Logs:Buying Time

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Content Warning

Part of Plot: Deep Roots, Weak Branches

Cast
Setting

An office in Baltimore

Log

This trip couldn't be more different from Jack's last visit to Baltimore. Instead of a club, the group arrives at a skyscraper down town--one of those ultra ritzy office buildings that only the most profitable of companies can afford.

After an elevator ride up to one of the higher floors, and a curt but polite conversation with a well-dressed receptionist, the group are led to a conference room that looks like they're about to pitch a business presentation more than a diplomatic meeting. Each seat has a fresh bottle of water resting in front of it.

The group is assured that Ms. Nagin will be in shortly to meet them. They're then left alone for a few minutes.

It's a good thing that Jack did a least a little research on the kind of person Sulochana is, what she does. It wouldn't do for him to arrive in the leather get-up he'd worn on the last trip. Instead, he's slicked his hair back, and gone for business casual - tight black trousers, a floral green and pink shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and black dress shoes. His mantle drifts around him like an odd sort of cologne, and bits of charcoal shiver and drift away from him, dissolving into the air as he moves. Once in the conference room, he takes a seat and eyes the water, one of his legs bouncing.

Sigrun cleans up well. Most fairest do. She's wearing a black pantsuit with a cream colored shell that shows collar bones but not cleavage. She even took her hair out of its war braids and wears it back in a professionally clean and tight pony tail. It makes her look rather more severe than even the braids manage. Perhaps it's the allusions to powersuits and the halls of power, who knows. In any case, she waits with the others, hands folded up atop her padfolio, pen situated just so to await the meeting. She is not jittery, however. She's just waiting, thumbs tapping together idly.

Annie's also dressed fairly nicely, in a light green dress with matching jacket and moderately high heels, her hair braided into a bun. She takes a seat next to Jack once in the conference room, glancing at the water bottle curiously as she waits.

They're not left waiting for long--it's no more than a few minutes later that the door opens and a tall woman steps inside. She's wearing a suit that fits her well, dark, all clean angular lines. Her features are serpentine, to the extent of having black scaled skin, snake-like slitted eyes, and a too-wide mouth that shows two fangs when she opens her mouth. She radiates power and purpose, as well as a hunger that makes one imagine her eating them whole--the sort that she is well-used to using as a weapon in board meetings--and it seems, here, she is as well. Her mantle is like the heat and glimmer of sunlight reflecting off of skyscrapers, her crown glass and steel that radiates heat.

She is, honestly, fucking terrifying.

She looks piercingly from one to the other, then moves to the head of the table, pulling out a chair to settle into. "Good afternoon," she says, her tongue forked and voice faintly hssing at the edges.

Jack makes no move to stand, when the door opens, though his mien flickers and he takes a quiet breath.

"Afternoon." His smile is polite, his nod the same, and he reaches across the table to offer his hand to shake. "I'm Jack Martingale, one of the Joyeux at Shackamaxon - thanks for agreeing to meet with us. I'll let my companions introduce themselves." He gives Annie and Sigrun glances and settles back into his chair, fiddling with the pencil he's brought.

Sigrun does stand. Midwestern manners are midwestern manners. She is about to extend a hand but Soluchana opts to seat herself without an exchange of pleasantries. Okey doke. Sigrun rolls her tongue in her mouth for a moment and works up a smile after Jack's introduction, glancing his way briefly before looking back to the snake woman. "I am Sigrún Ljósdóttir." Soluchana makes her pronounce every accent, apparently. "Huntress of the Longest Day for Devon the Black and Peter Wood. It's good to make your acquaintance." She finds her seat again, opening her padfolio and taking up her pen which, despite the adage, is not mightier than her sword. At least not in her hands. She fights the urge to doodle. Visibly.

"Anneliese Kiel, also one of the Joyeux at Shackamaxon. It is a pleasure to meet you." Annie says, offering her hand to shake in turn. She's calm and collected, clearly not especially intimidated by Sulochana.

She accepts Jack's hand, shaking it with a strong, curt, polite shake, nodding. "Mr. Martingale. I've heard so much about you." A weighed look, before her sharp gaze turns upon Sigrun and Anneliese as they make their introductions. The titles are clearly noted, and her eyes linger on Sigrun.

"It is good to meet you both. I'm glad to see Shackamaxon reaching out to follow through on the assurances given to us, last time." Her eyes slide briefly back to Jack.

Jack's eyebrows twitch upward slightly when Sulochana mentions she's Heard Things. "Have you? I'm intrigued." His smile turns to a smirk for just a moment before he regains his composure. "We did relay your requests to our Crowns, and we've returned at their behest. New knowledge has come to light about this whole...situation with Patriarch Tree, and we've been taking our own steps in an attempt to find a peaceful solution to it all."

Sigrun picks up where Jack had left off, nodding his way for a moment, "More to the point, ma'am, we are confident we have that solution, and we're asking you-- as we have asked Old Iron --to hold off any motion towards open conflict until we've made our attempt at executing it. If we succeed, the only lives that are put at risk are our own. And if we fail, you will have gained the cover of being able to say you exhausted all potential peaceful resolutions available to you short of succumbing to the roots. War would be unfortunate at that point, but at least your neighbors wouldn't view you as having acted precipitously towards war."

Annie nods in turn. "It will take time to enact the plan for it to have the best chance of success, but there is more to gain from a peaceful resolution than going to war. None of us benefit from slaying fellow Lost, after all."

She folds her hands on her lap, sitting with perfect posture. She listens to each in turn with laser focus.

"What new knowledge?" she first asks Jack, then to Sigrun and Annie. "And what plan?"

Jack opens the folder he's brought with him before he starts to speak, referencing it as he does. "We can say with near certainty that the actions of the members of Patriarch Tree are not causing the blight. They are willing to work with us to deal with the source. They do not seek to destroy the livelihoods of History's Cradle, nor any of the other Freeholds who have suffered due to the blight."

"We are working with the Patriarch's Tree to resolve the matter, ma'am. Peacefully. Directly, and at considerable risk to the lives of those involved. I can't go into too much detail, unfortunately, because there are oaths in place enforcing the secrecy of it all. I realize that's going to sound like a cop-out, ma'am. But hopefully this won't. I'm asking you, Summer to Summer, to trust me. I want peace, and I want what is best for all of us. Yes. Of course. But if our mission fails, and if we cannot succeed in ending this problem peacefully, I will personally lend my sword to your cause. I'll hate it, but I'll do it. If you're willing to put your faith in us, that we're trying our best to spare us all a war, I will be willing to put my faith in you and join you on campaign if we fail." Sigrun pauses to scratch at her nose for a moment. She's not typically this wordy. But it's war. One she'd very much like to avoid. "There are risks to this plan which we need to make you aware of, but I imagine this first hurdle needs to be surmounted before we get to that. Everyone's on eggshells, and we're trying to arbitrate peace through the justifiable concerns of all parties involved. I hope you can understand the discretion."

Annie just watches Sulochana for how she reacts to Sigrún's speech.

"Inaction often speaks louder than action," Sulochana replies, seemingly unmoved by Jack's news. "Whatever their intentions are, do not matter to me. The source of this so-called blight originates from their territory, the Tree that empowers them. They have refused to step up to resolve the problem themselves, and in fact have taken up arms against members of History's Cradle when we attempted to cut off the roots at the edges of our territory. I'm afraid violence is already upon us."

She turns her gaze upon Sigrun, listening to her heart-felt speech without much reaction. Her eyes narrow, just a hint, at But if our mission fails, and if we cannot succeed in ending this problem peacefully, I will personally lend my sword to your cause.

Sigrun, are you allowing yourself to be Sealed?

The Sealing is enough, for now. :slight_smile:

Once the Sealing is made, Sulochana's expression turns a little more introspective.

"I understand the discretion. Information is sought-after currency. I'm sure you also understand the risk I would be taking by calling off the Hue and Cry without knowing more."

"In our discussion with Devon, he suggested that, should our endeavor to fix this problem with Patriarch Tree - and stop the blight - fail, he would be willing to talk with you about allying against what would then be war. But only if you can stand down, like Old Iron has." Jack pauses, letting the words sink in. "We also came to warn you - we are fairly certain our plan to resolve the blight will cause the tree itself to lash out - and you must be ready for that. Fortify, get your Freehold safe outside the Hedge, focus on protecting your own within your territory. We want to avoid lives lost as much as we possibly can."

"You can be fairly certain this lashing out would happen if you attacked directly, too. But at least this way, our fighters can be on the home front, minimizing the damage and defending their hollows and the travelers on the trods. It's asking quite a bit, but if in the end it gains you a third army as an ally, you're securing a massive body of reinforcements at the cost of time. I don't know if you've met Enyo Stygia out at Old Iron. They took over after Nick was lost to them. But they've been agitating for conflict for a good long while now and even they have seen fit to hold off for now."

Sigrun clears her throat before admitting, "Candidly, ma'am? If I have to choose between fighting in defense of my home or in an attempt to burn down someone else's, I know which I would rather do. And I'm sure that opinion isn't uncommon in your own ranks. It's Summer. I wanted to be hunting Huntsmen. Raiding enemy hob settlements. Confronting Bridge Burners. Not... not this."

"Patriarch Tree have attempted to solve the matter themselves. They are sworn to the defence of the Tree, though, because nobody could have foreseen this when their Freehold was founded." Annie says, voice gentle. "We have all done things that seem foolish with the benefit of hindsight."

Jack nods in agreement at what Sigrun and Annie have said. "As Sigrun has said, no one really wants a war, and Patriarch Tree wants this resolved as much as all of us.s. Standing down, adding your name to the list of those who believed them, who chose every possible way to avoid a bloody conflict...that's how you'll be remembered, when all this is over. Being hailed as warmongers isn't a good look for anyone. I'm confident we can avoid that. We will let you know when we return to Patriarch Tree to enact the plan we've set in place, and when it's all over, too." His voice is quiet, confident, and sketchy lines float lazily around his arms and face, betraying no trace of worry. Like he knows Sulochana will make the right decision. Like it's been predetermined.

"Is that so," Sulochana replies softly when Jack issues the warning. Her wide mouth purses faintly, a brief moment, before her face relaxes and her unnervingly cold stare turns.

Her arms unclasp, one lifting to rest against the edge of the table. "History's Cradle has taken grave injury, due to this blight. If Patriarch Tree truly regrets the actions--and inaction--that their Oath has forced them to take, they will pay restitution for the harm the Tree has brought upon us. If they agree to this, History's Cradle will stand down... Until the results of this mission has been seen through."

"Do you have an itemized list of losses? Figures on excess crop loss due to the blight, figures on reduced trade income? Damage to real property that can't simply be spun away once the roots are gone? Restitution is a word you will need to quantify," Sigrun points out with a slight tilt to her head.

"And not something we are able to agree to on Patriarch Tree's behalf," Annie points out. "We have all suffered due to the blight, though. Old Iron, Shackamaxon, History's Cradle." There's a brief pause for effect. "Patriarch Tree."

"I can provide an itemized list of property damaged and lost, yes," Sulochana replies. "But we will also expect to be compensated for the physical injury, emotional distress, and loss of life this blight has caused."

Her hands fold again. "I'll write up a list of requests to be delivered to them."

"I can offer myself as emissary, a neutral third party, to ensure your requests reach them safely. It seems, in the current climate, that avoiding unexpected meetings between your two Freeholds would be best..." Jack picks up his pencil, scribbling something down after he speaks.

Sigrun has no real hope of disguising her distaste for the notion of 'compensation' for intangibles. She just looks confused, brow furrowing and head shaking a little. That whole approach to life is just beyond the scope of her personal ethos that it leaves her literally speechless for a few moments. Jack steps into the breach though, which has her settling back into her seat and offering a soft chuff of sound that sounds a bit like a, "Huh."

"I can also serve as emissary," Annie says, nodding to Jack.

"That may be wise," she agrees with Jack. "Good." She smiles, a snakeish, hungry sort of smile. "Then it seems we are in agreement. I will wait to progress any plans I may or may not have in motion until I have confirmation--or a refusal--from Patriarch Tree. Hopefully all will go well, and peace will be had. When do you expect to start this mission of yours?"

"Hopefully, before the end of the month." Jack's smile stays polite, and he inclines his head when Sulochana agrees. "There are a lot of moving pieces. Is there a way we can easily keep in contact with you, or would you prefer our information go through your office...?"

Sulochana pulls out a business card from a sleek case and offers it towards Jack. "You can reach me directly at this number."


Sigrun is just keeping her mouth shut at this point, probably through not inconsiderable force of will. Another small shake of the head, as though confused, but no comment. She just glances aside at Jack and then to Annie, then back to Sulochana.

"Is there anything else you wish to discuss?" she asks. "Otherwise, I will have those lists put together so you can be on your way."

"Do you have any injured in need of healing at the moment?" Annie asks, finally leaning forward and uncapping the water bottle to take a sip. "I have a fair degree of skill in that area."

If Sigrun starts talking again, she's not going to stop until there's shouting. She knows it. So she keeps stubbornly, self-effacingly silent and stares down at her padfolio. That dodge would be a lot more sensible if she'd bothered to write anything down up to now. So she stops look at the blank page and instead glances aside at Jack again.

"I think we've covered everything." Jack nods and closes his folder before gesturing at Annie. "Again, thanks for seeing us, I'm confident we can find a peaceful resolution for all of this. We're all of us suffering."

"Kind of you to offer," the Queen replies to Annie, dipping her head. "But our physicians are more than capable of taking care of it."

"We'll see how much your confidence is worth soon enough, Mr. Martingale." She pushes up to her feet, sliding the chair in. "It shouldn't take anymore than a couple hours to have everything written up. I'll see to it that my assistant sets you all up with a nice dinner of your choosing. We should have everything in order by the time you're finished."

And with that, the Queen walks out of the room.

After Sulochana leaves, Annie takes a deep breath, before exhaling. "Well. Do either of you have any preferences for where we eat? This is my first time in Baltimore." And only her third outside Philadelphia city limits since she escaped Arcadia, but she's not mentioning that.

Jack sags in relief once the Queen has left the room, lines of charcoal shuddering and flickering around him as he sighs. "God, I need a drink," he mutters, and shakes his head. "Don't really care where we eat. Didn't spend much time exploring the city last time I was here..." He pulls his phone out, searching out the best that google has to offer him for Most Expensive Places To Eat In Baltimore.

"If you guys want to visit the National Aquarium, there's a Hard Rock Cafe nearby. Walking distance. I don't want to spend their blood money," Sigrun states flatly. "They'll probably just add the bill to the tab they expect Patriarch's Tree to pay, anyway." Sigrun places her pen into her breast pocket and folds up her padfolio, pushing up from her seat with a heavy sigh. "I'll pay for dinner. Wherever you decide is fine with me, though."

"National Aquarium works for me," Annie says, shrugging one shoulder. "We should probably walk and talk, though."

Once they're done with dinner and return to the office, a folder of paperwork and a thumbdrive for digital formats are handed over before they head back to Philly. Anyone taking a look at them?

Jack will definitely look over them.

As will Annie.

The list of damages is... very long, and very thorough. She must keep absurdly detailed records to be able to pull this together so fast. Most of it appears to be property damages among their Freehold Hollow and various personal Hollows that have been categorized, as well as crops of Hedgefruit that have been destroyed. It also claims that two people have lost their lives when their Hollow fell down around them while they slept, as well as injury to over a dozen Lost in various struggles against or related to the roots.

What Sulochana is asking in return is... a shorter list, but it is... a lot. It includes a sizeable amount of money, as well as a lot of hedgefruit/plants to be given to replace lost crops. But there is one demand that stands out among the list: Sulochana is demanding Patriarch Tree turn over control of one of their largest Trods.

Jack whistles as he reads it. "...This's gonna go over real well..." he mutters. "Fuck me..."

Annie nods grimly. "I get the feeling they do not actually wish to avoid war. Which demands the question of why?"

"They don't wanna be seen as weak, and they wanna come out on top of all this. Sulochana doesn't seem to care how that happens. And of course with Red Rose involved it's personal - and they see themselves as the defenders of their Freehold, to begin with. 'S a whole lotta posturing and pride, and it's bullshit...but we got more time. They'll hold off. She didn't say anything about how fast this negotiation had to happen, my plan's to sit on it until we can deal with the issues at Patriarch Tree. 'Cause if we can't hold shit back there...negotiating's pointless, anyway."

"The fact there wasn't a deadline makes me suspect the point of all of this was always expansion and impoverishing Patriarch's Tree. They're happy to achieve that end at the end of a negotiating table as much as they would at the end of the sword. It's despicable. Craven. Cowardly, even. There's no honor to be found in it." Sigrun makes the last bit sound like the greatest of all of the sins she listed. To her, it might be. "I am constantly astounded at how much I underestimate our capacity for being pieces of shit to one another." She shakes her head again, gesturing with her hand in a vague and dismissive manner. "Things would be so much better if I ran the world."

Annie sucks in a breath at Sigrún's last comment, but doesn't otherwise respond to it directly. "Stalling them until after things at Patriarch Tree are resolved works for me," she nods to Jack. "Do we have any volunteers to be part of the oneiromancy team yet? I have not had a chance to talk to anyone about it."

Jack winces. "There is a measure of safety to be found, in always being the aggressor. It keeps people from attacking first. Whether at the end of a negotiating table or a sword." That said, he turns to Annie. "...A few folx have contacted me, yes. Jesus, there's so many moving parts...an' Sulochana's just adding to it."