[ Her other hand clenching around her towel doesn't escape his notice. For a second he thinks of Cap — it's something he probably would do, too. That frustration at realizing that people are going to have to die and there's nothing you can do about it; a frustration he will never feel.
But it's important. Amos can't help but watch his own hands for a moment, even though he's the one in control of them. He doesn't need to watch them—
Through his peripheral vision he sees Gavial looking at him, and his blue eyes rise up to meet hers, mildly troubled — at what her reaction might be. Not at what he's going to do.
And at her question, something in his chest that had once been tight loosens. ]
It's just about Cyrus. Nobody else. Nothing else. Not if it can be helped. [ Because, like she put it, this is about to become a real war. People die in wars; it's unavoidable. Hell, in another life he would've been one of those disposable grunts on the front line. ] Meridian's up on us by an Oracle. We cut off their head, they're going to flounder. I don't know what comes after that, but I'm not looking to do anything more. Just get to Cyrus. Take him out. Get out.
[ He stops fiddling with his hands. Rests them on his knees, flat and relaxed. Doesn't break from Gavial's gaze, clear and serious and honest as ever. ]
That's it. That's the entire mission. I just need help getting to him — nothing more.
[She’s not really sure why she’d asked the question. Maybe the idea of trying to help the people getting attacked in Springstar and then turning around to lend someone a hand in cutting the head off the proverbial serpent feels like the biggest kind of hypocritical dick move. But whether this bid to make a move against Cyrus is successful or not, it will escalate things. People are gonna get hurt no matter what—it’s just a matter of when. A retaliation would be coming, but if Amos does manage to take the man out, it might be a delayed one. If he’s right, then it could give them an edge, and… maybe the time they need to make the logistics of this make sense.
She doesn't like that it's finally coming to this. If it were anyone other than Amos bringing this to her, she'd probably laugh in their face and tell them good luck. It's him, though, and after being here for the better part of a year, she still doesn't have a clue what could possibly stop this seemingly inevitable conflict. Change has gotta happen.
She sighs. Finally lets her hand drop from his shoulder and buries it in the tangle of sheets behind her for stability as she leans back a little.]
I hate the sneaky shit around this sort of thing, but it’s probably the cleanest way to get it done if it has to happen.
[It’s just not her style. Cyrus has to die? It’s not like she’s excited about it, but fine. It’s war and she’s not calling the shots. But she’d rather opt for an open challenge. Problem is, smart people don’t agree to a fight to the death if they might lose. She’s pretty sure Cyrus is smart.]
If you need help getting in there with minimal casualties—or just getting out—yeah... I can help if you need it. If you’re gonna do this, we gotta make sure it works. There’s no undo button if things go to hell.
[ They're almost of the same mind here. Almost. Her sigh is a little worrying, especially since Amos doesn't feel her trepidation in where this escalation is going to go — but Gavial elaborating puts him right back at ease.
Because Amos isn't big on the sneaky shit either; if he could just challenge Cyrus to open combat (and then shoot him Indiana Jones style) he would, but... yeah. That would never happen.
He's of half a mind to reach out and clasp her shoulder, but considering the way she just let go of him... maybe it's better to just leave it for now. ]
Yeah. I know. I get one shot, and it's gotta count. That's why I need help... Thank you.
[ Because yeah, he's got all of Zenith's resources at his fingertips, but he's an Exalt. He has his people. He likes Gavial, trusts Gavial, will feel more confident with Gavial on board. ]
I picked up some more magic that should help me get to him. That Pass Without Trace spell. But it's better if I don't run into anyone else on the way, or if everyone else is distracted, so... yeah. If you can help cause a scene, draw as many people to you as you can, keep them busy... If I can just get to him then it'll be over that much faster. Better chance at success.
[ A beat as he searches her eyes. Doesn't know what he's searching for — acceptance? Acquiescence? Friendship? ]
Better chance that fewer people get hurt too. I can let you know as soon as it's done... I set up a cornerstone in their academic district a while back you could use to get out. Or there might be others around the city. Anything Zenith can throw at this I got available, so you'll have a way out too. No problem.
It helps to just think of getting involved with this to be more about helping a friend with a (grim) task he’s been given, rather than the broader implications of being complicit in kicking the hornet’s nest of the simmering war into action. And she kind of hates that she even wants to rationalize it like that—it’s stupid and cowardly when she’s undeniably getting involved—but it at least makes it make more sense in the current moment.
He says he needs her on board, so she will be. It doesn’t need to be any more complicated than that, even if it really is. His searching gaze finds hers meeting him with unfaltering determination. The crease of her brows might speak of a little bit of conflicted feeling, but she’s not gonna let him go into this mess totally alone.]
Less people getting hurt is all I’m asking for. [Foolish and idealistic as it feels to say it out loud, but it’s the truth. Things might be ramping up around here, but they didn’t need to make it other people’s problem until absolutely necessary.] If I head back out to Springstar again before this all goes off, I’ll… scout around, make sure I know where everything’s at.
[She’s really gotta fall back into her old mercenary mindset to square this all, at least until it’s off the ground. Then… well, there’s no turning back.]
So if you need a distraction to keep attention away, then I can be real good at causing a scene.
[ A low exhale. A pause, before Amos decides to reach out to her after all, broadcasted movements before his hand rests on her shoulder. A tentative smile.
Because Amos can't read the conflict in her expression. Would Cap agree to help him with something like this, if he was here, if he was Zenith? ... No, he probably wouldn't, and it's the first time Amos has really considered that. He'd trusted Holden to be on the right team, but it's been years since he last saw him. He's pledged himself to Yima now, and she wants this done, so the part where the two would almost certainly be at odds doesn't so much as register for him.
This is war. War is messy. Yima wants this. Yima is his person now, above all others.
Gavial is determined to help him, and only wants as few people to get hurt as possible. It's a good goal, so that's all he sees. ]
Yeah, I figured you might be. [ Good at causing a scene. A bit of levity, right? Since the peskiness of the matter is solved — Gavial is on board. ] Don't think I should really go there until it's time, but anything you can do to help in advance too, that's awesome. There's gotta be a less populated area nearby or something to draw people to. Somewhere you can get a little destructive without actually hurting anybody. Lure people out of their capital... I think there was a park nearby or something? Last time I was there I was with you, so I dunno...
[ He shrugs it off. Gives her shoulder a friendly little shake before withdrawing, hands folded back in his lap. There's no fidgeting anymore. ]
[She should probably feel better about the trust he’s putting in her. It’s like… she does, and she doesn’t. It might be case closed, she’s on board, but the whole thing is already starting to give her a bad feeling.
At least causing a scene should be an easy mode task, considering the state Springstar’s been in over recent weeks. All signs were pointing at those monsters plaguing the streets coming from the Below, but that didn’t stop a lot of the civilians there giving her the stink-eye and all but leveling suspicions her way about Zenith’s involvement. She’d figured it just for nonsense, but this is starting to make her rethink that a little. Though, surely if Amos knew anything about a connection there, he’d tell her. Right?
Ugh, these are exactly the mind games she hates, and as much as the thought of it makes her want to grimace, she refrains. So instead she tries to give a smile in return at that friendly touch of his, but it’s definitely not as lively as those that typically brighten her face.]
Shouldn’t be too hard to cause trouble and draw some eyes away, especially with as messy as things are in the city lately…
[She lets the thought trail off, glancing away for just a moment before her gaze resettles on him.]
Just for the record, [she says, leaning in just a little closer,] I think this is an insane idea. But if it’s Yima calling the shots for this, there’s no backing down, right?
[Normally, she might think to buck against that idea. But after that meeting they’d had with Yima weeks back… maybe she’s not as fully confident in their leader as he clearly is, but there is something there.]
[ Gavial's goal, a good one: Limit the number of casualties. He's all for it.
Silco's goal, a good one: Sow chaos in Springstar, and it just so happens to be done via letting Ryad off its leash. He's all for it.
At no point does it cross Amos' mind that these two are in direct opposition of one another. They're related, and yet not at all — compartmentalized into totally different slots of his brain as he focuses on laying the groundwork, because the latter is setting the stage and the former is his good friend helping him out for a noble cause.
So as Gavial leans in he reciprocates, like they're affectionate friends speaking in hushed tones so as to not spoil a surprise party for someone else. Everything is fine. Everyone is getting what they want here. ]
Yup. No backing down. [ He says it amicably; confirming that the cake has been ordered. ] I know, it's a little nuts. I dunno if anyone's tried to assassinate a Tribune before, let alone if they pulled it off. Just gotta be smart about it, right? I... embraced Zenith fully, I guess. Figure that'll help me see it through.
[ He doesn't know how many before him have ever fully harmonized — maybe that'll be the difference maker for them and this insane plot. Why couldn't it be, right? ]
[She might find this is not quite the surprise party she’d been expecting to help set up. But it’s important to her friend, important to the shared cause they’re supposed to be in together with here, so. Yeah. She’ll do it.
And maybe it’s for the best to follow his lead here, if he’s as all-in on Zenith now as he says he is. She’s been too used to playing the neutral party for most of her life, but it’s been getting close to a year now since she’s shown up here. No longer on Terra, no longer with Rhodes Island—which means it’s no longer necessary to cling to that veil of neutrality that allowed them to do the work that they did. Particularly when she’s already thrown her lot in with one side. She’s gotta make good on that, or what’s the point?
So even if her own footing on treading the Zenith path is more unsteady, she’ll fall back on what matters to her at the most basic level: helping her friends out.]
Well, you don’t need to rely on that alone, alright? I got your back.
[Just gotta be smart about it, right. Gavial usually isn’t one to subscribe to the ‘fight smart not hard’ way of life, but she can see the value of it in something like this.]
Can’t call it a real successful mission unless you get back home when all is said and done.
[ Amos bumps their shoulders before pulling back a little, smiling as he does. She's got his back; he'll have hers if she ever asks for it, too. What else're friends for, right? ]
Well, yeah. I ain't exactly planning on dying.
[ There's good humour in his voice, though; he isn't dismissing the possibility or being flippant about it, but what else can you do, right? Everything is safe and calm right now; no sense in worrying at this exact moment. Especially not with such good company. ]
I mean, I know I might, but I'm working on taking steps to increase my odds. Picked up a new spell I wouldn't have thought to have otherwise that'll keep me stealthy, and... Shit. That's what I got you for, right? And there'll be others, too. We ain't alone.
[ He doesn't quite beam back at her, but there is warmth in his voice, to his expression. Like down in the basement, like in Highstorm proper, and like they will be on this mission — they aren't alone, and they'll all be the stronger for it. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
But it's important. Amos can't help but watch his own hands for a moment, even though he's the one in control of them. He doesn't need to watch them—
Through his peripheral vision he sees Gavial looking at him, and his blue eyes rise up to meet hers, mildly troubled — at what her reaction might be. Not at what he's going to do.
And at her question, something in his chest that had once been tight loosens. ]
It's just about Cyrus. Nobody else. Nothing else. Not if it can be helped. [ Because, like she put it, this is about to become a real war. People die in wars; it's unavoidable. Hell, in another life he would've been one of those disposable grunts on the front line. ] Meridian's up on us by an Oracle. We cut off their head, they're going to flounder. I don't know what comes after that, but I'm not looking to do anything more. Just get to Cyrus. Take him out. Get out.
[ He stops fiddling with his hands. Rests them on his knees, flat and relaxed. Doesn't break from Gavial's gaze, clear and serious and honest as ever. ]
That's it. That's the entire mission. I just need help getting to him — nothing more.
no subject
She doesn't like that it's finally coming to this. If it were anyone other than Amos bringing this to her, she'd probably laugh in their face and tell them good luck. It's him, though, and after being here for the better part of a year, she still doesn't have a clue what could possibly stop this seemingly inevitable conflict. Change has gotta happen.
She sighs. Finally lets her hand drop from his shoulder and buries it in the tangle of sheets behind her for stability as she leans back a little.]
I hate the sneaky shit around this sort of thing, but it’s probably the cleanest way to get it done if it has to happen.
[It’s just not her style. Cyrus has to die? It’s not like she’s excited about it, but fine. It’s war and she’s not calling the shots. But she’d rather opt for an open challenge. Problem is, smart people don’t agree to a fight to the death if they might lose. She’s pretty sure Cyrus is smart.]
If you need help getting in there with minimal casualties—or just getting out—yeah... I can help if you need it. If you’re gonna do this, we gotta make sure it works. There’s no undo button if things go to hell.
no subject
Because Amos isn't big on the sneaky shit either; if he could just challenge Cyrus to open combat (and then shoot him Indiana Jones style) he would, but... yeah. That would never happen.
He's of half a mind to reach out and clasp her shoulder, but considering the way she just let go of him... maybe it's better to just leave it for now. ]
Yeah. I know. I get one shot, and it's gotta count. That's why I need help... Thank you.
[ Because yeah, he's got all of Zenith's resources at his fingertips, but he's an Exalt. He has his people. He likes Gavial, trusts Gavial, will feel more confident with Gavial on board. ]
I picked up some more magic that should help me get to him. That Pass Without Trace spell. But it's better if I don't run into anyone else on the way, or if everyone else is distracted, so... yeah. If you can help cause a scene, draw as many people to you as you can, keep them busy... If I can just get to him then it'll be over that much faster. Better chance at success.
[ A beat as he searches her eyes. Doesn't know what he's searching for — acceptance? Acquiescence? Friendship? ]
Better chance that fewer people get hurt too. I can let you know as soon as it's done... I set up a cornerstone in their academic district a while back you could use to get out. Or there might be others around the city. Anything Zenith can throw at this I got available, so you'll have a way out too. No problem.
[ No problem, just like that. ]
no subject
It helps to just think of getting involved with this to be more about helping a friend with a (grim) task he’s been given, rather than the broader implications of being complicit in kicking the hornet’s nest of the simmering war into action. And she kind of hates that she even wants to rationalize it like that—it’s stupid and cowardly when she’s undeniably getting involved—but it at least makes it make more sense in the current moment.
He says he needs her on board, so she will be. It doesn’t need to be any more complicated than that, even if it really is. His searching gaze finds hers meeting him with unfaltering determination. The crease of her brows might speak of a little bit of conflicted feeling, but she’s not gonna let him go into this mess totally alone.]
Less people getting hurt is all I’m asking for. [Foolish and idealistic as it feels to say it out loud, but it’s the truth. Things might be ramping up around here, but they didn’t need to make it other people’s problem until absolutely necessary.] If I head back out to Springstar again before this all goes off, I’ll… scout around, make sure I know where everything’s at.
[She’s really gotta fall back into her old mercenary mindset to square this all, at least until it’s off the ground. Then… well, there’s no turning back.]
So if you need a distraction to keep attention away, then I can be real good at causing a scene.
no subject
Because Amos can't read the conflict in her expression. Would Cap agree to help him with something like this, if he was here, if he was Zenith? ... No, he probably wouldn't, and it's the first time Amos has really considered that. He'd trusted Holden to be on the right team, but it's been years since he last saw him. He's pledged himself to Yima now, and she wants this done, so the part where the two would almost certainly be at odds doesn't so much as register for him.
This is war. War is messy. Yima wants this. Yima is his person now, above all others.
Gavial is determined to help him, and only wants as few people to get hurt as possible. It's a good goal, so that's all he sees. ]
Yeah, I figured you might be. [ Good at causing a scene. A bit of levity, right? Since the peskiness of the matter is solved — Gavial is on board. ] Don't think I should really go there until it's time, but anything you can do to help in advance too, that's awesome. There's gotta be a less populated area nearby or something to draw people to. Somewhere you can get a little destructive without actually hurting anybody. Lure people out of their capital... I think there was a park nearby or something? Last time I was there I was with you, so I dunno...
[ He shrugs it off. Gives her shoulder a friendly little shake before withdrawing, hands folded back in his lap. There's no fidgeting anymore. ]
I trust you. I know you'll do the right thing.
no subject
At least causing a scene should be an easy mode task, considering the state Springstar’s been in over recent weeks. All signs were pointing at those monsters plaguing the streets coming from the Below, but that didn’t stop a lot of the civilians there giving her the stink-eye and all but leveling suspicions her way about Zenith’s involvement. She’d figured it just for nonsense, but this is starting to make her rethink that a little. Though, surely if Amos knew anything about a connection there, he’d tell her. Right?
Ugh, these are exactly the mind games she hates, and as much as the thought of it makes her want to grimace, she refrains. So instead she tries to give a smile in return at that friendly touch of his, but it’s definitely not as lively as those that typically brighten her face.]
Shouldn’t be too hard to cause trouble and draw some eyes away, especially with as messy as things are in the city lately…
[She lets the thought trail off, glancing away for just a moment before her gaze resettles on him.]
Just for the record, [she says, leaning in just a little closer,] I think this is an insane idea. But if it’s Yima calling the shots for this, there’s no backing down, right?
[Normally, she might think to buck against that idea. But after that meeting they’d had with Yima weeks back… maybe she’s not as fully confident in their leader as he clearly is, but there is something there.]
no subject
Silco's goal, a good one: Sow chaos in Springstar, and it just so happens to be done via letting Ryad off its leash. He's all for it.
At no point does it cross Amos' mind that these two are in direct opposition of one another. They're related, and yet not at all — compartmentalized into totally different slots of his brain as he focuses on laying the groundwork, because the latter is setting the stage and the former is his good friend helping him out for a noble cause.
So as Gavial leans in he reciprocates, like they're affectionate friends speaking in hushed tones so as to not spoil a surprise party for someone else. Everything is fine. Everyone is getting what they want here. ]
Yup. No backing down. [ He says it amicably; confirming that the cake has been ordered. ] I know, it's a little nuts. I dunno if anyone's tried to assassinate a Tribune before, let alone if they pulled it off. Just gotta be smart about it, right? I... embraced Zenith fully, I guess. Figure that'll help me see it through.
[ He doesn't know how many before him have ever fully harmonized — maybe that'll be the difference maker for them and this insane plot. Why couldn't it be, right? ]
no subject
And maybe it’s for the best to follow his lead here, if he’s as all-in on Zenith now as he says he is. She’s been too used to playing the neutral party for most of her life, but it’s been getting close to a year now since she’s shown up here. No longer on Terra, no longer with Rhodes Island—which means it’s no longer necessary to cling to that veil of neutrality that allowed them to do the work that they did. Particularly when she’s already thrown her lot in with one side. She’s gotta make good on that, or what’s the point?
So even if her own footing on treading the Zenith path is more unsteady, she’ll fall back on what matters to her at the most basic level: helping her friends out.]
Well, you don’t need to rely on that alone, alright? I got your back.
[Just gotta be smart about it, right. Gavial usually isn’t one to subscribe to the ‘fight smart not hard’ way of life, but she can see the value of it in something like this.]
Can’t call it a real successful mission unless you get back home when all is said and done.
no subject
Well, yeah. I ain't exactly planning on dying.
[ There's good humour in his voice, though; he isn't dismissing the possibility or being flippant about it, but what else can you do, right? Everything is safe and calm right now; no sense in worrying at this exact moment. Especially not with such good company. ]
I mean, I know I might, but I'm working on taking steps to increase my odds. Picked up a new spell I wouldn't have thought to have otherwise that'll keep me stealthy, and... Shit. That's what I got you for, right? And there'll be others, too. We ain't alone.
[ He doesn't quite beam back at her, but there is warmth in his voice, to his expression. Like down in the basement, like in Highstorm proper, and like they will be on this mission — they aren't alone, and they'll all be the stronger for it. ]