![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
[ He straightens from his deferential position slightly, just enough to look Ciel in the eye, but otherwise keeping his posture low. ]
Nepotism.
[ So, yes, he had read them, but that's not surprising in itself. Sebastian probably reads every post that people make, but that's where I personally draw the line for rp neuroticism... ]
Though that much is quite clear. She is here for training, it would seem to me, but based on how our instructors and the like reacted, I would not be surprised if Honey never quite graduated to her next position.
[ He smiles, a touch cruel. ]
There is only so much one's status will protect them. And considering her personality, I believe that the annoyance of her attitude will lead to a knife in her shoulder blades. At least, proverbially. Though I would also not be surprised if one of our blindly loyal recruits was given the task and punished for it in turn.
Nepotism.
[ So, yes, he had read them, but that's not surprising in itself. Sebastian probably reads every post that people make, but that's where I personally draw the line for rp neuroticism... ]
Though that much is quite clear. She is here for training, it would seem to me, but based on how our instructors and the like reacted, I would not be surprised if Honey never quite graduated to her next position.
[ He smiles, a touch cruel. ]
There is only so much one's status will protect them. And considering her personality, I believe that the annoyance of her attitude will lead to a knife in her shoulder blades. At least, proverbially. Though I would also not be surprised if one of our blindly loyal recruits was given the task and punished for it in turn.
[Considering this, Ciel frowns. It's not surprising. The Victorians are bad about doing the same. Titles, names, they garner special treatment, special allowances not given so freely to the common people.
Himself included perhaps.] Do you really think they would have one of us murder her? Who would be that stu-- [Nevermind. There's plenty of gullible people here....
The look on his face says he is inclined to agree with Sebastian's assessment.] It's possible.
That means we should be on our guard for the types of jobs we're given by those above us. [Now if he only took the Queen's jobs with just as much scrutiny.] And it also means you are required to keep up with the red team. [Shouldn't be hard, right? With your shitty Contractor BFFs.]
Red cleans up the inside trash. [Why isn't he Red again? This was basically his job back home....] They will likely be the first considerations for a set-up.
She's too bold. Stupidly so. She speaks too freely of her plans. [A pause.] Do you think she is a distraction...?
Himself included perhaps.] Do you really think they would have one of us murder her? Who would be that stu-- [Nevermind. There's plenty of gullible people here....
The look on his face says he is inclined to agree with Sebastian's assessment.] It's possible.
That means we should be on our guard for the types of jobs we're given by those above us. [Now if he only took the Queen's jobs with just as much scrutiny.] And it also means you are required to keep up with the red team. [Shouldn't be hard, right? With your shitty Contractor BFFs.]
Red cleans up the inside trash. [Why isn't he Red again? This was basically his job back home....] They will likely be the first considerations for a set-up.
She's too bold. Stupidly so. She speaks too freely of her plans. [A pause.] Do you think she is a distraction...?
Perhaps. But also, perhaps not.
[ His posture straightens a little more, and he brings a hand to his chin as that familiar, thoughtful gesture, but Sebastian's smile isn't thoughtful. It's clear he already knows what he wants to say, and rather, his own theory intrigues him. ]
We are but one unit in a larger organization, and yet, the operations outside of our own crew are obscured to us. We exist in a black box, knowing nothing of the power structures that keep us in place, and so as such, please take my analysis with a grain of salt, but I found Honey's conversation with Mothership interesting.
After all, I would say that Honey does lack discretion, and as such, she revealed some interesting things. One, Honey is seeking to usurp Mothership. Two, Honey called Mothership a "fake necro," and while I do not know what that is meant to mean, the word alone is interesting. The gossip aside, she also mentioned someone by the name of "Taejny," who seems to have been Mothership's predecessor. And finally, Honey did call our senior members shady, which I believe is an assessment that we would share, yes?
[ A smile quirks at the corners of Sebastian's eyes, since this is the sort of thing he completely enjoys, and he sees no reason to hide it. It seems like he's ignored half of what Ciel had said, but he returns to it to tie the concepts together. ]
Take these as points to consider along with the fact that Mothership could buy her way back home and chooses not to, and you encounter what leads people into blind loyalty as our seniors may wish to foster. I do not know of any, but I would not be surprised to learn that there are already those who have been charmed by the allure of the CDC thus far. If we assume that the recruits they bring to the crew are not merely random, then the question turns to what their criteria would be.
Assume they work with finesse, purpose, and certainly targeting to those that would be most useful to them. Seek out the destitute, the lost, and the lonely, because should they fill these holes, they will give a loyalty so fierce that it will never be questioned. Combine that with power, which is in no short supply here, and you quickly build a formidable force.
For someone who wishes to stay in the CDC because they have found their purpose here... Would they not seek to defend it with everything at their disposal? And for each drawn into that dream, they will do the same. Those that rebel are threats. They will be "retired" for their insubordination rather than dismissed.
[ Sebastian cants his head to the side lightly, and his eyes close with his smile before he adds simply: ]
Of course, that is the opinion and viewpoint of a demon. It may be nothing like that at all.
[ But from that sort of too pleasant smile, it's clear that this is how Sebastian is perceiving the situation. He might be wrong and he knows that, but his confidence is in his assessment all the same. ]
[ His posture straightens a little more, and he brings a hand to his chin as that familiar, thoughtful gesture, but Sebastian's smile isn't thoughtful. It's clear he already knows what he wants to say, and rather, his own theory intrigues him. ]
We are but one unit in a larger organization, and yet, the operations outside of our own crew are obscured to us. We exist in a black box, knowing nothing of the power structures that keep us in place, and so as such, please take my analysis with a grain of salt, but I found Honey's conversation with Mothership interesting.
After all, I would say that Honey does lack discretion, and as such, she revealed some interesting things. One, Honey is seeking to usurp Mothership. Two, Honey called Mothership a "fake necro," and while I do not know what that is meant to mean, the word alone is interesting. The gossip aside, she also mentioned someone by the name of "Taejny," who seems to have been Mothership's predecessor. And finally, Honey did call our senior members shady, which I believe is an assessment that we would share, yes?
[ A smile quirks at the corners of Sebastian's eyes, since this is the sort of thing he completely enjoys, and he sees no reason to hide it. It seems like he's ignored half of what Ciel had said, but he returns to it to tie the concepts together. ]
Take these as points to consider along with the fact that Mothership could buy her way back home and chooses not to, and you encounter what leads people into blind loyalty as our seniors may wish to foster. I do not know of any, but I would not be surprised to learn that there are already those who have been charmed by the allure of the CDC thus far. If we assume that the recruits they bring to the crew are not merely random, then the question turns to what their criteria would be.
Assume they work with finesse, purpose, and certainly targeting to those that would be most useful to them. Seek out the destitute, the lost, and the lonely, because should they fill these holes, they will give a loyalty so fierce that it will never be questioned. Combine that with power, which is in no short supply here, and you quickly build a formidable force.
For someone who wishes to stay in the CDC because they have found their purpose here... Would they not seek to defend it with everything at their disposal? And for each drawn into that dream, they will do the same. Those that rebel are threats. They will be "retired" for their insubordination rather than dismissed.
[ Sebastian cants his head to the side lightly, and his eyes close with his smile before he adds simply: ]
Of course, that is the opinion and viewpoint of a demon. It may be nothing like that at all.
[ But from that sort of too pleasant smile, it's clear that this is how Sebastian is perceiving the situation. He might be wrong and he knows that, but his confidence is in his assessment all the same. ]
[For once, Ciel doesn't mind Sebastian's prattle so long as it pertains to something important. After a moment, he glances off to the side, but his gaze doesn't grow any less thoughtful.
Is the hierarchy aboard their ship really this unstable? The closest and most recent example he can recall is Weston. Rivalry. Secrets. Naturally, a collected group of boys with different personalities aren't going to get along.
Maurice, that sly, evil bastard.
It's the same here, he thinks. Too much is going on behind the curtains, and a lot of it they don't know a thing about.
His eye returns to Sebastian's face and it grows severe.]
If we don't get involved, we'll be compliant, sheep. There won't be any going back. If we do get involved.... [His eye narrows on Sebastian. We may die, is what his look says.
Is it worth it? To meddle.] But it's an opportunity we will have to take. I'm not staying here for the rest of my life. [A pause to gather his thoughts.]
The king will fall if there's no support from the other pieces. There's a way to get us back home. We just have to find it.
But we can't allow discord among the ship crew either. [Ciel frowns.] What you told me about the other ship... the one that was destroyed. The crew are not the masterminds behind all of this. They are pawns, too. If there's chaos, we'll all be killed.
Is the hierarchy aboard their ship really this unstable? The closest and most recent example he can recall is Weston. Rivalry. Secrets. Naturally, a collected group of boys with different personalities aren't going to get along.
Maurice, that sly, evil bastard.
It's the same here, he thinks. Too much is going on behind the curtains, and a lot of it they don't know a thing about.
His eye returns to Sebastian's face and it grows severe.]
If we don't get involved, we'll be compliant, sheep. There won't be any going back. If we do get involved.... [His eye narrows on Sebastian. We may die, is what his look says.
Is it worth it? To meddle.] But it's an opportunity we will have to take. I'm not staying here for the rest of my life. [A pause to gather his thoughts.]
The king will fall if there's no support from the other pieces. There's a way to get us back home. We just have to find it.
But we can't allow discord among the ship crew either. [Ciel frowns.] What you told me about the other ship... the one that was destroyed. The crew are not the masterminds behind all of this. They are pawns, too. If there's chaos, we'll all be killed.
And I do not wish for you to, young master.
[ Because so long as they stay here, Ciel's soul is tantalizingly out of Sebastian's reach, which is something he cannot allow. It's the sort of implication that doesn't need to be said, since Ciel will pick up on it easily enough, but Sebastian's tone isn't gloating or picking at insecurities—It's simply factual. ]
So as always, I will follow you, my lord. Whether we bow our heads and stay quiet or pry open a door with brute strength, I am always your sword and your shield.
[ Until the very end. Again, it goes unsaid, since he doesn't feel it needs to be said. However, there is something he feels need be stressed with this idea coming up, so he adds carefully: ]
...May I speak freely to make a suggestion, young master?
[ Because so long as they stay here, Ciel's soul is tantalizingly out of Sebastian's reach, which is something he cannot allow. It's the sort of implication that doesn't need to be said, since Ciel will pick up on it easily enough, but Sebastian's tone isn't gloating or picking at insecurities—It's simply factual. ]
So as always, I will follow you, my lord. Whether we bow our heads and stay quiet or pry open a door with brute strength, I am always your sword and your shield.
[ Until the very end. Again, it goes unsaid, since he doesn't feel it needs to be said. However, there is something he feels need be stressed with this idea coming up, so he adds carefully: ]
...May I speak freely to make a suggestion, young master?
[A dark severity comes over Ciel's face again. Of course Sebastian wouldn't want him to do, he knows the strength of that soul hunger, but that is what Ciel is banking on. Having a demon risking everything to keep him alive.
It still applies here, if more so.
Could Sebastian really out-wit and out-play the people running this little planetary game? At the reward of being able to leave, Ciel thinks he would like to see.]
Go ahead.
It still applies here, if more so.
Could Sebastian really out-wit and out-play the people running this little planetary game? At the reward of being able to leave, Ciel thinks he would like to see.]
Go ahead.
[ Given permission, Sebastian nods, and his expression and tone softens. Considering what he's about to say, he wants to make it clear that it's genuine advice in earnest rather than making fun of Ciel, though he might just interpret it that way regardless... ]
Be careful with your displays of greed and revenge.
[ There's more stress put on the latter, so he's clearly talking about Erin here. ]
This is not a game where we are even aware of the pieces upon the board. We play blindly, and so it is easier to falter and have valuable pieces taken away if we move rashly. That is all I wish to say.
Be careful with your displays of greed and revenge.
[ There's more stress put on the latter, so he's clearly talking about Erin here. ]
This is not a game where we are even aware of the pieces upon the board. We play blindly, and so it is easier to falter and have valuable pieces taken away if we move rashly. That is all I wish to say.
[A frown touches Ciel's lips at the chastisement. It's not unfounded. He knows his temper regarding Erin may get him in trouble. He knows that he shouldn't, that it's unwise... and yet, he is still a boy. Her words hurt him even if he tried to harden everything inside of him.
More than that, her actions--stealing his eyepatch, the one thing left to hide him, to mask his monstrosity, to make him normal, and then, further not returning it, forcing him to "ask nicely" as if he is some kind of--
He thinks about being in the cage again, hearing the adults call them trash.
The anger swells up, hot and fiery, in his chest again. He squeezes his hands into fists against his lap, but looks away from Sebastian by turning his head.] I know already.
I won't be goaded into something so petty again.
[We'll see.]
More than that, her actions--stealing his eyepatch, the one thing left to hide him, to mask his monstrosity, to make him normal, and then, further not returning it, forcing him to "ask nicely" as if he is some kind of--
He thinks about being in the cage again, hearing the adults call them trash.
The anger swells up, hot and fiery, in his chest again. He squeezes his hands into fists against his lap, but looks away from Sebastian by turning his head.] I know already.
I won't be goaded into something so petty again.
[We'll see.]
[ Sebastian closes his eyes with a gentle smile, but it comes with a bow of his head as well. It's a better reception than he had been expecting, which tells him that Ciel is aware of his missteps, and that's all Sebastian wanted him to be aware of. ]
I will speak nothing more of it, young master.
[ And he won't, because even if Ciel decides to get buttmad again, Sebastian definitely has to admit that it's funny... And for a whimsical demon like Sebastian, that's good enough for him to put himself in a little trouble. He looks back up before long. ]
Is there anyone else of note in my report?
I will speak nothing more of it, young master.
[ And he won't, because even if Ciel decides to get buttmad again, Sebastian definitely has to admit that it's funny... And for a whimsical demon like Sebastian, that's good enough for him to put himself in a little trouble. He looks back up before long. ]
Is there anyone else of note in my report?
Not particularly. [Though he does take the time to give the report another glance just in case.]
Not yet, but I am going to keep this and look over it more later. [For now, he tosses the papers gently out of the way with what seems to be a bored sigh. In truth, it is less bored and perhaps slightly irritably worried.
It's hard keeping up with so many people with so many powers and abilities and talents. Being on the planet, being with so many others... he feels pulled in every direction without any kind of relief. Like when Sebastian came, he is growing increasingly more tired more often.
This is too much work for blowing up planets.] Was there anyone of any importance you care to point out?
Not yet, but I am going to keep this and look over it more later. [For now, he tosses the papers gently out of the way with what seems to be a bored sigh. In truth, it is less bored and perhaps slightly irritably worried.
It's hard keeping up with so many people with so many powers and abilities and talents. Being on the planet, being with so many others... he feels pulled in every direction without any kind of relief. Like when Sebastian came, he is growing increasingly more tired more often.
This is too much work for blowing up planets.] Was there anyone of any importance you care to point out?
FROM: ikari.shinji@cdc.org
Are you busy?
Are you busy?
FROM: phantomhive.ciel@cdc.org
If you have something ridiculous planned, I am.
If you have something ridiculous planned, I am.
FROM: farrow.ryan@cdc.org
I realized I never got around to thanking you for helping me, a while ago. So it's a little delayed, but- thanks for the save, there.
FROM: farrow.ryan@cdc.org
That's not a common thing, for the record. I didn't want to leave you with the impression that it might be a recurring problem.
I realized I never got around to thanking you for helping me, a while ago. So it's a little delayed, but- thanks for the save, there.
FROM: farrow.ryan@cdc.org
That's not a common thing, for the record. I didn't want to leave you with the impression that it might be a recurring problem.
FROM: ikari.shinji@cdc.org
Is dessert ridiculous?
Is dessert ridiculous?
[It takes him a moment or two (coupled with how slow he types anyway) to think up something tsundere enough.]
FROM: phantomhive.ciel@cdc.org
Don't waste your rescue by letting that happen again.
FROM: phantomhive.ciel@cdc.org
Why did it happen this time?
FROM: phantomhive.ciel@cdc.org
Don't waste your rescue by letting that happen again.
FROM: phantomhive.ciel@cdc.org
Why did it happen this time?
[A LONG PAUSE.]
FROM: phantomhive.ciel@cdc.org
No.
FROM: phantomhive.ciel@cdc.org
No.
FROM: farrow.ryan@cdc.org
You've seen my file, yeah? My sense can get overwhelmed, sometimes. Sort of like trying to listen to too many people all yelling things at the same time.
FROM: farrow.ryan@cdc.org
I've never felt anything like that creature before. And with all the harpies on top of it-- there was just too much to pick up on.
You've seen my file, yeah? My sense can get overwhelmed, sometimes. Sort of like trying to listen to too many people all yelling things at the same time.
FROM: farrow.ryan@cdc.org
I've never felt anything like that creature before. And with all the harpies on top of it-- there was just too much to pick up on.
FROM: phantomhive.ciel@cdc.org
The creature, what did you feel from it?
The creature, what did you feel from it?
FROM: ikari.shinji@cdc.org
Would you like it now?
Would you like it now?
[HE ISN'T FAT.]
FROM: phantomhive.ciel@cdc.org
Yes.
[Okay, he's fat.]
FROM: phantomhive.ciel@cdc.org
Yes.
[Okay, he's fat.]
FROM: farrow.ryan@cdc.org
It's- hard to describe. I'm not sure I could.
But it felt huge, and like something you're never supposed to have seen.
It's- hard to describe. I'm not sure I could.
But it felt huge, and like something you're never supposed to have seen.
[ Sebastian pauses for a moment, clearly mentally going over everyone in his report, but ultimately he just shakes his head. ]
Not at this time, no. There are a handful whose files caught my interest, but I have learned since my first report that the files are not quite as representative of the people themselves as they would claim to be. Those that I have had contact with in this group have been pleasant enough, that said.
Not at this time, no. There are a handful whose files caught my interest, but I have learned since my first report that the files are not quite as representative of the people themselves as they would claim to be. Those that I have had contact with in this group have been pleasant enough, that said.
FROM: ikari.shinji@cdc.org
I'll bring it over now then.
I'll bring it over now then.
Page 38 of 55