(Fuchs) Fuchs) *A servant appears with an unsealed note, handing it to Morgan (Fuchs) * @Morgan takes it, opening it (Fuchs) (Fuchs) **it's coded, but the familiar code from Karstens diary * @Morgan sets to decoding it * Fuchs looks to the servant "have Mikkleson get me a list of visitors for this afternoon, and tell him no-one is to come in who isn't on the list without checking with myself or Veisgraf Koertig first". The servant nods, waiting (Fuchs) It says "Move our things to sleep in nursery suite? Yours, as always. MK" * Fuchs watches him whilst sipping his lukewarm coffee * @Morgan scribbles a reply of yes, good idea in code and hands it back to the servant (Fuchs) **the servant bows, leaving * @Morgan finishes his coffee * Fuchs watches him (Fuchs) I'll need to poke around the house and grounds a while, get a better idea of the state of things. It'll give me chance to look at the visitor list too. After that, we need to sort these guards and the staff. Meet back here at 3 o'clock? (It's now ten to two) (@Morgan) about then, yes... I've got a meeting in a short while that I'm hoping won't take too long * Fuchs nods (Fuchs) Whereabouts in the house are your wife and child? (@Morgan) at the moment, the nursery * Fuchs nods (Fuchs) Alright. *He looks thoughtful as he rises* I should apologise for not "My Lord"-ing you every second minute. * @Morgan waves it aside (@Morgan) I'm after your help, not your servitude * Fuchs nods (Fuchs) I'll be around, if I'm needed * @Morgan nods, standing * Fuchs inclines his head, and heads out, leaving Morgan alone in the Eisenfursts private office. * @Morgan moves out of the room, closing the door behind him ** You're now known as Mina * Mina is put in the same drawing room she met him in the previous time, and a servant rapidly finds him. He is announced as usual, and Mina rises. She is dressed simply in a cream dress with brown stripes the same shade as her eyes. She looks a little less relaxed than last time. She curtsies as usual. (Mina) Good afternoon, Morgan. (@Morgan) Please, Mina, sit down * Mina sits, pouring coffee from the jug provided, and offers him one. (@Morgan) thank you (Mina) *once that is done, she watches him carefully (Mina) It is somewhat more heavily guarded today than yesterday * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) much has happened (Mina) There is gossip in the Inn we are staying in that Grafin Seeufer has been arrested (@Morgan) I can't say that surprises me * Mina sips her coffee (Mina) That cannot be easy for your family * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) I expect it'll get more difficult once my father arrives * Mina smiles (Mina) It would be nice to see him again. Is your mother coming also? (@Morgan) I doubt it * Mina nods (@Morgan) I wouldn't really want to subject her to hearing what my cousin has been up to * Mina looks intrigued (Mina) There are few details in the gossip, is it something awful? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I'm afraid so * Mina looks at him compassionately (Mina) I'm sorry. Can my father and I help at all? * @Morgan shakes his head (@Morgan) I doubt it. But thats not what I wanted to talk to you about * Mina sips her coffee (Mina) Oh? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) Edward * Mina pauses, her cup halfway to her mouth. A hint of concern passes across her pretty face before she manages to regain her courtly composure (Mina) Has something happened to him? (@Morgan) No... well... he's returned home. * Mina blinks rapidly, then takes a long inhale (Mina) That must please your parents immensely * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) He's still desperately in love with you * Mina blushes hard, brows rising, and she looks briefly at her cup. It takes a moment for he to regain her equilibrium. She nods (Mina) I am surprised (@Morgan) whys? (Mina) It has been almost three years since he last saw me * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I spoke with your father about Edward * Mina looks a little wary (Mina) He did not mention it (Mina) Edward... Edward told you that, that he's desperately in love with me? (@Morgan) Its more than obvious. He told me of a feather he carries * Mina is clearly trying hard to contain her reactions and behave in the way society tells her to, but is given away by the slight tremble of her coffee cup in the saucer that she's holding. Her voice is quiet, wistful (Mina) The peacock feather... * @Morgan nods * Mina looks at her cup, eyes brimming with tears (Mina) I did not imagine he would still have it * @Morgan sighs * Mina puts down her cup, and takes a handkerchief from her sleeve. On it is sewn a grey bead (Mina) **what strikes him is not the bead, which was originally on his mask that he gave to her in return for the feather, but the cruel twist of fate that the fabric and embtoidery style of Edward's monogram are identical to the two he carried with him from Eisen to Avalon, alongside the pink and yellow ones that Dietlinde had also made. (@Morgan) I've managed to convince your father to allow your relationship... on one condition * Mina blinks, looking up to him whilst running her thumb over the bead (Mina) What condition? (@Morgan) On the condition that you are told the truth * Mina frowns (Mina) The true about what? * @Morgan sighs again (@Morgan) Edwards always had a strong sense of what he thinks is right and honourable * Mina smiles fondly (Mina) Yes, he has (@Morgan) my marriage to Dietlinde caused a lot of... issues. By all accounts Edward spent a lot of time putting down dangers brought about by peoples distaste for it * Mina nods slowly (Mina) He did. (@Morgan) To try to put an end to what he perceived to be great risk and shame, he... took steps. * Mina watches him closely. Some of the courtly politeness has been lost from her expression, and she frowns (Mina) What steps? (@Morgan) He had someone arrange an... accident. * Mina looks very serious (Mina) The fire? * @Morgan nods * Mina sits very still. Her breathing is slow and deep. Her tone becomes very formal. (Mina) I am most sorry to hear that. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) He believes it was what needed to be done * Mina nods slowly though distractedly. Her whole body language becomes more formal. (Mina) Was there anything else I had to be told? * @Morgan sighs (@Morgan) I know its hard to hear * Mina finishes her coffee (Mina) It must be hard to say. I am sorry for your loss, and that you have been forced into telling me this. (@Morgan) I haven't been forced, exactly * Mina inclines her head, rising from her chair (Mina) If you will please excuse me, I should like to return to my lodgings now. (@Morgan) I'd rather you sit... I haven't finished * Mina looks unhappy, but sits (Mina) Yes? (@Morgan) I wrestled a long time with this... whether or not to speak of it. But its a decision I've made... do you know why? (Mina) No, why? (@Morgan) Because I believe in love, that it should be given and taken and experienced wherever it arises.... and if I didn't speak to you, to remind you how much Edward loves you and, I think, you love him... I'd be standing in the way of it, and what sort of hypocrite would that make me * Mina closes her eyes. Her words are quiet (Mina) I do love him. I've loved him since the moment we met. (@Morgan) I can't imagine how difficult it is for you right now * Mina looks at him frankly (Mina) Nor I, you. I need to go. * @Morgan fishes in his pocket before putting the pouch with the feather on the table * Mina looks between it and him (Mina) What is that? (@Morgan) I think you should take it with you while you think about things * Mina holds out her hand warily * @Morgan places it in her hand * Mina looks at it, running her thumb down the centre of the pouch. Her shoulders become tighter, her back more rigid. She holds it at her side as she rises and curtsies to him (@Morgan) Let me know what you decide * Mina nods, barely keeping herself together, and heads for the door * Mina 's exit leaves a deep silence in its wake. The only sound is the mantle clock chiming half after two, leaving him thirty minutes until he's due to meet Fuchs again. * @Morgan sits in silence for a few minutes, finishing his coffee (Mina) **He hears guards passing through, and staff pottering around, but nothing alarming. As he finishes, a maid comes to clear away the tray * @Morgan gathers himself up and heads outside (Mina) **the day has brightened considerably, it's now pleasantly warm and sunny (Mina) **He sees no guards except for one on each entrance door. There appears to be no patrols outside at present * ((Where is he headed?)) (@Morgan) ((just somewhere to throw the knives (Mina) **to the left of the house, there's a small grove of trees near at outbuilding * @Morgan heads to the trees (Mina) **There's plenty to choose from * * @Morgan picks a tree and drops the bag before taking one knife out (Mina) **The knife is impressively made, even better than HH could make * @Morgan tosses the knife from hand to hand to get a feel for the weight (Mina) **it's perfect * @Morgan hurls it at the tree (Mina) **his throw is spot on, as usual. The knife behaves exactly as he would hope * @Morgan takes another and does the same (Mina) **again, it behaves perfectly * @Morgan nods, satisfied and collects the knives back up (Mina) **when he holds both at the same time, he notices something doesn't seem right * @Morgan takes a closer look (Mina) **one is very slightly lighter * @Morgan promptly sits down, looking closely at the two knives to see any other differences (Mina) **the heavier one looks solidly cast at the end of the handle. The lighter one looks as if the end of the handle could be removed * @Morgan sets about doing that (Mina) **It unscrews (Mina) Inside is a small glass vial, about an inch long with a rubber stopper, and a small slip of paper * @Morgan looks at the paper (Mina) **It says: 323. Athos De La Fere. Comte of Armiens, Montaigne. Seen Innesbruck, Koln, Sudlachenburg. Allies Baroness Alarice Eldreich. No contact with local. Remove. Return. (Mina) **It's in Eisen, not montaigne. * @Morgan looks at the vial (Mina) **The liquid inside is black with a hint of purple * @Morgan places it back in the knife, screwing the cap in place before checking the other knives (Mina) **the rest are solid (@Morgan) interesting... * @Morgan gets up and heads back into the house towards the EIsenfursts office (Mina) **on his way, he hears a whispered conversation * @Morgan stops to listen (Mina) *It appears to be Dreschler and Isiah* (Mina) D: But that one is still missing! (Mina) I: He won't need it, surely? (Mina) D: He might. It depends on how much he wishes to show the Koertigs that he has made a thorough investigation. (Mina) I: If he has any sense he'll just get the execution over and done with as soon as possible (Mina) D: He won't risk conflict with Adalbrecht. Sudlachenburg, Innesbruck and Koln make a sizeable Grafdom, no Eisenfurst in his right mind would want to make a conflict with a quarter of their lands. (Mina) I: I will send staff to the warehouse and to Schulzs old offices, but there's a good chance we'll never see that file again, thanks to your error! * @Morgan checks the time (Mina) **They stop on hearing a guard passing. It is 7 minutes to 3 * @Morgan knocks on the door (Mina) *Isiah opens it. It's a small, unkempt room that barely counts as a study (Mina) Veisgraf? ** You're now known as Isiah (@Morgan) I hear you've lost a file * Isiah opens the door, motioning him in * @Morgan enters * Isiah shuts the door. Dreschler is stood by the window (Isiah) D: My Lord * @Morgan nods to dreschler (Isiah) The file that Schulz had on the Eldreichs is gone * Isiah looks concerned (@Morgan) I see (@Morgan) thats something of a nuisance I suppose (Isiah) D: I received all the files that were found, but when I went to look for the Eldreich file this morning it wasn't there. His Grace will want to see it to build the case for Grafin Seeufer having murdered her husband. (@Morgan) and you think the Eisenfurst will want it simply to show he's done a full investigation... (Isiah) D: He likes to show he has been fair, especially when the crime is punishable by death (@Morgan) and he wouldn't want to cause any dispute with that large a portion of the Koenigsreich (Isiah) D: Correct * Isiah watches Morgan * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) awkward (Isiah) Yes. And I am already in his bad books today *He glances at Morgan (@Morgan) so I've heard * Isiah frowns a moment, then looks to Dreschler (Isiah) I'll send word to Seeufer on the next ferry, and they'll tear the place apart until they find it, if it can be found. By tomorrow morning I'll have an answer for you *his tone makes it clear he expects Dreschler to go* (Isiah) D: *He watches both men before bowing* Veisgraf Koertig, if you could give this to your wife and let her know I will call on her tomorrow, I would appreciate it *He hands Morgan a letter* (@Morgan) of course. Safe journey (Isiah) D: *He disappears* * Isiah watches Morgan (Isiah) You told My father about the ring (@Morgan) it was pertinent (Isiah) I do not see how (@Morgan) But your father did, and thats the important thing * Isiah watches him firmly (Isiah) You don't want me as an enemy, Morgan. (@Morgan) No, not particularly. I rather like you, actually, but I will not compromise my family's safety for that. * @Morgan smiles (@Morgan) lets not get drawn into a whom is harsher than whom, though. Its tedious and wastes time.  (Isiah) **the clock strikes 3 * Isiah inclines his head (Isiah) If you'll excuse me... *He walks off* * @Morgan smiles and heads off to meet Fuchs ** You're now known as Fuchs * Fuchs stood by the Eisenfursts door, waiting. He looks every inch a guard. (@Morgan) Colonel (Fuchs) Veisgraf. Shall we proceed to the guards room? * @Morgan hands him a drawing (@Morgan) thats who you're looking for... * Fuchs takes it, looking it over (Fuchs) She looks barely more than a child * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) Once we've dealt with the guards, remind me to show you the knife... * Fuchs nods, walking through the hallways (Fuchs) I went to see your wife (@Morgan) oh? (Fuchs) I wanted to see how safe it is up there (@Morgan) You met Claudia? (Fuchs) No. I waited until she went to collect something, and then I tried the door (@Morgan) how did that turn out? (Fuchs) Well it was locked, which was good. So I told your wife I was the head of the Eisenfursts security and wanted to come in to check how safe the room was... (@Morgan) and? * Fuchs smiles (Fuchs) She told me it could be Theus himself coming to check the room and she still wouldn't let him in without your permission * @Morgan chuckles (Fuchs) That is one less risk. It is amazing how many times throwing around that title works. I've used it in many different places where I've had no authority at all, and still people open the door (@Morgan) the trick is to behave as if you belong there * Fuchs nods (Fuchs) Precisely (Fuchs) I was planning to warn you that leaving her unguarded, even for brief periods, was risky, but that was before I'd essentially been told to go away * @Morgan nods (Fuchs) It may be practical to establish a code word or phrase so that each of you can identify a messenger or trusted person, but I'll leave that to your hands * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) good idea (Fuchs) I could have picked the lock, but I have a suspicion that would have ended in a world of pain * Fuchs laughs (@Morgan) I'd imagine so, to be frank * Fuchs gets near the guards room (Fuchs) I've given instructions for the all to be here. Do you have a way you would like to proceed? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) they're your men... how do _you_ want to proceed? (Fuchs) Ideally? (Fuchs) I'd want rid of about half of them, replace them with 10 of my men who guard the town or run investigations for me. It'd take us down to 30 guards for the house, and 30 for the town, plus 10 split between the jail and lakeside house. In the long term, I'd replace anyone not up to standard with ex-navy men of good reputation. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) makes sense (Fuchs) The risk is that I'll be sacking 20 men who currently have easy, well-paid jobs that they've had for years. They know the house, grounds and weaknesses. If _I_ was the Grafin, they'd be exactly the sort of men I'd want (@Morgan) so... can we improve them? (Fuchs) Tough to say. They'll be resistant to it. A lazy army is worse than a hungry army, a tired army, or a homesick army. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) so lets change it. They either do what they're being asked to, or they'll be out on their backside * Fuchs nods (Fuchs) Alright, let's try that. * @Morgan nods (Fuchs) **He opens the door. The guard room is large, with several bunk rooms leading off it. There is a crush of bodies regardless of the size of the space as almost 40 men are crammed into it. They range from their 60s down to their late teens. They all wear the Fischler livery, but some look more tired than others. They watch Fuchs and Morgan * @Morgan looks them all over * Fuchs shuts the door behind them. He looks over the men. He proceeds to tell them that the situation at present in both the house and the town is very serious, and that in light of that, they will either fall into line and serve the Konigsreich to the best of their ability, or they will no longer have jobs. He reminds them that service to the Eisenfurst is no less important a duty than their service in the war. His speech is firm, making it clear that there will be no more tolerance from here on out. They watch and listen. At the back, the two Morgan saw earlier look shame-faced. * Fuchs looks briefly at Morgan (Fuchs) clear that there will be no more tolerance from here on out. They watch and listen. At the back, the two Morgan saw earlier look shame-faced. (Fuchs) Veisgraf Koertig will be working with us for a time, and his commands are as mine, or his Graces. Be insubordiate, and you will no longer have employment. Do you understand? *they chorus Yes Sir. Fuchs looks to Morgan* Anything you'd like to add? (@Morgan) Gentlemen, I'm sure you're aware I have a reputation for being stubborn and bloody minded. Its completely accurate. As the colonel has said, you'll do what you're supposed to do, or you'll find yourself on the receiving end of my displeasure. From here on you need to prove to us that you want to serve here, and that you are good enough to do so. The safety of the Eisenfurst depends on you, and you will no longer but it at risk by being lazy (Fuchs) **they nod and Yes Sir him, and they generally look a little wary* * Fuchs looks at them (Fuchs) You will all be given new reassignments to posts this afternoon. You'll follow the instructions you're given. Also, the Koertig family has it's own guard, and you'll treat her with respect.  (AndroUser2) **A wave of chatter passes through them at the suggestion of a female guard. (@Morgan) I'd advise you all to keep your hands to yourself, unless you like having only four fingers and a thumb * Fuchs nods (Fuchs) **The guards go quiet*  (AndroUser2) Any questions, gentlemen? (AndroUser2) **none of them speaks. Fuchs nods* Alright. Get yourselves some coffee and we'll get started on the plan. *He goes over to a large chalkboard that has a plan of the grounds and all four floors of the house planned out. He spends a minute looking over the current set up, before asking Morgan to look. * @Morgan looks it over after fetching coffee (AndroUser2) **Claudia was right, the big problems are laziness and too many guards doing too short times. They aren't properly guarding so much as each taking a ten minute stroll once an hour. There's no opportunity for them to pick up changes or unexpected activities, because there's no consistency. MTF (AndroUser2) ** there are also bits that are over-guarded, such as all the bits in the warm, dryness of the house and by the kitchen, not enough near the nursery, around the outbuildings or on the boundary lines. MTF (AndroUser2) **As he's already established with the poachers, the area backing on to the forest is entirely unguarded, leaving the house very vulnerable to anyone entering the property aside from through the gatehouse (done) * AndroUser2 shakes his head, talking quietly (AndroUser2) This is much worse than I expected. (Fuchs) They need to work much harder and smarter (@Morgan) Thats a fair assessment I'd say * Fuchs spends the next twenty minutes redoing the entire system. There's only one or two things Morgan would do differently (Does he suggest them?) (@Morgan) (yep) * Fuchs alters it, working with Morgan, discussing the differences in opinion in a logical, tactical way, but adjusting the plan to Morgan's liking. It's good enough that the only real flaw is the possibility of the guards not toeing the line * Fuchs stands back, nodding (Fuchs) Happy with that? (@Morgan) as happy as we can be I suppose * Fuchs looks around, then picks ten men by name, bringing them to one side. He appoints them as team leaders, and explains the plan to each. Another half an hour slips past, and it begins to feel almost like planning did the night before battle. Fuchs is clearly taking the threat of both Alarice and the Montaigne girl seriously (Fuchs) **the two guards he had words with earlier watch from the sidelines, keeping an eye warily on Morgan * @Morgan beckons them over (Fuchs) **they come reluctantly (@Morgan) gentlemen. I trust you're onboard with the new arrangements? (AndroUser2) Yes, my Lord (AndroUser2) G2: we'll do better, my Lord (@Morgan) I certainly hope so.  * AndroUser2 looks around the room, watching as the team leaders start to disseminate the information. Then he looks to Morgan. ** You're now known as Fuchs (Fuchs) I'll come back later this evening to supervise a while. There's still much to do today. **somewhere, a clock strikes four o'clock** Anything else you'd like to do here before we go and have words with the servants? * @Morgan shakes his head (@Morgan) No, I think we've shaken their world enough for now * Fuchs waits until they're back alone in the corridors before starting the conversation (Fuchs) You know your cousin well, how devious and intelligent is she? (@Morgan) Far cleverer than I am, I think, and exceptionally devious * Fuchs hums whilst thinking, a familiar sailing song. A minute later, he asks (Fuchs) Imagine you are her. How are you going to attack the Veisgraffin? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) We're too different... I didn't see her attempt at poisoning coming (Fuchs) She's never shown an interest in herbalism before? * @Morgan shrugs * Fuchs nods slowly (Fuchs) You'd need either a very subtle attack perpetrated by an individual with either a trusted position in the house, or you'd need a strong enough force to deal with forty guards. We are assuming in her 7 weeks here she's picked up on all the security issues? (@Morgan) oh absolutely. The only thing that surprised me is that she handed the poisoned glass to a servant herself, which makes me wonder if she hasn't got such a great reach within the house * Fuchs looks thoughtful (Fuchs) That's either very sloppy or very clever (@Morgan) Indeed (Fuchs) We need to lock her down. No information in, no information out. If she thinks our security is weak, we need to keep her thinking that. If she knows we're improving it, we need to stop her alerting anyone else. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) absolutely (Fuchs) **They get nearer the kitchens* I'll mostly just be shouting a bit, but have a think what you want us to start with next. I absolutely do need to speak with the families in the next few hours, but there are several starting points. One, we go to the guardhouse, get her locked down, and try to push her for information. Two, we pull her room apart, interrogate her servants about her activities. Three we speak to Graf Seeufer about his wife and her activities and contacts. Four we go to the crime scene so we can start to work out where the Montaigne girl is and whether she's an active risk. (Fuchs) and her activities and contacts. Four we go to the crime scene so we can start to work out where the Montaigne girl is and whether she's an active risk. (@Morgan) I've news on that front, but first things first... I want to make a point about gossiping while we're in here * Fuchs holds the door open for Morgan. All the staff are there, including the two from the previous night, and the cook who Morgan accidentally opened the door on. It occurs to Morgan that there is a fifth option; finding the Eldreich file that Dreschler and Isiah are fussing over, which is under the mattress of the room they've just vacated before staff change the sheets * @Morgan walks in before sitting himself on a table, looking at the staff * Fuchs launches into a familiar speech about loyalty and duty to the Eisenfurst and their responsibilities being done properly. He tells them that Morgan is working with him and giving commands. There's not really anything much different for them to do aside from making sure there's no further poisoning, and that Morgan will pick specific staff to serve the family if he wants to. (Fuchs) *they vary between listening politely and watching Morgan warily* * @Morgan looks them over briefly before smiling (@Morgan) Hello. My names Morgan, as I'm sure you're aware. You'll have noticed already I'm not what you're expecting from someone of my birth. Lets also just leave it as read that I understand you all better than you might imagine, so with that in mind, I want your help. (Fuchs) **they all look puzzled and interested* (@Morgan) I am well aware that very little goes on in a place like this without you hearing about it. You needn't agree, I've been there, I know it to be true. You've all heard whats happened with my cousin, and my wife. We're addressing issues with the guard arrangements, so now its time to work with you. I know what you're thinking, I'm just a maid, I'm not important... so I'll give you two reasons thats not true. Ready? (Fuchs) *they all look fascinated (@Morgan) Lets start with the most basic one... everyone here gets fed because of... who? It certainly isn't me, its not the colonel, its not the Eisenfurst.... so who is it? (Fuchs) **the cook pipes up: Us, my Lord? (@Morgan) exactly. Now lets go the other end of the scale... You are everywhere, and hear almost everything... so, lets say you hear someone plotting against the Eisenfurst... that means the person with the most important information at that moment is... (Fuchs) *the female servant from last night, who appears more like the housekeeper than a regular maid: Us (@Morgan) and that is why I want your help. You really can make the difference between life and death, every day. What I want... need from you all is to inform us of anything out of the ordinary or suspicious. You really could save someones life. Can I ask that of you? (Fuchs) **They all nod and voice their agreement (@Morgan) One last thing... which of you served the wine to my wife? I'd like you to come forward. (Fuchs) *A woman comes forward, looking ashamed. Other members of the staff seem to crowd around her protectively * @Morgan holds out a hand to her (Fuchs) *She takes it very gingerly * @Morgan places his other hand over it, looking at her solemnly (Fuchs) **She looks deeply worried (@Morgan) You bear no guilt, and no need for shame. I hold no animosity towards you. Do you understand? (Fuchs) *She nods slowly (Fuchs) Yes my Lord * @Morgan squeezes her hand gently before letting go (@Morgan) Lets work together here so we can make sure it doesn't happen to anyone again. (Fuchs) *She goes back to the others who pat and squeeze her. They all nod (@Morgan) Excellent.  * Fuchs watches them, then looks at Morgan to see if he's done * @Morgan glances at Fuchs, nodding slightly (Fuchs) Some of you have served Grafin Seeufer directly whilst she has been here. I need you to raise your hands. *Three maids do* Good. You three need to think hard and remember everything about serving her; what she's asked you to do or buy, who she's asked you to speak to or take letters to. *He pauses, watching each in turn in a way that makes each turn solemn* Your information could be key here, so think hard. The rest of you, take up their workload this evening so they have time. I want each of you to think of _anything_ you've seen that could be useful. (Fuchs) *He pauses, watching each in turn in a way that makes each turn solemn* Your information could be key here, so think hard. The rest of you, take up their workload this evening so they have time. I want each of you to think of _anything_ you've seen that could be useful. * Fuchs nods at Morgan before opening the door * @Morgan hops off the table, bids the staff farewell and moves into the hallway * Fuchs waits til the door is closed (Fuchs) You're good at that (@Morgan) whats that? (Fuchs) Persuading people, giving orders. *He looks thoughtful, and seems to be weighing something up* * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) I'm just honest with them * Fuchs looks around, seeing no-one (Fuchs) There was talk, in the last months of the war, of you being promoted to Captain. (@Morgan) That surprises me * Fuchs nods (@Morgan) I wouldn't have suited it (Fuchs) It was kept very quiet. The Commanders were waiting to shuffle Kaufmann off to a new posting because he'd have been an ass about it * @Morgan smiles slightly (@Morgan) That may have been worth it on its own * Fuchs nods (Fuchs) He runs security for a Gentleman's Club in Freiburg now (@Morgan) I might look him up next time I'm there...  * Fuchs laughs (Fuchs) I'm sure he'd be delighted to see you (!) (@Morgan) I can imagine the reports.... and thats when the shooting started (Fuchs) I guess that will depend on the weather! * @Morgan smirks * Fuchs laughs, and is still laughing when Faulk rounds the corner (Fuchs) Faulk: Gentlemen. *He inclines his head* * Fuchs bows "Your Grace" * @Morgan does similar (Fuchs) Faulk *He looks to Morgan* I will need your testimonies about all of Alarices activities, and what you recall from the coded diary with me as soon as you can, please (@Morgan) as you wish, your grace * Fuchs stares off into the middle distance (Fuchs) Faulk: And Molly's. I can send someone up to pass on the instruction (@Morgan) I'll go, I need to speak with her (Fuchs) *Faulk nods, bidding them farewell* * Fuchs looks to Morgan (Fuchs) You want me to go on without you? (@Morgan) No, wait. I won't be long. Besides, There's things to speak about * Fuchs nods (Fuchs) I'll be here. * @Morgan nods, heading off towards the nursery before detouring to their old room to fetch the file (Fuchs) **He sees guards around, all following the schedule** (Fuchs) **the file isn't there, nor are the three extra ones he kept to make it look less suspicious* * @Morgan heads to the nursery ** You're now known as Claudia * Claudia is stood outside (@Morgan) all quiet?  (AndroUser2) One brief incident with a man claiming to be head of security, but nothing serious ** You're now known as Claudia (@Morgan) he said... You were collecting something? (Claudia) That massive trunk with the lock, primarily * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) door locked? (Claudia) Which door? (@Morgan) that one (Claudia) Of course * @Morgan knocks (Claudia) *Molly asks who it is (@Morgan) its me blossom (Claudia) *She lets him in. She smiles warmly. Varick leaps up from the couch, dropping his book, and hugs Morgan's legs ** You're now known as Molly (@Morgan) well hello young man (Molly) V: I found a good book on pirates! (@Morgan) did you? (Molly) V: *He goes to retrieve it* * Molly watches him (Molly) Are you well, liebes herz? I didn't think we would see you til later (@Morgan) its a flying visit. the eisenfurst wants statements from us as soon as possible. and what we remember from the diary (Molly) V: *He flicks through the book, looking for a certain picture, engrossed * * Molly frowns a moment (Molly) Sadly I have a very good memory * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I don't suppose you picked up some files? * Molly smiles (Molly) Yes, of course. (@Morgan) good * Molly nods, more to herself than him (@Morgan) they're going mad looking for it * Molly looks thoughtful a moment (Molly) Who is, liebling? (@Morgan) Drescher and the graf (Molly) Avalon: Well, I suppose if I were receiving coded letters from a solicitor who suddenly died, I'd want to make sure there weren't any more of them I'd missed... * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) $ That makes a certain amount of sense, yes $ (Molly) Would you like me to take a look, and start my statement this afternoon? (@Morgan) please * Molly smiles, watching him (Molly) You are off to "influence things" again? * @Morgan nods, taking the letter out of his pocket (@Morgan) Dreschler asked me to give this to you * Molly takes it (Molly) Thank you * @Morgan takes out the flowers (@Morgan) and I thought you'd like these (Molly) Oh, liebes herz! *She blushes, biting her lip whilst grinning* I love them! Thank you so much for thinking of me *She watches him with a wealth of giddy affection in her eyes* * Molly takes them gently (@Morgan) I'm glad you like them.  * Molly nods (Molly) I do, very much. They make me think of our wedding day * @Morgan nods * Molly watches him a moment before looking at the flowers (Molly) ¥did you see Mina?¥ (@Morgan) $ I did.. it went about as well as can be expected $ * Molly sighs softly (Molly) I'm sorry * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) it is what it is (Molly) ¥Can I do anything for you? For _either_ of you? (@Morgan) She might need someone to talk to I suppose.  * Molly nods (Molly) ¥I would imagine she does. It would be agonising... * @Morgan nods (Molly) ¥Would you have me write to her, or will you speak to her? (@Morgan) Probably best to write to her. Im about to be quite busy * Molly smiles (Molly) You'd only be bored just sitting up here with us, reading and sewing... (@Morgan) I'd like to be a little less busy, but needs must (Molly) Will you be staying away the night? (@Morgan) I'm hoping to not be (Molly) But you may have to? (@Morgan) I don't know yet blossom * Molly smiles (Molly) You will take care, won't you? (@Morgan) of course * Molly nods (Molly) ¥If I need you, should I try to call you? (@Morgan) if its desperate * Molly nods (Molly) ¥Will you try to read that I'm safe? (@Morgan) if you'd like (Molly) ¥As always, I wish you to do what makes you happy, dear heart * @Morgan nods (Molly) *Varick brings over the book. It has a picture of a stereotypical pirate ship, with a cat on the rail (Molly) V: can we have this ship next? (@Morgan) thats not a bad looking ship at all (Molly) V: The man who runs the docks could build it * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) he probably could (Molly) V: Then I could have pirate clothes! (@Morgan) You could have them without the ship (Molly) V: If I learn to sew, I could make them! * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) thats true * Molly smiles (Molly) I suspect that is what we shall be doing tomorrow! (@Morgan) I'm inclined to agree (Molly) V: *He looks at Molly, then Morgan* what do lady pirates wear? * Molly bites her lip, trying not to giggle ** (AndroUser2) I think, Mauschen, that depends upon the lady pirate herself. (@Morgan) I would imagine so ** You're now known as Molly (Molly) V: *He looks at Morgan* are you staying for tea? (@Morgan) No, I'm afraid I have some things to do little man (Molly) V: will you be back at bed time? (@Morgan) I hope to be, but I can't be sure (Molly) V: *He looks worried* You _are_ coming back, aren't you? (@Morgan) Of course. I'll always come back for you (Molly) V: *He hugs Morgan tightly. Molly watches them both a moment* * Molly moves away, carefully placing the letters and flowers on the table (Molly) Maybe we can start planning your pirate outfit before tea, Mauschen? (Molly) V: *he nods, letting go of Morgan slowly* (Molly) V: *He looks up at Morgan * I love you (@Morgan) I love you little man. I'll see you soon. (Molly) V: *He nods, going to the table and sitting* * Molly walks him to the door (Molly) Thank you, liebes herz * @Morgan looks confused * Molly smiles warmly (Molly) For the flowers, and everything, as always (@Morgan) I'll try to get back this evening * Molly smiles (Molly) Do what you need, liebes herz, we'll be right here waiting when you're done * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) be careful blossom * Molly nods (Molly) I'll keep us safe for you, liebling. * @Morgan nods before turning to the door * Molly watches him go with a mix of love, pride, and apprehension that spills over and he feels it * Molly stands still, waiting to lock the door behind him * @Morgan closes the door behind him before looking a Claudia ** You're now known as Claudia * Claudia listens for the sound of the lock before nodding to herself (Claudia) Any new orders? (@Morgan) same as always (Claudia) Where will you be if you're needed? * @Morgan lists the several places he could be * Claudia makes a mental note (Claudia) Alright * Claudia offers her arm in their familiar parting gesture * @Morgan takes it (@Morgan) be safe (Claudia) Be well * @Morgan heads off to find Fuchs * Claudia loosens her grip ** You're now known as Fuchs * Fuchs is exactly where he was left (@Morgan) Lets get her locked down