It isn't just your duty, Jonathan. It's you. You have a greater heart than you give yourself credit for.
[ And considering that's one of the many things she dearly likes about him, she isn't shy of saying so. Her expression eases only slightly, and she releases him to go back behind her desk. She opens one of the drawers and pilfers around in the papers there before drawing out a few. She brings them back to him.
They're listings for other buildings within a two to three block radius of the clinic. ]
We can look into other properties in conjunction with this one. We need to reconfigure spending and salaries and donations. Which...you told me to do.
[ And she has been resistant up until now in every way, digging her heels in. But if this is the trajectory their operation is going to take, then she needs to compromise in more ways than one. ]
[He suspects she's being very emotional about something that is simply what he accepts as his life's work, but that's not really something to argue about. When she pulls out papers, Jonathan steps toward her desk to take a closer look.]
Ah. Yes, about that. Ezio has offered his services in managing finances and as a donor. It may be wise to take him up on that offer. Mr. Tepes has offered to extend a greater portion of his funds to us, as well. I've also had a few other donors contact me through the missive I sent out on the network.
[ Neria rolls her eyes, but the gesture is fond. ]
Ezio is already stealing supplies with me. He's likely doing more behind the scenes as well...but he won't take no for an answer. I'll speak to Sinbad. I-- There are some people I can contact.
[ She's just been reluctant about doing so, as it'd wound her pride and make her seem desperate. But Gilgamesh runs a damn casino and he's bound to have money. Perhaps Saber will help if she bribes her with mana. ]
Zexion is looking into native Dominants who might want to help. He thinks - and I agree with him - that they should be a last resort. But they are there, should we need.
I suppose I could see to stealing more supplies with Ms. Imoen. I would much prefer to keep natives out of this business, but I understand desperate times. And... if we wish to turn minds, then perhaps allowing them to help might assist with that.
[This probably isn't the best time, but since they're laying everything out.]
Speaking of such things... did you see young Mr. Jones' missive, calling for a demonstration march on the Up?
[ Well, there's that. Neria blinks at him for a moment before she looses a long sigh, pushing her fingers into her hair. Stealing with Imoen. How long has that been going on? At least with Ezio, they've only been skimming but--
...Wait. ]
We can wait on deciding about native donors. Perhaps just talking with them. But what, exactly, have you been stealing with Imoen?
[ And the other part. ]
I did see that. I...I think that's likely going to be dangerous. I wasn't going to go, personally, but I was going to speak to Ezio about it. I wondered if I could provide some assistance from elsewhere, in case things get dangerous.
... Large equipment--the new CT scanner machine. Some laboratory things for the basement, as well. It was a bit fun.
[As these things go.]
And I did mention my support for Mr. Jones. I said I would need to speak with your before doing anything, but said he might be able to hold a meeting for it here. If that's too dangerous, though, that is a thing I am more than willing to arrange for elsewhere. I found something of a secret place a few weeks ago, underground springs. The water is not safe, but it would be a place for them to gather and to hide for a short while, if there is trouble.
[ She's just been skimming bandages and shit, Jonathan. Neria's expression is twisted between dismay and frustration and...pride? Is that pride, somewhere down deep? She sighs, rubbing at her forehead for a moment.
Slowly, she loosens a breath. ]
...How many people? If there's too many, I don't think it would be wise for it to be here. If their numbers are limited, we can have it in the lab. I'll see about asking for some protection and I'll stay late to watch over things.
[As the answer to that first question is self-evident, Jonathan doesn't bother to ask.]
I have offer of security help from a man named Isaac, as well. He has the ability to raise the dead and control them. He thought to have hounds patrolling for us, if you would be all right with that.
Perhaps if you gave me a number you are comfortable with here? I do not know how many Mr. Jones has, yet.
Let's say twenty to thirty at most. And if they're going to come, again...trickle in, be careful and discreet.
[ There's a reason why she's called the Dark Wolf back home. She's done her share of sneaking and conspiring. ]
I'll see if Lancer and Archer might help. They're both Heroic Spirits and I trust them. Very few can stand up to their ilk. But they are both Submissives as well, and I want to protect them if I can - them and their partners.
I'll let him know... about that and the caves, in case there are more. There's also a woman, Ms. Dutch. I can check if she might be available. I'm confident I can guard us at night with some minor support, but during the day, that is when I worry.
I think we need to start looking into alternative exit strategies in the case of a true emergency, Jonathan.
[ It isn't that she doesn't trust guards or defenses. It isn't that she doesn't trust him. But depending on how many people come under their wing, as the authorities crack down on them - which is inevitable, and she is counting down the days - then it will be impossible to ensure no one is injured. Her fear is capture, being taken to one of those facilities. If that should happen to anyone they are caring for...
It will fall on their shoulders, his and hers. She will take it. She worries for him, though. ]
I'm working on devising glyph magic for the building. No one gets if they have untoward motives. But it's...slow going. I have other things to work on. Fighters won't keep our people safe; it will only buy them time.
We need other ways. Asra might teach me teleportation magic. If so, I can devise a way to get people from one point to another and rig it for downstairs in the lab. Its initial function is to be able to allow people to summon a single person from one place to another. I was going to use it for here. For you or the staff to...summon me.
[ And for her, in dire circumstances, to summon Ereuvir to her side. But that is a very, very last resort. ]
What about tunnels? Ms. Mystique... she knows a man with skills that may be useful for any construction work. We could build a passage out of Haven, located in the basement, the entrance hidden with your magics.
I've spoken to her about this man, too, I think. She said she'd ask him if he could help with renovations. I don't want to press her but tunnels...
[ There's a pause. Normally, she wouldn't suggest such things. She thinks of the Deep Roads and her chest feels tight. But the reality is that they need an escape route. ]
...tunnels would be a good option. But you have a great deal of faith in my abilities, my friend. I'm not capable of illusory magic. Asra, perhaps, might know. Or-- [ Another pause. She chews absently at her lip. ] ...Ereuvir. He...He does something, some kind of reality manipulation. I'll ask him. I likely can't learn it but if it's possible, I can convince him to help us here. And I'll ask around. I know no shortage of magic users here.
Mr. Zexion may also be of assistance. Or Ms. Imoen. I believe they're both skilled in illusions to some extent. I have... some of my own, but they're more for personal application. I have never used my veil to shield others or anything other than what might be on my person.
[He has few concerns about asking for assistance, at least, even if Neria might hesitate to reach out.]
Zexion also-- [ Neria sighs. ] I should have known that before now, I'm sorry. Well, there's at least two people, then.
And we'll likely need to actually make people aware of our concerns, so they know we are working on keeping them safe. We'll go from there, a little at a time.
[ But at least there's a plan in place and they have a better idea of how they can proceed. ]
It's all right. We had chance to talk about abilities when he caught me doing a bit of reconnaissance after we disembarked from the Sensual Maria. I'll let those I'm closest to on the staff know. I think it will be an easy enough thing to put around without causing and undue panic. I can also speak with Mr. Zexion, if you'd like.
He may have some other ideas for tunnels that may be of use given his magical expertise.
I knew he had some magical capabilities and some rudimentary healing, but not illusion magic. Either one of us can speak to him. I... He and I have had some awkward meetings a few times.
[ Maybe if Jonathan speaks to him there'll be some miraculous chance where the two of them won't suddenly have to do anything sexual. Maybe. It just seems to be her bad luck rubbing off on Zexion. ]
And we can assure them it's simply a precaution, especially if I am not here or if you are sleeping. The morning hours are when I am most concerned trouble may arise. Though I could ask to change my hours at work and be here during the day instead.
[He raises a brow, but has the good grace not to ask about those 'awkward meetings.']
Whatever you think is best, but I would not leave all of this to you, Ms. Neria. Allow me to find us a means to hide our tunnels. We may want to ensure the construction has some level of secrecy to it.
[ Neria regards Jonathan in silence for some time, weighing her options, running through what she can do. She had wanted to be more lenient before now, until all of these changes have made things more difficult. It isn't his fault; it's Duplicity's and their sudden urge to change everything.
She wants this to be a partnership. And that means not only trusting Jonathan (which she does in spades) but being all right with him shouldering the responsibility.
At length, Neria nods. ]
All right. If you would, please look into it. I'll speak with Zexion - if only because I actually would like to know more about his magic and, perhaps, if I can replicate even a fraction of it. But I'll leave the tunnels to you, as well as telling the staff.
[ There's a pause. ]
This is what we think is best. I don't want these decisions to only be mine. If you are satisfied with this, too, then we can move forward.
Agreed. I think I may need to go and make some inquiries, then. If you would excuse me. And Ms. Neria, I... once more, I do apologize for frustrating you. I understand, fully, sometimes, that the need to rage at a friend cools the temper. You do not owe me an apology for your words. I'm glad we could work this out a bit.
You may not think I owe you an apology, Jonathan, but I do. My behavior was absolutely no excuse. You are my friend and...your heart has been in the right place. I appreciate your willingness to hear me out, despite how I hurt you.
[ But she has taken up his time, so she gestures, gently, for the door. ]
I'll be heading out soon, myself. I'll see you tomorrow evening.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 06:03 am (UTC)From:[ And considering that's one of the many things she dearly likes about him, she isn't shy of saying so. Her expression eases only slightly, and she releases him to go back behind her desk. She opens one of the drawers and pilfers around in the papers there before drawing out a few. She brings them back to him.
They're listings for other buildings within a two to three block radius of the clinic. ]
We can look into other properties in conjunction with this one. We need to reconfigure spending and salaries and donations. Which...you told me to do.
[ And she has been resistant up until now in every way, digging her heels in. But if this is the trajectory their operation is going to take, then she needs to compromise in more ways than one. ]
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 06:13 am (UTC)From:Ah. Yes, about that. Ezio has offered his services in managing finances and as a donor. It may be wise to take him up on that offer. Mr. Tepes has offered to extend a greater portion of his funds to us, as well. I've also had a few other donors contact me through the missive I sent out on the network.
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 06:19 am (UTC)From:Ezio is already stealing supplies with me. He's likely doing more behind the scenes as well...but he won't take no for an answer. I'll speak to Sinbad. I-- There are some people I can contact.
[ She's just been reluctant about doing so, as it'd wound her pride and make her seem desperate. But Gilgamesh runs a damn casino and he's bound to have money. Perhaps Saber will help if she bribes her with mana. ]
Zexion is looking into native Dominants who might want to help. He thinks - and I agree with him - that they should be a last resort. But they are there, should we need.
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 06:24 am (UTC)From:[Well.]
I suppose I could see to stealing more supplies with Ms. Imoen. I would much prefer to keep natives out of this business, but I understand desperate times. And... if we wish to turn minds, then perhaps allowing them to help might assist with that.
[This probably isn't the best time, but since they're laying everything out.]
Speaking of such things... did you see young Mr. Jones' missive, calling for a demonstration march on the Up?
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 06:31 am (UTC)From:...Wait. ]
We can wait on deciding about native donors. Perhaps just talking with them. But what, exactly, have you been stealing with Imoen?
[ And the other part. ]
I did see that. I...I think that's likely going to be dangerous. I wasn't going to go, personally, but I was going to speak to Ezio about it. I wondered if I could provide some assistance from elsewhere, in case things get dangerous.
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 06:37 am (UTC)From:[As these things go.]
And I did mention my support for Mr. Jones. I said I would need to speak with your before doing anything, but said he might be able to hold a meeting for it here. If that's too dangerous, though, that is a thing I am more than willing to arrange for elsewhere. I found something of a secret place a few weeks ago, underground springs. The water is not safe, but it would be a place for them to gather and to hide for a short while, if there is trouble.
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 06:40 am (UTC)From:[ She's just been skimming bandages and shit, Jonathan. Neria's expression is twisted between dismay and frustration and...pride? Is that pride, somewhere down deep? She sighs, rubbing at her forehead for a moment.
Slowly, she loosens a breath. ]
...How many people? If there's too many, I don't think it would be wise for it to be here. If their numbers are limited, we can have it in the lab. I'll see about asking for some protection and I'll stay late to watch over things.
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 06:46 am (UTC)From:I have offer of security help from a man named Isaac, as well. He has the ability to raise the dead and control them. He thought to have hounds patrolling for us, if you would be all right with that.
Perhaps if you gave me a number you are comfortable with here? I do not know how many Mr. Jones has, yet.
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 06:50 am (UTC)From:[ There's a reason why she's called the Dark Wolf back home. She's done her share of sneaking and conspiring. ]
I'll see if Lancer and Archer might help. They're both Heroic Spirits and I trust them. Very few can stand up to their ilk. But they are both Submissives as well, and I want to protect them if I can - them and their partners.
[ ...Well, not necessarily Kirei, but. ]
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 06:56 am (UTC)From:[Mainly because he just isn't awake and aware.]
no subject
Date: 2019-01-20 07:02 am (UTC)From:[ It isn't that she doesn't trust guards or defenses. It isn't that she doesn't trust him. But depending on how many people come under their wing, as the authorities crack down on them - which is inevitable, and she is counting down the days - then it will be impossible to ensure no one is injured. Her fear is capture, being taken to one of those facilities. If that should happen to anyone they are caring for...
It will fall on their shoulders, his and hers. She will take it. She worries for him, though. ]
I'm working on devising glyph magic for the building. No one gets if they have untoward motives. But it's...slow going. I have other things to work on. Fighters won't keep our people safe; it will only buy them time.
We need other ways. Asra might teach me teleportation magic. If so, I can devise a way to get people from one point to another and rig it for downstairs in the lab. Its initial function is to be able to allow people to summon a single person from one place to another. I was going to use it for here. For you or the staff to...summon me.
[ And for her, in dire circumstances, to summon Ereuvir to her side. But that is a very, very last resort. ]
no subject
Date: 2019-01-21 06:43 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2019-01-21 04:00 pm (UTC)From:[ There's a pause. Normally, she wouldn't suggest such things. She thinks of the Deep Roads and her chest feels tight. But the reality is that they need an escape route. ]
...tunnels would be a good option. But you have a great deal of faith in my abilities, my friend. I'm not capable of illusory magic. Asra, perhaps, might know. Or-- [ Another pause. She chews absently at her lip. ] ...Ereuvir. He...He does something, some kind of reality manipulation. I'll ask him. I likely can't learn it but if it's possible, I can convince him to help us here. And I'll ask around. I know no shortage of magic users here.
no subject
Date: 2019-01-23 05:32 am (UTC)From:[He has few concerns about asking for assistance, at least, even if Neria might hesitate to reach out.]
no subject
Date: 2019-01-23 10:27 pm (UTC)From:And we'll likely need to actually make people aware of our concerns, so they know we are working on keeping them safe. We'll go from there, a little at a time.
[ But at least there's a plan in place and they have a better idea of how they can proceed. ]
no subject
Date: 2019-01-25 03:22 am (UTC)From:It's all right. We had chance to talk about abilities when he caught me doing a bit of reconnaissance after we disembarked from the Sensual Maria. I'll let those I'm closest to on the staff know. I think it will be an easy enough thing to put around without causing and undue panic. I can also speak with Mr. Zexion, if you'd like.
He may have some other ideas for tunnels that may be of use given his magical expertise.
no subject
Date: 2019-01-25 03:46 am (UTC)From:[ Maybe if Jonathan speaks to him there'll be some miraculous chance where the two of them won't suddenly have to do anything sexual. Maybe. It just seems to be her bad luck rubbing off on Zexion. ]
And we can assure them it's simply a precaution, especially if I am not here or if you are sleeping. The morning hours are when I am most concerned trouble may arise. Though I could ask to change my hours at work and be here during the day instead.
no subject
Date: 2019-01-26 07:20 am (UTC)From:Whatever you think is best, but I would not leave all of this to you, Ms. Neria. Allow me to find us a means to hide our tunnels. We may want to ensure the construction has some level of secrecy to it.
no subject
Date: 2019-01-26 05:20 pm (UTC)From:She wants this to be a partnership. And that means not only trusting Jonathan (which she does in spades) but being all right with him shouldering the responsibility.
At length, Neria nods. ]
All right. If you would, please look into it. I'll speak with Zexion - if only because I actually would like to know more about his magic and, perhaps, if I can replicate even a fraction of it. But I'll leave the tunnels to you, as well as telling the staff.
[ There's a pause. ]
This is what we think is best. I don't want these decisions to only be mine. If you are satisfied with this, too, then we can move forward.
no subject
Date: 2019-01-27 05:26 am (UTC)From:Agreed. I think I may need to go and make some inquiries, then. If you would excuse me. And Ms. Neria, I... once more, I do apologize for frustrating you. I understand, fully, sometimes, that the need to rage at a friend cools the temper. You do not owe me an apology for your words. I'm glad we could work this out a bit.
no subject
Date: 2019-01-27 05:34 am (UTC)From:[ But she has taken up his time, so she gestures, gently, for the door. ]
I'll be heading out soon, myself. I'll see you tomorrow evening.