PLAN TIME

[twibeast]

[ Beast waits until the next morning to say anything to the rest of the group, in part because it's a little late when they get home and he doesn't want to gather everyone on short notice and also because he needs some time to collect himself. First thing in the morning though he sends the message through discordia. ]

@ everyone
The Authority has been found.

She's one of the regulars at the Phantasma Fantastique that Sir Lion described. There is no doubt about it, she confirmed it once she realized what I was. I fortunately managed to record the conversation between us and I will upload it as soon as [ he figures out how ] I am able to.

I would like to propose a meeting at the mansion in Invidia this afternoon so we can pool together any other knowledge we have and start to formulate a plan. It should be easier to figure one out in person than over messages. If you know of any new Executors or ones who don't check their phone as often be sure to let them know.

[ He pauses a moment, thinking something over, before quickly adding: ]

On another note, I would like to make a personal request.
I would greatly appreciate it if you could all try calling me Achilles for the next little while.
Lately I have been thinking of picking a new name for myself and am quite fond of this one so I would like to hear how it sounds coming from everyone else before I make up my mind. Don't worry though, I will still respond to Beast if you call me that instead.

Thank you. I shall see you all later today.


[ A few hours later, with some help from Rei, the audio file gets uploaded to the group chat. The irrelevant stuff with the "masked guest" and security has been cut so all it includes is his conversation with Greta from beginning to end, but he still provides a time stamp to when she reveals herself for anyone that wants to get to the point. The audio quality is shockingly well for being in his pocket the whole time, so both he and Greta can be heard clearly. (because that'll just make it easier for all of us) In case anyone misses it or needs a refresher, he plays it again at the meeting, right at the start.

Now, let's hash this out. ]

Comments

[crypddyd]

I'm still reeling that it's Miss Greta...

Still, even if she only knows you, she does know that Executors are on the prowl. Her security will surely increase.

[twibeast]

[ He stares at Lion carefully for a moment and this time doesn’t bring up toilets ]

Do you think your job at the theater may be compromised if she is? Would she be able to figure you out if you continue working there?

[ It would be a great boon for them if Lion can keep an eye on here through work but he also knows it was difficult for him to keep his cool sometimes around Esme. Granted, Greta hasn’t POISONED everyone yet but... he doesn’t want Lion in any unnecessary risk if there’s even a chance Greta can sus him out. ]

[crypddyd]

[he ponders this seriously- because it's a fair question]

I think... as long as she hasn't harmed any of us... I will be able to contain my temper. My rage at Esme was because of how close many of you came to death. It could not be forgiven.

[twibeast]

All right. Thankfully she didn’t seem malicious. Just a bit of a shit.

[ DAMN DAD SAID A SWORE. ]

If you feel she isn’t suspicious of you in any way then I would appreciate it if you could keep an eye on her, Sir Lion. If she stops coming then we’ll know she’s being cautious, but truthfully given how smug she was I highly doubt she will.

Either way, I trust you.

[crypddyd]

[He looks touched by his trust]

I will do my best to live up to it, Achilles.

As for Greta... hmm, if she is as confident as you say, then perhaps we can use that to our advantage? If we go straight for her wealth she may come to defend it. But a distraction... something she would assume was an attempt on her Authority... perhaps that may give us enough time to take the vault?

[twibeast]

[ Man... it is feeling better and better the more people call him that. ]

A distraction, hmm... the other lad mentioned such a thing too. [ sorry Sword he’s still learning your name. ] I suppose it’s worth considering as an option.

[crypddyd]

It would need to be enough of a threat that she would take it seriously, but not one where she would go directly for violence.

...ah! Perhaps we can challenge her to a bet or game? That was how she gained the Authority in the first place, correct? Gambling?

[swordofajerk]

[Wow rude Achilles learn his damn name.

But hmm.]

Do we know if she cheated to get her Authority?

[crypddyd]

I don't know... but I wouldn't be surprised- these games are very complicated and luck-based.

[swordofajerk]

[Combined with what Phoenix just said...]

Who's good at cheating, here?

[crypddyd]

I don't think he cheats but I do know Ruin is experienced at the games. He's won a fair bit of money at it.

[heir_to_ruin]

I haven't needed to but I also don't play the games that are pure luck. Even poker isn't all luck. A lot of it is being able to read people's tells.

I doubt she'd take a challenge in black jack seriously though

[crypddyd]

What would you suggest then? I'll admit I'm... uneducated in these card games.

[heir_to_ruin]

From what the bartender said? She won a game of high stakes poker. Probably that's the sort of challenge she'd expect.

Maybe craps but that is all chance. Unless someone was able to get loaded dice involved somehow.

[crypddyd]

How good are you at poker? Do you think you would have a chance? Or at least able to make her think you did for long enough?

...of course, we CAN simply cheat as well, but I have no idea how to go about that.

[heir_to_ruin]

[Ruin honestly considers it for a moment... leaning idly against Lion while he does. As you do. For no real reason, clearly.]

Probably...? I dunno if I sit in at the high rollers table for a bit, make enough wins, she might feel like she has to come put me in my place.

[crypddyd]

[The lean makes him smile brightly]

It will take some time to figure out the vault's defenses- if you have time to prepare... hmm.

[heir_to_ruin]

I can definitely start making a point of working my way into the big games but they're not the sort of thing that happens all the time like black jack does.

[crypddyd]

I would see about making a name for yourself if you can. I wish I could be of more help in this...

[heir_to_ruin]

[At first he just nods but when Lion laments his inability to help Ruin just smiles, leaning up to kiss his cheek, some small mollification at needing to sit on his hands.]

You'll get your chance. Though maybe I'll make you start bringing me lunch~

[crypddyd]

[Okay this is more pda than he usually gets around the others- and this is EVERYONE. So he turns very red... but makes no move to hide it]

Maybe I will.

[discutio]

[Deadpan:]

Well, that counts me out.

[swordofajerk]

[Sorry, Sword can't help but snort.]

Likewise.

[Though obviously for different reasons.]

None of this is anything I'm "good" at, to be honest. It's all too shifty.

[daughterofthemark]

What manner of cheating?

[...not her, probably]

[schardynfreude]

Hm...I am not sure about cheating but, in some ways, being sly about it...