Move 2.1 Recap

Sasha and Sulen

Sasha invites Sulen to a meeting in Communications. They arrive one minute early, their eyes somewhat shadowed; Sasha stands as they enter, and offers tea or brandy, which Sulen refuses, wondering if Sasha is the sort of person to modify the tea. They bow deeply. Sasha asks, "Did you intend to curse our mission? Or are we chalking that up to cultural differences?" She's referring to Sulen's refusal to toast a new leader, at the party Ashari arranged. Scornful of foreign superstitions, Sulen says, "I'm afraid I know very little about curses." Sasha answers, "Right. Then I'll assume you simply dislike me, and next time I offer you a toast you'll take it. Fair?" Sulen replies, "-I insulted you. Of course. I apologize. Actually, I thought you were insulting me." They tell Sasha they weren't angry at her, and promise to "participate in the ritual in future." Sasha tells them, "Look. I'm about to take a team that's designed not to work on an unauthorized mission to the wrong side of a warzone right before a major battle. I wouldn't blame you if you wanted no part of that. And I think, unlike me, you have a choice." If Sulen's not going to transfer away, she continues, she wants them not only to obey her direct commands, but to tell her what she should have requested. Sulen thinks Sasha overestimates their degree of choice, but confirms, "I'm here by my own decisions, and I'll fulfill my responsibilities." They ask what she meant about the warzone. Sasha tells Sulen they are headed to Lanterner space in the ninth century and asks them to "take second in command, in charge of people": "it's either you or one of the foxes." Sulen bows and acquiesces.