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]

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?

[use_everything]

You may. [Good luck, Tex.]

Bottles of good wine or maple mead is traditional.

[failureisntachoice]

Do you have a form for petitioning?

I'm not asking what's traditional, I'm asking what you plan to do here.

[use_everything]

Not yet... I suppose it makes sense to devise one.

As for the alcohol. Wine. Mead seems to be as hard to get as groats.

[failureisntachoice]

[ She nods, that'll work for a petition then. ]

Wine? Can I put in a request for variety or is that part of your tradition too?

[use_everything]

Not a connoisseur? The wine here has a notably different taste, it is slightly off putting. [Not enough to keep him from indulging on occasion.]

I don't mind you requesting an alternate within some reason.

[failureisntachoice]

Wine is fine, but it's never been my poison of choice.

I'm not going to ask for anything expensive, Aral, if that's what you're worried about.

[use_everything]

Expensive is fine, extravagant is a bit beyond what I can justify at the moment.

[failureisntachoice]

[ She eyes him a bit warily. ]

Define 'expensive.' I'm getting the feeling your version of it is different than mine.