Van Grants (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
faterecanted) wrote2011-12-03 02:11 am
faterecanted) wrote2011-12-03 02:11 am
[Voice]
[ Filtered to Abysscast // 100% ]
I've a proposition to make.
I've considered the situatuon, and believe that a truce would be to our mutual benefit. I don't have personal quarrels with any of you, so I see no reason to continue fighting over a matter that we presently have no means to change.. [...Dist and Asch excluded. You're on notice, traitors.] All of our energy would be better spent searching for means to deal with the current situation. I would also like to remind you that I've been here for some length of time, and have not done harm to any of you, despite being assaulted more than once. [Asch.] Take it as a measure of my sincerity.
However, if you reject me now, I will not be offering again; and the next person among you to attack me [Asch.] will be dealt with severely and without mercy. I don't know what you could hope to accomplish with such actions, apart from uselessly antagonizing me. I am still entitled to defend myself.
My suggestion is to consider this offer carefully. I can be a valuable ally to you, or a dangerous enemy. The choice will be your own.
[ end filter ]
[ Filtered to clinic staff // 100% ]
Are there any doctors here with specialist knowledge of toxins?
[ end filter ]
If a man wanted to find productive employment in this village, where might he begin looking? Pay is obviously impossible, but I'm willing to work for personal satisfaction and perhaps a favor or two later.
I have twelve years of service as a military officer, and a decade of experience in sword instruction. I've been told I'm also a fair cook, and a talented musician. I can play the piano; and the pipe organ, though I doubt this village has one available.
I've a proposition to make.
I've considered the situatuon, and believe that a truce would be to our mutual benefit. I don't have personal quarrels with any of you, so I see no reason to continue fighting over a matter that we presently have no means to change.. [...Dist and Asch excluded. You're on notice, traitors.] All of our energy would be better spent searching for means to deal with the current situation. I would also like to remind you that I've been here for some length of time, and have not done harm to any of you, despite being assaulted more than once. [Asch.] Take it as a measure of my sincerity.
However, if you reject me now, I will not be offering again; and the next person among you to attack me [Asch.] will be dealt with severely and without mercy. I don't know what you could hope to accomplish with such actions, apart from uselessly antagonizing me. I am still entitled to defend myself.
My suggestion is to consider this offer carefully. I can be a valuable ally to you, or a dangerous enemy. The choice will be your own.
[ end filter ]
[ Filtered to clinic staff // 100% ]
Are there any doctors here with specialist knowledge of toxins?
[ end filter ]
If a man wanted to find productive employment in this village, where might he begin looking? Pay is obviously impossible, but I'm willing to work for personal satisfaction and perhaps a favor or two later.
I have twelve years of service as a military officer, and a decade of experience in sword instruction. I've been told I'm also a fair cook, and a talented musician. I can play the piano; and the pipe organ, though I doubt this village has one available.
[Voice // Filter]
He frowns and glares off to the side. The truce is flimsy. Van could easily hurt them without even attacking them physically. But...
It takes him a moment to respond, and he clenches his fists before he relaxes them and makes himself talk.]
If you hurt anyone in any way, then I don't care about the truce. Promise you'll leave everyone else alone, and I'll agree to it. You know how it works: a truce has to be upheld by both sides to make it work.
[Voice // Filter]
He can't say he approves of the current situation, either. Two Duke's sons, and not a lick of political sense between them. He'd be dreadfully ashamed of his students, if the one hadn't gone so obviously rogue and effort had been put into teaching the other in the first place.]
Hurt anyone in any way? Leave everyone alone? You can't negotiate terms like that, Luke. They're far too vague. You could accuse me of breaking my word for bumping someone on the street, or for acknowledging my own sister. I can't agree to that.
[Voice // Filter]
[He cuts himself off with a little hiss and turns his head to the side. He's overreacting; he's far too emotionally invested in this and he knows it. As much as he'd like for it to happen, Luke can't just tell Van to isolate himself forever. He hates to say it, but... it's too cruel.
There's another pause as he gathers himself again. This isn't something Luke can combat Van with. Van has much more experience with political events such as this than Luke. Trying to gain the upper hand here would be impossible, and he doesn't want to risk accidentally revealing anything.
It's as he gathers himself that he really thinks about the situation. The truce, and what it could mean for Van.
Luke runs a hand through his hair. To him, this doesn't make much sense.]
Why are you doing this?
[Voice // Filter]
[Not that he isn't still fighting; but holding firm on his terms and refusing to let this treaty be talked into a surrender is a different sort of battle. Van can't say he's overly impressed by the reception it's getting, either. Negotiation is to be expected, but some demands are simply unthinkable. If the situation was reversed, he certainly wouldn't allow his God Generals -- his faithful God Generals -- to show such disrespect for their opponent.
But then, such were the hazards of dealing with civilians.]
Or did you mean something different?
[Voice // Filter]
[It's hard to use the word "kill" in regards to someone else. Especially Van. But the implication stands.]
We'd all have a reason for doing it, too. So... why? [Unless Van has something else planned up his sleeve. Luke will have to listen carefully.]
[Voice // Filter]
[Voice // Filter]
[There were only a few times that Van actually antagonized them back on Auldrant. Sheridan is the one that pops out the most for him. And of course it does; Luke still has nightmares about it, about seeing all those people protecting them and then dropping like flies thanks to Van's forces. And then Van himself killed those people right in front of them...
And he still didn't directly attack them. Is that what he's counting on?]
That still doesn't answer my question, Ma... Van! Why are you doing this to yourself? You... [Are you that desperate to give everyone a good impression of you? That's what he wants to say, but he can't spit the words out. Not with Van.]
[Voice // Filter]
Since that answer doesn't seem to satisfy you... what would we accomplish, other than endless retaliation, neither side able to be rid of the other? I fight to accomplish a goal, not to enjoy my opponent's suffering. I doubt all of your compatriots could say the same.