Natalie winds through the tattered canvas shelters and pools of filth that marked Ul’dah’s refugee encampment. It was raining, and none of the inhabitants could be seem as they huddled in their makeshift homes. She spies a well dressed man standing under an awning, some distance away from the main camp. She tromps towards him, mentally cursing the work it would take after this to dry her armor. "You called?"
Jameson smiles, "Ah! Looking quite smashing in that Blades outfit."
She returns it, "I work with what I have."
He smirks at this, "So. Now that you have been walking the -beat- as you will... we want to actually see you acting the Blades. Full-fledged. Caravan runs and all." He pauses and gives her another sly smile, "You -do- know what the Caravan runs are...?"
She nods, "Who doesn't know about Ul'dah's own special flavour of taxes.†“But really...?†she groans, “Don't you have other people who can do that?"
Jameson quirks a brow and then shakes his head clucking his tongue at her, "Of course we do. But this is -your- test. I have yet to have an inkling of your willingness to do what is told. Other than put on the uniform. You and I. We need to build trust."
Natalie sighs, "I understand their role. There is a reason the Brass Blades are far better equipped than the Wood Wailers or Yellowshirts. But still, It just seems... dirty"
"You made your conditions known. You already have your promotion." He says bluntly, but then laughs "Of course it is dirty! But sometimes, we need the grit and the dirt in our fingertips to get the gears rolling."
She exhales and looks up at the tarp, "Fine..." she says softly, "Did you have a specific target, or should I just roam the road like a bandit?"
"A few specific targets yes. But more caravans you hit, better you will look. But we are looking at a few cargo shipments being delivered to some specific families as well."
“Very well... but if people refuse I won't harm them, just turn them around"
"They do not refuse the Blades. Because you always make them an offer they can't refuse. Find a way, Natalie. I know you to be resourceful."
Natalie grumbles slightly, "I'll do my best. Do you at least have any names?"
"The names will come in missives, once I get them myself and know their cargo schedule."
"Natalie. To build trust, these runs will be accompanied by a few men I already know well. They will report to me of your successes. I hope to hear -many- tales. And do take Kiryuu with you. Show him the ropes. The way things are to be done now. I know he will follow your example implicitly."
She nods stiffly, "If that is what is required of me, then I will carry out my duties."
Jameson smiles, "Natalie. Make no mistake. We want you and Kiryuu and Deneith to set an example. That the Sworns can work just like the rest of us, in the dirt. Captain Anduron has taken special care to orient Deneith, I expect -you- to acquaint Kiryuu on what exactly is expected of him."
"Jameson, the fact you think we already didn't betrays a lack of knowledge on your part," she smiles "But don't worry, we'll live up to your expectations as long as I'm convinced we're doing good for Ul'dah. Of course I understand that the Brass blades don't do good in... quite the same matter. However I understand my role and my part. The Flames nor the Sworn have the resources to patrol Thanalan's vast expanses. In order for the Blades to do so... they sometimes need to get creative." She nods "Better to be stopped by the blades than the Amaj, and I’ll handle Kageâ€
Jameson nods in return "You understand your role well then, Natalie. As I knew you would. Blades have a brotherhood. They do protect the citizenry. They just expect to be thanked... individually. He smiles "There is nothing wrong with that."
She chuckles, "There would be in a safer world. But Ul'dah's trained wolves are better than the wild ones circling our borders.†She says with a sardonic smile, “As I said before, I'll wear my collar well. Just remember your end of the bargain"
"I know it well. But remember that was hinged on my employers being satisfied with your work. So far, they have seen their time and interest go to waste. You were not put in that uniform to walk the beat."
"Have no worries, give me the orders, and they'll be carried out"
“Good. Ah. And another thing. The Immortal Flames and the Red Wings. I would like updates on them."
She blinks, "What makes you think I'd know anything in particular about them?"
"Because you were a Sworn. Your connections run deep. Something that none of my other Blades have."
She shrugs, "As for the Red Wings, Erik is missing, some private named Kahn'a is taking over, and as for the Flames, I have no friendship with Osric. If you wish to know something specifically... perhaps I can find it out though"
Jameson smirks. "Well, Osric did do his best to not get you convicted. Perhaps you and he should become friends."
She grins in return, "He has is own reasons for things.†Patting her armor, "And it seems his efforts had little effect"
"He does. And I want to know them."
She sighs, "Fine, I'll at least try to get to know the man, But there is little love lost between us."
He scratches his chin. "He was quite unwilling to bring you and the Resistance to justice when I offered this case onto his lap. Which.. brings me to the third and final task for the day."
"I wouldn't use the word ‘Justice’, but continue"
"The Resistance. My employers lost plenty gil in that fire. Wolfsong, Ghurn, Greyarm. They want someone hung. Arrest me some members of the Resistance you fought at the mines."
Natalie frowns, "Jameson... I have no idea of their whereabouts. But you do technically have the right of it, Gharen does deserve to pay for his crimes. She nods, "If I can track them down I'll bring them in."
He smiles, "I believe a former Sworn knows exactly how to find him. Do you not agree?"
She tilts her head, "Oh? Could you elaborate?"
"Delial reported that Deneith, is related to Wolfsong.†He makes a vague gesture with his gloved hand.
She sighs, "Ah... that's what you meant"
"She would know where he is, She trusts you."
"She does, but since I'm doing this for Roen's safety, betraying her would defeat the purpose of this whole exercise. I'd jail Gharen, she'd die trying to free him, and this all will have been for naught on my part"
"Then kill him. I need a body. She does not have to know it was you."
"That... can be arranged" she says slowly. "I want a promise though."
"Hm?"
"Roen's Amnesty for Wolfsong's body. Once he's gone, Roen is out of this
arrangement"
He narrows his eyes slowly, “That is a big demand, indeed."
She crosses her arms, "Wolfsong is a big target."
"Bring him in alive, my employers will see to his execution after he's given up the names of the rest of the Resistance, then I will see about getting Deneith released. It can be done privately and she will be none the wiser. You can kill him yourself after the interrogation. "
Natalie laughs, "I'm not interested in killing him, I want a promise."
Aldyet lies still, she had followed Natalie, and crept from shelter to shelter until she was finally within earshot. She mouths to herself the word "Resistance?" as she thinks about what she has heard.
"I will bring this to my employer. As you know, he has the final say. But... bring him in, we get what we want..."he nods. "I believe it can be arranged." Jameson cocks his head. "You do not want yourself released from this arrangement? Or Kiryuu? Only one of you obviously."
She grins, "Released? Why? I just got promoted. Also, Kage and myself are not under threat of death. Or at least, not a certain one. We could probably squeeze out of it somehow if we had to.†She shakes her head, "But once Roen's heritage is revealed... there won't be anywhere for her to hide."
"Hm. I suppose. It takes a lot to execute Sworns. Even if you are sympathizers. Indeed. Deneith would be good as dead."
Aldyet grits her teeth.
Natalie nods, "Hence the deal, This will save her from this, and any future... threats"
Jameson inhales, chest lifting and falling. "I will bring this to my employer. But ... I am confident it can be arranged. -If- you produce the goods. Wolfsong brought to me. Alive, for questioning.†He smiles, "Now, Natalie. Let us go .. have a drink on the matter. Your first missions! I would say we are growing closer, no?"
She blinks, "Uh..." she coughs, "Maybe we can save that for after it's over. I don't like to count my chocobos before they hatch"
His smile grows, "I myself like to enjoy the process, each and every step."
She grins back, "I prefer anticipation myself. Patting his shoulder, "Don't worry, I'll give you plenty to look forward to"
His smile turns into a sly grin. "I had not thought that about you Natalie. But.. very well. Perhaps next time.
"Perhaps… Until next time Jameson."
Natalie walks back towards the city.
Jameson smiles, "Ah! Looking quite smashing in that Blades outfit."
She returns it, "I work with what I have."
He smirks at this, "So. Now that you have been walking the -beat- as you will... we want to actually see you acting the Blades. Full-fledged. Caravan runs and all." He pauses and gives her another sly smile, "You -do- know what the Caravan runs are...?"
She nods, "Who doesn't know about Ul'dah's own special flavour of taxes.†“But really...?†she groans, “Don't you have other people who can do that?"
Jameson quirks a brow and then shakes his head clucking his tongue at her, "Of course we do. But this is -your- test. I have yet to have an inkling of your willingness to do what is told. Other than put on the uniform. You and I. We need to build trust."
Natalie sighs, "I understand their role. There is a reason the Brass Blades are far better equipped than the Wood Wailers or Yellowshirts. But still, It just seems... dirty"
"You made your conditions known. You already have your promotion." He says bluntly, but then laughs "Of course it is dirty! But sometimes, we need the grit and the dirt in our fingertips to get the gears rolling."
She exhales and looks up at the tarp, "Fine..." she says softly, "Did you have a specific target, or should I just roam the road like a bandit?"
"A few specific targets yes. But more caravans you hit, better you will look. But we are looking at a few cargo shipments being delivered to some specific families as well."
“Very well... but if people refuse I won't harm them, just turn them around"
"They do not refuse the Blades. Because you always make them an offer they can't refuse. Find a way, Natalie. I know you to be resourceful."
Natalie grumbles slightly, "I'll do my best. Do you at least have any names?"
"The names will come in missives, once I get them myself and know their cargo schedule."
"Natalie. To build trust, these runs will be accompanied by a few men I already know well. They will report to me of your successes. I hope to hear -many- tales. And do take Kiryuu with you. Show him the ropes. The way things are to be done now. I know he will follow your example implicitly."
She nods stiffly, "If that is what is required of me, then I will carry out my duties."
Jameson smiles, "Natalie. Make no mistake. We want you and Kiryuu and Deneith to set an example. That the Sworns can work just like the rest of us, in the dirt. Captain Anduron has taken special care to orient Deneith, I expect -you- to acquaint Kiryuu on what exactly is expected of him."
"Jameson, the fact you think we already didn't betrays a lack of knowledge on your part," she smiles "But don't worry, we'll live up to your expectations as long as I'm convinced we're doing good for Ul'dah. Of course I understand that the Brass blades don't do good in... quite the same matter. However I understand my role and my part. The Flames nor the Sworn have the resources to patrol Thanalan's vast expanses. In order for the Blades to do so... they sometimes need to get creative." She nods "Better to be stopped by the blades than the Amaj, and I’ll handle Kageâ€
Jameson nods in return "You understand your role well then, Natalie. As I knew you would. Blades have a brotherhood. They do protect the citizenry. They just expect to be thanked... individually. He smiles "There is nothing wrong with that."
She chuckles, "There would be in a safer world. But Ul'dah's trained wolves are better than the wild ones circling our borders.†She says with a sardonic smile, “As I said before, I'll wear my collar well. Just remember your end of the bargain"
"I know it well. But remember that was hinged on my employers being satisfied with your work. So far, they have seen their time and interest go to waste. You were not put in that uniform to walk the beat."
"Have no worries, give me the orders, and they'll be carried out"
“Good. Ah. And another thing. The Immortal Flames and the Red Wings. I would like updates on them."
She blinks, "What makes you think I'd know anything in particular about them?"
"Because you were a Sworn. Your connections run deep. Something that none of my other Blades have."
She shrugs, "As for the Red Wings, Erik is missing, some private named Kahn'a is taking over, and as for the Flames, I have no friendship with Osric. If you wish to know something specifically... perhaps I can find it out though"
Jameson smirks. "Well, Osric did do his best to not get you convicted. Perhaps you and he should become friends."
She grins in return, "He has is own reasons for things.†Patting her armor, "And it seems his efforts had little effect"
"He does. And I want to know them."
She sighs, "Fine, I'll at least try to get to know the man, But there is little love lost between us."
He scratches his chin. "He was quite unwilling to bring you and the Resistance to justice when I offered this case onto his lap. Which.. brings me to the third and final task for the day."
"I wouldn't use the word ‘Justice’, but continue"
"The Resistance. My employers lost plenty gil in that fire. Wolfsong, Ghurn, Greyarm. They want someone hung. Arrest me some members of the Resistance you fought at the mines."
Natalie frowns, "Jameson... I have no idea of their whereabouts. But you do technically have the right of it, Gharen does deserve to pay for his crimes. She nods, "If I can track them down I'll bring them in."
He smiles, "I believe a former Sworn knows exactly how to find him. Do you not agree?"
She tilts her head, "Oh? Could you elaborate?"
"Delial reported that Deneith, is related to Wolfsong.†He makes a vague gesture with his gloved hand.
She sighs, "Ah... that's what you meant"
"She would know where he is, She trusts you."
"She does, but since I'm doing this for Roen's safety, betraying her would defeat the purpose of this whole exercise. I'd jail Gharen, she'd die trying to free him, and this all will have been for naught on my part"
"Then kill him. I need a body. She does not have to know it was you."
"That... can be arranged" she says slowly. "I want a promise though."
"Hm?"
"Roen's Amnesty for Wolfsong's body. Once he's gone, Roen is out of this
arrangement"
He narrows his eyes slowly, “That is a big demand, indeed."
She crosses her arms, "Wolfsong is a big target."
"Bring him in alive, my employers will see to his execution after he's given up the names of the rest of the Resistance, then I will see about getting Deneith released. It can be done privately and she will be none the wiser. You can kill him yourself after the interrogation. "
Natalie laughs, "I'm not interested in killing him, I want a promise."
Aldyet lies still, she had followed Natalie, and crept from shelter to shelter until she was finally within earshot. She mouths to herself the word "Resistance?" as she thinks about what she has heard.
"I will bring this to my employer. As you know, he has the final say. But... bring him in, we get what we want..."he nods. "I believe it can be arranged." Jameson cocks his head. "You do not want yourself released from this arrangement? Or Kiryuu? Only one of you obviously."
She grins, "Released? Why? I just got promoted. Also, Kage and myself are not under threat of death. Or at least, not a certain one. We could probably squeeze out of it somehow if we had to.†She shakes her head, "But once Roen's heritage is revealed... there won't be anywhere for her to hide."
"Hm. I suppose. It takes a lot to execute Sworns. Even if you are sympathizers. Indeed. Deneith would be good as dead."
Aldyet grits her teeth.
Natalie nods, "Hence the deal, This will save her from this, and any future... threats"
Jameson inhales, chest lifting and falling. "I will bring this to my employer. But ... I am confident it can be arranged. -If- you produce the goods. Wolfsong brought to me. Alive, for questioning.†He smiles, "Now, Natalie. Let us go .. have a drink on the matter. Your first missions! I would say we are growing closer, no?"
She blinks, "Uh..." she coughs, "Maybe we can save that for after it's over. I don't like to count my chocobos before they hatch"
His smile grows, "I myself like to enjoy the process, each and every step."
She grins back, "I prefer anticipation myself. Patting his shoulder, "Don't worry, I'll give you plenty to look forward to"
His smile turns into a sly grin. "I had not thought that about you Natalie. But.. very well. Perhaps next time.
"Perhaps… Until next time Jameson."
Natalie walks back towards the city.
