(no subject)

[marcato]

WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, SATURNSCHILD. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 001.00.653.90 *** SATURNSCHILD has joined 001.00.653.90 <saturnschild> Hello. <saturnschild> I'm listening.

Comments

<TruthSeeker>

[pawntakesking]

Aunamee, this is Regulus.

We have to take the Haze back from the heathens running it. It was founded in the Fog's name; we can't simply cede it without argument. I know you weren't a member when it was under Lucas and Ibuki, and perhaps the ideology behind it has some flaws, but there is value to having something more... social, an entry into Her light, for those who need time to consider Her message before committing to war. Salazar knows that I needed it, when I arrived.

The Haze has to be reclaimed for Her message. Overt violence is off the table - it will damage the image of the group, and in any case, I'm not convinced it would actually be successful - but I know that you're more than capable of subtler approaches. Would you help me?

<saturnschild>

[marcato]

Oh Regulus. Of course I'd like to help you.

Did you have something in mind?

<TruthSeeker>

[pawntakesking]

Not specifically. At least, not yet.

I can see three routes. The first would be to discredit the current leaders - or at least McGucket, since Lust is at least notionally on our side, even with all this nonsense. The second would be to infiltrate the group and make it unprofitable for Fourth followers and non-believers to attend. The third would be to ensure that the inevitability of this conflict is clear to everyone involved - that neutrality isn't virtue but cowardice.

Regardless, both as a Fog Priest and my friend, I would very much like to have you on my side for this.

<saturnschild>

[marcato]

I'm afraid infiltration is not an option. My methods are too severe for their liking, and you've already clashed with McGucket on the network.

Discrediting them seems like the best option, either by targeting their leaders or highlighting the cowardice of neutrality. I'm partial to the second option. Lust and McGucket are well-liked.

<TruthSeeker>

[pawntakesking]

Both methods in concert, perhaps. Discredit the leaders and the ideology both, and ensure that when things begin to fall apart, we have someone in place and ready to guide the Haze back onto the right path. You're probably right that it can't be either of us, but the Fog has other children faithful to Her - we would just have to find the right person.

[marcato]

Have you ever considered forming your own group? A more pure image of Her love?

[pawntakesking]

Of course I have. But that isn't the point.

The Haze was ours. They've taken it from us. It's only right for us to take it back.

[marcato]

Yes. It's only right.

But short of killing them permanently, Lust and McGucket won't relinquish their leadership. If our plans succeed, the Haze members who see the light will leave the group. But where will they go? Who will guide them?

[pawntakesking]

You don't think we can take it back directly, then? I'm loath to let it go. The name matters. Where it comes from matters. I don't want to leave it to the likes of McGucket.

I take your point, though. We have to build something else, at least for now. Egon Spengler had mentioned an interest in community meetings - perhaps we could get his help in this? He's certainly more likeable than I am.

[marcato]

Hardly. Egon is an insufferable know-it-all. You're a man with dignity and grace.

That being said, a community meeting sounds like a lovely idea. And when the Haze collapses, as it inevitably will, we'll take back what's rightfully ours.

[pawntakesking]

History has suggested to me that most people prefer the former.

I'll start to set things in motion, then. We can put our heads together and consider how to bring McGucket down along the way.