Henry "Hotspur" Percy (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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hadriel_logs2017-06-07 02:33 pm
hotspurred) wrote in hadriel_logs2017-06-07 02:33 pm
Entry tags:
some will pay hardship and some will pay money
Who: Henry Percy (hotspurred), Lance Sweets (lifetothefullest), Maketh Tua (mismanagement), Nick Valentine (synthedick)
What: Lance has a plan; the Guard's command weigh in on it at Henry's insistence.
Where: Guard Headquarters.
When: 7th, in the afternoon.
Warnings: TBA!
The notion that Lance's plan is a bad idea remains with Henry, though he has had time to reconsider his stance. It still strikes him at best as futile, and at worse likely to backfire on both Lance and the Guard. He grasps the basic concept; on a much larger scale, it's common practice to use peace treaties back home as a means of buying extra time to better prepare for inevitable war. But only a fool makes deals with honourless curs and expects any result other than ruin, and Sato is most definitely one of them.
That said, Henry respects the unwavering determination Lance is demonstrating, which is a part of why he intends to do what he can to prevent it from becoming another folly akin to the whole Shadow debacle. A much larger part is because regardless of their involvement it will have consequences for the Guard, intended and unintended. There is simply no way that Sato won't assume Lance is working for them. Another important reason is to protect both the Guard and Lance himself. It's imperative that they provide some measure of support and have a modicum of control over the situation.
Who knows? Perhaps Maketh and Nick will accomplish what he failed to do and convince Lance that no good will come of it. Nor is he so arrogant that he has not considered that there is a chance his ignorance as a man of his time prevents him from seeing the true value of Lance's proposal. He trusts Maketh and Nick's judgement for the most part, and more importantly, he believes that the Guard's leadership needs to return to championing unity and efficiency. Of late there have been too many solo decisions made that have courted disaster, and worse, been kept hidden from him and the remainder of the Guard. After they have dealt with Lance, they need to talk between themselves.
So here they all are at his insistence, about to hold council.
Henry has a table and four chairs set up. On the table rests four cups, a pot of fresh coffee, a jug of water, paper and pens and his discarded gauntlets. As he sits there and waits for everyone to join him, he casually leans an elbow on the table, polishing off a piece of fruit from Sorrow's orchard.
hotspurred), Lance Sweets (lifetothefullest), Maketh Tua (mismanagement), Nick Valentine (synthedick)What: Lance has a plan; the Guard's command weigh in on it at Henry's insistence.
Where: Guard Headquarters.
When: 7th, in the afternoon.
Warnings: TBA!
The notion that Lance's plan is a bad idea remains with Henry, though he has had time to reconsider his stance. It still strikes him at best as futile, and at worse likely to backfire on both Lance and the Guard. He grasps the basic concept; on a much larger scale, it's common practice to use peace treaties back home as a means of buying extra time to better prepare for inevitable war. But only a fool makes deals with honourless curs and expects any result other than ruin, and Sato is most definitely one of them.
That said, Henry respects the unwavering determination Lance is demonstrating, which is a part of why he intends to do what he can to prevent it from becoming another folly akin to the whole Shadow debacle. A much larger part is because regardless of their involvement it will have consequences for the Guard, intended and unintended. There is simply no way that Sato won't assume Lance is working for them. Another important reason is to protect both the Guard and Lance himself. It's imperative that they provide some measure of support and have a modicum of control over the situation.
Who knows? Perhaps Maketh and Nick will accomplish what he failed to do and convince Lance that no good will come of it. Nor is he so arrogant that he has not considered that there is a chance his ignorance as a man of his time prevents him from seeing the true value of Lance's proposal. He trusts Maketh and Nick's judgement for the most part, and more importantly, he believes that the Guard's leadership needs to return to championing unity and efficiency. Of late there have been too many solo decisions made that have courted disaster, and worse, been kept hidden from him and the remainder of the Guard. After they have dealt with Lance, they need to talk between themselves.
So here they all are at his insistence, about to hold council.
Henry has a table and four chairs set up. On the table rests four cups, a pot of fresh coffee, a jug of water, paper and pens and his discarded gauntlets. As he sits there and waits for everyone to join him, he casually leans an elbow on the table, polishing off a piece of fruit from Sorrow's orchard.
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Knowing that stings, a little. But it hardly matters what she intended. Only what she did.
"You made coffee."
Maketh smiles a little, moving to sit next to Henry.
"Thank you, brother."
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The worst part is that he's not entirely sure why he's nervous, which just piles frustration on top of everything else. There really is no reason to be anxious, as he's pretty confident he doesn't need to worried about this meeting being dangerous, but then again he can't say for sure; he is meeting three people who work together, one of which has already proven to be dangerous when situations take a turn, at their own headquarters. That's fair enough reason, even without considering the issue they're there to talk about, to be a little on edge. Right?
He decides so, and channels all the nervous energy into making sure he looks as put together and calm as possible; he's dug through the collection of suits he'd managed to gather during the leadup to the ball a few weeks earlier and found the one that fits the best, and he's made an admirable attempt at taming his curly hair that's getting wilder by the day. He really needs to do something about it; the longer it is the younger he looks, which is not helpful.
Lance also decides, after a bit of silent deliberation, to bring his gun with him. He's been leaving it in his apartment for the most part since the jumpscare event, not wanting to accidentally shoot someone just because he was startled, and that decision had continued past the event as he'd wanted to try to handle things here more as a psychologist than an FBI agent. But in this situation, he thinks having the weapon on him as backup is more than fair; if the meeting did take a turn, after all, he'd be greatly outmatched with or without a gun.
So he fastens the holster to his belt, the gun hidden entirely by the drape of the slightly-too-long suit jacket, and after deciding he's as presentable and calm as he can be he heads out to the Guard headquarters. It doesn't take all that long to get there, especially since he's mostly healed now, and although he has to take a deep breath to steel himself once he arrives he steps into the building as confidently as possible.
It only takes a moment to see Henry and Maketh at a table, and okay, if everyone's going to be sitting down that's a good sign that hopefully everything will go smoothly and calmly. He nears the table and nods at both Henry and Maketh in greeting, before taking the seat opposite Maketh; it'd be both easier to read her expressions and stay out of arm's reach that way.
"Hello." He finally offers a verbal greeting, although his voice is a little quieter than usual; it's been slightly unsteady lately, which is annoying, but probably to be expected from how much more he's been using it recently.
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That includes decisions like ones they might be making this day. Lance has some kind of a plan for the local psychopath. Nick isn't entirely sure he trusts even the thought of that, but he's willing to hear the doctor out. It can't hurt to see what he's thought of, maybe even put their heads together and come up with a way to make it work.
The synth steps in only a minute or so after Lance, giving them all a nod in greeting. "Henry, Maketh. Doctor Sweets."
Though this is his first time meeting the doctor in person, he decides to save the handshakes for later, finding his seat at the table. No coffee for him, given what he is, but he appreciates the gesture all the same, the corner of his mouth quirking into a dry smile as he eyes the cup. He turns his attention back to the others, his look a serious one. "I guess since we're all here, we can get started."
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"You shall need it."
Truthfully, he expects her to have misgivings similar to his own about Lance's plan.
He pops his fingers into his mouth one by one to clean them of juice, and shifts his gaze to Lance at Lance's approach. Lowering his hand, he says in greeting, "I am glad that you came."
For now he is willing to believe that this won't prove a waste of everyone's time.
And once Nick joins them, there is no reason to tarry. In agreement with Nick, he wordlessly gestures for Lance to proceed.
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She gives him a smile as well. Nick has always been fair and honest with her, and reliable in ways that she's come to need. At the very least she owes him respect. And if that means sitting still and listening to Doctor Sweets' ridiculous plan - she feels certain it will end that way - then she will do it.
For Henry and Nick.
Besides, she only promised to listen. Not to agree.
"Yes. Proceed, Doctor Sweets."
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Besides, he has a lot more pressing things to worry about, like figuring out how to explain this in a way that doesn't make him look like an idiot. Of course that's pretty much how every day in his job at home goes, so really it shouldn't be that stressful, but it'd be nice if his nerves could figure that out too.
They don't, though, so he settles for running his fingernails over the fabric of his pants-leg underneath the table as he begins. "Alright, so, I won't go over a lot of background information for obvious reasons." They all know what Sato's done, obviously; he's not going to lecture them on things they told him in the first place.
"But through further conversation with Sato, and his recent actions, I believe it's fair to make some assumptions about his personality type. The first and most important is that he likely lacks an ability to feel sympathy or empathy, which inhibits the formation of meaningful relationships and often makes it difficult to feel remorse for harming others." He's sure this isn't surprising news here, but it's necessary to go over, and his gaze flickers to each of the individuals he's addressing as he speaks.
"That said, it's important to note that this lack of remorse doesn't always coincide with maliciousness. In Sato's case, although he clearly doesn't care about anyone he's hurting he also doesn't show any signs that causing harm is a priority, or something that brings particular satisfaction in the way that it does for individuals driven by sadism. That's not to say that he isn't, but that so far he isn't displaying any particular indicators; for instance, he would likely be a lot more active if he were." Maybe not to the extent of just rampant murders, but more incidents of varying degrees.
"Instead, as you're all aware, he seems more interesting in taunting, attempting to sow discord, and generally cause chaos. He doesn't, however, seem to be a particularly skilled manipulator, so either he's just not that good at it or succeeding is not necessarily the point; I think the latter. This is much less about actually turning anyone against the Guard, but a combination of seeing if he can plant a sense of doubt as well as trying to provoke your reactions." His attention shifts to Maketh just briefly as he says the last part, before moving on.
"It's, ultimately, about entertainment. He's bored, and so causing trouble because he has nothing better to be doing and no inhibitions that tell him certain actions are inappropriate. That, combined with a certain amount of invulnerability from consequences, means he feels he can do whatever he wants when it comes to entertaining himself." And, to a certain extent, he isn't wrong.
"Even were the Guard, or anyone else, capable of actually stopping him in any effective manner, I think it's unlikely it would deter him. The opposite, actually; he would take it as a challenge to come back and best you once again, especially since he seems to have decided the Guard to be his opponents in his game. Usually, I would say the way to win is not to play, but it's doubtful he'd take no for an answer. Therefore, literally changing the game is probably the most effective option, at least for the short term." He doubts his plan will last, but if it works for even a few months that's a few months of bought time in which hopefully no one else would end up murdered.
"As ridiculous as it sounds, considering the seriousness of his past actions, I think the key to distracting him is actually... Somewhat childish. He and I spoke during the party a few weeks ago, and when he realized I knew what he was talking about in regards to a particular hobby that exists in our worlds, the enthusiasm he showed was not fake." For the first time since he started talking, he moves more than needed to shift his gaze and gives a small shrug. "If there's a way to provide him with a game or two he wants, there's a good chance he'll find it far more interesting than causing problems, at least for a time."
And, finally, he stops talking, drawing back slightly in his chair in a subconscious brace for their responses.
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And that's exactly what this proposal is about. He's right: it does sound ridiculous.
As Lance watches them -- particularly Maketh -- Nick watches Lance, trying to get a feel for what he's getting at, and more importantly what kind of confidence he has in this plan. He seems genuine in his intentions, as misguided as Nick thinks they may be at the moment. He might be the only doctor among them, but the synth can't say he has much appreciation for shrinks. The real Nick didn't, but that might have been on account of him being told to go see one a few too many times after his fiancé ended up with a bullet in her back. She was dead because he hadn't done more to take out the bad guys. Is he willing to wait this one out, too?
It's not his call, and so he sits quietly, his eyes flicking to Henry and Maketh. He wants to see what they think, see if they can level out a response between themselves before he puts his two cents in. Henry is even-tempered, but Maketh has been... troubling as of late. It might not be ideal, but he figures it's best to keep an eye on how she responds here, what she does. Nick said he'd tell her if she started crossing any lines, and lately, she's gotten too close to just marching right over them for comfort.
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Once done writing, he taps the end of his pen against the table.
"Setting aside my objections of honour and pride, I will say this: it yet seems to me folly to reward his ill deeds if we wish to discourage them. Nor can we trust a single utterance of his. Sato will surely make a game of extortion if peace is bought. Should we alter the nature of this... quarrel, it must not balance power in his favour."
It's not as though they have been unsuccessful in fending Sato's assaults off, despite the incident with Shadow, and from his perspective as a medieval knight, he would choose to continue to fight over cowering and submitting to Sato's fancies.
It's nothing he's not already said to Lance, but he makes his stance clear for Maketh and Nick. He looks to both of them in turn, expectation writ in his expression. He is eager to hear their judgements.
One thing that he has not brought up with Lance is the matter of the actual practicalities of what is proposed. It does not help that he has little concept of modern games; he's not even glanced at the ones made for their phones. But for now he withholds them so as not to interrupt his colleagues.
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Maketh sees no need to go about it gently. Her eyes are hard. She takes a sip of her coffee to make sure she won't yell. It's not productive. She needs to breathe. Keep it simple and clear.
"Even if Sato were to agree to this plan when it was presented to him, there is nothing to prevent him from raising the stakes or reneging on the deal later on. Furthermore, this affords him power and affirms his position as a threat to us. I see no reason to inflate his ego further."
Given the choice, she'd dismember him and render the man braindead. Freeze him solid and drop him in the lake. Something lasting in its brutality. But that is not her call. Not anymore. She has responsibilities and a code to follow. The other commanders must agree.
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He waits until they're both finished, ignoring the childish but very tempting urge to remind Maketh she really has no room to talk on this subject considering her last plan, and decides to address Henry's concerns first.
"Normally, I would agree with you. But the situation here calls for different strategy, because most of the normal courses of action don't exist; it's also necessary to realize that normal rules of social interaction aren't going to apply. He isn't driven by the same things most people are, and negative reinforcement is going to have no effect." His gaze shifts to Maketh--he had been speaking to Henry mostly, so far--and directs his next response toward her.
"There's no power to afford him, and no threat to reinforce, as far as he's concerned. He doesn't see you, or the rest of the Guard, as a match for him; this isn't a competition, and this isn't about making an arrangement or agreement with a worthy opponent. All of you, and everyone else here, are game pieces as far as he's concerned. Fighting with him, playing into the conflict; that's what's going to enhance his ego, especially when he's provoked the response specifically." Like last time, and his words are similar--if more detailed--to what he'd told Maketh then, although he's careful to keep to generalities at the moment.
He looks at Henry again, briefly toward Nick, then back at Henry once more. "You're right not to trust him or any agreement that might be made, although I think the issue of extortion isn't a problem here in the way it would be elsewhere. However, after reconsidering I think you're also right in that making a formal arrangement may not be the best route to take." There are a few different options and all have pros and cons, and he's pretty sure the cons he's looking at for this particular method are different than the ones Henry is, but the end result is the same and he doesn't have any problem admitting Henry's right on this. "It would be necessary if the Guard were to be officially involved, but not if a more subtle approach is taken."
He takes a deep breath, both to calm himself and to give a break from speaking, but soon continues. "You know how you might distract an angry dog by throwing it a steak? Same idea. You're not negotiating with the dog, you're distracting it."
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There's Nick Valentine's voice -- it's as even-toned as ever as he weighs the options in his mind, his expression impassive, untelling. Both sides have good points: the Guard can't validate Sato's behavior, but at the same time, they can't just sit idly and do nothing. Either way, things get worse.
"Even if it's for the good of the city, we can't make it public that we're giving Sato any leeway," he continues with a gesture of his bare hand, his metal joints creaking quietly as they move. "He might only see this as a game and be looking for entertainment, but who knows what the next guy who wants to stir up trouble will think. The second any of them comes to the conclusion that they've got us wrapped around their fingers and are willing to throw them a bone just to keep the peace, that's when folks lose trust in us. They won't see us as defending them so much as caving to anyone who ruffles enough feathers."
And Nick won't have that. They don't have any real authority in the city, true -- it's all based on trust and goodwill. However, they do have a job to do: to protect. They can toss out all the steaks they want, but there are some animals who just get greedy and do whatever it takes for an easy meal, no matter what the cost.
Thankfully, it doesn't seem like he's the only one on that page.
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Maketh and Nick are limiting their doubts to Lance's plan alone, which says something. Their responses also reassure him that he is not missing any vital considerations.
He returns his sharp gaze to Lance.
"A dog questions not why the steak is thrown nor where it comes from. A man, however, might."
If Lance has a professional opinion on Sato's intelligence and perceptiveness, he'd like to hear it. And not only that.
"Describe for us your idea of a subtle approach."
It's a request and not an order, but Henry can be forceful in his directness.
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"Even if the Guard appeared to have no hand in this game, there is nothing that prevents Sato from killing you once he has this prize."
Surely he's thought of that.
"And if he kills again, we will have to respond. Things will escalate. As Henry said, describe your subtle approach."
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He shifts his attention to Henry at his response, and then toward Maketh briefly before he looks away again; fighting to control his nerves is difficult enough without adding the fraying that Maketh causes to his hold on his temper.
He decides to address concerns in order, turning to look at Nick again. "Of course, that's understandable. Making a public agreement has some benefits, but I do now think keeping the Guard out of the entire arrangement--as far as Sato and the public knows, at least--is the better option, for some of the reasons you mentioned." He's willing to go with either method, honestly; it makes very little difference to him how the Guard is perceived by the others in Hadriel, at least right now.
Lance turns his gaze toward Henry, speaking to him next. "At this point, I think Sato's aware that I have an ulterior motive for asking him questions. However, I don't believe he has any reason to suspect I have any sort of affiliation with the Guard, which I don't." The last comment is only very faintly pointed and not meant as a jab, just a reminder. He has several reasons he's refrained from any official participation in the Guard.
"The subtle approach is simple enough; I go through with idea on my own, let Sato think whatever he wants about my motives for it, and count on him caring far less about my motives than about getting to play video games. Officially, each of you as individuals and the Guard as a whole have nothing to do with it, and I doubt Sato would suspect your involvement on his own." That eliminates any benefit the Guard might get for being seen to be doing anything about the issue of Sato, but if they're more concerned about other reactions then it's fine with him to do it this way. The end result is the same.
And, finally, he turns his attention to Maketh once more. "Considering I know how to play the game he wants, and he's already told me he's not really interested in single-player, I've got that going for me." He can't bring himself to be too concerned about Sato killing him; he could do that whenever, and Lance is pretty sure if he's going to be murdered by someone in Hadriel there are a few other individuals higher on the list of who to be worried about doing it.
However, he doesn't address her last point, because he can't think of a response that will help instead of just being scathing. Besides, ignoring it'll get his point across just fine anyway, which is that he has no interest in discussing with her any issues of responding to Sato's actions or escalation. She'd ignored everything he'd told her before anyway, so it's only fair to ignore her comments now.
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"Whether you have ties with us or not, don't count on him to claim one way or the other just yet." Nick lets out a sigh, one his mechanical body obviously didn't need to make. "It's not as though he hasn't looked for reasons to turn people against us in the past." At least no one seemed to bite on those attempts, but he's bound to get someone eventually. Even Nick has to admit that Sato had probably cause in his latest attempt. The Guard doesn't need any more ammunition against them, perceived or not.
"That said, I think the subtle approach is what we oughtta go with," Nick continues, turning his eyes to his superiors. "The Guard could get involved and people could see that we had a hand in this, but we're not here to prove people like Mello wrong. We're here to keep folks safe, whether they realize it or not."
Of course, there is the question of why Lance would do this for them in the first place, possibly putting himself in danger to quiet a madman whose main target has thus far been an organization that he's not a part of. Nick leaves it unasked -- and any suspicions regarding Lance's reasons -- for now.
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Keeping one ear on what Nick has to say, Henry divides his attention and nudges Maketh's leg with his own beneath the table. He gives a little tilt of his head and glances at her in wordless question: is all well?
It occurs to him that he should have asked her about how things were between her and Lance before setting this in motion, but he had been so focused on the Guard acting together.
Perhaps he has failed to be as attentive as a brother should. He resolves to do better.
After a moment, he returns to the matter at hand.
“I would agree with Nick.”
Were it his decision, he probably would not let the plan go ahead. But from their first conversation about it he's had an inkling that Lance will act regardless, and the counter to their every concern is proof of that determination.
“However unlikely you think it, should Sato decide to attack you or attempt to take you hostage, you would do well to have prepared a means of making an initial escape that allows you to call for help.”
The suggestion that they work one out together is implicit.
He still thinks that they can help Lance, but whether anyone else agrees with him is another matter.
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She drinks her coffee, focusing on the taste. The feel of the mug in her hands. She takes a breath and squares her shoulders, giving Henry a faint nod. He's concerned about her again. She can't give him cause for that, not anymore.
Do your duty, soldier.
"I do not approve of this plan."
She says it simply.
"The way you intend to go about it is foolhardy and does not guarantee a positive outcome, let alone success."
She sets her mug down.
"Regardless, you seem intent on seeing it through. Is that correct?"
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It's also no shock Maketh's in disagreement, and Lance has to take a long breath to avoid saying anything he'd regret regarding Maketh's own ability to gauge effective courses of action. This is not a contest, and he's not going to fight or argue with her over something that, at this point, would just be pettiness.
Although he does have a more neutral answer to give in response to her second statement, he decides to ignore it for now and answers her last.
"Correct." This isn't about permission, after all. He glances from Maketh to Nick, then to Henry, who he mostly looks at as he continues. "I'm aware that none of you have any real reason to believe I know what I'm doing, but I do. This is my job, at home, and it's not the first time I've done something like this. And Sato is not the worst person I've ever dealt with, either."
He doesn't have any desire to go into details, or any further justification as far as his credentials or experience, but he feels that much was important to say. He knows he looks young, and doesn't give off a particularly capable or confident aura outside of a therapy session, but those are things that work for him when he's actually doing something like going undercover.
As far as Henry's comment about possible worst-case scenarios, Lance's gaze shifts to the table and he gives a noncommittal shrug. Although he's aware Sato poses a threat, and he's not pretending otherwise, he thinks the specific threat to him is likely pretty low. And, if that changes, there's not a whole lot he could do about it other than trying to talk his way out of it or shift the situation in some way to his advantage; he's good at both of those options, and they seem more reliable than expecting help from anyone else. Logically, he knows that Henry wouldn't have brought it up if he didn't intend to help if necessary, but logic doesn't always factor into Lance's distrust of relying on people he doesn't know well. Even if it did, what good would it do to put someone else in danger trying to help him out of a situation he'd gotten himself into?
"There's an emergency alert app on the phones, right?" He asks, after a moment, ceasing his staring contest with the table in order to glance around at the people he's speaking to. "I'll use it if necessary, but I think I have a better chance of talking myself out of a problem than anyone would have fighting with him." Idly, in the back his mind, Lance realizes he should probably be more concerned about this possibility, but with everything else going on he just isn't.
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It's unfortunate how tricky it can be to deal with an immortal madman. Nick would take supermutants and raider junkies any day over this mess.
"The emergency app is an option," he starts, his brow knitting, "but should Sato decide to axe you anyway and take your phone, then he can set it off himself and lure us there for a trap. I'm just hoping you're right that he's not all that interested in premeditated murder so much as causing a ruckus."
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Given Henry's grasp on Lance's profession, he is in no position to dispute Lance's assertion. That does not mean his doubts have lessened — just look at how the incident with Maketh turned out. And Lance is quite obviously placating them: Lance clearly doesn't intend to use the emergency app.
Henry frowns, touching his knuckles to his mouth as he thinks for a moment.
With exasperation, he says, "At least check in with one whom you trust before you meet with Sato. Then should you not return as expected, they may inform us."
It's not a plan that Henry likes much, being so indirect and reliant on outside judgement they cannot guarantee is sound, but Lance is not giving them many options.
And if Lance refuses to agree to that much, well. There comes a point at which a man is directly responsible for his own fate.
no subject
Fine. Adapt, soldier.
"I agree with Henry's suggestion."
Though perhaps not for the same reasons. Maketh tips her head to the side.
"I will not risk the lives of more Guardsmen for this venture. What you do with your own life is your concern, Doctor Sweets."
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So he nods at Nick, then at Henry, and is about to offer an agreement with Henry's suggestion--he'd done the same sort of thing here before--when Maketh adds her comments. His gaze immediately snaps to her, eyes darkening in a sudden flare of anger; he's been so tightly coiled this entire meeting that his previous determination to maintain professionalism is difficult to remember, for a moment. There are so many things he wants to say, each more pointed and scathing than the last, but at the same time he can recognize baiting when he sees it. He's not certain if it's intentional or not, but either way he has more to lose by giving into the tempting desire to snap at her than he does to gain.
Even if it would be really, really satisfying.
But that doesn't mean he's going to ignore the particular comment that he's angry about, he just takes the time to unclench his jaw and make sure his voice is steady and cold when he responds instead of sharp and venomous.
"If I had any desire to put people at risk, I'd be focusing my attention on other areas and ignoring this threat entirely. But you asked for my help, so I'm giving it."
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A part of him gets it -- she's been difficult to read as of late, but Shadow's death had to have hit her as hard as it hit him and Henry. She was working with him under the table too, and as much as she plays the absolute professional, she cares for those working under her. She always has for as long as Nick has known her.
But he narrows his eyes again for now, studying his colleagues, watching the way they interact with one another. It doesn't take a detective to pick up on the flash of anger from the doctor; Nick can't blame Sweets for taking umbrage when it's clear Maketh has some to offer.
And maybe that's why he clears his throat as he shoots her a stern look. "And frankly, we could stand to be a little more appreciative," Nick insists, his voice even despite the hard expression etched into his synthetic features. "We're not officially involved in this, but if the doctor here changed his mind for any reason and did want our help in this plan of his, he'd get it."
That's a promise, even if Nick himself is the only one to honor it.
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Nick has much more patience and tact than him.
There is a sharp edge to his tone when he addresses them all.
"I invite anyone who thinks this a farce to end this now. Otherwise let us settle once and for all on suitable safeguards."
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Stop it. Focus, soldier.
"I asked your advice on the situation," Maketh says very softly, eyes narrowed at Doctor Sweets. "And for your professional aid in interpreting information. Do not mistake me. I disagree with what you propose. But I will abide by the judgement of my fellow commanders."
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Not that he intends to ask, of course, especially now that there's been an issue made of it, but it does reassure him enough that he can ignore Henry's tone and Maketh's words. He has a response to what Maketh says, but it would be arguing for argument's sake and he'd rather end this entire meeting sooner rather than later.
So he glances in Henry's direction, ignoring Maketh entirely once more and addressing what he said. "This is all still only theoretical at this point." Considering they--or he, really, at this point--don't really have the means to actually pull off the whole idea just yet. "If it becomes possible, more detailed planning can be done depending on the situation at the time."
In other words, when it comes to backup plans or safeguards he'd rather handle that himself, depending on who is present in Hadriel and who he trusts at the time. And, although he's feeling favorably toward Nick at the moment, that doesn't actually include anyone in this room.
He's silent a moment, before speaking up again. "I've said everything I planned to regarding this subject, so if no one disagrees, I have some other things to attend to." Sort of. He can find something. But he's not really concerned about it being obvious he's trying to leave at this point; he's just very ready to be out of this conversation.
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"I offer you both an apology. That was a waste of our time. I thought he intended to take action and work alongside us after he took the trouble to seek me out. Apparently I adjudged him poorly."
He shakes his head, then shrugs. "Regardless, I would yet speak with you both about our affairs, if you will remain."
With that said, Henry shoots a considering look Nick's way, clearly weighing a decision. He sighs shortly, then twists on his seat to bodily face Maketh. Self-reproof replaces the annoyance on his face, and though he suddenly looks uncomfortable, he does not shy from her. He has done her an especial wrong and the admission should not wait merely to spare his pride.
"...Much to my shame, I owe you a second apology. I considered your judgement of Doctor Sweets only in light of the eve of Shadow's demise. Yet you have dealt with him for much longer. I was foolish not to ask your opinion of him and give you fair audience."
This whole farce could have easily been avoided, but for his own arrogance. That is painfully evident.
"Forgive me, sister. Name your amends and I will see it done."
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That's all Nick says regarding Lance; he keeps any other thoughts he may have to himself for the second, allowing Henry to address Maketh. Despite his brief remark, he makes no motion to leave, apparently wanting to stay to voice some concerns of his own.
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It is not Henry's fault. He acted as he saw fit.
"You acted with the information you had," Maketh says softly. "There is no need for that. I have -- my judgement is not what it should be."
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He fears that his strong judgement on the morality and honour of her plans only drives her towards harsher means. Those who embody the Empire in Hadriel cast none as he does. Family has the power to wound more deeply than others.
Maketh evades him for a reason.
But that is perhaps best a conversation had another time in another place.
Henry turns back in his seat. Firm resolve returns to his posture.
"Let us mince not our words. We are the Guard's command. When we are unified, the Guard is unified. When we are divided, the Guard is divided. Right now we fail to work together as we used to. There can be no dispute... we must remedy this."
He smacks his palms onto the table.
"The pair of you used Shadow as a spy on our behalf. In secret. Sato knew the truth before I did. I learnt only because of his mockery on the network."
It bothers him that three people he trusts would actively choose to keep him in the dark. It's not as though his role in the Guard is insignificant, and yet he was blindsided by the reveal at the hands of their enemy.
"You concealed it from me. Why?"
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"He'd been working for me for months," he answers. "Even before he officially stepped down. I didn't tell either of you because he was just doing surveillance for me, keeping tabs on folks I couldn't. I can't be everywhere at once, bum leg or not."
The leg might be fixed, but he still doesn't have the advantages Shadow does when it comes to stealthy operations. With the glowing eyes and metal parts, he stands out like a sore thumb in nearly all situations, and there's hardly anyone in town who doesn't know he's with the Guard.
"I figured it'd keep him busy, and put his skills to good use. Sato was on my list, as well as a few others. Paladin Danse, Anakin Skywalker. Hux."
His eyes flick to Maketh at that last one, and with reason.
"I let him go before he took his chances with Sato. I thought what happened might have been my fault, but he never said a work about working with you, too."
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"I engaged him as a last resort. I didn't intend to use him for information. Only another combat asset if Sato attacked us again."
Her voice is flat. Perfectly businesslike.
"I considered him an acceptable field asset in that capacity. Capable of hurting Sato if needed. I had others watching him. Amos is still doing so. His means have thus far remained undetected."
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"What did you expect to do with the information that you gathered?"
Evidently not share it, or they would not be having this conversation, which leaves acting upon it alone. Ignorance of their own operations can only injure the Guard's effectiveness and morale.
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Among other things. Even he has to have his secrets, especially when they pertain to what even Nick doesn't know about himself.
"As for the others, particularly Hux... well, that's something I'd like to hear more about from you, Maketh."
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Sato is unpredictable, a threat waiting in the shadows. There will be another attack. Maketh knows that, as do they all. It's only a matter of time. She tips her head back, quiet for a moment.
Hux is another matter all together.
"Hux has sided with General Skywalker and his grandson. For the moment, I have their cooperation. But he is loyal only to the First Order -- what became of the Empire. Forbidding him from building weapons will not work. So I am building them with him, for the Guard. Amos ensures that Hux is not doing anything behind my back."
She closes her eyes briefly.
"I know you do not approve. But we have an understanding."
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It's not that Henry doesn't appreciate their current honesty, but this cannot remain the way they operate, sharing their plans and motives only when confronted. And yet it seems he is the only one concerned by that precedence.
They would rather talk of Hux. Fine.
"Hux," Henry says with scorn, "is no ally of ours. The evil done at his hands is unforgivable. No weapon that you build can remain in his possession. He should be denied the resources their construction demands so that he cannot make his own."
Henry would rather they struck Hux's head from his shoulders, but if Maketh must associate with him, then she must also control the situation fully.
"He will betray you."
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He wouldn't have even needed Shadow's surveillance to tell him that: there's plenty of evidence all over the network that Hux doesn't have the same moral quandaries others might, and then there's that warning Maketh herself gave them before. That warning was the primary reason he had Shadow watching the man in the first place; to find out Maketh has been working with him, and to make weapons, of all things, is enough to get his oil boiling.
As a firm believer that folks can change for the better if they really want to, he's a little disappointed in Maketh, and his stern expression shows it. "We have weapons, Maketh. I understand having something for a special case like Sato, but even if we could trust him, it's not like we're not preparing for war here."
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And then she'll shoot him in the head.
She shakes her head.
"But we are. The gods are in retreat. Either their enemies will find them or they'll begin draining us for power, worse than they already have."
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There must be a reason Hux is not building weapons alone and he has no doubts that he will not like it. Henry remains unconvinced it's worth it. Still Nick is fighting a battle already lost. Maketh has been working with Hux for at least months; it's much too late to attempt to turn her from that path.
Like him, Maketh commits to her actions.
While weapon-building with Hux is folly in Henry's eyes, Maketh's purpose for taking that step is not at all.
"...But Maketh is right that we cannot ignore the plight of the gods, lest we share the fate of the last creatures they held dominion over."
If the Guard is to keep the populace safe their focus must encompass all threats, and right now they don't even have the bare bones of a plan against the biggest threat they face.
Unlike Maketh, however, he fears that they may not have a choice about allying with the gods if they are to survive. Until they know something of the Door, they won't be able to seize control of and use it.
He prays that Delight and Rage will return and with them bring new paths to pursue.
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His tone softens, his eyes flicking between his superiors. "We don't even know much about what's chasing the gods from place to place," he continues, "other than that they're machines."
Like him.
What they do know, however, is that the gods aren't exactly trustworthy themselves. Nick wants answers before they go working with unsavory characters like Hux, especially when it comes to making weapons. "We need to learn more about these 'enemies' before we go trying to figure out how to blow them to smithereens."