"You have reached Count Dooku. I regret that I am unavailable to answer your hail. Kindly leave a message, and I shall respond at the earliest opportunity."
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Count Dooku. My sincerest condolences on the outcome of this election. I found you to be an excellent opponent, and it is beyond my understanding why that dog received as many votes as it did.
[ A beat. ]
But I am not calling for the purpose of speaking about what's past. I wish to talk about the future. And more specifically how I can help you further your agenda. Lucifer supported us both for a reason, and I believe we could be far more powerful as an alliance than we can as one single ambassador.
Thank you, Lord Baelish. I must say, if I am to be defeated, I would much rather have it be by one of your courtesy and experience than by the Ambassador of soft cream.
[If Dooku is, say, inwardly seething with rage and humiliation at his defeat, it doesn't show at all in his eternally cool and polite voice.]
You have my attention, Ambassador. What manner of alliance are you envisioning?
I maintain what I've said throughout my campaign. You are far better suited to much larger things than ambassadorship of a single city. What you accomplished in Mexico is proof of that. Your goals encompass the entirety of the imPort population, and I believe in your vision. I chose my platform because I believe power comes through influence, and by giving the natives what they need -- they will in turn come to need us far more. But ultimately, our goals align. We both wish to see the imPorts thrive above all.
I believe I can use my resources to help you achieve your ultimate goals -- leading the imPorts to a position of power far beyond that of this government. And I can begin by offering you the Helix Station. I have no desires to utilize it for myself, but as you had said. You wished to see it back in imPort hands. And I can see no better man to take charge of operations there than you.
Someone needs to keep an eye on RISE. While I have no doubt they have the best of intentions at heart, people clearly have conflicting views on them. They could prove to be problematic in the future.
[ A pause. ]
But more than that, what I seek is a peace offering. I am from a world of betrayals and backstabbing. And while I do not question your character, Count Dooku, [ he absolutely questions his character. ] if this were someone from Westeros in your current position, I would be faced with murder attempts and slander. Considering I already faced one such attempt during that week of imPort oddities, I must say, I will do what I can to keep such a thing from happening once more. It is in my nature to come up with a solution that will be mutually beneficial to all parties so that we can combine our powers and work toward a grander goal.
And perhaps that goal would be seeing you as the first ambassador of the imPort capital Heropa. Or perhaps you are seeking something beyond ambassadorship. Either way, I offer my support. The Helix Station would serve as a token of good will.
I see. Your offer of peace is as appreciated as it is unnecessary. I would never resort to assassination... although I will admit that I will be less inclined to criticize your policies if I am occupied with the management of Helix.
[He said, metaphorically brushing a pile of assassination plots out of sight.]
I have had good relations with RISE thus far... and with some of their strongest critics, as well. I would be happy to do what I can to resolve some of the tensions surrounding them. Perhaps I should speak to them regarding these changes, while you can petition the government to return Helix to imPort hands.
I believe it would be best if you speak with them.
[ Little does he know that Sabriel will be contacting him shortly after this to petition for RISE to gain control of the Helix. ]
How stable of an organization do you believe them to be? The criticism of their policies seems to be growing, and it does not appear as though they have too many members or people willing to join.
As long as the government supports them, their funding and resources are assured. They do not rely on our consent to police us. No doubt that helps to fuel the criticism they have experienced.
I believe the question before us is whether RISE should be defended against its critics... or if the attack should be pressed against them. Which do you believe would best serve the imPort community, Ambassador?
[Dooku could personally go either way. The subversive in him wants to champion RISE's opponents and make an example of the government's paramilitary enforcers, but the aspiring tyrant appreciates the benefits of having an sternly-disciplined fighting force on hand.]
My opinion on them is fairly neutral at the moment. I intended to watch a bit longer to see whether they will prove themselves during the next crisis or whether further criticism will come to light in regards to them such as this whole ordeal with Yuri Petrov.
But one does have to question their effectiveness when you look at their inability to house Lucifer.
What do you know of their dealings with Lucifer, precisely? I am aware he has had some exciting times recently, but I'm afraid I have not been at liberty to delve deeper into the matter. It does strike me as odd that Lucifer remains at large, however. He certainly makes little secret of what he is, or of what he desires.
I do not know the full details. Only that after the most recent kidnapping, Lucifer went on a killing spree -- taking down as many Russian soldiers as possible. He was, then, detained by RISE and held temporarily. But they did not hold him for very long. Whether that was because they were persuaded otherwise or merely that they could not, who knows.
But if they cannot house our most dangerous, then what is their purpose?
I will be sure to put that question to them when the opportunity arises. Although I would suspect an outside influence in the decision to release him. The complaints I have heard of RISE implies they are too hard rather than too lenient. It is our government hosts who insist that imPort criminals receive sentences of probation... and who approve of violence against the Soviets. It will be interesting to see if they had a hand in Lucifer's release.
And I imagine the most vocal of complaints come from those who wish to get away with their crimes. Or perhaps it is simply Olivier Armstrong who people believe is a bit too harsh? She does seem to be quite the merciless woman from my brief interaction with her. One has to wonder if a great deal of the criticism for RISE is due to her and not the actions taken by the organization as a whole.
It would hardly surprise me if that were the case. In fact, I would go so far to say that General Armstrong shares one of the weaknesses of your predecessor, Ambassador Revan.
I knew him, you see... before his departure. He was always a soldier before he was a politician. More at home fighting the Soviets than treating with the government. Armstrong is the same way, but she has been forced into the role of police. She acts as though to redefine her role to suit her experience, rather than the other way around.
Such an act may be her ultimate undoing. We need these military leaders in this world to fight the war at hand and fight the other battles we will surely face. But they both attempted to take on roles that are ill-suited to them. And while we will not have the opportunity with Revan unless he returns, perhaps Armstrong may be redirected toward a better path? One that better suits the scope of our plans.
A path which leads away from command of the team she founded? It may prove difficult to make her walk such a trail, m'lord. And General Armstrong is not someone to antagonize lightly.
She would have to be offered something like a promotion... an advancement beyond her current status, I think.
Yes, naturally. Her pride would demand no less. Though such a thing wouldn't be terribly difficult. It does not take much to be above policing. Nearly anything in the military sense would be a promotion.
But such a thing can be discussed at a later point. I greatly look forward to working with you on this matter, Count Dooku. I truly do believe we can accomplish a great many things together.
As do I. I will also look forward to our shared accomplishments... And I will be sure to tell my supporters that Ambassador Baelish is a gracious victor and a forward-looking leader.
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voice;
Date: 2016-06-28 07:34 pm (UTC)From:[ A beat. ]
But I am not calling for the purpose of speaking about what's past. I wish to talk about the future. And more specifically how I can help you further your agenda. Lucifer supported us both for a reason, and I believe we could be far more powerful as an alliance than we can as one single ambassador.
voice;
Date: 2016-06-29 02:29 pm (UTC)From:[If Dooku is, say, inwardly seething with rage and humiliation at his defeat, it doesn't show at all in his eternally cool and polite voice.]
You have my attention, Ambassador. What manner of alliance are you envisioning?
voice;
Date: 2016-06-30 03:32 am (UTC)From:I believe I can use my resources to help you achieve your ultimate goals -- leading the imPorts to a position of power far beyond that of this government. And I can begin by offering you the Helix Station. I have no desires to utilize it for myself, but as you had said. You wished to see it back in imPort hands. And I can see no better man to take charge of operations there than you.
Re: voice;
Date: 2016-06-30 05:22 pm (UTC)From:[Dooku pauses, contemplating.]
What might you desire from the master of Helix in return for such a favour?
[The Count does not believe for a second that Baelish would toss him a fortress out of simple generosity, or his supposed support for Dooku's goals]
voice;
Date: 2016-07-02 02:36 am (UTC)From:[ A pause. ]
But more than that, what I seek is a peace offering. I am from a world of betrayals and backstabbing. And while I do not question your character, Count Dooku, [ he absolutely questions his character. ] if this were someone from Westeros in your current position, I would be faced with murder attempts and slander. Considering I already faced one such attempt during that week of imPort oddities, I must say, I will do what I can to keep such a thing from happening once more. It is in my nature to come up with a solution that will be mutually beneficial to all parties so that we can combine our powers and work toward a grander goal.
And perhaps that goal would be seeing you as the first ambassador of the imPort capital Heropa. Or perhaps you are seeking something beyond ambassadorship. Either way, I offer my support. The Helix Station would serve as a token of good will.
voice;
Date: 2016-07-02 06:49 pm (UTC)From:[He said, metaphorically brushing a pile of assassination plots out of sight.]
I have had good relations with RISE thus far... and with some of their strongest critics, as well. I would be happy to do what I can to resolve some of the tensions surrounding them. Perhaps I should speak to them regarding these changes, while you can petition the government to return Helix to imPort hands.
voice;
Date: 2016-07-03 04:46 pm (UTC)From:[ Little does he know that Sabriel will be contacting him shortly after this to petition for RISE to gain control of the Helix. ]
How stable of an organization do you believe them to be? The criticism of their policies seems to be growing, and it does not appear as though they have too many members or people willing to join.
voice;
Date: 2016-07-03 09:11 pm (UTC)From:I believe the question before us is whether RISE should be defended against its critics... or if the attack should be pressed against them. Which do you believe would best serve the imPort community, Ambassador?
[Dooku could personally go either way. The subversive in him wants to champion RISE's opponents and make an example of the government's paramilitary enforcers, but the aspiring tyrant appreciates the benefits of having an sternly-disciplined fighting force on hand.]
voice;
Date: 2016-07-04 12:14 am (UTC)From:But one does have to question their effectiveness when you look at their inability to house Lucifer.
voice;
Date: 2016-07-05 04:08 pm (UTC)From:voice;
Date: 2016-07-07 12:35 am (UTC)From:But if they cannot house our most dangerous, then what is their purpose?
Re: voice;
Date: 2016-07-07 03:57 pm (UTC)From:voice;
Date: 2016-07-09 02:26 am (UTC)From:voice;
Date: 2016-07-09 10:35 pm (UTC)From:I knew him, you see... before his departure. He was always a soldier before he was a politician. More at home fighting the Soviets than treating with the government. Armstrong is the same way, but she has been forced into the role of police. She acts as though to redefine her role to suit her experience, rather than the other way around.
voice;
Date: 2016-07-10 06:42 pm (UTC)From:voice;
Date: 2016-07-10 11:25 pm (UTC)From:A path which leads away from command of the team she founded? It may prove difficult to make her walk such a trail, m'lord. And General Armstrong is not someone to antagonize lightly.
She would have to be offered something like a promotion... an advancement beyond her current status, I think.
voice;
Date: 2016-07-14 01:53 am (UTC)From:But such a thing can be discussed at a later point. I greatly look forward to working with you on this matter, Count Dooku. I truly do believe we can accomplish a great many things together.
voice;
Date: 2016-07-16 05:27 pm (UTC)From: