[ Yes, they both know how Geralt is. Steve isn't surprised that he didn't exactly give Jaskier all the details. ]
I would say this is pretty juicy.
The word from the front at the Badlands is that the Cities military force is using some new technology. Based on what I've heard, I'm almost positive it was developed from that Thunderjaw machine that you saw Geralt and I fight.
[ In bird form, for that matter. ]
The base in the mountains that Geralt and I traveled to must be where they did the R&D.
[Oh, gods, he wasn't kidding. Jaskier needs a bit to take it all in, actually. He's quiet; a rare response to a message received by him and it's only when the words disappear that he frames his response.]
You're an absolute madman, and all the sexier for it.
Now, you might know I hold a certain position in the Free Cities, and it is very much one I do not intend to give up after this long, Ser Rogers. However, as long as you don't expect me to bodily aid you in such an insane endeavor, then... whatever you wish, I shall be glad to help you.
I shall have no knowledge of this if questioned, however. You will have been acting alone, as simply an insane man I'm an acquaintance of.
I imagine a man in your position needs... what's the modern word, I know I've read it before... reconnaissance? I'm afraid explosions are not my forte.
I wouldn't expect you to forfeit your position. I realize the kind of risk I'm taking with this, and I don't expect anyone other than me to bear the brunt of those consequences.
[ Which is why he's not even going to mention Jesper coming with him. The less people who know, the better.
This is also the reason that Sam isn't coming along. ]
But if you could use those birds of yours to gather some information about the area around the base and the safest way in, it would make a huge difference.
And I assume Sam along with them? He has Red, who shall be invaluable, but...
[He may be fishing, a little; unfortunately while Jaskier wants to keep his direct hands out of it, it doesn't mean he's interested in being left completely in the dark, either. Besides, one must be blind to not see them attached at the -- hand.
If one falcon is less than needed, than he can create plenty more temporarily. Or rather something more innocuous, perhaps -- a murder of crows, or smaller desert birds.]
If Red is not enough, than I can use several more. Is there something specific you're looking for? Guards, or a tunnel? Something like that?
Yeah, he's staying out of it, Red aside. He's going to be trying a different tack.
[ Geralt and Sam are close. Geralt and Jaskier are best friends. To say nothing of how long Sam and Jaskier have known each other — well enough to indulge in platonic kisses, even. So... it's fine. Jaskier deserves to know, especially if he's going to help. ]
Guard patrols through the mountain pass would be good to know, so we can sneak by when there's a turnover or something along those lines. And if you can figure out if there's some sort of back entrance into the base, that would be extremely helpful. I can tell you generally where the entrance Geralt and I found was located, so that'll give you a starting point.
Oooh, surprising. He loves getting into the all messy bits usually.
[Unless Steve is going that Geralt thing, where he does something and doesn't tell anyone about it, and then gets all annoyed when everyone is annoyed at him for doing it, but truthfully, if that's the way Steve's going about it, who is Jaskier to stop him?
He wants the Free Cities pulled from the yoke of the military as much as Steve, it's only one of them is a gigantic, muscle-filled soldier.]
I can't say I'm an expert, but I've travled out with him well enough. If you can provide a simple enough map to where you mean, I'll get you what you need, love. Give me a day or so.
I don't know that he's happy about it, but it would also be a bad idea for both of us to trash our reputation with the government all at once.
[ Whether or not Sam can make a difference in how Reiner and the rest of the army handles this war, Steve doesn't know. But he does believe that he needs to try, that diplomacy is the other side of the coin he's about to play.
As much as he likes having Sam at his side, they're more than capable of delegating tasks among themselves too. ]
Yeah, I'll sketch something up for you and I can come by wherever is most convenient to explain in person too. That's probably easier.
You contain a surprising amount of self-control for a man who's blowing up a government building. Certainly a trait some people I know could use.
[For once, he's not insinuating something about Geralt. It's simply a good trait in general.]
That should be all I need. I'll have all the birds I'll need by then. And I wish you the best of luck -- don't blow yourself up in the process. You're far too useful alive, and I mean that in the most affectionate of ways.
I just try to make sure I don't drag everyone down with me.
[ Which is definitely something that's happened in the past. While none of the people who ended up in the Raft held it against him, Steve still carries that burden with him all these years later. ]
Well, I appreciate the sentiment. I'm pretty sturdy, though. Crashed a plane once and that didn't take, so you don't have to worry.
[Jaskier hardly minds it. He says it in a way that is achingly sincere.
And yes, he does know what a plane is. Mostly because he had a vision of one, once, and Julie explained it to him afterwards. He still could not say what it meant; perhaps it spoke of someone, instead of something. All these visions and no answers at the end of it all... it feels quite typical for visions.]
I assume that's very impressive? [There's a joking tilt to his letters.] I do certainly prefer it when my friends are hardy.
[By the time they reconvene and Steve drops by the office Jaskier shares with Alucard, there's an entire cloud of native birds on the roof. They're eerily silent, but are a constantly twitching, shifting mass. A bird he frequently sees out in the Badlands, taken to burrowing in the sands or cacti. They all look at Steve as he enters, then go back to their ceaseless shifting.
With the map and Steve's guiding explanation, Jaskier is able to send the birds near enough they can find the facility on their own. At first, it's only a lone one, the others buried in the sands nearby; then several more, reconfirming the visions which they send straight to Jaskier.
His experience with working on his bestiary helps him sketch out a map in return without much issue. Simple quarter notes mark a line where guards move in an out; a rest sign for an entrance. Inside is mostly unknown; he couldn't find much of a way in that wasn't guarded, and the bird that did make it inside was ultimately destroyed.
This he delivers to Steve in person, along with two of the birds from the original flock.] Hopefully this is adequate. I've found what I can; these two can help you further, should you need their aid in your... endeavour.
I'm not sure if "impressive" is the right word, but let's just say it's not the sort of thing most people would survive.
[ Better words for it might have been "reckless," "self-sacrificial," "suicidal" — the list could go on. But Steve made the only choice that had really been available to him in that moment.
What he's doing now? He technically does have a choice. But he's sat by and let the military do whatever they want with tech that didn't even come from this world for too long.
The trip to Jaskier's office is a fruitful one, even if being stared at by a flock of birds in unison had been a little unnerving. Nonetheless, they sort out what needs to be done and eventually Jaskier produces a map for him, one that he delivers directly to his (and Sam's) room in the Sarstina.
Oh, and there's two birds also. ]
... So they'll just stick by me? Is there anything I have to do to get them to do their thing?
[ Even as Steve asks the question, his attention is mainly focused on the map. ]
Either way, this is perfect and gives me exactly what I need. [ He closes the distance between them to give Jaskier a solid clap on the shoulder. ] Thanks for your help, it's going to make a real difference.
[ He knows Jaskier keeps busy, but he still went out of his way. That means a lot. ]
[Gods, he must wonder if Steve knows how casually sexy he is, saying things like that.
Anyway, yes, there is a mission, and he has a job to do. A job which, despite Jaskier's flippancy about most topics, is one he takes very seriously. The birds alight on Jaskier's shoulder, then hop down over the map as they make their way across the table.]
They will. As long as you retain your ability to speak, they'll do what you wish to the best of their abilities. Though, if I'm honest, it does help to keep your commands short and sweet. They're only birds, after all.
[Unfortunate he cannot imbue his own genius to each of his creatures.
Jaskier stumbles forward from the clap. That. Oh. Ignore his heart fluttering, anyway -- Steve just has that energy about him. It's like receiving a compliment after years of your father neglecting your every success... not that he knows what that's like, or anything.] I'm honoured to help you. I just hope it goes well. The less advantage we can give Marlo for her future conquests, the better.
[ So verbal commands, as simple as possible to ensure a better chance of success. That makes sense. Even then, it's impressive what the birds are capable of, and Steve can only assume that came about via a lot of practice on Jaskier's part. ]
Exactly. I know that they're probably going to find a way to rebuild and redevelop whatever tech they want to use, but... well, it's better than nothing.
[ And quite a few Summoned have stepped up to help on top of that. ]
Thanks again, Jaskier. [ Steve nods firmly. ] With any luck, I'll see you on the other side — and I'll owe you a drink.
[ And even more than that, but he gets the feeling Jaskier would deny anything else. ]
It's far better than nothing. Every step we can push them back is our chance to get ahead.
[Unfortunately, it isn't every Summoned's priority to keep this technology out of Marlo's hand, but there's nothing they can do about that. They can only do what is possible for them. And though he's only seen Steve in one true fight, blast the odds, he believe he can do this.
It's why he's offering what he can. Hoping Steve finds the people in the field he knows will help him with this job.
Jaskier rises up to give him a quick hug around his shoulders, if it's accepted. Not for reasons of feeling up his arms or pecs (which would usually be the case), but because he's honestly worried for him. He doesn't know him as well as Geralt, isn't sure what he can or can get out of. Their friendship is a surface-level one for the most part; only because Jaskier understands Steve has much more in common with people like Dean and Geralt than himself.
Still. He can recognize a good heart. One that they need around.] I'll take you up on that. So make sure you come back in one piece, Steve.
[ Steve nods firmly at that sentiment. Jaskier's right, and that's a mantra that Steve's lived by for as long as he can remember. Doing something is always better than doing nothing. Saving one life is better than saving none, even if others are lost. Even if it's impossible to save everyone.
He isn't expecting the hug, though, especially when it comes across as so genuine — with Jaskier's arms wrapping tight around him as he briefly squeezes. Like some sort of good luck farewell before he heads out.
Steve returns the hug, but doesn't hold it for long before he draws back, studying Jaskier's face for a few seconds as he shakes his head. ]
Worried about me? You don't need to be. I'll come back in one piece, promise. [ He knocks his fist against his own chest, and after thanking Jaskier for his help one more time, takes his leave. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
cointosser) wrote2021-04-12 08:58 pm
no subject
I would say this is pretty juicy.
The word from the front at the Badlands is that the Cities military force is using some new technology. Based on what I've heard, I'm almost positive it was developed from that Thunderjaw machine that you saw Geralt and I fight.
[ In bird form, for that matter. ]
The base in the mountains that Geralt and I traveled to must be where they did the R&D.
I want to blow it up.
no subject
You're an absolute madman, and all the sexier for it.
Now, you might know I hold a certain position in the Free Cities, and it is very much one I do not intend to give up after this long, Ser Rogers. However, as long as you don't expect me to bodily aid you in such an insane endeavor, then... whatever you wish, I shall be glad to help you.
I shall have no knowledge of this if questioned, however. You will have been acting alone, as simply an insane man I'm an acquaintance of.
I imagine a man in your position needs... what's the modern word, I know I've read it before... reconnaissance? I'm afraid explosions are not my forte.
no subject
[ Which is why he's not even going to mention Jesper coming with him. The less people who know, the better.
This is also the reason that Sam isn't coming along. ]
But if you could use those birds of yours to gather some information about the area around the base and the safest way in, it would make a huge difference.
no subject
[He may be fishing, a little; unfortunately while Jaskier wants to keep his direct hands out of it, it doesn't mean he's interested in being left completely in the dark, either. Besides, one must be blind to not see them attached at the -- hand.
If one falcon is less than needed, than he can create plenty more temporarily. Or rather something more innocuous, perhaps -- a murder of crows, or smaller desert birds.]
If Red is not enough, than I can use several more. Is there something specific you're looking for? Guards, or a tunnel? Something like that?
no subject
[ Geralt and Sam are close. Geralt and Jaskier are best friends. To say nothing of how long Sam and Jaskier have known each other — well enough to indulge in platonic kisses, even. So... it's fine. Jaskier deserves to know, especially if he's going to help. ]
Guard patrols through the mountain pass would be good to know, so we can sneak by when there's a turnover or something along those lines. And if you can figure out if there's some sort of back entrance into the base, that would be extremely helpful. I can tell you generally where the entrance Geralt and I found was located, so that'll give you a starting point.
no subject
[Unless Steve is going that Geralt thing, where he does something and doesn't tell anyone about it, and then gets all annoyed when everyone is annoyed at him for doing it, but truthfully, if that's the way Steve's going about it, who is Jaskier to stop him?
He wants the Free Cities pulled from the yoke of the military as much as Steve, it's only one of them is a gigantic, muscle-filled soldier.]
I can't say I'm an expert, but I've travled out with him well enough. If you can provide a simple enough map to where you mean, I'll get you what you need, love. Give me a day or so.
no subject
[ Whether or not Sam can make a difference in how Reiner and the rest of the army handles this war, Steve doesn't know. But he does believe that he needs to try, that diplomacy is the other side of the coin he's about to play.
As much as he likes having Sam at his side, they're more than capable of delegating tasks among themselves too. ]
Yeah, I'll sketch something up for you and I can come by wherever is most convenient to explain in person too. That's probably easier.
no subject
[For once, he's not insinuating something about Geralt. It's simply a good trait in general.]
That should be all I need. I'll have all the birds I'll need by then. And I wish you the best of luck -- don't blow yourself up in the process. You're far too useful alive, and I mean that in the most affectionate of ways.
no subject
[ Which is definitely something that's happened in the past. While none of the people who ended up in the Raft held it against him, Steve still carries that burden with him all these years later. ]
Well, I appreciate the sentiment. I'm pretty sturdy, though. Crashed a plane once and that didn't take, so you don't have to worry.
[ Does Jaskier know what a plane is? Ah well. ]
no subject
[Jaskier hardly minds it. He says it in a way that is achingly sincere.
And yes, he does know what a plane is. Mostly because he had a vision of one, once, and Julie explained it to him afterwards. He still could not say what it meant; perhaps it spoke of someone, instead of something. All these visions and no answers at the end of it all... it feels quite typical for visions.]
I assume that's very impressive? [There's a joking tilt to his letters.] I do certainly prefer it when my friends are hardy.
[By the time they reconvene and Steve drops by the office Jaskier shares with Alucard, there's an entire cloud of native birds on the roof. They're eerily silent, but are a constantly twitching, shifting mass. A bird he frequently sees out in the Badlands, taken to burrowing in the sands or cacti. They all look at Steve as he enters, then go back to their ceaseless shifting.
With the map and Steve's guiding explanation, Jaskier is able to send the birds near enough they can find the facility on their own. At first, it's only a lone one, the others buried in the sands nearby; then several more, reconfirming the visions which they send straight to Jaskier.
His experience with working on his bestiary helps him sketch out a map in return without much issue. Simple quarter notes mark a line where guards move in an out; a rest sign for an entrance. Inside is mostly unknown; he couldn't find much of a way in that wasn't guarded, and the bird that did make it inside was ultimately destroyed.
This he delivers to Steve in person, along with two of the birds from the original flock.] Hopefully this is adequate. I've found what I can; these two can help you further, should you need their aid in your... endeavour.
no subject
[ Better words for it might have been "reckless," "self-sacrificial," "suicidal" — the list could go on. But Steve made the only choice that had really been available to him in that moment.
What he's doing now? He technically does have a choice. But he's sat by and let the military do whatever they want with tech that didn't even come from this world for too long.
The trip to Jaskier's office is a fruitful one, even if being stared at by a flock of birds in unison had been a little unnerving. Nonetheless, they sort out what needs to be done and eventually Jaskier produces a map for him, one that he delivers directly to his (and Sam's) room in the Sarstina.
Oh, and there's two birds also. ]
... So they'll just stick by me? Is there anything I have to do to get them to do their thing?
[ Even as Steve asks the question, his attention is mainly focused on the map. ]
Either way, this is perfect and gives me exactly what I need. [ He closes the distance between them to give Jaskier a solid clap on the shoulder. ] Thanks for your help, it's going to make a real difference.
[ He knows Jaskier keeps busy, but he still went out of his way. That means a lot. ]
no subject
Anyway, yes, there is a mission, and he has a job to do. A job which, despite Jaskier's flippancy about most topics, is one he takes very seriously. The birds alight on Jaskier's shoulder, then hop down over the map as they make their way across the table.]
They will. As long as you retain your ability to speak, they'll do what you wish to the best of their abilities. Though, if I'm honest, it does help to keep your commands short and sweet. They're only birds, after all.
[Unfortunate he cannot imbue his own genius to each of his creatures.
Jaskier stumbles forward from the clap. That. Oh. Ignore his heart fluttering, anyway -- Steve just has that energy about him. It's like receiving a compliment after years of your father neglecting your every success... not that he knows what that's like, or anything.] I'm honoured to help you. I just hope it goes well. The less advantage we can give Marlo for her future conquests, the better.
no subject
Exactly. I know that they're probably going to find a way to rebuild and redevelop whatever tech they want to use, but... well, it's better than nothing.
[ And quite a few Summoned have stepped up to help on top of that. ]
Thanks again, Jaskier. [ Steve nods firmly. ] With any luck, I'll see you on the other side — and I'll owe you a drink.
[ And even more than that, but he gets the feeling Jaskier would deny anything else. ]
🎀?
[Unfortunately, it isn't every Summoned's priority to keep this technology out of Marlo's hand, but there's nothing they can do about that. They can only do what is possible for them. And though he's only seen Steve in one true fight, blast the odds, he believe he can do this.
It's why he's offering what he can. Hoping Steve finds the people in the field he knows will help him with this job.
Jaskier rises up to give him a quick hug around his shoulders, if it's accepted. Not for reasons of feeling up his arms or pecs (which would usually be the case), but because he's honestly worried for him. He doesn't know him as well as Geralt, isn't sure what he can or can get out of. Their friendship is a surface-level one for the most part; only because Jaskier understands Steve has much more in common with people like Dean and Geralt than himself.
Still. He can recognize a good heart. One that they need around.] I'll take you up on that. So make sure you come back in one piece, Steve.
🎀!
He isn't expecting the hug, though, especially when it comes across as so genuine — with Jaskier's arms wrapping tight around him as he briefly squeezes. Like some sort of good luck farewell before he heads out.
Steve returns the hug, but doesn't hold it for long before he draws back, studying Jaskier's face for a few seconds as he shakes his head. ]
Worried about me? You don't need to be. I'll come back in one piece, promise. [ He knocks his fist against his own chest, and after thanking Jaskier for his help one more time, takes his leave. ]