[ Thing is, he's liked Gavial from the moment he met her. That probably isn't too surprising — Amos really enjoys the company of Advocates, what they stand for and all of that jazz, and Gavial fits the bill so fucking well. (She's also a lot of fun, which definitely helps her case, not that she needs it.)
He trusts her. Both in general, and to do the right thing.
And he has a mission coming up. People he trusts are crucial — especially when he might need some help with that last point, considering its nature.
Amos is already at Yima's manor, already in the middle of doing some preliminary organization, when the thought strikes him — he probably needs Gavial for something like this. And so, he wastes no time in pinging her. ]
Hey, Doc. I'm at Yima's. You around? Got something I could use your help with.
[ He is satisfied with that message.
... A second later, he is not. ]
Something above ground. Sorry. Maybe should have led with that.
[He catches her at the tail-end of a workout. Not that she needs an excuse for keeping fit, but it tends to be a good way to pass the time when she isn’t busy, particularly in the winter months in Highstorm. She might be the outdoorsy type, but like hell she’s gonna linger out in the cold when she doesn’t have to.
Amos had done her a solid by helping out with that job in the catacombs (even if it hadn’t exactly gone as planned…), so of course there’s no question that she’d return the favor. Well, she’d be willing to help him out regardless of all of that because he’s a pretty swell guy, as far as she’s concerned. So that mental ping gets her attention immediately; she slows just slightly in her weight-lifting reps, and can’t help but laugh at that quick addendum of his because, yeah, that might’ve immediately sprung to mind.]
Ha, well that already sounds more promising than the mess I dragged us into, then.
[She’s at least more willing to joke about it now, but all of that is pushed off to the side by her very evident curiosity at whatever it is Amos needs a hand with.]
I’m just finishing up some training over in my room here. You can swing on over or I can come down and meet you in a few.
[Up to him. If he opts to come to her, she’ll give him some quick mental directions to which room is hers over in the Shard-bearers’ quarters.]
Nah, I'll be right over. Hopefully catch you when you're done.
[ His answer comes jovially, Amos completely at ease — more so, now that he knows he's caught her at a good time; that she's interested, at least to start. He gives the equivalent of a thumbs up react to her directions, then cuts their connection. No need to keep it open when she knows he's right on his way, and this way she can finish up in peace.
He does take his time in heading over, both to ensure he isn't rushing Gavial, and to give him a chance to look around the manor a bit en route. He moved out, what, shit, a little over a year ago? Time flies.
But he can only amble for so long, and within a handful of minutes Amos is outside Gavial's door and knocking. That pleasant tone he carried in communion remains present in his actual voice — this really is two friends meeting up, one to help the other. ]
[She’s all wrapped up by the time the tell-tale knock comes from her door, just setting the pair of dumbbells she’d been using on the floor against one wall with a notable ‘thunk’ as she calls out over her shoulder in response.]
Yeah, come on in!
[When he steps in, he’ll find the room to be maybe more orderly than one might expect from Gavial typically. Aside from a few piles of books taken from The Tomes on and around her desk, and the increasing collection of training weights cluttered on the other end of the room next to her weapons, the place is otherwise pretty organized. But she’s used to living lean and knows how to keep her space and the few things she hangs onto manageable.
She’s just digging through a dresser drawer for a clean towel—what’s the point of a workout if you’re not working up a little sweat?—which she then takes with her as she flops backward onto an unceremonious seat amongst the rumpled sheets of her bed.]
Hey. [Paired with a friendly grin as her attention turns his way.] So what’s got you hanging around this neck of the woods?
[ He comes right in at her affirmation, taking a cursory look around. Honestly, it's not too different from what he'd expect — but he did spend most of his life in space, so he's familiar with the lean-living lifestyle, too. Just looks natural.
The number of weights though...
Amos' attention jerks from there to Gavial, face lighting up as his eyes land on her. ]
Hey. [ And he's returning that grin as he makes his way over to her, figuring he's just gonna. Sit right next to her, nevermind how unmade the bed is or whatever. He's just here to chat, right? ] Got something in the works. For Yima, actually, so I've been trying to figure some stuff out around here. It's kinda big, so...
[ Amos trails off, as though it's only hitting him just now how big it is. Kill Cyrus, yeah, sure, the only part of that that's a big ask are the logistics. The moral conundrum? For him, there is none.
He likes Gavial so much in part because, as it's dawning on him, it probably is one for her.
... Fuck. ]
... How often have you been around Springstar as of late? It's— [ not like him to dodge like this— ] Cyrus. I'm going to kill Cyrus, and I need help.
[ Her help, maybe. He isn't aware of it, but he's almost looking at her like a dog begging for scraps — please help him? ]
[Yup, just a casual chat with a pal. Nothing here but easy and friendly vibes. And sure, it checks out that he might be doing some kind of work for Yima, so it makes a lot of sense that he’d be poking his head around at the Manor.
Something big, though? He’s got her full attention, eyes focused solely on him and narrowing slightly at the way he trails off for just a moment. He’s never been one to beat around the bush about things, not as far as she knows. But Springstar, huh? Bet this is gonna be interesting, and then—
Hold up.]
Wait.
[Gavial blinks, confusion overtaking the friendly cheer previously on her face. She reaches a hand out to place on his shoulder, as if… she doesn’t even know—as if she’s checking that he’s really there in front of her, really saying what he just said, really giving her that pleading look.
It’s crazy. So she’s gotta be sure she heard this right—]
Wait, wait, wait. Cyrus as in, the-man-in-charge Cyrus? Mr. Meridian leader himself?
[Who the hell else could it be, though? Who else would warrant a big job from Yima herself? Shit.]
[ Amos turns his head to look at her hand on his shoulder, not entirely sure what it's doing there. It's helping take some of the awkwardness away, though. Gives him something else odd to focus on; something far less disruptive than what he's trying to work out how to do.
He looks back at Gavial when she speaks up again, brow starting to furrow the more she goes on. ]
I don't know any other Cyruses. [ There probably are some, though? Springstar's massive. ] So yeah. That one. That's why I need help, because getting to him is going to be a whole thing, and...
[ And he's kind of twisting his hands in his lap now, nervous not because of the mission itself but because of her reaction to it. This really seemed like it was going to go a lot smoother ten or so minutes ago. Hey, Doc. I'm going to go kill Cyrus soon. Whaddya say?
Yeah! she'd say, hefting her axe with a big grin. Let's get him!
Stupid. ]
... I don't— I'm not asking you to help me with killing him. I wanna keep other people from getting their hands bloody if I can. That's why I'm gonna be the one to do it. It's just, getting to him — Springstar's big. There are so many fucking people there — I need help clearing the path, I guess.
[Yeah, of course he would need help with it—it’s an insane mission to take on. It’s one thing for the Shard-bearers to be taking pot-shots at each other whenever the Oracles show up to rile them all up. Going after the other side’s leader meant upping the ante in a way they hadn’t had to deal with at all yet. It means—]
Yima really wants to make this thing into a real war?
[She lets out a slow breath. Her other hand clenches noticeably around the towel she’d grabbed earlier. It’s not a real question, not really, but she she can’t help but wonder aloud at the sudden change in tactic.
She’d have to be stupid and naive to think it wouldn’t eventually come to something like this. Both sides are vying for completely incompatible things. The fact that they’ve been playing nice with each other this long—temporary scuffles aside—is a bit more ridiculous to consider. She’s seen real bloody wars break out over less. Played a minor part in some of the ones in Sargon for whoever wanted to pay for it.
She figured her mercenary days were in the past, but this is starting to feel pretty damn familiar. Can’t be taking Zenith up on their hospitality all this time and not expect to do something in return when the time comes.
Gavial watches Amos for a moment. Takes in his tone, the way he’s fiddling with his hands as he elaborates. It’s a genuine request from a friend. One who trusts her, one who trusts in the overall goals of their shared faction enough that it’s given her plenty enough reason to start taking it all seriously, a little at a time.
Damn it.]
Yeah, no shit Springstar’s a tough place to pull something like that off at. [Golden eyes seek out his own, brows narrowing not out of anything negative, but… she needs to know the whole picture here.] Is this just about Cyrus? Not going after anyone or anything else?
[ 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}
communion (soon to be action), early Emru.
He trusts her. Both in general, and to do the right thing.
And he has a mission coming up. People he trusts are crucial — especially when he might need some help with that last point, considering its nature.
Amos is already at Yima's manor, already in the middle of doing some preliminary organization, when the thought strikes him — he probably needs Gavial for something like this. And so, he wastes no time in pinging her. ]
Hey, Doc. I'm at Yima's. You around? Got something I could use your help with.
[ He is satisfied with that message.
... A second later, he is not. ]
Something above ground. Sorry. Maybe should have led with that.
[ Nobody is risking dissipation today. ]
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Amos had done her a solid by helping out with that job in the catacombs (even if it hadn’t exactly gone as planned…), so of course there’s no question that she’d return the favor. Well, she’d be willing to help him out regardless of all of that because he’s a pretty swell guy, as far as she’s concerned. So that mental ping gets her attention immediately; she slows just slightly in her weight-lifting reps, and can’t help but laugh at that quick addendum of his because, yeah, that might’ve immediately sprung to mind.]
Ha, well that already sounds more promising than the mess I dragged us into, then.
[She’s at least more willing to joke about it now, but all of that is pushed off to the side by her very evident curiosity at whatever it is Amos needs a hand with.]
I’m just finishing up some training over in my room here. You can swing on over or I can come down and meet you in a few.
[Up to him. If he opts to come to her, she’ll give him some quick mental directions to which room is hers over in the Shard-bearers’ quarters.]
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[ His answer comes jovially, Amos completely at ease — more so, now that he knows he's caught her at a good time; that she's interested, at least to start. He gives the equivalent of a thumbs up react to her directions, then cuts their connection. No need to keep it open when she knows he's right on his way, and this way she can finish up in peace.
He does take his time in heading over, both to ensure he isn't rushing Gavial, and to give him a chance to look around the manor a bit en route. He moved out, what, shit, a little over a year ago? Time flies.
But he can only amble for so long, and within a handful of minutes Amos is outside Gavial's door and knocking. That pleasant tone he carried in communion remains present in his actual voice — this really is two friends meeting up, one to help the other. ]
All good to come in?
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Yeah, come on in!
[When he steps in, he’ll find the room to be maybe more orderly than one might expect from Gavial typically. Aside from a few piles of books taken from The Tomes on and around her desk, and the increasing collection of training weights cluttered on the other end of the room next to her weapons, the place is otherwise pretty organized. But she’s used to living lean and knows how to keep her space and the few things she hangs onto manageable.
She’s just digging through a dresser drawer for a clean towel—what’s the point of a workout if you’re not working up a little sweat?—which she then takes with her as she flops backward onto an unceremonious seat amongst the rumpled sheets of her bed.]
Hey. [Paired with a friendly grin as her attention turns his way.] So what’s got you hanging around this neck of the woods?
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The number of weights though...
Amos' attention jerks from there to Gavial, face lighting up as his eyes land on her. ]
Hey. [ And he's returning that grin as he makes his way over to her, figuring he's just gonna. Sit right next to her, nevermind how unmade the bed is or whatever. He's just here to chat, right? ] Got something in the works. For Yima, actually, so I've been trying to figure some stuff out around here. It's kinda big, so...
[ Amos trails off, as though it's only hitting him just now how big it is. Kill Cyrus, yeah, sure, the only part of that that's a big ask are the logistics. The moral conundrum? For him, there is none.
He likes Gavial so much in part because, as it's dawning on him, it probably is one for her.
... Fuck. ]
... How often have you been around Springstar as of late? It's— [ not like him to dodge like this— ] Cyrus. I'm going to kill Cyrus, and I need help.
[ Her help, maybe. He isn't aware of it, but he's almost looking at her like a dog begging for scraps — please help him? ]
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Something big, though? He’s got her full attention, eyes focused solely on him and narrowing slightly at the way he trails off for just a moment. He’s never been one to beat around the bush about things, not as far as she knows. But Springstar, huh? Bet this is gonna be interesting, and then—
Hold up.]
Wait.
[Gavial blinks, confusion overtaking the friendly cheer previously on her face. She reaches a hand out to place on his shoulder, as if… she doesn’t even know—as if she’s checking that he’s really there in front of her, really saying what he just said, really giving her that pleading look.
It’s crazy. So she’s gotta be sure she heard this right—]
Wait, wait, wait. Cyrus as in, the-man-in-charge Cyrus? Mr. Meridian leader himself?
[Who the hell else could it be, though? Who else would warrant a big job from Yima herself? Shit.]
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He looks back at Gavial when she speaks up again, brow starting to furrow the more she goes on. ]
I don't know any other Cyruses. [ There probably are some, though? Springstar's massive. ] So yeah. That one. That's why I need help, because getting to him is going to be a whole thing, and...
[ And he's kind of twisting his hands in his lap now, nervous not because of the mission itself but because of her reaction to it. This really seemed like it was going to go a lot smoother ten or so minutes ago. Hey, Doc. I'm going to go kill Cyrus soon. Whaddya say?
Yeah! she'd say, hefting her axe with a big grin. Let's get him!
Stupid. ]
... I don't— I'm not asking you to help me with killing him. I wanna keep other people from getting their hands bloody if I can. That's why I'm gonna be the one to do it. It's just, getting to him — Springstar's big. There are so many fucking people there — I need help clearing the path, I guess.
[ ... Please help him, ]
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Yima really wants to make this thing into a real war?
[She lets out a slow breath. Her other hand clenches noticeably around the towel she’d grabbed earlier. It’s not a real question, not really, but she she can’t help but wonder aloud at the sudden change in tactic.
She’d have to be stupid and naive to think it wouldn’t eventually come to something like this. Both sides are vying for completely incompatible things. The fact that they’ve been playing nice with each other this long—temporary scuffles aside—is a bit more ridiculous to consider. She’s seen real bloody wars break out over less. Played a minor part in some of the ones in Sargon for whoever wanted to pay for it.
She figured her mercenary days were in the past, but this is starting to feel pretty damn familiar. Can’t be taking Zenith up on their hospitality all this time and not expect to do something in return when the time comes.
Gavial watches Amos for a moment. Takes in his tone, the way he’s fiddling with his hands as he elaborates. It’s a genuine request from a friend. One who trusts her, one who trusts in the overall goals of their shared faction enough that it’s given her plenty enough reason to start taking it all seriously, a little at a time.
Damn it.]
Yeah, no shit Springstar’s a tough place to pull something like that off at. [Golden eyes seek out his own, brows narrowing not out of anything negative, but… she needs to know the whole picture here.] Is this just about Cyrus? Not going after anyone or anything else?
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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.
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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.
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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. ]
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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.
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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.
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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.]
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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? ]
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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.
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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. ]