∞ 79: A post-battle report [written]

[chikaidestroyer]

Everyone drafted out to Desset City should be accounted for by now. My gratitude to those who successfully worked together while we were out there.

I am sure there are residents and recent arrivals who may have questions about the situation and what we encountered out there. As longer-term residents may remember, we first encountered an army of cultists last autumn -- these cultists are referred to as the Third Party. The members of the Third Party, unlike us, have the ability to fly and Shift their surroundings. The scientists keeping us in this barrier, the Malnosso, drafted several of us to head out to another settlement.

We have been told that Desset City, the location we were sent to, was one of several settlements outside of our village. It was unlike anything seen within our barrier prison. The troops we met were an occupational force, maintaining patrols and one major base of operations that became apparent towards the end of our campaign. Despite the Third Party having a greater number of troops, we prevailed. The arrival of electricity and appliances coincide with our successful return.

Of note is the fact that draftees who initially refused were dragged by force onto the battlefield. These reluctant draftees were given less time to prepare, and included the likes of children. If you are drafted in the future, be aware that refusal does not appear to be a valid option. You will be taken and put to work, or you will be killed out there.

The New Feather cycle should begin shortly, so everyone should be on alert and maintaining their patrol schedules. This is especially important with the heightened amount of conflict in Luceti. Patrols should be properly equipped for skirmishes by now, so I'll forgo any other needless reminders.


[Filtered | unhackable]
I would like to have a word with the Organization's CEO.

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Comments

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

[Having not gotten enough rest the previous night, even enough to warrant being 'sent home' from school by Gelda, this next night hasn't been particularly restful, either, and the morning finds Raine dozing lightly on the couch in the sitting room, considerably later than when she normally would wake.]

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[Is the sound of the dryer running loud enough to wake you up? We'll have to see.]

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

[It's an unexpected sound, and not one she places immediately, but it takes about ten minutes for her to stir groggily, a little disoriented. Why was she on the couch? She had sat down when she came in, maybe, but those details feel fuzzy.

Eventually she forces herself up to wander down that hallway.]

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[Albert is crouched in front of the dryer, somewhat interested by the sight of the clothes being tossed around within the dryer. It's quite different from drying on a laundry line.]

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

[Raine rests a hand on the doorframe of the open door, tilting her head.]

... So that's what that sound was.

[Filtered Voice]

[markofthewise]

Hey. Mr. Silverberg, mind if I ask you a few things? It... well, it has nothing to do with any of the stuff you wrote.

[Filtered Voice]

[chikaidestroyer]

Sokka, isn't it? What are your questions?

[Filtered Voice]

[markofthewise]

Right. So I was talking to Nash the other day and I know you two are... friends or something. Probably.

Anyway, I was wondering if you could give me a good reference for him. I understand he's done a lot of spy work for Harmonia in the past and I just want to know how good he is at his job.

[Filtered Voice]

[chikaidestroyer]

[Oh, if only he could raise a brow at that. But this is Nash we're talking about.]

Mr. Clovis actually told you all of that?

[Filtered Voice]

[markofthewise]

I would think it's very important to be willing to share information, especially if you plan to join the White Lotus.

[filtered]

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

You and your needless reminders. Though, I suppose it's not your fault that no one seems able to listen.

[filtered]

[chikaidestroyer]

As it is, it isn't my responsibility to remind them. They are free to do as they wish.

[filtered]

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

[I wish Caesar could see that conversation with Sokka because lol Albert what the hell.]

Of course they are, but you did it anyway. If it weren't you, I'd say that's almost thoughtful!

[filtered]

[chikaidestroyer]

[Catch him at a good time, Caesar. He might be in the mood to tell you about Nash the jujube salesman.]

Indeed. Thoughtfulness hardly registers with defense and patrol groups. Their efficiency has long-term rewards.

[filtered]

[mydearapple.livejournal.com]

[Oh man, finally, the storytime he's always wanted!]

I wonder if anything registers with these groups at all? That could kick their efficiency right out the window.

[Written || Filtered]

[300yrswandering.livejournal.com]

[Considering it was raining out there, it was rather hard to get to work, so Ted's just staying indoors for today.]

Choices are starting to sound like formalities these days. [Still not happy with being dragged out there.] Hopefully they won't drag any more kids, but I doubt that.

[Written || Filtered]

[chikaidestroyer]

[Writing's always a great thing to do on a rainy day.]

It isn't surprising that they wouldn't give us a choice. We're already here by their whims; they have no reason to listen to us other than whatever vestige of morality they may have.

[Written || Filtered]

[300yrswandering.livejournal.com]

Instigate a bit of cooperation, maybe? At the very least, those who believe they have a choice are more willing to listen than those who don't.

[Written || Filtered]

[chikaidestroyer]

[There's just a faint tapping sound on the other end. You say that like steps haven't been taken in the past, Ted.]

[Written || Filtered]

[300yrswandering.livejournal.com]

[Ah, right.]

... Hopefully people would keep that note in mind then. [He wouldn't doubt though, if some people were completely taken aback again if they found out they have to go no matter what.]

[locked / unhackable]

[malnosso]

Yes yes! By all means. Please do forgive me if I keep this brief however, I've got quite a bit on my plate!

[locked / unhackable]

[chikaidestroyer]

Of course. You are a busy man, after all.

Our efficiency was greatly hampered by the circumstances surrounding our drafting and deployment. I do hope you are taking measures to improve them.

We can be a very effective force if we are given proper planning time and scouting information beforehand. A general description of the settlement with no word of troop distribution does not help us. We can even counteract these "accidental" drafts if we know the area well enough to set up strongholds, since I imagine you are still working on resolving that issue.

[locked / unhackable]

[malnosso]

Yes, yes, that is most troubling. I issued no orders to have those who refused retrieved! Absolutely none!

Rest assured, I've launched a wide-spread investigation, but I'm afraid it's been slow-going. This problem might be cropping up again.

[locked / unhackable]

[chikaidestroyer]

[Might?] I expect it will until you flush out the perpetrators entirely. Whether it's a harmful prank or deep-seated, intentional sabotage is certainly a worry.

In any case, I would like to know that we will be given more support to counteract these issues. Not every situation will be like Desset's, and I do not want to leave much to chance, if we can be provided with more information on each battlefield. Is that something you can relay to the appropriate channels, sir?

[locked / unhackable]

[malnosso]

It most certainly is! Hm- though, there is a problem. I may need to ask for your assistance, considering your specialty.