hadriel | ✘ Round 5

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✘ Round 5 | [Audio]

Greetings, all of you. I come to you with two orders of business today.

First: I see that there may have been some concerns raised about the efficacy of the Guard. [No, not naming names--he doesn't want to give Sato the satisfaction, and he knows people will probably be able to figure it out for themselves anyways if they've checked the network recently.] Some may feel that our efforts would be better spent on the dangerous creatures that threaten us.

I am here to tell you that this is already being addressed. I make daily trips out to the cave systems. I do not venture far in, as any who have spent time there know it is foolhardy to try and navigate them, but I do eliminate any creatures that I see that are beginning to prowl close to the entrances. Though it may not be possible for me alone to completely stem their encroachment during times of chaos, when the gods--or other forces--are orchestrating against us, on most days I am able to control their numbers. That combined with Hope's efforts mean that they never make it into the city.

Barring extenuating circumstances, [read: when things really go to hell and he'd rather stay beside his friends or his partner--] I have done this every morning since I have joined the Guard. And during the aforementioned times when they do make it out of the caves, you can be assured that I will be there, fighting fiercely to keep them at bay. [Anyone who saw him during the zombie invasion or the split city or any of the other times that monsters had flooded inwards knows he is a being that makes good on his words.]

I do not do this for praise. You do not need to thank me. I do it because it is my duty to keep people safe, regardless of the world I am trapped in; I only mention it now to try and allay your concerns.

It also means that I have an abundance of supplies. Should you find yourself hungry or in need of other miscellaneous things, you are free to reach out to me. You are also free to contact me should you fear a more... internal threat. It is not my place to interject myself into the business of others, but if another inhabitant of this cave has threatened you, I will do what I can to protect you.

[There's a pause as he lets all that sink in; it's more wordy than he prefers to be, but it feels like it's worth saying now. Then, he continues.]

Second: I require cleaning agents. Bleach, I believe she... I believed it was called. [Glacius alien swerves, though the memory has already been called upon. Amazing how even the most mundane of things can remind him of her.] But I will accept anything that can remove stubborn stains.

Thank you for your time. [Finally, he ends the feed.]

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Actually, Glacius, I wonder if I could possibly ask you a small favor.

[Glacius seems somewhat hesitant about switching the feed, but allows it, given that the man on the other end knows who he is.] Yes..? What is it?

[Rosen hesitates a moment, the words 'I don't need a babysitter' echoing at the back of his mind. A quiet sigh precedes his answer]

I am sorry to ask this of you. And please, I don't want you to go to any extra trouble for it, but there is someone I'd like you to keep an eye out for.

[He takes his glasses off, rubbing at the bridge of his nose]

There's a young man here, newer, his name is Lance Sweets. He has good intentions but I'm afraid all of those good intentions don't leave much room for self-preservation.

[The glasses get returned to their proper place. He looks so tired. And if anything he's gotten skinnier even in the days since he saw Glacius at the clinic.]

I just... Glacius I don't have many people that I...that I actually trust. I don't ever get that lucky. And I think you know what that is like.

[Lee's expression turns sad]

I trust this young man. And with all the trouble brewing about Sato and Shadow, or even whatever trouble will be coming down the line [Lance doesn't seem all that picky. An equal opportunity moralist]

If something were to happen. I can't-

-Please.

[Glacius pauses, seeming surprised that this human would entrust him with a task as important as watching over one of the few people he trusts despite the fact that they have only just met recently. Because Rosen is right--the alien knows what it's like to not have many of them in his life, and he's honored with the responsibility he's been given at the same time that he's surprised that the man is apparently folding him into that group after just a few meetings.]

Do not worry--I will honor this request, given that it is not only part of my duty to esnrue the safety of citizens here, but because you have only been kind to me. I will do what I can to look out for your friend. As chance may have it, I have my own problems with both of the individuals you have named--they are dangerous indeed, not to be trusted. Not only that, but... Lance reached out to me recently asking about Sato. I thought he was simply trying to get a better grasp of the situation he caused for the Guard, but... you think he would actually attempt to get involved?

[There's a small huff in response, the start of a chuckle that dies before it gets anywhere]

Why doesn't that surprise me?

[Of course Lance has started contacting the other members of the guard.]

I can't be sure of what he intends. I'm not even sure he knows. But he's got that dangerous combination of youth and idealism and he's demonstrated an aggressive intolerance for violence so I do fear he could potentially put himself at risk.

[Rosen feels both awe and frustration at it, and perhaps a bit of jealousy that at this point he's convinced he now lacks the same strength of conviction]

I am very grateful, Glacius. Really I am. And it would be best that Lance not know, and if he contacts you again that whatever he says to you be kept private as I expect you would. Please understand that I don't want to spy on him, only to be sure he is safe. What he does in his spare time, what he says, it is none of my business.

Of course. I respect that stance, actually. Spying on people... isn't really in my nature, as it is not my place. But looking out for him, defending him from danger or harm... that is my calling. That is why I am here. [Glacius hates the feeling like he's nosing into people's business, but is more than accustomed to helping out where he can. It's refreshing to meet someone who cares in a similar manner, who conducts themselves in a way more reminiscent of his people.]

I must admit, I am surprised that you trust me with this... and also flattered that you have enough faith in me to reach out like this. That you believe I can ensure your friend's safety. I will do my best to honor this... and perhaps in the mean time, you could try to encourage him to be cautious. There is no harm in seeking to help others; in fact, we could do with more people who are so insistent in this regard. But the rarity of such good-hearted people is all the more reason we do not want him to get himself into any danger.

[Rosen nods with a thoughtful expression. He had had a feeling Glacius would understand and moreso feels validated in his assumption that Glacius holds the right principles for the task. Even though they have known each other only for a very brief amount of time, Rosen has taken away a sense of duty and respect from Glacius that he feels would also ensure that Lance's privacy and personal space was being respected.]

Thank you, Glacius. And yes, I do realize this might be strange given you and I are still not entirely familiar with each other, but what you have shown me is someone I very much respect. And someone with compassion. And in a place like this those are invaluable qualities.

[Lee then sighs]

And you are right. His intentions are honorable. But that won't go very far if he does not step carefully.

Thank you. I, ah... [Glacius pauses, and Rosen can probably see the way all of his gill coverings undulate, the way a human might wet their lips or swallow uncertainly when trying to figure out what to say. Saying things out loud to someone who is a fairly new acquaintance is not exactly comfortable for him, but the man has never been anything but kind and understanding of him, so it doesn't seem right to let his accolades just hang there.] ... respect you as well.

[The alien listens again, then gives a small nod.] Yes. Very few people in this cave actually care about honor, another unfortunate fact. Sato is one of them; fighting and causing harm are things he will do readily, so long as there is some amusement to be had from it. That is why it is important we try to keep them apart.

What are the qualifications for becoming a member of the Guard?

When I joined, there were no formal qualifications, so to speak. I would recommend that you have a desire to uphold order, the drive to help others, and some sense of cooperation--though they have been accommodating to my preference in working alone, most of the time.

Henry and Maketh would be the people to contact about this, but I have seen your actions in the Colosseum. I will put in a good word for you, should this be the path you choose.

[Oh. That was...not what he had been thinking about, and not what he would've expected to be told even if he had been. It's.....a....ni...ce thing to say? He's not sure how to feel about that.]

Your support is appreciated...but unnecessary. I was merely curious. There has been some recent discussion about the Guard. [Not naming names or anything, but, you know, some people have been talking smack about it. He's heard. Maybe.

And he doesn't totally believe said smack, but nor does he believe in the Guard very much. It's a noble idea, perhaps, but he serves himself, not others, and if he were being honest he might say that protecting everyone here seemed like an unreasonable goal.]

It is a relatively large organization?

Ah. Yes. Most of that talk has been by someone who has made himself our enemy for quite some time now. He seems to delight in causing trouble for us. I would not concern yourself with that, though you are wise to consider all angles of an issue before making a decision.

And no, we are not a large organization. In fact there are only a handful of us. It is hard, often thankless work, to hold back so many opposing forces in the attempt to protect so many... but that is not something that I am entirely unaccustomed to.

Edited 2017-06-13 23:49 (UTC)

[In a grim time where unrest can practically be felt in the very air around them, leave it to Glacius to be a shining example of what goodness this cave still has.]

Thanks for everything you do, Glacius. Believe it or not, I've actually got some Abraxo lying around, if you want it.

... You are welcome. [He specifically said that he didn't say any of this for praise or thanks because he's still adjusting to not doing everything behind the scenes, and the reminder that he's technically going against his mission parameters is not an entirely comfortable one. But even the secretive alien has to admit that it's nice to be appreciated for the hard work he puts in.]

... Abraxo..? [You know, for a creature that hails from beyond the stars, he likes to think he's got a pretty good grasp on this whole "speaking common" thing--but every now and again a word comes a long and he just has no idea what it's supposed to mean.]

It's a scouring powder. [And then, as he realizes an alien fella like Glacius might not know what that is, either:] A cleaning agent good for hard surfaces. Countertops and sinks and whatnot. Not sure what it is you're looking to clean, but if it's got any use to you, it's yours.

Oh, ah--hard surfaces, yes. Yes, thank you, that would be very helpful. You can just leave it by my station at headquarters, if that is most convenient for you. I do not want you to have to go out of your way for me.

It's not a problem for me to come to you, but I'll leave it on your desk for you to pick up in the morning. You spill something in your apartment?

... Yes, you could say so. [It spilled... out of his partner's mouth... but Glacius is entirely aware of how sensitive Carlisle is about his condition, and wants to do right by his partner by keeping quiet about it. This is the most anyone's going to get out of him on the subject.]

[Nick catches that hesitation, but knowing how private an individual Glacius can be, he says nothing of it.]

All right. I'll be on your desk. Just let me know if I can get you anything else.

[Thank you robro he appreciates your constant respect for his space and privacy. It's why his next question is difficult for Glacius to put out there--because it does constitute as digging into sensitive matters, but at the same time... he sort of needs peace of mind, or in the very least closure in this regard.] You could... shed some light on recent circumstances for me. [You know, the ones that lead him to making this post in the first place. While not technically considered one of the "leaders" of the Guard, Nick is the next closest thing, and he's privy to a lot of information that others might not be.] I need to know... if the organization I have pledged myself to is not as upright or as forthcoming as I was lead to believe.

[Now there's an inquiry. Nick sighs on his end.]

I don't always agree with the way Maketh and Henry run things, but they do a lot of good for the city, as does the rest of the Guard -- yourself included. But there are always going to be a few bad apples in every bunch. As for Shadow, he quit a long time ago. I don't know if he actually said something to Sato, or if he's just trying to stir trouble as usual, but Shadow wasn't one of us, and certainly wasn't acting on any kind of official orders.

[It would be extremely easy to take that inquiry as an accusation, so Glacius further appreciates that Nick remains calm. Still, he needs to be absolutely sure about this.] Just because we do good for the city does not mean we can do as we please. We must be held accountable for our actions, so that we never find it suitable to stray from our noble path. [The alien seems to have strong feelings about this, probably due to his background with law enforcement in his universe.] And just because someone is not acting on official orders does not mean that they are not involved where they should not be. [That, he leaned from human law enforcement, when police in Ultratech's pocket told him his custody was for his own good... only to imprison and torture him.]

So. You are absolutely certain that we had no hand in this? And that Shadow no longer has any involvement with our institution?

[It doesn't take a detective to pick up on the tone in Glacius' voice, to hear that this is an important subject to him. Like Henry, Glacius takes honor very seriously; he's a good person, the kind the Guard needs.

And that's one reason Nick is careful with his words.]

I don't know what kind of unofficial work he was doing, but he hasn't been on our roster in months, and none of us would send him on a suicide mission like attacking Sato. [After all, Shadow's temper is one reason Nick stopped having him do surveillance. The kid has potential -- Nick is still sure of that -- but he's blown it for now. Unfortunate, but that's just how the cookie crumbles sometimes.]

Look, if he did have any involvement with the Guard prior to his death, he certainly won't when he gets back. I'll make sure of it. We have to watch out for trouble in the city, even if that means from within our own ranks.

[There's a long pause, as if Glacius is turning this over and over in his head, examining it from every possible angle that he can think of... and then he heaves a long-suffering sigh.] Very well. You have never been anything but honest with me, [as far as he knows, anyways, but he likes to think he's fairly perceptive,] so I believe you. And I believe that you will purge our ranks of any needless risks, as well, just as I am working to control the damage that has been caused by his own hostility. [And he's not just talking about this sudden attack, though it certainly was a breaking point. Shadow has been up to a lot of detestable activity, recently, both publicly and behind the scenes. Glacius doesn't want the Guard to be associated with such a dangerous and cruel individual--not just because he couldn't work alongside him in good conscience, but because the last thing they need is someone causing them more problems.

That put aside for the moment, the ice alien pauses again, steepling his fingers as her narrows his eyes at the communicator.] What of Sato? Has he been moving against us in any way?

[Glacius might be wary, but Nick means every word he says regarding Shadow. The Guard is important to him, and the city is home now -- he'll do whatever he has to do to protect them. The right choices aren't always the easy ones, but they must be done.]

Aside from the usual grudges, Sato has been quiet against us, save for that last broadcast.

[He doesn't sound happy about that at all.]

I figure he'll be back on our heels the second he's bored again, but I can't say I haven't been happier for him to keep his head down.

I don't think there's a single one of us that could say that. He is troublesome... dangerous. Exceedingly so. But he seems wary of my powers, so that gives us some angle, at least.

As for the grudges... where did all of this even start? Is it simply because he sees himself as an agent of chaos, or was there some... catalyst for our repeated conflicts?

As much as I'd like to say that there's a reason for what he does, he's just the kind of guy who wants to see the world burn. He's some kind of immortal, but who knows if he's always been like this, or if it's just the only way he knows how to entertain himself these days.

Yes, I am aware of that whole "immortal" bit. Hard not to be, after that one particular assault. [Glacius was glad he was there to defend the headquarters and his fellow guardsmen, and to restrain Sato when it was all finally over... though it irks him that the deranged man was eventually able to escape thanks to the machinations of the gods again. Next time, he tells himself, it will be different.]

Anyways, I couldn't purport to understand the way a mind like that works. I just wanted to be sure that there was... nothing else I wasn't aware of. And I wanted to make sure I had a proper grip on this whole situation. If Sato ever shows up again, I will be there. He won't keep getting away with this.

You and I both. We might not have any real authority here, but folks like him have to be brought to justice sometime.

[And Nick has some strong feelings on justice.]

[You and Glacius both, robuddy. It's hard not to when you were responsible for upholding peace and justice across an entire galaxy!] I wish there was a way to change the level of our authority, though I can't expect that the delinquents here would allow us to establish a proper system for such a thing. [The alien heaves a suffering sigh. Why did humans have such a penchant for disorder and trouble?] What would your idea of "justice" be in this particular scenario, if I may ask?

[He hesitates for only a second. He's well aware that Maketh's preferred method of dealing with trouble is harsh, heavy-handed; Nick tends to be more level-headed, but even he has limits.]

Shadow wasn't completely in the right here if he picked a fight, even if he isn't a part of the Guard anymore. Still, Sato is a problem who is going to have to be dealt with eventually, especially if he keeps up this grudge with the Guard and trying to turn people against us.

[His tone darkens just a hair.]

We might not be able to do anything to him just yet, but if there's some way to keep him from hurting people permanently, we'll find it and do it.

Shadow was not in the right at all--in fact, he seems to think outright attacking denizens of this cave is an acceptable way of dealing with his issues! It is disgraceful. So long as he is far away from the Guard, I have no further need to waste my breath on this wretch.

[Glacius pushes air through his nose forcefully, an exhale that sounds much more bothered than his usual huffs or sighs. After that, he goes silent as Nick's thoughts on Sato cause an internal debate to spark to life in his mind. He's been taught all his life to avoid getting wrapped up in outside conflicts, particularly anything that has to do with humanity... and yet this is the path his life has taken. First to earth to safeguard them despite what they did to him, and now to this cave, where he works among them.

He may be extremely disillusioned with the Guard as of late, but they're the closest thing he has to the Alliance, and the best shot this miserable little cave has at maintaining any sense of peace. he doesn't particularly want to get too wrapped up in this little feud that the organization is having with Sato, but at the same time... it's what he signed up for. He can't claim to support the Guard if he's leaving them to deal with their more stubborn problems on their own.

All this for one human--a depraved, immortal human, but a human nonetheless. If Sato was trying any of this in the alien's world, the Alliance of Worlds would have already apprehended him and brought an end to his games by now... but the Guard is undermanned, and their jurisdiction is limited. They need all the help they can get. So Glacius exhales heavily again, a long-suffering sort of sound, and speaks up.] Have you ever considered making use of my powers again? They were what allowed us to apprehend him when he launched his assault on our headquarters, and to this day he remains wary of me. I will not spend my life a jailer, but... perhaps... the risk of such a thing might discourage him from coming after us again.

Edited 2017-06-26 13:43 (UTC)

[No doubt by now Glacius and Prussia have at least run into each other - Prussia is also a Guard, and also makes nearly daily trips into the caves. Mostly as a way to stave of boredom, though.

And when he's not being lazy, he's actually a fairly meticulous cleaner.]

I have some cleaning stuff i can spare. Not a ton but hopefully enough bleach?

I will take what I can get, thank you. You may leave it near by desk at headquarters, if that is most convenient for you.

yeah sure np

btw, what do you think of this whole Sato/Shadow situation. i haven't had too much experience with either of them so i'm wondering what's really going on here

I would commend Sato for bringing about the end of such a violent and dangerous individual if he were not one himself. Now the conflict only grows to draw in others, others which should not have to be involved. Neither of them are to be trusted, and we should concern ourselves more with operating with transparency and honor.

Edited 2017-05-30 19:57 (UTC)

[This is disappointing. He wanted to be friends with Sato.]

so Sato's that bad huh. he mentioned something about a run-in with the guards a few months back, probably before i got here. how bad was it?

He is a man who kills and creates chaos simply to soothe his own boredom. Yes, he is "that bad".

As for the altercation, it was extremely harrowing, but thanks to the combined efforts of a number of us, there were no deaths and Sato was apprehended. There was considerable damage done to the headquarters, however, and he was eventually able to escape our custody. [It caused them a number of problems and set them all back quite a bit, in other words... but the alien doesn't want to admit to that in a place where the depraved immortal can so easily read it and get the satisfaction.]

whoa, really?

[SATO. WHY. HE THOUGHT YOU WERE OKAY.]

he's still around and free tho. i mean i guess we don't really have the authority to keep people locked up tho, huh?

I hope you aren't going out to fight alone.

[ It's too easy to become overpowered by the monsters here. ]

I'm not much of a guard... or a good contributor to organizations of any kind, but I'm happy to help you to monitor the caves.

And I hope this does not disappoint you, but... I do. It is the best way for me, personally, as not having bystanders nearby allows me to utilize the full scope of my powers without risking harming anyone. [And then there's no one nearby who could get hurt should something actually go wrong. Which is why he seems wary:] I--appreciate the offer. But I would rather risk myself and myself only... not anyone who might accompany me... especially someone who has been so good to me.

I understand. [ She may not like it, but she can respect it. ] Please do let me know if I can help, though, later on. Things may change.

[ For now, she'll keep her distance, trusting that he'll send out an alert if he gets into trouble. ]

[There's an audible pause; Glacius is surprised at how... easy that was.] Thank you... for respecting my agency, and trusting in both my judgment and my combat prowess. I will certainly let you know if there is anything you can do to help; I appreciate the offer more than I am probably letting on.

Just out of curiosity, what sort of combat training do you have? It has just occurred to me that we have yet to fight together against the forces of this cave.

Of course. I can hardly advise against such actions when I often take them, myself.

[ Cecily, you're a hypocrite more often than not, though. ]

I had little to none before the Inquisition; it was some light archery, but more for show than anything. It's been years since then, though, and I like to think I've honed my skill with a longbow. There is a little work with daggers, too, though nothing like what some of my companions can do.

I see. I like fighting from range as well, though my techniques do not incorporate conventional weaponry.

[A pause, then:] If you'd ever like to learn more about hand-to-hand or self defense, however, I would gladly teach you. It always pays to be prepared, to be able to protect yourself or those you care about, and I trust that you won't go turning these abilities against the innocent. [Which is an oath that all warriors-to-be of his species must bind themselves to before undergoing their training. His remark is a lot less ceremonial than all that, but it still says a lot that he'd treat Cecily in a similar manner.]

I imagine not.

[ She hasn't seen him fight, but imagines his style is as unique as his physiology. ]

I would like that, thank you. [ beat ] Though, I've noticed you seem to do me more favors than I do for you. I'll need to find some way to settle the score.

[ One way or another. ]

[An apt assessment!

Glacius smiles, pleased by the offer of kindness, but seems a little tentative about something. And here it comes:] Please, you owe me nothing. After... the circumstances of our first meeting... it would be remiss of me to not do whatever I could for you.

[There's a pause, then the alien lifts a hand.] And before you go n to reassure me that it was not my fault, I--I know. I know that, I do. And I'm not doing all of this out of some strange sense of guilt, but because I genuinely appreciate your friendship. It is just... hard to shake the memories, at times. I do not... like hurting anyone.

[Especially not someone who's never been anything but good to him.]

And I'll remind you each time you bring this up that you weren't at fault for that; I blame Rage entirely.

[ Why hold a grudge against the weapon rather than its wielder? ]

There it is. [ She chuckles, once he reiterates what she's said. ] I understand the feeling, though, and if it brings you some relief to... talk about what happened, even if it wasn't your fault, then... that's all right.

[ Glacius is one of the gentlest, kindest people she knows in Hadriel and otherwise; she can't hold much at all against him. ]

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✘ Round 5 | [Audio]

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