[ To help who, and to what end? Daud doesn't yet know enough about the Senate to make many suppositions. Could be that Roy believes Daud needs help, that he's having trouble running the watch alone. Could be that 'help' is a cover, and Roy's trying to take control of the watch (for what reason? and why, when Daud would - maybe - gladly give over his role?). Could be a way of helping the complex (against what threat or negligence?). And it could be that Roy intends to help the watch itself, that allying with the Senate could mean access to supplies (and, what, a set of eyes fixed on the watch, regulating its affairs?).
Too many potentials, not enough information. ]
Who.
[ It's the half-anticipated game, drawing information out of Roy like pulling teeth. Slow and painful. Maybe worth it in the end. ]
[Roy cracks through the slow and painful piece of it with a surprisingly easy-going smile.]
There's no ulterior motive here, Daud. And I can tell you this much, I don't wake up each and every morning with the explicit purpose of being a pain in your ass. I wanted to do this, so I can sift all the paperwork crap you've zero interest in and keep the important things ticking along.
[And it's really true, that there's no game afoot. It's actually more like a student appealing to a teacher, an attempt to convince them that even if they're stuck in the ways this is for the best, and not done out of ego or some power move. At least that's the impression he's attempting to give.
He may or may not be succeeding, and there may or may not be a slight sweat prickling at the back of his neck. Damn this man's effect on him.]
It's still your show, and I'm not calling any shots. But this way? It's a thousand less headaches for you, and I can run you through exactly what you need to know -- no more, no less, no fuss. I can't really see it as anything short of a win-win.
[ Is he supposed to be appreciative? No, that isn’t it, and his shoulders relax just slightly.
He believes Roy. Believes the man’s interested in the greater benefit of the watch the the complex (whatever the reasons or aims fueling that interest), believes Roy’s filling a perceived gap or taking on responsibilities he’s perceived Daud would be reluctant to fulfill.
That doesn’t fully silence his suspicions. That doesn’t keep questions from blooming. While Daud’s learning to place some measure of confidence in Roy, he’s ultimately slow to trust, gives the full and unquestioning measure of his belief to nearly no one. (There was one exception in Dunwall. That’s nothing he wishes to dwell on.) ]
And yet you didn’t see fit to say anything until after it’d been done.
[ It’s possible Roy had seen his chance and taken it while the moment was good; it’s also possible that he’d planned on acting first, asking later.
The arrangement may not be the worst option. Daud doesn’t like the idea of becoming attached to the Senate; that doesn’t mean it won’t become necessary. (These are the dangers of banding together a public group. Maybe he should have foreseen this.) And while he doesn’t like the idea of gaining information only through Roy, of not discerning for himself, he also can’t stomach the idea of being burdened with fruitless conversations and distractions from the work that matters. ]
[Roy decides to bypass the first statement and address the question.]
It was an initiative started entirely by the Chosen. There's no native intervention or interest that I can discern; just a means of organization so we're not all running around with our heads cut off. A lot of casual debate and discussion, probably nothing you haven't seen on the streets before.
[A brief pause as he allows the man to take it all in.]
There are a few other committees, too. For research, development. People seem a little unsure, still, but I imagine we'll see more involvement over time.
[ He notices that failure to address his statement, can't decide what to draw from it. Something to keep in mind, in any case. Just one more sign that Roy plays some cards close, even while speaking direct in other ways.
Daud runs a finger over the glass, a gesture to aid his thinking. ]
It isn't the worst idea.
[Though his tone indicates how clearly he dislikes it. ]
I assume someone's taking charge of the organization.
The point's a solid one: much as Daud prefers to avoid being tangled up in hierarchies (particularly in hierarchies outside his control), the recent attack revealed just how sorely the complex has needed organization. Something to keep their efforts focused in the most advantageous directions, something to coordinate information and - yes - perhaps something to track their particular strengths.
Since the gods don't seem eager to provide any such structure. Which, really, is for the best. Void knows what obnoxious directives they might impose.
Well. Void knows what this complex-grown Senate will try to impose. It'll be something to keep an eye on. To hear of through Roy, perhaps through his own means, as well. ]
[It's too easy. It's too easy, it relies too heavily on Roy, and there's too great a chance of information slipping through. The way Roy speaks of it, anyway. The way Roy seems so contented with his proposition. ]
Somehow, that doesn't ease my reservations.
I don't wholly distrust your judgment, Roy, [ which, really, is a lot for Daud to say ] but I question your discretion in selecting information. You know I won't have you wasting my time; I also have no interest in being left in the dark.
My Lieutenant will be present in every meeting to ensure nothing goes awry. She does a real bang up job, and if I'm being totally frank with you, I'd trust her with my life. Nothing slips past the hawk's eyes -- I'd stake my entire reputation on that.
[There's validity in Daud's concern, however, and he leans forward to address it more directly.]
If you're still unsure, come to just one meeting. You can see for yourself if I've got a handle on it or not, then make your decision.
[ Hearing that Riza will be involved adds some measure of ease. Though Daud doesn't know the woman particularly well, he's observed her easy care in conversations, seen some keenness of her observations, witnessed her finesse in battle.
He cocks his head. ]
She's sharp.
[ 'Sharp' meaning discerning. 'Sharp' meaning ready and equipped to kill. Meaning swift to comprehend. Meaning she has some small but not-insignificant measure of his confidence. ]
...One meeting.
[ Maybe. Hopefully. It's one too many in his opinion, but he'd rather view the operation for himself. It'll give Roy's reports greater context. It'll help him determine whether he's really hearing everything he needs to know. ]
Funny how two words -- just two, forgetting all the rest -- makes him feel like he just achieved the biggest victory of all. Approval from Daud. Approval from the man he disappointed. Approval from someone who handed it out like fire, like it burned both himself and whoever he gave it to, for how much it scalded his pride and principles.
Roy nods his head, lifts his glass. Says nothing more.
In the end, it's still Daud's game. He's just playing by his rules and hoping that he will continue to allow it. That he continues to be in the same space he needs to occupy for the sake of proving something higher, something better, to himself.]
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[He'll let the two words sit. Let Daud decide what to do with them, as he hides behind his own glass.]
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Too many potentials, not enough information. ]
Who.
[ It's the half-anticipated game, drawing information out of Roy like pulling teeth. Slow and painful. Maybe worth it in the end. ]
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There's no ulterior motive here, Daud. And I can tell you this much, I don't wake up each and every morning with the explicit purpose of being a pain in your ass. I wanted to do this, so I can sift all the paperwork crap you've zero interest in and keep the important things ticking along.
[And it's really true, that there's no game afoot. It's actually more like a student appealing to a teacher, an attempt to convince them that even if they're stuck in the ways this is for the best, and not done out of ego or some power move. At least that's the impression he's attempting to give.
He may or may not be succeeding, and there may or may not be a slight sweat prickling at the back of his neck. Damn this man's effect on him.]
It's still your show, and I'm not calling any shots. But this way? It's a thousand less headaches for you, and I can run you through exactly what you need to know -- no more, no less, no fuss. I can't really see it as anything short of a win-win.
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He believes Roy. Believes the man’s interested in the greater benefit of the watch the the complex (whatever the reasons or aims fueling that interest), believes Roy’s filling a perceived gap or taking on responsibilities he’s perceived Daud would be reluctant to fulfill.
That doesn’t fully silence his suspicions. That doesn’t keep questions from blooming. While Daud’s learning to place some measure of confidence in Roy, he’s ultimately slow to trust, gives the full and unquestioning measure of his belief to nearly no one. (There was one exception in Dunwall. That’s nothing he wishes to dwell on.) ]
And yet you didn’t see fit to say anything until after it’d been done.
[ It’s possible Roy had seen his chance and taken it while the moment was good; it’s also possible that he’d planned on acting first, asking later.
The arrangement may not be the worst option. Daud doesn’t like the idea of becoming attached to the Senate; that doesn’t mean it won’t become necessary. (These are the dangers of banding together a public group. Maybe he should have foreseen this.) And while he doesn’t like the idea of gaining information only through Roy, of not discerning for himself, he also can’t stomach the idea of being burdened with fruitless conversations and distractions from the work that matters. ]
How does the Senate function.
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It was an initiative started entirely by the Chosen. There's no native intervention or interest that I can discern; just a means of organization so we're not all running around with our heads cut off. A lot of casual debate and discussion, probably nothing you haven't seen on the streets before.
[A brief pause as he allows the man to take it all in.]
There are a few other committees, too. For research, development. People seem a little unsure, still, but I imagine we'll see more involvement over time.
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Daud runs a finger over the glass, a gesture to aid his thinking. ]
It isn't the worst idea.
[Though his tone indicates how clearly he dislikes it. ]
I assume someone's taking charge of the organization.
And these committees do what, precisely?
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[Though it's obvious from his tone alone he plans to keep close tabs.]
It's still all in the early stages, but Daud, honestly? I think it's a good sign. Even you have to admit some planning is better than none here.
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The point's a solid one: much as Daud prefers to avoid being tangled up in hierarchies (particularly in hierarchies outside his control), the recent attack revealed just how sorely the complex has needed organization. Something to keep their efforts focused in the most advantageous directions, something to coordinate information and - yes - perhaps something to track their particular strengths.
Since the gods don't seem eager to provide any such structure. Which, really, is for the best. Void knows what obnoxious directives they might impose.
Well. Void knows what this complex-grown Senate will try to impose. It'll be something to keep an eye on. To hear of through Roy, perhaps through his own means, as well. ]
Better than the chaos we've witnessed.
[ He takes a drink of the wine. ]
I don't like it. But I recognize its use.
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[Damn. Right on the nose there.]
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Eyebrows raised, Daud lets the remark stand. Watches. Lets it pass. ]
Anything else I should know about this Senate's activities?
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[Roy leans back in his chair and dares to look satisfied with this exchange. Whatever you would even call it.]
You don't need to do a damn thing. I'll take care of it.
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Somehow, that doesn't ease my reservations.
I don't wholly distrust your judgment, Roy, [ which, really, is a lot for Daud to say ] but I question your discretion in selecting information. You know I won't have you wasting my time; I also have no interest in being left in the dark.
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[There's validity in Daud's concern, however, and he leans forward to address it more directly.]
If you're still unsure, come to just one meeting. You can see for yourself if I've got a handle on it or not, then make your decision.
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He cocks his head. ]
She's sharp.
[ 'Sharp' meaning discerning. 'Sharp' meaning ready and equipped to kill. Meaning swift to comprehend. Meaning she has some small but not-insignificant measure of his confidence. ]
...One meeting.
[ Maybe. Hopefully. It's one too many in his opinion, but he'd rather view the operation for himself. It'll give Roy's reports greater context. It'll help him determine whether he's really hearing everything he needs to know. ]
All right.
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Funny how two words -- just two, forgetting all the rest -- makes him feel like he just achieved the biggest victory of all. Approval from Daud. Approval from the man he disappointed. Approval from someone who handed it out like fire, like it burned both himself and whoever he gave it to, for how much it scalded his pride and principles.
Roy nods his head, lifts his glass. Says nothing more.
In the end, it's still Daud's game. He's just playing by his rules and hoping that he will continue to allow it. That he continues to be in the same space he needs to occupy for the sake of proving something higher, something better, to himself.]