Jean is thinking of an earlier conversation, before they knew. When they expressed to Dahlia that a failure to find equilibrium with the community would be fatal to the Pine Devil. They frown at their own thought, gripped by a nameless guilt. Attempting to apologize now...might be inappropriate.
"I made a deal with Aster at his 'dinner party', that required me to keep secret information I learned about the Leeds family. I am no longer bound by that deal."
As he's done with everyone else, he leaves the ball in Jean's court, letting them decide if they want to ask what he got out of it.
"Comrade. The sending stones being infernal technology suggests, among other things, that they may be being listened to. They may also not survive Aster's destruction. Your intervention has, indirectly, slowed the installation of other forms of communication which would be more secure and unambiguously lasting."
"I do," Jean agrees. "But I believe it may be high time to re-invest in those abandoned technological projects, considering. We're meant to leave this place better than we found it - interim solutions cannot be left unattended to become new problems." There's an odd little thing that goes on here; Jean's tongue presses against the tip of a sharp tooth. It's an expression usually only Zelda sees, one Jean makes when they are mentally and emotionally Stumped about something.
"Because you're a strategist, and because you organized, if not lead, the militia. The Enforcers know, you need to as well."
He's actually got the wondering in the back of his head, if this is news to Jean at all. After all, Jean is part of the Ocularum, with Crichton and CT.
"Mm." Jean looks at the training equipment, which is at the tail end of being put away by the last volunteers. "...This endeavor was to help the community. It still is. Some time ago there was a...misunderstanding on my part, which gave great offense to Comrade Leeds. She funded this equipment, you know. And while in hindsight it would be easy to say that her strident words about being part of the community and needing no coercion to see to its safety are good for her cover, I am inclined, still, to believe that she was being earnest and genuine. I have been doing what I can to discourage violence. Permit me now to formally state that Comrade Leeds and those who stand with her remain welcome to volunteer and, indeed, desired."
"Whether the locals like it or not, I see this place as one community. And until they figure out how to kill me, what I say about that goes."
"I think you and I have similar goals, at the end of the day. It's why I accepted the promotion from Kilbride; I want to dedicate myself and the constabulary to keeping peace. Actual peace."
"I suspect so as well. But the obstacles remain numerous, not least of which is that our respective patrons are going to continue their grudges. I have long, bad conversations in my future." They close their eyes, and just. Sigh. The biggest sigh. The kind of sigh that makes your back pop and kinda hurts your eyes. "I...am not the most qualified to mediate those sorts of social disputes, hahaha. But I'm doing what I can. Can I trust you'll do the same?"
"Of course. Is it alright if I remain in contact with you? I want to ensure that there's some open communication between Dahlia's friends and Neil's. And the temple, too. We can't just silo ourselves off."
"I certainly can't!" Jean sobers, slightly. "...I am still learning what it means to have principles that I choose. I appreciate your honesty, Comrade. I believe I will emulate it."
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2024-10-20 11:11 pm (UTC)Jean is thinking of an earlier conversation, before they knew. When they expressed to Dahlia that a failure to find equilibrium with the community would be fatal to the Pine Devil. They frown at their own thought, gripped by a nameless guilt. Attempting to apologize now...might be inappropriate.
Still.
"I am prepared to listen."
no subject
Date: 2024-10-20 11:14 pm (UTC)As he's done with everyone else, he leaves the ball in Jean's court, letting them decide if they want to ask what he got out of it.
By tradition I declare: damn OCs and their one-liners
Date: 2024-10-20 11:15 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-10-20 11:17 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-10-20 11:24 pm (UTC)......
.........
"Comrade. The sending stones being infernal technology suggests, among other things, that they may be being listened to. They may also not survive Aster's destruction. Your intervention has, indirectly, slowed the installation of other forms of communication which would be more secure and unambiguously lasting."
Jean's not mad, they're just disappointed.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-20 11:26 pm (UTC)It's a half-hearted defense. The disappointment makes sense. CT's bitterness makes sense. They should hold it against Cerrit.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-20 11:38 pm (UTC)"Why bring this to me?"
no subject
Date: 2024-10-20 11:43 pm (UTC)He's actually got the wondering in the back of his head, if this is news to Jean at all. After all, Jean is part of the Ocularum, with Crichton and CT.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-20 11:58 pm (UTC)"Whether the locals like it or not, I see this place as one community. And until they figure out how to kill me, what I say about that goes."
no subject
Date: 2024-10-21 12:13 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-10-21 12:19 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-10-21 02:22 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-10-21 02:25 am (UTC)"How could you not be? You're a valued member of the levy, Comrade."
no subject
Date: 2024-10-21 02:27 am (UTC)"Well. Someone has to provide aerial support."
Wrap?
Date: 2024-10-21 02:31 am (UTC)"I certainly can't!" Jean sobers, slightly. "...I am still learning what it means to have principles that I choose. I appreciate your honesty, Comrade. I believe I will emulate it."