Bravo Zulu - Printable Version

Vargas listened.

And the more Desert spoke, the more Vargas stared. Incredulity slowly bloomed in him, even doubt. He wants things to go back to how they were-? He was even taking steps to make it happen? -Or suggesting such, at least? Every other Champion had eagerly grasped the hiatus, the chance to do something other than repeatedly run for their lives, now that the Masters were distracted with other things, and Desert-... wanted to go back to it?

A wave of revulsion--faint, but clear dislike--rose in Vargas's chest. He couldn't have said why, either. But somehow, as he looked at Desert Rose, he for a moment felt like harming him.

Vargas took a breath, and forced his mind toward the proposition--such as it was. Well, in fairness, he hadn't updated Desert Rose about what he'd been up to--and neither, true to his promises, had Garnet. Best to bring them all up to speed, first, then.

"Hrmph. The Masters have been... resting, yes, for long enough for things to certainly fall out of the usual order. I do not know how much you know. First, I will say that the Spire has changed hands--I doubt you even know what that means... Or what that is. Ahh. Previously, you were all deliberately designed. Created, and tested through the Trials. These new beasts are random spawn--much weaker in form and in magic than your generations." His words were bluntly honest, uncaring for any subtlety or secrecy. "They will take much more rigorous testing, and Master Astraea is certain that the pass rate will be far lower. I have been canvassing the caves learning about them. My job," he went on, eyeing Desert Rose quite closely, "has always been to judge you all. What you are good for. How you will excel. Where you will falter. Your strengths, your weaknesses, how you are useful--or not--for the Masters and our nest. You, for example, have always struck me as one that could make a prime messenger, though in hostile times you'd need to learn to hide that bright orange coat of yours. Unless it's a similarly-colored area," Vargas added, shrugging. "And you worked well with a partner when you trusted them. Often without the need for much communication, even. Whereas Garnet has always had the makings of a prime scout and survivor, even in hostile territory--which is why Garnet now serves as my Eye. And Garnet always worked best alone," and here, Vargas let out a short, harsh laugh. Five-Seven-Nine had always been a saboteur, and lied and betrayed among the best of them.

Recent events had certainly proven that.

"There is rebellious feeling, yes. My intention is to make an example of any that speak out too greatly. The cat-creature Palefur suggests appealing to their gratitude and earning respect, which sounds like a fool's errand, but something to bear in mind. But since you have come to me with this, I will share you the future map I have in mind, along with this knowledge. First, the plan is to find the rebellious and make examples; second, to ensure that everyone in the Caves knows that they will need to be trialled properly and routinely. We may have to make allowances for their fragility. Third, we need to know how resilient to the cold these creatures are, now that we've tested them in heat, so I am planning a winter trial." Ahh, winter trial. Words that could spark fear into any old Champion's heart.

When Hydra was magically overwhelmed, as if by a switch, with ice and snow; when the superheated dunes became instead frigid swathes of shifting snow bright enough to blind. When the Crucible became a series of treacherous, avalanche-ridden rock shelves slick with ice. And the Dead Marsh, well, the same as it was, really, but cold, and with that deadly-thin crust of frozen muck that invited the foolish to step poorly, and end up dead.

It was, for many, even worse than the heat--depending on their build and constitution, of course.

"This will likely be... in a cycle or two, I imagine," Vargas went on. "So let me get this clear--you wish to gather up those already amenable to this sort of thing, yes? And live within the Hydra tunnel? Should the rest of the caves need a purge, then yes, that would be wise, but until then you may wander--so long as you answer summons, of course. So perhaps checking in, periodically, hrm? But yes, do this. Do this, and spread the word of the old ways. It will make my job far easier--and perhaps lessen casualties," he added, thoughtfully. "Garnet has earned the right to skip trials, but you must still take part, unless you prove yourself invaluable as you are-?" He cocked his head, and three eyes on one side of it, to peer slyly at Desert Rose. "Perhaps if you recruit enough of them, and keep them well in line. Tell them-..."

Vargas considered. What could he offer to smooth this transition? What did he have the right to offer, that they did not already have, in this era? It's more about what will be taken away, isn't it?

"Tell them that joining willingly will be easier and less fatal than being forced. Tell them that they will have a chance to earn rewards, and special privileges, once things return to the old ways. And tell the Masters, should they question you, that you act with my blessing." Vargas paused, thinking, and then looked--squinting--at the two.

"I had one other thing in mind, as well. Tell me: how many trials have each of you survived?"