hadriel | ✘ Round 5

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.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[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.

✘ Round 5 | [Audio]

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