"Well, it is a potential strategy," says Meowselsworth to Wowbagger, "Simply to gain as much information and form as many strong alliances as possible as early as possible. There are situations where it is worthwhile for a detective to reveal their position, as with a galactic agent. I would recommend that the detectives try and find a confidante for each if they do not contact me, which I understand is the high risk strategy. I've already spoken of the low risk strategy."
Ingilstadt does not lash back at the general for his accusation, the answer is simple and direct. "As will most of you here, my first kill will be to participate in a lynching, hopefully of an assassin." With that the conversation with Eldon is dismissed as Ingilstadt turns to the line of reasoning presented by the helmet-cat.
"A plan would be suitable, but it should not involve an unknown such as yourself, little helmeted one. It seems the best plan would be for a single mason to reveal their role and ask that the others discuss their abilities in private with him or her. Then the masons, the only ones with 100% purity among us, can share that information with one another and, in private, guide the select group with directed investigations. In this manner, they will unite the investigators and each will know which investigator is investigating whom each hour, and in several short hours they can complete a scan of everyone under suspicion. While only a single mason will be revealed, perhaps a militant one among us may protect them from the actions of an assassin"
The faded, cracked mask of Ingilstadt turns to each of the guests, one by one, an expressionless reminder of Eichorn von Ryuko's words, Just remember, if you remove your mask, you will be ineligible to claim your land.”
"Ah, Mr. Ingilstadt, I quite like that idea! Yes, a single mason revealing themselves would make sense, if it is to create a larger voting bloc," says Meowselsworth, pleased by this.
"Baron Eichorn Von Ryuko, you say that we should 'have some fun' while we sort this out?! You invited us here- you know who amongst us are legitimate guests and who are uninvited frauds. A man with your resources can sort his way through any faked papers or imposters with neigh trivial ease. If we are to vote to eliminate the one responsible for this chaos then my vote lays solidly with you! What sort of man could enjoy this ghastly spectacle?"
"AH! but you are corected Professor. I do not know who among you is who, for you see anybody and everybody was invited. And though I could sort this out Ryuko's face grows sinister I find this method far more interesting to observe.
You could easily vote for me but you'd be throwing your vote away. I make the rules here, and since I make the rules... I have complete immunity.
It's no matter though. As I speak, my loyal servants are looking through your luggage. I'm sure there will be some clues as to the who's who in the matter.
Bors slowly walks over to Meowselsworth, as he walks he takes his time. Also, as Bors talks, he seems to fashioning something out of metal.
"You speak of assassins and say we should create order with which to fight them. However, what if the order we create simple makes it easier for them to kill us. Not even the best of order can overrule a corrupt leader, no?" All the time he speaks, Bors is constantly looking from Meowselsworth to his busy hands and back.
"Ah, Mr. Ingilstadt, I quite like that idea! Yes, a single mason revealing themselves would make sense, if it is to create a larger voting bloc," says Meowselsworth, pleased by this.
"A brilliant idea indeed. The problem being however, the testimony of one who claims to be a Mason is meaningless without the support of his comrades. That being said, even if a true Mason did step forward, he would be doing nothing more than making himself a target. Dead men tell no tales - the moment one dies, the other will become significantly... less useful."
"There are three masons, are there not? Though we do not know who they are. Once again we find ourselves in a situation where we know that anyone who would lie about being a mason must be an assassin. The true masons would know this if one lied about it, and another could challenge that claim, and we would then know either the first who claimed to be a mason is an assassin, or the one who challenged him or her is an assassin," says the Duchess. "If we keep these special statuses complete secrets from everyone, we may as well not have their aid. These abilities we have, they are meant to be used."
The feline then looks towards Bors, "As I am saying, I am trying to set up an orderly strategy now. Whether you kill me, or the assassins kill me, I suggest we establish and follow one. I think those who speak against order are a bit suspect, but we need more complete information before tossing about accusations."
Alessandra does *not* trust the helmet cat. She knows very little of the technological marvel of the helmet itself, but as an airship owner she knows cats quite well enough. As a rule they were friendly enough to those individuals they considered friends but had now loyalty to the ship or the crew as a whole- and God help you if they considered you an enemy or prey. If dogs could catch rats she'd bring them aboard instead.
Still, the diminutive Duchess had a point. After overhearing the conversation from the growing knot of people gathered around the cat, Alessandra takes a deep breath and announces herself. "Pardon, I couldn't help but overhear your conversation and I think you have a good plan for getting us through this alive. I also couldn't help but notice that your plan requires the assistance of a worthy member of the masonic community and I would like to volunteer my services. I am a fully pledged Master Mason of the Order of the Eastern Star, and by their signs and watchwords I have recognized two other masons in this gathering. I hope that I can be of some service in revealing the scoundrels in our midst."
Cassie is astonished; "A bold claim...." her mouth hangs open that someone actually took Meowselworth up on her suggestion. "A bold move. You are truly a remarkable woman, a true noble."
She sucks in distaste as if she had some off-wine. "Though if you are I would say a true mason contact the Helmet-cat as soon as possible."
Wowbagger has his face turn multiple shades of red and performs some relaxation techniques.
"Contacting a helmet cat was what got lots of people killed last case I was on. Especially those with valuable abilities found that contacting a mutant life form and telling them what they could do was dangerous. The beautiful Sutra still haunts my dreams."
Wowbagger looks at the professora.
"I trust your claims the most. I think you truly understand the risks of coming forward and, although I do not understand it, I will back your play. What can I do to help you Professora? Once a galactic agent, always a galactic agent."
You can tell when Wowbagger says he does not truly understand the beautiful professora's strategy he is completely honest.
Looking at the bombastic 'general', "I think Masons outrank generals here. I suggest you follow the good ladies' lead."
Cassie gives a gallic shrug; "Uh, I just meant, 'ow you say that; 'if the great Duchess was an imposter. That the true maison's should have someone to contact."
"I volunteered the cat, unless General Eldon would like to take charge again?"
"There are two problems with Her Feline Divinity's plan" Rashida drawls lazily, turning her back on Ritter and pacing the edge of the dance floor thoughtfully, "One is that the Dutchess has no way of assessing truthfulness. The other is that we have no way of assessing hers. Your pardon, Dutchess. It is simple truth." She gives a slight bow to the cat and makes her way to a chair by the wall, settling into it and watching the room and balconies.
"As I say it only the other Masons could tell of her lies." Cassies sighs; "My problem is that what if she has fallen in love with one of them; the allure of a bad boy can be great, so great you forget your sensibilities and help him."
"The allure of a bad girl can be great as well, can it not, Andrezi?" Rashida sighs. "Love is a beautiful thing, unless it endangers us all. I'm so sorry Cassie, Andrezi."
"It is fine if you do not trust me, then. We have someone more worthy of trust. I would like to ask the detectives to please reveal themselves to Ms. Devries, who can then share that information with her masonic partners. I would like to let you know, Ms. Devries, if you hear from three 'detectives', one of them is certainly out to slay us," says Meowselsworth. "If you hear from exactly two... well, then, this would be valuable, their truth is likely. I would also suggest the baner reveal themselves to Ms. Devries for similar reasons, then I would like to consider a strategy that increases likelihood of Ms. Devries's survival for her bravery."
"I would like to note... If there are any Masons who do not recognize Ms. Devries, they should step forward quickly, but I believe her claims," says Meowselsworth.
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"Aye Cassie, poor Arthur Dent lost a woman to the lure of the ultimate bad boy, Zaphod Beeblebrox. Once a woman follows a bad boy, her loyalties and judgement are often questioned."
"Which is why they must die -- to save the innocent," Rashida agrees sadly.
I'm so sorry Cassie, Andrezi
which is why they must die -- to save the innocent
The large zombie looks at Rashida in surprise.
"My apologies if I am misinterpreting this, Most Holy, but are you suggesting that Cassie, Andrezi, or both are one of the devils that plague us? Is there anything more than simple suspicion to your claim? Verily, if you have some doubt, please speak."
To Wowbagger, Meowselsworth notes, "I am aware you had a difficult time with a helmet cat in the past, I was at my biological mother's funeral after all, who went quite mad at the end of her life. That being said, we now have a strategy that does not require trusting me too much. As I said, I am just trying to establish order independent of knowledge of my identity, and establish this order in such a way that it shall persist past my demise. Ms. Devries is indeed putting herself in harm's way, but as with my rambling (which makes me a target) I think she is seeing the benefit to that risk. Consider: She may have the ability to create a voting bloc of seven members, the seven brightest among us. This nearly guarantees the removal of these assassins. To keep these things secret forever means that we will never know that there are special people among us until we find them dead. As for me, well, in the words of my late mother: remember the proper helmet cat disposal procedures."
She pauses a moment and considers, "But indeed, if there is a mason out there who denies the legitimacy of Ms. Devries's claim, they should either contact me or speak out loud, depending on how much risk they would like to take. That mason can hold me accountable to broadcasting, since they can just reveal themselves after contacting me anyways to display any dishonesty I demonstrate."
Looking at the bombastic 'general', "I think Masons outrank generals here. I suggest you follow the good ladies' lead."
"While I would contest your statement, it is true that my rank has little difference in this scenario. That said I choose to take command not solely by rank, but rather by my natural aptitude for such."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cassie gives a gallic shrug; "Uh, I just meant, 'ow you say that; 'if the great Duchess was an imposter. That the true maison's should have someone to contact."
"I volunteered the cat, unless General Eldon would like to take charge again?"
"I would of course be more than willing to take the ear of any who would rather not put trust into another. I also understand any who does not trust myself. A sound intelligence plan would be to keep your information divided so that any one source cannot be destroyed. Many pillars supporting our overall survival. So this is an open invitation to place trust, or distrust, with me. I shall handle both with honor."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"There is merit to this plan, though many openings present themselves. While brave of Miss Devries to reveal herself, if she is indeed a Mason, it's a risky option. She herself has her own reasons for wanting this land, considering how strongly her beliefs are. Admirable, yet dangerous. I do not yet accuse her, but nor will I give her a repreive from her claim."
"...I would like to ask the detectives to please reveal themselves to Ms. Devries, who can then share that information with her masonic partners..."
After her announcement there is a clamor of voices and several people vie for her attention, pulling her aside for a moment to whisper something in her ear or pressing a hastily-written message into her hand. When she is eventually able to again focus on the helmet cat's lecture of strategy, she hears something that makes her pause then interject.
"To clarify and expand on the Duchess's request, if no more than two detectives contact me then in these extraordinary circumstances I am willing provide them with the identities of my fellow masons so they will be able to narrow the pool of potential assassins. Contrariwise, if I am contacted by three or more detectives then I will tell share the identities of the potential detectives with each other and they can investigate each other until they are confident in who the real detectives are. As they gain more information they can share their findings with me and I can announce it publicly or share it with those who can make best use of the information. Every step of the way I can keep my fellow masons informed of my progress in case something... "unfortunate" should happen to me."
"I would like to recommend that similiarily the baners do what is requested as well, following the leads of the detectives, because then we have a group of informed people who can cooperate and direct our strengths," says Meowselsworth, "And we do not have to trust an unknown, such as myself, for this to work, and we have a long term advantage against these assassins. I thank Ms. Devries for her aid in the matter."
Cassie leans in towards the zombie Baron; "I thought that Milady Massri was implying that we were lovers and her insinuations were that I was a killer and he had fallen for me."
She shakes her head; "Well unfortunately, I have no paramour at the moment and also I am no killer."
"Indeed. A very much shame indeed too, as I would be very happy to find a lady love." Andrezi clutches his heart in mock agony. "My heart is so lonely, and I would love a good woman to warmthe cold nights. Or the hot mornings. Or the mediocre times. I am not picky." The Russian smiles wickedly. "Indeed a bad woman holds much appeal, who else lets loose so well?" At the accusations he is shocked. "Merde!" He exclaims, "Your accusations are founded on me liking pretty women? What a fool thought... perhaps your tastes swing other way yes?"
Gigus throws his great head back and lets loose a booming laugh.
"My dear Lady DuSollier, I have no doubt you are a killer, just as I have no doubt that our Russian friend is a lover of women . . . but there is no reason to suspect either of you yet in this engagement!"
The zombie bows to both, and cradles his stitched and decimated hands.
"I do not wish to think it, yet I have watched yon rake..." she waves a long, gilded fingernail in Taraz's direction "...undress every woman with his eyes, whereas Lord Denikov's gaze is reserved only for the lovely and fascinating Lady DuSollier. She immediately spoke of Russians as being graceful in courting before she had even 'met' Andrezi. Courting? When our lives are in peril?"
Rashida sighs and shakes her head sadly. "Doomed romance is enough to break the heart, is it not?"
"Everyone, a moment. No doubt our dear Miss Devries, fanatical bleeding heart she claims to be, is true to her words a Mason as well. I have been contacted by one of her compatriots, who shall remain nameless. Obviously discerning my obvious traits of leadership, they have chosen to reveal to me their identity to confirm that Alessandra Devries is indeed counted amongst their number.
"As such, I would now encourage our Detectives and Baners to contact Miss Devries to begin organizing a resistance against the Assassins. I would of course also like to be kept in the loop, but understanding the dangers of any one person knowing too much, will understand if such information should be kept secret."
"It is likely best for those of us who are not masons, nor detectives, nor baners to be kept out of the loop. Certainly, I would like to stay informed, but the more trust placed outside of that group is more risk. Trust should only be placed once it is proven," says Meowselsworth, "And even then, be wary, as not all investigations are necessarily accurate."
"It would be equally prudent for the assassins to identify themselves as Masons and back up each other's word. Or to bombard Dame Meowelsworth with false information. I fear we can't trust anyone's word at this point. But that doesn't mean we must become assassins ourselves. If we all refuse to lynch anyone, our hands will be clean." Her gold-masked face turns up to the balcony where their host is seated. "Won't they, Baron?"
"Aye, Divinity, I most certainly agree with you in this. It is far too early to trust any claims, fair or foul, and I find little thus far to justify any accusations, let alone anything as distasteful as a lynching.
"Well, we cannot go through this without trusting anyone's words at all. The only person who would gain advantage from pretending to be Masons would be assassins. If two Masons come forward in conflict, disagreeing with one another's, we should ask them both to reveal their compatriots, because this way we will easily expose all of our assassins," says Meowselsworth. "It is not worth it for the assassins to come forward in this way, it would create chaos initially, but their demise would be inevitable."
Cassie shakes her head as she moves over to her accuser, the lady Massri; "Of course, Madam Massri, I speak of Love and courting. These are perilous times, we cannot focus solely on death or else we never enjoy life."
"If you have been in the number of scrapes I had, in old tombs or flying over the burning skies of London, then you might not be so focused on death." rubbing at an imagined speck of smut.
With a wicked smile she adds; "I think you need a little amour, too. You were watching Taraz's eye..."
Rashida rises from her chair and faces Cassie, moving in close to stand nearly nose-to-nose and murmur softly, "Of course I was watching his eye... as well as everyone else's. I'm watching everyone, Lady DuSollier, including those who try to be only audience to this play." Her eyes flicker to Kimefe for an instant. "But I would not call what most people want this near death 'courting'. Rather, it is something more primal, is it not?" The corners of her mouth turn up the tiniest bit in response to Cassie's smile.
Cassie quirks an eyebrow and softly says; "No, I suppose not."
Rashida leans forward to whisper into Cassie's ear, then takes a step back and laughs.
Cassie returns the laugh before taking the beautiful Egptian womans hand in her own gloved hand and draws her close. With a slight flick of her head she starts to gracefully glide onto the dancefloor with Rashida. Not taking the lead too much, the dance starts out as all relationships, wild but with a certain reserved caution.
Von Zombi frowns at the recently vacated chair, sipping at his drink, before shrugging and sitting down, chuckling to himself.
Cassie breaks away from Rashida, with a spin and a flourish. She looks around the room, with a wry grim. Tapping her dark fan against her thigh on the split legged dress. "Stunned them into silence, Darling."
"Oh, I am certain that everyone is busy plotting and scheming against one another. Once our gracious host gets impatient and begins demainding results, I expect this party will get . . . very interesting."
The zombie spreads his hands wide to emphasize his point, and one of his fingers chooses that inopportune time to come unstitched, tumbling to the floor.
"CONFOUNDED STITCHES!"
He quickly scoops up his detached digit, muttering under his breath.
Cassie rushes over to the Baron; "Are you alright? I think I have a needle and thread somewhere, always be prepared."
Von Zombi nods gratefully.
They do have the most . . . regrettable . . . tendency to defy me. Much appreciated, Lady DuSollier.
Rashida wordlessly glides to her seat after the dance with Cassie. She peruses the bottles on the table before her. "I thirst, but what can be trusted?"
She watches the stitching with interest. "So, Baron, how did you come to... er... this state? And can you be assassinated now that you are the walking dead?"
A burst of loud hand clapping and boorish laughter, Taraz walks slowly into the circle of agitated and suspicious nobles.
"Marvelous, simply marvelous. Father, wherever you may be, you have certainly sent the finest courtesan assassins and devilish wetboys to take me out of the family tree. Such entertainment is top notch. And in a breathlessly gorgeous setting made possible by an elegant and sociable host." Once again Taraz turns to the man above, but this time proceeds to present a proper formal bow bending very low.
"While many would probably expect that one as openly flamboyant as myself would encourage full disclosure, I would like to point two problems that everyone has overlooked so far.
"The first being Duchess Meowselsworth. Now that she has so brazenly painted a target on herself from the start, she has essentially given herself immunity from the scryers, detectives, soothsayers..." Taraz foppishly waves his hand with a twist to his lips. "Whatever you prefer to call them. They will be too hesitant for their own lives knowing that some paranoid ninja stalker may be overwatching just such an attempt. So now what? There is no way to gainsay her delusions of logicness...logicity...logicalfulness...again whatever, when she may be suspect of courting the powers of good to their own demise." Taraz rolls his eyes and flaps his hand stupidly again.
"Second of course, the good Professor. A handsome woman it is to be said, but other than her caresses, what trust is there in her private confidences? Staring into those eyes..." At this Taraz walks to stand before Alessandra and looks directly into her eyes. His voice comes out now in a whisper. "In another life, I feel I may have been lost to one such as you. A tender rabbit caught and made to look a fool by the cunning wolf that hid within."
Breaking the gaze, Taraz says, "And now another who is made inviolate by the fear of this invisible lurking watcher, for who dares trust their life to verify hers?"
Taraz turns and looks for a drink of some type, and takes the first offered by a random servant of Von Ryuko's. Sipping, he suddenly almost spits it up. "Ah-ha! A third point has occurred. What if one of us is traitor and would wish to use their scrying skills to service the ends of the assassins. Joining this league would indubitably put them in better position."
And then Taraz smacks his forehead with his free hand. "And yet another thought! A fourth! What if this talk of lovers is true! Would they not be willing to pose as Masons to further their Romeo & Juliet existence? Eldon mentions being assured by 'one' other Mason, but not two...food for thought."
Taraz smiles as the outrage begins.
Cassie looks to the Baron; "Well, I like to lend a hand. Only an incompetent would not lift a finger." She hands him a small pouch containing needle thread and a small bottle of some adhesive.
"There are a few unopened bottles, I think?" she looks critically to Baron Ryuko upon his balcony. "At least, I expect so considering our host knew who were coming to the party."
Gigus motions to a bottle by his elbow with the hand that is currently not undergoing impromptu surgery.
"This vintage I have tasted, Most Holy, and it is pure. Or perhaps Milady DeSollier would care to make a recommendation?"
At Massri's question, the zombie tilts his head inquisitively.
"Of course I can be killed again. Fortunately, I usually get over it. That being said, I lose more memory and more physical cohesiveness each time; thus, it is a process I generally try to avoid. A few more deaths and I believe I will be reduced to a shambling, rotting corpse that can barely force out 'brrraaaaaiiiinnnsss'."
The zombie begins stitching his finger back to his hand.
Rashida nods at Taraz. "At last, someone of sense. Only the dead may be trusted. And only with death will we gain real information."
"Ah, wine. Now this is serious business." she says in her French tones as she picks up bottles examining their providence and age. After a few moments she holds up a unopened bottle of red. "This province produces a good nose, it's slightly fruity. Yes, our host has enough money and judgement to choose some excellent vintages."
She hesitates a moment remembering something; "Of course, I will drink from it as well as whomever else."
As Von Zombi finishes reattaching his errant digit, he nods emphatically at Taraz' words and hands DuSollier back her sewing kit.
"Milord Tiraz, you see directly to the heart of the dilemma. Who among us has offered more than words, as easily twisted as the threads I just held?"
"Baron, you should visit my homeland. We have revivification processes which might aid your plight. In fact, if I do not survive, I would appreciate somebody returning my body to my family. There will be a substantial reward. The canopic jars are in my room, all appropriately labeled. Be certain not to mix up the organs or the reward will be far less and I will be very upset... someday."
Rashida gives Cassie a small smile. "I believe I will abstain for now, thank you."
Duke Leto Atredies
