Radio; Foreigners Only [Forward-dated to the 14th]

[purered]

I have spoken with the Grand Justicar on the matter of removing the bodies. She has agreed to allow it. I will be contacting a mortician forthwith.

I speak now to all the foreigners here; Please do not act rashly. I understand your anger at the Justicar. It is justified. Risking your own lives and those of the people here, however, is not. The situation now is precarious at best.

We are guests in this city the same as the Justicar. I would hope we can show more consideration for Keeliai's denizens than her, however.

Comments

[purered]

Technology that would vastly help with resource management.

[He hangs his head guiltily.]

...I am... not so good at bargaining.

[gistful]

[Anton smiles.]

In that case, I think you will find that they would have viewed such an offering as more insult than recompense. I haven't spoken to any of them save Lady Meisheng, but I've heard young Master Stark ranting about the changes to Stark Industries and I have seen the care with which the Woodsmen ply their trade. The kedan are proud of their developmental autonomy. They don't wish to have their future simply handed to them; they want the satisfaction of building it themselves.

[purered]

It does seem rather condescending on the part of the Chihuelans.

[As though saying 'look how much more advanced we are than you' after stomping around Keeliai and leaving corpses out in public]

Even so, it should have been their choice to make, not the result of my own fumbled bargaining. But I thank you - this perspective eases some concerns. Do you know which of the heads of the families generally handles these matters?

[gistful]

[To be fair, they're more likely to take offence at Klaus's taking matters into his own hands. Anton leaves note of that, because Klaus is effusively apologetic when he needs to be--and more to the point, sincerely so. Anton isn't really worried that offence will linger, in light of that. He does, however, take a moment to properly consider the question.]

I should recommend Heojin or Yunxu, I think. Yunxu has more care of the city and would appreciate knowing that the threat of disease has been mitigated, but I believe the technology the Woodsmen use on their farms was claimed from the Chihuelan invaders to begin with. Heojin may be able to tell you in more detail whether the Justicar's offer was meaningless.

[purered]

[Of which Klaus was already perfectly aware - it was the main reason he wanted to apologize and make it known what happened. Transparency was important considering how little trust the Kedan had in the foreigners.]

Thank you. I will speak with them shortly.

[He hesitated, and then finally exhaled.]

Are you alright? I know this whole mess can be spectacularly draining.

[gistful]

[Anton isn't sure whether the question is asked with the memory of Anton's recent weakness, or simply a matter of courtesy. Either way, he smiles wryly and lifts his hands. There's a faint tremble in them. Not enough to prevent writing, but enough to require a little more effort.]

They've been in and out several times, requesting patron details. I denied them, naturally. I only hope they don't discover the Hotel is indeed housing one of their 'traitors'; I wouldn't enjoy being forced to kill them should they attempt to drag him out.

[And it would come to killing. There's no way it wouldn't, with how the Chihuelans were acting.]

[purered]

[Neither. Well, maybe a bit of both, but mostly just out of general concern. He didn't consider Anton weak or helpless, but bloodshed tended to take its toll on anyone. He wasn't particularly surprised that Anton was harboring one of the fugitives - he was surprised he was told about it.]

I see. If I were able to find other fugitives, should I escort them here or find another safe spot to hide them?

[gistful]

[Also a serious question which Anton duly considers.]

Another spot may be best. They would be welcome here, to be sure, but the Hotel is well-known for being a Sanctuary. The Chihuelans come here regularly, and they may be taking note of new residents. It would not bode well if they came to suspect fugitives here.

[purered]

I will seek one out then. I don't want trouble to come to you or your guests.

[Or inevitably to the Chihuelans.]

[gistful]

Thank you. I would ordinarily offer my services with that, but given the situation I think it best that I reside with plausible deniability.

[purered]

I quite agree on that account. It would seem bad if you were overly involved.

[gistful]

Quite.

[Dryly, but with a smile.]

Do you require assistance with anything else?

[purered]

[The smile was met with one of Klaus's softer expressions and a small upturn of the corners of his mouth.]

No, not that I can think of. Speaking to you has eased my mind a fair bit. I thank you, Mr Shudder.

[gistful]

You're quite welcome. I shall see you later this evening, I imagine.

[He rises with a bow to usher Klaus out.]

[purered]

Almost certainly. Have a good afternoon, Mr Shudder.

[Klaus gave a courteous bow to Anton, before heading out to go deal with the problem. Or at least, any fallout from it.]