epidemiology | EVENT ▸ DIPLOMACY

EVENT ▸ DIPLOMACY

DIPLOMACY

As the skirmishes between wandering Mountain and Sea Clan groups continue in the Flowerlands, by this point enough attackers have been interrogated by Guild Ophelia to paint a compelling picture of unorganized chaos. Each time a skirmish is interrupted, both sides blame the other for starting the impromptu fight, claiming no knowledge of or participation in an organized cabal; the conflicts are entirely coincidental, they say, just a situation where enemies clash in neutral territory.

The Flowerlands are suffering, crops trampled and livestock traumatized, and more and more Mountain and Sea Clan people are terrified to leave their cities, lest they be set upon by warriors from the opposing clan. Under this type of political strain, Hanabira threatens to erupt into full-out civil war at any moment, with or without the sanction of the empresses.

Two weeks after Ophelia's arrival in the Empire of the Crashing Wave, Doro sends word: Empress Nama and Empress Youmi have agreed to meet and discuss the term of an alliance. Doro's castle will serve as a meeting place, but the difficult part is bringing the empresses there safely. You foreigners have already proven yourselves to be capable and invested in seeing the conflict to a peaceful conclusion, so Doro contracts Ophelia to act as escorts and guards.

This might just be the perfect opportunity to whisper proposed solutions to advisors or, if you're lucky, to the empresses themselves.

▸ THE RETINUE

Ophelia has a few different options if they choose to take Doro's contract: escort Nama or escort Youmi and/or guard the Flowerlands castle.

ESCORT ▸ EMPRESS NAMA.
It's a week's worth of travel to return to the Land of Celestial Mountains from the Empire of the Crashing Wave, so the sooner Ophelia starts out, the better. Skirmishes between clans still dot the forests and farms of the Flowerlands, and each time the retinue encounters one, they must decide if they have the time to interfere or if they must push on. After all, the longer there is no peace in Hanabira, the more dire the situation becomes.

When the group finally reaches the Land of Celestial Mountains, they'll find that the entire city is locked down. Guards bar the gates, but upon seeing Doro's seal, they'll let the guild members inside and explain the situation:

Mountain Clan rebels have stormed Heavenly Summit, cutting a large swath through the castle. Much of Nama's court and guards lay dead inside, with the rebels holding the remainder hostage -- including Empress Nama herself -- unless war is declared against the Sea Clan. The city guards are afraid to approach, worried that this will only anger the rebels further and cause Nama's death, and have directed all townsfolk to stay in their homes until the situation has been resolved.

The guards caution Ophelia not to try any rescue efforts themselves, and instead ask them to either find a building to barricade themselves in or leave the city. Of course, it's not like they're keeping a close watch on everyone.

Those who choose to slip into Heavenly Summit Castle will find guards surrounding it, trying to stop anyone from coming in as well as keeping arrows trained on all windows in case a rebel shows her face. Stealth is the name of the game, or at least enough brute strength to knock a guard out in one blow before she sounds the alarm.

Inside the castle, rebels stalk the halls of every floor, masked in the green color of the Mountain Clan. Some are heavily armored and some only wear peasants' clothes, carrying farmers' sickles; it seems as though the attack on the castle was planned very quickly, too quickly to evenly distribute armor and weapons. There are corpses left where they were killed, with splashes of bright red blood beside them; there are hostages huddled in the corners of rooms, wide-eyed but silent at the sight of foreigners ostensibly here to save them; and, in the heavily-guarded throne room, Empress Nama herself.

Fight through the rebel guards with Nama's help, or find a back door and snatch her up before the rebels notice. Either way, once Ophelia lays eyes on her, the magitek will project words in front of them that only they can see:

» EMPRESS NAMA
Leader of the LAND OF CELESTIAL MOUNTAINS. 23 years old. SPECIES: Human. MEDICAL CONCERNS: Lactose intolerant, recent blow to the head.

Nama doesn't ask questions, recognizing the foreigners of Ophelia as those who were meddling after the festival attack and trusting they're here to help her escape. Longbow in hand, she leads the group through secret passageways in the castle, insisting they rescue the nobility on the way out. From there, Nama suggests stealthily escaping the castle and quickly riding out of the city to the safety of Doro's castle, unsure who she can still trust in her own empire.

With Empress Nama and her surviving courtiers added to the retinue, it's time to ride back to the Flowerlands -- and hope you aren't chased by rebels along the way.

ESCORT ▸ EMPRESS YOUMI.
It takes half a week to travel from the Empire of the Crashing Wave to Doro's castle in the Flowerlands. Youmi and two advisors ride in a carriage, with an entourage of royal guards on horseback in front and behind; those in Ophelia who choose to escort this group will either be on foot or must find a mount themselves.

The journey is peaceful, allowing for time to make camp by forested hot springs and in farmhouses (in which case Ophelia might need to sleep outside, depending on the size) along the way. The Sea Clan guards are open to idle chatter with the foreigners, curiously discussing cultural differences and indulging in quick lessons in archery.

Everything seems to be going smoothly until the entourage enters Flowerlands territory and is confronted by a winged spirit of the forest, angered by all the recent bloodshed in his home. There is no time to talk; the spirit does not wish to negotiate, only to stop the crew from moving any further into his territory by any means possible.

The spirit calls the creatures of the forest to his aid, controlling them as if they are under some sort of spell. Ogres, imps, bears, and wolves are the most worrisome among his helpers. His own attacks come from the sky, diving down to slash at his victims with exceptional speed. Those archery lessons will come in handy here, because ranged weapons are most effective against him as long as he remains in flight. He can take an astounding amount of hits, and once he is weakened, will land on the ground to fight in close quarters.

Once he is finally defeated, his spell on the forest animals is broken, and even the most aggressive of them scatter. His feathers are black, but up close, seem iridescent in the light, differentiating them from a common bird's. Youmi's guards suggest everyone take a feather to prove they felled a legendary beast.

GUARD ▸ FLOWERLANDS CASTLE.
Until the empresses and their escorts arrive, it's very uneventful at Doro's castle. It's a smart idea to keep an eye out in case someone hears about the summit and tries to interfere, but so far, things seem to be peaceful. Take the time to bolster defenses, relieve a guildmate of guard duty, or explore the castle.

▸ THE SUMMIT

Youmi and her entourage reach Doro's castle first, her royal guards immediately making a sweep of the castle and the grounds to ensure there is no danger lying in wait. Once the castle is cleared, Doro and Youmi disappear into a guarded room to begin discussions. Youmi's advisors are left out of this initial meeting, making now the perfect time to start some discussions of your own.

Days later, Nama's retinue arrives, and Doro and Youmi (and the rest of her entourage) meet her at the castle gates. The two empresses step cautiously forward to meet each other, bowing politely. Moments later, Doro steps forward to gather Nama into a hug, which she gladly returns, giggling like the young girl she is. She's had a rough time, which she quickly explains to Doro, and asks if she can first have a bath and a moment to breathe. Doro and Youmi are more than willing to give it to her after hearing her experience.

Doro tells Ophelia they have their run of the castle until dinner tonight, when Doro, Youmi, and Nama will all be together in the same room with the team. Sounds like the perfect time to propose a plan, so you'd better finish up discussions about what to do! There's a bit of a time limit.

▸ OOC NOTES

If you have questions about this log or the overall mission, please ask them on the dossier. Questions about Futurology in general should be directed to the FAQ.

▸ Up now:

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Me, too. At least we finally got to do something that didn't involve talking. [Keith went to the Celestial Mountain and came back looking mostly the same. He got to fight some people, and it wasn't a mad dash of trying to ask questions and figure out someone's motivations. Everything was straightforward for him there: fight and distract guards while the stealth crew took care of the rest.

Now that he's back, he's well aware that the talking is going to begin. He'd rather not.

Well, scratch that: he'd rather avoid politics. After certain recent revelations with Rey, he feels compelled to have a chat with Kylo Ren. Hence: having a chat with Kylo Ren.]

[Ah yes, its Keith. Last he remembered, he and Rey were knocking on Youmi's gates early, and he'd accidentally interrupted them. It was strange, having half that conversation available to him -- even now, he can feel the panic she had felt of nearly losing him stirring in his own gut.]

I agree.

[Which is probably a surprise to no one.]

I heard of the trouble you all found while attempting to extract Empress Nama.

It was just a more organized version of what was happening in the Flowerlands. [His lips twist in distaste. It's odd being on the opposite end of a rebellion. The Galra Empire is only stable for the Galra—and nobody else. There's no evidence of it being good. And here, the Empresses had set up things that worked and people were just ... fighting it. For no good reason.

And fighting each other, too.]

We handled it, but I don't know that that'll be the last of it.

It will not. Not until they are properly punished for rebellion.

[He doesn’t speak very passionately in the subject, but it is how he feels. He had gotten some details from Rey already.]

I believe it would be prudent for us to remain and assist with that effort, once the Empresses find terms that are agreeable to them.

It's a good idea. If they decide to have a problem with how we handle things, we won't be around. They won't have any revenge to take when it's all over. Better that we make ourselves a target than give those idiots more of a reason to fight.

[It's both self-sacrificing as an argument, but also strategically sound in a way. If their own warriors aren't taking them down, then it won't be seen as a betrayal at the beginning of whatever solution is eventually found.]

Indeed. Assuming there are not other factors escalating that we do not know about.

[Kylo Ren half-exhales his reply. After all, they had already discussed that they were tired of politics. The sooner they took care of the problem themselves, the sooner they could leave this all behind and move on.]

We will see.

I guess so. At least it seems like there isn't anyone else involved in this mess. Like you thought at first.

[Keith says it blandly, like he's trying to angle at what's going to come after that point: which is discussion of Rey. He just doesn't know how to get there yet, so he's working up to it.]

[He raises an eyebrow down at Keith. That was an interesting segue. He takes a moment of silence to try and extrapolate his intent before replying.]

There was a contingent of rebel mountain clan interested in undermining their Empress. Would you not call that a third party?

[Taking notes from grandpa without even being conscious of it, the Kylo Ren story.]

No, because they're basically the Mountain Clan version of what attacked the festival. A third party would be encouraging them to act that way. Rey and I—we asked if that was the case. And I did with both sides in the Flowerlands in another interrogation. That isn't a third party at all.

[The bland "flatness" to his voice vanishes, replaced by a hint of irritation. Are they really having this conversation again? He just wanted to ask if he was going to train Rey!]

[Kylo Ren shrugs both shoulders. Fortunately, he does not seem to particularly care whether or not their views align.]

Semantics. Either way, it does not matter now. We will need to ensure that whatever solution is agreed upon is respected and adhered to.

[There is something about what Keith says that draws his attention.]

You seem to be quite the inquisitor. How many interrogations have you performed on this mission?

What? I just know how important information is when you're fighting. We've made the mistake of not taking information when we had the chance before. [That goes for both Team Voltron and Audentes. Too many people are blinded by their need for revenge that they don't end up learning all that they need in the process.]

I don't even like doing it.

It is not a judgement of character. Only a curiosity.

[And that is a position he respects. Whether or not he likes it -- well, no one's perfect.]

There are many who do not understand the necessity of it. I am pleased to hear that is not the case for you.

Well ... that's why I didn't have a problem with what you did that day. Or what Rey did, either. [Keith debates what else to say after these words. His arms come up to cross over his chest.] I know that some people do here. But we won't get anywhere if we're going blind.

[There is a slight narrowing of his eyes. "What Rey did" is what he picks up on. He almost asks for clarification, but that invites Keith to ask more questions as well -- so he leaves it alone and mentally notes to dodge the subject of their interrogation as much as possible.

There is still a noticeable pause between them.]

Good. Though it would not matter to me if you did. I have had extensive experience in these matters, after all.

[Not diplomacy, but interrogation? Definitely.]

[Kylo Ren continues to be confusing. Keith considers asking which matters. He then decides that it doesn't matter. It's likely ... interrogation, right? And asking questions?]

I'm fighting in a war back home, too. I know a little about what you and Rey have been dealing with, though ... not entirely. Not where you stand on it all. [A beat.]

It sounds like that part's more—more complicated.

Complicated?

[Keith earns a rare chuckle from Kylo Ren, short and almost indistinguishable from a sound of annoyance and just as short lived. However, he succeeds in keeping his attention.]

What do you know, of the war in my galaxy?

Maybe not enough. [It's an admission here. No matter how much Rey's explained to him, some of it is lost. What he does know is that she believes in Kylo Ren for some reason, the same reason she believes in him.

So, he goes on to ask:] When Rey mentioned you before, she mentioned the Dark. What does that mean?

That is a complex question.

[Some of this chafes, the idea that she is talking about him behind his back. Not that he didn't expect it -- but its still annoying to hear secondhand.]

What has Rey told you of the Force?

That it's in everything. Unlike a similar thing in my world called quintessence, you can't harness it or bottle it. It just ... is. And for some reason, it's both light and dark.

[Though that last bit comes out with a bit of a "that's weird" lilt. Keith feels like that's a really narrow way to look at the world (but he might be projecting given his inhuman circumstances).]

[He exhales. He probably should have expected that sort of reply.]

You have most of the basics. The Force is energy in the universe, yes — constantly striving to exist in balance. Life and death. Light and dark. It can be manipulated, but it is also its own entity, which is why it cannot be bottled.

[Though to be frank, even though he knows more than Rey, he is hardly a scholar himself. He cannot explain to him the finer details.]

The same is true for those of us who are sensitive to it. The Force manifests within us in different ways — the Dark Side comes more easily to me.

And the Light for Rey. [To Keith, he figures that goes without saying. It was her hope and willingness to give people chances that had initially drawn him to her, whether he realized that at the time or not. He certainly realizes it now. It's why her shift in mannerisms stood out to him so much.]

But nothing is ever really ... Light or Dark. That isn't how anything works. When it comes to your war, though—what I know of the First Order is that they aren't the good guys. That what they're fighting for isn't good. I've seen some of what they can do.

[Keith doesn't have any plans on specifying what he means. Talking about Rey's dark future is out of the realm of possibility.]

I know that you're with them. You just don't seem like you're completely unreasonable. [Which could be a compliment coming from someone else's mouth. From Keith's, it's more of a statement, like he's taking his measure of Kylo Ren a little late.]

[Kylo almost looks impressed when Keith comes out with “nothing is ever really Light or Dark”, enough that he lets him finish talking without interruption.]

I very much doubt you know anything about the First Order, especially if your information is coming from her. Rey spent her life isolated on a desert planet in the Western Reaches of the Inner Rim. All she has seen of any sort of government and power has been recent.

[He doesn’t sound offended by Keith’s assessment. None of it is wrong, really. But talk of Light and Dark in the same breath chafes a little.]

Then tell me about it. I want to know why you and her knowing each other is a problem, and I'm not going to get that if I don't hear it from you. [Keith would explain the whole "Galra" thing, but he chooses not to for the moment. He is a little annoyed at Rey's knowledge being disregarded, but he keeps that bit to himself.]

[He has to consider how to answer this, eyes narrowed just slightly. He isn’t entirely sure what Keith is getting at, or how much Rey had told him.]

It is not a problem.

[Because knowing each other doesnt equate to being friends or allies.]

We are presently on opposite sides of the war, which was instigated by thirty years of stagnation and inaction from the Republic. The First Order rose with the intent of establishing a proper governing power.

[After the Galra Empire—]

Stagnation isn't a crime. [Which is probably something that stands out because of the Galra Empire. They weren't stagnant, they just took over everything.]

And what you're saying doesn't justify why you would lie to me about teaching her. Or knowing her period.

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