[this is why she had delayed telling him in the first place. before he can protest more, she puts the food directly in his face - he'll have to chew and also hold it if he wants to keep his clothes clean.]
For one thing, Majima will kill you on sight given his feelings already, the general lawlessness, and his own words to me. For another, I promised I'd go out in your stead. You'll have a direct line to what's going on through me if we can figure out communications. And there's something you haven't considered that seems apparent to me.
[since she assumes those reasons aren't enough.]
If everyone's looking outward, at that particular threat and monetary incentive, then it's reduced competition in the inward marketplace. You could make bigger moves in our favor, with less to stand in your way.
[ wait, what is— ??? emily sure did just shove a takoyaki in his mouth like a dog to distract him???
the worst part is that it's working, especially since he has to eat it carefully given the potential for takoyaki to be molten in the centre.
he might not be able to say anything, so she's treated to the theatre experience of seeing him react to her words — how unphased and then annoyed he looks at the mention of majima onward to looking more thoughtful and reasonable about her other points before he's finally ready to use his words again. ]
[that bought her some time, and she's glad for it. boring is better than him taking the death threat as a challenge, after they just kept him from dying twice over.]
The next time something absurdly dangerous occurs, by all means, take the helm again. But you'll not have a better opportunity of most people fully distracted.
I ain't scared of Majima either. [ no one asked... ] For the record. I don't like fightin', but used t' be nobody could beat me.
[ still, he can't help thinking about the rest of it because the most frustrating roadblock has been getting stonewalled by people out of fear of retaliation. ]
S'pose if people know Iron Bear's havin' problems they might not be so afraid of talkin', especially if their jobs might be in danger..?
[ the logic is there but the fomo is real and it's hard accepting even if he knows she's right. ]
Sure wish this job didn't mean sittin' around with my thumb up my ass while everyone's out there doin' things. This is why Toraguma doesn't respect me, y' know...
[ whining is really the extent of his resistance though. damn your good points, emily. ]
[she will not say that Toraguma doesn't respect him because he's got a tendency to keep talking where he might benefit from shutting up. but she thinks it, and puts another takoyaki in his mouth to get him to think. she has six, she can keep going.]
Enough people will want to flee if they think the situation is unstable, because no one wants to be brought up on smuggling charges. It'll be up to you to convince them that we're the better choice. And you're the one most accustomed to persuading people to take a chance on you. Make them believe in you, like you've done for the rest of us, and the rest is simple.
[ ah, another one?! well, this oughta be a fool me twice-type deal where he really should've learned something. ryouma just pouts at her because she's right (again).
he knows what he needs to do because this is what he wanted to happen. he doesn't really care about the conflict, he just wants the operation. this is noteworthy because ryouma never really wants anything, so it struck him that he's so invested. it's fine. it's his job.
anyway, it's the wanderlust that he struggles with. he'll have to redirect that elsewhere then, somehow. ]
Need'ja t' do one more thing for me then while you're out there, if ya can.
[ he holds a finger up to ideally stave off any more takoyaki from cutting him short. ]
I can work on people here and get 'em on board with the idea, but I need somebody on top who knows what's what. Somebody close t' Iron Bear who doesn't wanna end up out of a job or like their lord and master.
[ it's clear from his tone that he doesn't like the guy. given iron bear rules on intimidation and fear, ryouma has a very low opinion. ]
You're gonna be searchin' for Ringo anyway, I figure it ain't too far off the mark. We want them t' know we'll support 'em if they toss their lot in with us, right? Just put the word out that I wanna talk. [ he's sure things will get to the right people eventually. ] I figure they've got no reason t' hide from a business proposal.
And just how do you propose I give them word we'd like to talk while we're storming their headquarters to rescue the girl? I doubt they want tea and sandwiches.
[or they might. who knows the supplies out there.
in other words, she'll do it. just give her a method, and she'll manage.]
[ ryouma helps himself to another takoyaki this time. for thinking! ]
S'pose that's true, eventually, but none of us know what exactly is out there, right? Aren't ya gonna have t' squeeze some people a little along the way to get 'em to tell ya exactly where to find the guy? He's not just gonna sit under a sign and make gettin' a bounty that big real easy.
[ he's just being realistic; things are never as easy as he would hope. ]
Best case, I get a name before ya head out, otherwise it might just be gettin' the word out: join up with us and keep the business goin' or get left for the Department to mop up later. Anyone more resistant than that I expect will have been dealt with, but we're not tryin' to kill all these people.
[the logistics of all of this are beginning to hit her, and the worry lines are increasing, clearly beginning to be more than she anticipated. damn it, but she needs to start delegating. some people need to keep an eye on the information, some on the other clans, and she still needs a team that will agree to her private negotiations. it's suddenly making her regret taking this on.]
...There's a lot left to do, and not a lot of time...I'll figure out how to send a message.
[somehow. even if it's leaving a cheap phone behind and having Ryouma call it when the dust settles.]
Hey, just 'cause I'm not allowed to go doesn't mean I can't still help out, right? We'll table that for the moment, seein' as anything could change between now and then. What else needs to happen?
[ now that he's given himself another job to do, he's not thinking about not going at all now. it worked! he's happy. if she's his second the rest of the time, he should be her's when she's in charge. ]
If you're takin' point on this, ya still need backup.
[handing him the rest of the takoyaki, she folds her arms, clearly thinking hard before she speaks again. here, it's unlikely anyone is listening in, too absorbed in travelling from here to there to really listen to anyone else.]
...Information, in spades. Whatever we have on the Wastelands so we can make assumptions on what to bring with us and whatever we can gauge about Iron Bear's forces to think about evading them. Those willing to be under my direct command, who'll make searching for her the highest priority. And among those, I have some rules I will not break. Transportation of some form, though I wouldn't be shocked if our boss has something figured out. Breaking the news of what I promised Majima - I doubt people will be overly happy to hear it, but if they want to fight Iron Bear, they have to accept that I personally must disavow what they do. Likely speaking to Mr. Matoba and Ydris, to see if they want to take an active hand in things as well or if it will be me standing in for our Lost Souls.
All this, and we don't even have a definite location of where we're going. I don't know where to even start.
[ oh. see, this is where emily has him beat because ryouma is nowhere near this put together about things. he was expecting to discuss it and chisel things down to—... a list that already exists. ]
Hehe, got it all thought out already, huh? Okay! How d'ya eat an elephant? One bite at a time, right?
[ that's the only way to tackle an insurmountable problem, which are almost all of the problems he's ever given himself to deal with. ]
I'll take it up with the boss and see what I can't get from them, to start. As for breakin' the news, you can leave that t' me again, if ya like. Maybe they won't throw birds at me this time if we're lockin' down this market thing at the same time. [ he laughs. ] I'm more confident about this than I was about the war!
[ half of that is giddy anticipation because it's starting to feel like he's finally getting close. he knows he should be more professional about this, probably, especially since he's not supposed to have a personal stake in this but... it's hard not to care about your own work when you're invested in it. it's not like it used to be, mediating as an external third party with no stakes in anything. whatever. the question of ryouma's personal ambition is a thing to face another day. ]
I suspect Matoba will wanna be involved, if only to see what's out there. In fact, if ya hadn't insisted I stay in the city he probably would've pushed for it himself, now that ya mention it.
[ but since he's not going, he leaves it at that. no need to add layers with enough to think about already unless emily feels the need to ask. ]
Cloud as well. I dunno if he's up to going himself, but be sure to call on him as a resource. He's the one who's been makin' himself familiar with our resources in terms of skills and manpower. Doubt he'd object to meetin' your standards either if ya tell him where your lines're drawn.
[hearing him willing to walk into the weeds with her loosens a knot of tension in her chest. that's definitely moves she needed to make, and if Ryouma will talk to the boss, that's helping her in many ways. people to talk to, places to begin. she can invite some of them over during her breaks, and they'll see what they can do.
some of the worry in her forehead eases. not all of it, but enough to be a major move.]
I'll break the news. You can't always be taking that on, so they'll hear it from my lips and not yours. But the rest of that...yes. That's a good start to be making.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
For one thing, Majima will kill you on sight given his feelings already, the general lawlessness, and his own words to me. For another, I promised I'd go out in your stead. You'll have a direct line to what's going on through me if we can figure out communications. And there's something you haven't considered that seems apparent to me.
[since she assumes those reasons aren't enough.]
If everyone's looking outward, at that particular threat and monetary incentive, then it's reduced competition in the inward marketplace. You could make bigger moves in our favor, with less to stand in your way.
no subject
the worst part is that it's working, especially since he has to eat it carefully given the potential for takoyaki to be molten in the centre.
he might not be able to say anything, so she's treated to the theatre experience of seeing him react to her words — how unphased and then annoyed he looks at the mention of majima onward to looking more thoughtful and reasonable about her other points before he's finally ready to use his words again. ]
... But it's boring here.
[ extremely mature. ]
no subject
The next time something absurdly dangerous occurs, by all means, take the helm again. But you'll not have a better opportunity of most people fully distracted.
no subject
[ still, he can't help thinking about the rest of it because the most frustrating roadblock has been getting stonewalled by people out of fear of retaliation. ]
S'pose if people know Iron Bear's havin' problems they might not be so afraid of talkin', especially if their jobs might be in danger..?
[ the logic is there but the fomo is real and it's hard accepting even if he knows she's right. ]
Sure wish this job didn't mean sittin' around with my thumb up my ass while everyone's out there doin' things. This is why Toraguma doesn't respect me, y' know...
[ whining is really the extent of his resistance though. damn your good points, emily. ]
no subject
Enough people will want to flee if they think the situation is unstable, because no one wants to be brought up on smuggling charges. It'll be up to you to convince them that we're the better choice. And you're the one most accustomed to persuading people to take a chance on you. Make them believe in you, like you've done for the rest of us, and the rest is simple.
no subject
he knows what he needs to do because this is what he wanted to happen. he doesn't really care about the conflict, he just wants the operation. this is noteworthy because ryouma never really wants anything, so it struck him that he's so invested. it's fine. it's his job.
anyway, it's the wanderlust that he struggles with. he'll have to redirect that elsewhere then, somehow. ]
Need'ja t' do one more thing for me then while you're out there, if ya can.
[ he holds a finger up to ideally stave off any more takoyaki from cutting him short. ]
I can work on people here and get 'em on board with the idea, but I need somebody on top who knows what's what. Somebody close t' Iron Bear who doesn't wanna end up out of a job or like their lord and master.
[ it's clear from his tone that he doesn't like the guy. given iron bear rules on intimidation and fear, ryouma has a very low opinion. ]
You're gonna be searchin' for Ringo anyway, I figure it ain't too far off the mark. We want them t' know we'll support 'em if they toss their lot in with us, right? Just put the word out that I wanna talk. [ he's sure things will get to the right people eventually. ] I figure they've got no reason t' hide from a business proposal.
no subject
[or they might. who knows the supplies out there.
in other words, she'll do it. just give her a method, and she'll manage.]
no subject
[ ryouma helps himself to another takoyaki this time. for thinking! ]
S'pose that's true, eventually, but none of us know what exactly is out there, right? Aren't ya gonna have t' squeeze some people a little along the way to get 'em to tell ya exactly where to find the guy? He's not just gonna sit under a sign and make gettin' a bounty that big real easy.
[ he's just being realistic; things are never as easy as he would hope. ]
Best case, I get a name before ya head out, otherwise it might just be gettin' the word out: join up with us and keep the business goin' or get left for the Department to mop up later. Anyone more resistant than that I expect will have been dealt with, but we're not tryin' to kill all these people.
no subject
...There's a lot left to do, and not a lot of time...I'll figure out how to send a message.
[somehow. even if it's leaving a cheap phone behind and having Ryouma call it when the dust settles.]
no subject
Hey, just 'cause I'm not allowed to go doesn't mean I can't still help out, right? We'll table that for the moment, seein' as anything could change between now and then. What else needs to happen?
[ now that he's given himself another job to do, he's not thinking about not going at all now. it worked! he's happy. if she's his second the rest of the time, he should be her's when she's in charge. ]
If you're takin' point on this, ya still need backup.
no subject
...Information, in spades. Whatever we have on the Wastelands so we can make assumptions on what to bring with us and whatever we can gauge about Iron Bear's forces to think about evading them. Those willing to be under my direct command, who'll make searching for her the highest priority. And among those, I have some rules I will not break. Transportation of some form, though I wouldn't be shocked if our boss has something figured out. Breaking the news of what I promised Majima - I doubt people will be overly happy to hear it, but if they want to fight Iron Bear, they have to accept that I personally must disavow what they do. Likely speaking to Mr. Matoba and Ydris, to see if they want to take an active hand in things as well or if it will be me standing in for our Lost Souls.
All this, and we don't even have a definite location of where we're going. I don't know where to even start.
no subject
Hehe, got it all thought out already, huh? Okay! How d'ya eat an elephant? One bite at a time, right?
[ that's the only way to tackle an insurmountable problem, which are almost all of the problems he's ever given himself to deal with. ]
I'll take it up with the boss and see what I can't get from them, to start. As for breakin' the news, you can leave that t' me again, if ya like. Maybe they won't throw birds at me this time if we're lockin' down this market thing at the same time. [ he laughs. ] I'm more confident about this than I was about the war!
[ half of that is giddy anticipation because it's starting to feel like he's finally getting close. he knows he should be more professional about this, probably, especially since he's not supposed to have a personal stake in this but... it's hard not to care about your own work when you're invested in it. it's not like it used to be, mediating as an external third party with no stakes in anything. whatever. the question of ryouma's personal ambition is a thing to face another day. ]
I suspect Matoba will wanna be involved, if only to see what's out there. In fact, if ya hadn't insisted I stay in the city he probably would've pushed for it himself, now that ya mention it.
[ but since he's not going, he leaves it at that. no need to add layers with enough to think about already unless emily feels the need to ask. ]
Cloud as well. I dunno if he's up to going himself, but be sure to call on him as a resource. He's the one who's been makin' himself familiar with our resources in terms of skills and manpower. Doubt he'd object to meetin' your standards either if ya tell him where your lines're drawn.
How's that for a start?
no subject
some of the worry in her forehead eases. not all of it, but enough to be a major move.]
I'll break the news. You can't always be taking that on, so they'll hear it from my lips and not yours. But the rest of that...yes. That's a good start to be making.