Mask or Menance IC Contact Post

[failureisntachoice]

[ An automated voice speaks because someone hasn't bothered to set up a proper voicemail. The only part in her voice is her name. ] You have reached Agent Texas. Leave a message at the tone.

Comments

[failureisntachoice]

Mister Kirk? I didn't realize he required that much formality. [ Or respect, but it's whatever. ] I'm not sure who else Miles hangs out with regularly.

[use_everything]

He is an officer of standing. Have you some different experience with him?

I'll check with Gregor for any others. I'll give you a list, if need be.

[failureisntachoice]

The only experience I have of him is him acting like damn fool on the network, him stunning your son to shove him in the closet because he didn't know what else to do, and we chatted once at a bar. So far, I'm not impressed.

And please do. If you need me to contact anyone, let me know.

[use_everything]

I, ah, do remember that footage. Not.. exactly the best way to have handled it, but I can see why it was chosen.

[failureisntachoice]

He's lucky I didn't shoot him. That was the second time I'd ever spoken to the idiot, I couldn't tell if he was trying to off Miles or help.

[use_everything]

I'm not sure if I should qualify this as fortunately or unfortunately, I believe he'd have taken greater issue at one of you taking injury from another than taking it himself.

I do, however, appreciate your loyalty. I find that priceless.

[failureisntachoice]

[ She waves that off. ]

I'm not loyal without reason.

[use_everything]

Quite wise. My son is fortunate.

[failureisntachoice]

And the rest of your family and Imperium if I'm understanding how far these oaths go.

[use_everything]

Family for certain. The rest of the Imperium... Ah. That is yours to decide.

Admittedly, it is.. somewhat difficult to extract the Vorkosigans from the matters of Barrayar.

[failureisntachoice]

The link extended to Gregor, so I thought the Imperium factored into the equation somewhere in this.

[use_everything]

Here, far more directly. Emperor Gregor Vorbarra himself, embodiment of the Imperium authorizes your expenditures beyond your regular pay.

[There is a dry humor there.]

In truth, it is a strange show of how our society works. I could explain it, if you've interest, or leave it as quirk of this world's powers.

[failureisntachoice]

[ She motions for him to continue. ]

I've got time if you want to tell a story.

[use_everything]

[He rubs at his lips and takes a moment to compose his thoughts.] You have a bond with Miles because you were sworn directly to him. To me because he is sworn to serve me as a member of my house. To Gregor because I am sworn to serve him as Regent of Barrayar in my time- Count and Prime Minister in his.

In this manner, every subject is at least distantly sworn to Gregor. And in a way becomes a representative governance and a social structure based on loyalty and accountability.

Armsmen are quite different in who they answer to. They are insurance against an Emperor who strikes against a Count or in a civil war... and the limit of Armsmen is insurance that a Count cannot easily strike against the Emperor or stage a civil war with only one District.

[As the explanation goes long, there's a pause here as the server returns, plates laid in front of both of them. He takes a sip of his coffee before continuing.]

To make it simple, you are in essence loyal to Barrayar by remaining loyal to the House, but Gregor would break an enormous social contract to directly order you.

[failureisntachoice]

[ She listens attentively and pokes lightly at her food when it arrives. ]

That's going to make things complicated here. He's the one I've been getting my paychecks from since he handles that part of the Dendarii.

[ So far, anyway. ]

[use_everything]

[His own fork hovers, as he gives Tex a considering look.]

Is that an issue to you?

[failureisntachoice]

[ She shakes her head. ]

As long as I'm getting paid? Hell no. But sounds like it might be to you if you're concerned with keeping something like that going here.

[use_everything]

[He gives it a brief moment of thought and then nods to himself.]

I'll see it handled.

[failureisntachoice]

Handled how?

[use_everything]

I have already arranged for a House fund out of the general ledger. I'll call the accountant and have your payroll and incidentals moved to that account.

That should solve any theoretical conflict.

[failureisntachoice]

That's fine with me as long as there's no interruption in my paychecks. For incidentals I just need receipts, right?

[use_everything]

Just so. Ah... Bonuses might be a touch more formalized than they had been.

[By touch he means entirely.]

[failureisntachoice]

No more random ones flung at me by Miles? [ Because yes, she is well aware of how bonuses were handled before. ]

[use_everything]

He'll have to petition.

[There's no one who didn't know that was how it worked.]

There are regular ones: the Emperor's Birthday, Winterfair, anniversaries. Much easier to budget, really.

Also a generous rationing of alcohol... you can, at least, appreciate fine taste, I imagine?

[failureisntachoice]

Can I petition?

[ Because she most certainly will try. ]

And you should send me a calendar with those dates marked, including what anniversaries you're talking about. As for alcohol, yeah, I can. What kind are you promising?