the paperwork, no more bland smiling and pretense. She's in a mood to enjoy that, though she doesn't expect Kian'shar to approve of her fun.

[mind_your_elder]

The nature of conflict is understood. What will be your preferred method, now?

[in_the_cracks]

"The simplest one. Obtain co-ordinates, PINpoint in, eliminate any obstacles, and take what we require. That shouldn't pose any difficulty. Their security is laughable."

Although there's the twitch of a grimace at that part. Their own security is obviously far from perfect.

[mind_your_elder]

What we cannot imagine will always surprise us.

[in_the_cracks]

"I've learned too much about humans not to expect surprises. But that's a problem for our real forces.I doubt the humans will ever have time to work out who my friends and I are. Let alone what we're doing."

[mind_your_elder]

Meaning you, personally, and your closest allies are most likely to come through unscathed. If that is your highest concern, then I offer felicitations upon most likely achieving it.

[in_the_cracks]

Too soon, too close to a still-raw nerve, and there's a surge of fury in the Controller's expression, white-hot and bitter, cracking that careful mask from beneath.

"My highest concern," and she snaps it, "is the rest of our campaign. This wasn't our first loss; I'm not stupid enough to think it will be our last. And the people I care about are no safer than anyone else. But we need this planet, and we will take it. No matter what tricks the humans try, no matter how much pain it costs."

[mind_your_elder]

*The old bird's placidity is undisturbed by the outburst; it simply inclines its head in acknowledgment of Telrim's words.*

An unfortunate currency. You, of all your people, know of alternative coin.

[in_the_cracks]

Deal nicely with them? Now? She holds back the worst of her bile, though it's there in her voice, a venomous undertone. "If there's a better way to get what we need, we'd be fascinated to hear it.Those billions of hosts will guarantee us the war. Perhaps some will have the sense to strike a deal. Anyone else is standing between us and a safe future."