Video | 006; Filtering out Ryuunoske

[gordianknots]

[Thankfully, this public service announcement isn't as fraught and panicky as the last one. There's no preface needed, just a moment for Waver to remember to put a filter on the message so that Ryuunoske cannot access it, and he addresses the screen.]

I'm issuing this as a bit of information for those new and reminder for those old that I am still attempting to collect and create a history of this place. There's been significant work done, so if anyone is interested in accessing it - or in reviewing mine and my assistant's notes for accuracy - it is open.

In addition, and more pertinently, I would like to add another facet to this archive: recording everyone's personal histories. Given the plans in mind for all of us, I figure that having written biographies to combat memory loss is a boon, and I can ensure limited access to those files. This can be achieved by either you speaking to me of past experiences and me writing them down, or walking over a draft to my current residence.

Finally, and this I realize is a loaded subject: in relation to creating a history of this place. We were recently shown the deaths of the previous inhabitants. I should like to know how yours died, in as much detail as possible, if you feel comfortable giving the information.

My door is metaphorically open whenever needed at house number nine in the navy district, from 11 until sunset. No need to contact me in advance.

[and with that, he's out]

Comments

[answerer_sword]

You can do that?

[That seems like a very useful tool.]

I understand. So I will have to be wary of any of the World's offers. However, from what that woman says, it seems the World is the only Ruler who makes such offers. Or have there been previous incidents with the other rulers, sir?

[She will have to find a way to contact that woman again, so she can ask her more about the previous events.]

[gordianknots]

A student here showed me how. Er - you're not one of the mages who makes technology explode just by looking at it, are you?

They aren't so much offers as direct or indirect assistance, from what I've found. The mercury making tea is only here because recent events permitted the World to give some things that were taken from us upon arrival. From where I sit, she's on her own team and a tenuous ally at best.

[answerer_sword]

I believe I have not reached that extent yet.

[Now, make them explode at a touch...]

And as you have said, she only assisted the inhabitants under dire circumstances, correct?

[gordianknots]

Good, that's better than Rin. It's a fairly useful feature for information gathering.

[he nods]

In so many words. When I asked after the matter, I was informed it was due her own power being restricted, although the cause is unknown.

[answerer_sword]

I will try to learn that skill then.

Did she imply there was anyway to undo the restrictions? Or ask anyone to help her undo them?

[gordianknots]

I can show you, if you'd like.

There lies the problem. There's a memory loss involved and with limited time to act, there's no implication on how these restrictions can be lifted, if at all. I've been putting off pursuing more information because I haven't felt comfortable proceeding with action here. I have zero command of my craft and a poor picture of the true strength the Powers that Be truly have. I do not know my enemy well enough to continue, even if some resources - and friends - have arrived unexpectedly.

[answerer_sword]

I would be very grateful for that, sir.

Friends, sir? Do we have more allies?

[gordianknots]

Well, Rider.

[answerer_sword]

I see. However, I assume all his Servant abilities are gone now that he has arrived here? Still, he should be a loyal ally and an extra pair of hands if anything needs to get done, correct?

[gordianknots]

If you're going to fight, you might as well invite a conqueror, hm?

[answerer_sword]

What is the role that this world assigned him? Could that be used to our advantage as well?

[She really has to curse herself for getting such a weak role.]

[gordianknots]

Zeus, which if you buy the story Olmpyia spun way back when means he's worse than Oedipus right now.

[answerer_sword]

At least he sounds...powerful.

[For some reason, she feels scared of the thought of someone being allowed to take over as Zeus.]

[gordianknots]

You don't need any sort of magecraft or a servant to fight. Just allies, good strategy and excellent leadership.

[answerer_sword]

We meet all three requirements, then.

[She just wonders about Ryuunosuke's side.]

[gordianknots]

I could do with a little more strategy. As I said, I don't feel comfortable in what information I have in making a move. I'd love to use the World as a resource for moving against the other Powers that Be, but that's presently impossible.

Plus the whole Ryuunosuke thing, but that's neither here nor there.

[answerer_sword]

I have not witnessed this Ryuunosuke making any videos or moving around in any manner in this place. Do you have any idea as to his whereabouts, sir?

[In a way, Ryuunosuke lying low is a good thing. But at the same time, she cannot help but worry about what he might be planning.]

[gordianknots]

The intelligence network I have trained on him has yielded no new movements. I'm not sure how to feel about that matter.

[answerer_sword]

[She nods.]

Then...he is another thing we need to bide our time with?

[It means she will have to be on high alert at all times. Even more so than she had already been.]

[gordianknots]

I'm not sure. Half of me thinks he's a distraction from the problem of the real Powers that Be, the other half wants to focus on him because he can be dealt with.

[answerer_sword]

[She listens, but does not know what she can suggest. As a fighter, her first instinct would be to go after that which can be dealt with quickly. However, as an Enforcer, she knows her Lord would be able to find a better strategy. When that time comes, she only needs to be come a weapon to carry out that strategy.]

I will...wait for you to come to a decision when we can collect more information, sir.

[gordianknots]

I want your opinion on it, actually. [Because clearly saying, "stop being so damn formal" isn't the way to go, inviting commentary and second guessing seems more likely to work.]

[answerer_sword]

H-huh?

[She should have expected a question like this given Lord El Melloi's casual and friendly demeanor, but it still shocks her. To know that her superior trusts her beyond her capacity as a soldier, as a person who can provide an opinion as valuable as his own...it is an honor that she does not feel worthy of. A red blush rises in her cheeks as she speaks again.]

A-as an Enforcer, I would subdue Ryuunosuke first. Since we are on equal footing, his matters can be easily resolved. After that we can be free to focus on the rulers of this place without any distractions from him, but...

[gordianknots]

But?

[He leans in, listening. While he's pleased to have gotten her into critical thinking rather than blind agreement mode, that he had to do it at all is pretty damned frustrating.]

[answerer_sword]

I am not good with strategy outside of direct combat. All I can think of is how to eliminate enemies quickly. I still think my Lord should be the one making the final decisions.

[She hopes this will not disappoint him. She has no desire to betray his trust in her, but in all honesty, her specialty is not strategy.]