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.
Sasha asks Sulen how much to tell the new team members "about the mission responsibilities involving Quill": "I don't think it's practical to keep foxes truly in the dark, but it might be safer for them not to know officially." Sulen advises telling everyone the complete story, to avoid the complications of the last meeting. The exception is Mafyyil: "You might want to give her a simpler version..." Sasha asks Sulen to adapt Ashari's letter into a briefing for the team, "except for the teenagers," and tells them about the meetings she has planned.
Sulen offers Sasha their notes on the other team members, which they have "painstakingly edited" to obscure their Inquisitorial instincts. They ask about her plans for Gerae and Remi, adding, "I'd advise you to be careful with Reshad. She reminds me of Ashari." Sasha notes that Gerae's skill with locks and memorization may be useful later, and comments on Remi's work with the moths. Attempting to appear casual, she asks what similarities Sulen sees between Ashari and Reshad. Sulen says, "Similarly flexible. Good at lying." Avoiding Sasha's eyes, they continue, "I predict she'll be a great asset. But you might have a repeat of the, ah, personality conflict problems." Sasha is surprised that Sulen seems more worried about her than about "the beautiful Shuos operative." She attempts to reassure them, "While we're making comparisons--Ashari reminds me of my mother. It wasn't clear to me, at first, that they believed the obligations of command go both ways. I hope we've reached an understanding." She reflects that allegiance to Ashari is the better bargain, and expresses her intention to look after all the team members, including the former Shuos. Sulen says, "Ah... I've heard that mothers can be difficult." They ask how else they can help, noting their experience with "tedious paperwork". Sasha wonders whether Sulen's mother is "a being of purity and light," but assumes it's more likely that none of their parents are women. She lists a set of tasks, including forming a set of profiles of team members to share internally.
Iawa, Ione, and Mafyyil
Sasha messages Ione and Mafyyil, asking them to chat with Iawa about heptarchate norms. To Iawa, she adds, "i owe you"; to Ione, she writes, "pls. make the teenage girl see sense if you can." Iawa confirms receipt of the message, wondering how the change of leadership occurred and whether Sasha has effected a coup, and tells Ione and Mafyyil to come to their room. Cantata helps Ione find the room by singing different tunes for "hot" and "cold". As she arrives, she thanks the ceiling. Cantata responds with a swelling chord.
Meanwhile, Mafyyil becomes lost while looking for Iawa's room. Sulen finds her in the hallway and asks whether they can help. Mafyyil thinks that Sulen is "the rude person" who "was so offended by the kangaroo loss they just ran off!" She attempts to fake a polite response, since she does need help finding Iawa.
Iawa tenses at the noise, forces themself to relax, and opens the door. Ione lets Mafyyil enter first. Mafyyil says, "Hello! Very honored to meet you again! You wanted to talk to me about alternatively civilized behavior?"
New Combinations
general acquiescence to Sasha's leadership, despite her fears and the scene at the party, except Iawa
Sasha and Sulen are trying really hard - really, Sulen is working hard in general
Remi and the moths!
Sasha can't deal with women, esp. Reshad
Mafyyil is a problem waiting to happen - kangaroo and Sulen
