[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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no subject
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.
no subject
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?
no subject
[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.
no subject
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.
no subject
[Damn. Right on the nose there.]
no subject
Eyebrows raised, Daud lets the remark stand. Watches. Lets it pass. ]
Anything else I should know about this Senate's activities?
no subject
[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.
no subject
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.
no subject
[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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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.]