chancetoatone | I C C O N T A C T (maskormenace)

[OOC: Assuming some sort of word was passed from Armstrong to Fraser about Krios' mission, if that's okay? I'm up for working out anything. ]

I've been asked to communicate with you in regard to--ah. Russian matters. My name is Benton Fraser.

[When the video initializes, then regards the feed for a moment before speaking, his hands folded casually on the table on which the communicator was propped.]

Of course, but first I'd like to know who sent you to me. Typically I work alone.

[ If Fraser is startled by Krios' appearance he doesn't demonstrate it, but he does scratch his eyebrow anxiously. ]

Ah--General Armstrong. I have some powers that may...come in useful in the interests pursuant to your mission. Of course that would depend entirely on you, but if anything I can do might minimize the risk of discovery, and therefore the threat of instigating war, that would be most pressing to me.

[He inclines his head. The general mentioned Benton, but he had to be sure.]

This channel is secure, Mr. Fraser. What are your powers precisely?

[Because he has to make sure you're actually Benton, okay? Call him paranoid.]

[ A brief nod from Fraser. ] Of course, thank you kindly.

The porter granted me three powers; an exacting invulnerability, the ability to manipulate local ambient temperature to significant extent, but most importantly, and usefully I think, an ability to change into a number of animals both physically and evolutionarily adapted to this environment. I provided Major General Armstrong a list of these animals, however I think in the interests of expediency--

[ He attaches a file: Polar bear, killer whale, arctic tern, tundra swan, lynx, caribou, bald eagle, snowy owl, arctic wolf. ]

I'm not certain what you have in mind, exactly, but I'm relatively confident that I have the means by which to approach the Russian fleet without discovery. Have you heard of pigeon post?

I have not, and while manipulating the temperature of the surrounding waters may alleviate the possibility of hypothermia, it may be picked up by thermal scanners of the fleet as an anomaly.

The general mentioned you were capable of transforming into a "whale". Is that correct?

It is. Black and white, twenty three feet long, ten tons, aquatic, with a top speed of 30 knots, or 55.56 kilometers per hour.

Pigeon post, as I mentioned, was a pre-computer era method of communicating covertly via trained birds, attaching coded messages to their legs. It isn't without risk, but I believe it would also be unexpected, and radio silent.

[A nod.] A sufficient cover. Tell me, Mr. Fraser. Have you ever done anything like this before?

[ He nods, and then he even smiles. ]

If you mean have I boarded a Russian military vessel in subterfuge, yes, and further a container ship crewed by ecological terrorists. My expertise is chiefly tracking and policework, but I've worked with the secret service and the military formerly as part of my job.

If you have any specific doubts, I would be happy to dissuade you of them.

[He nods again, this time in acceptance.]

Then you are aware we have no backup. If we are caught, we do not exist. Correct?

I understand that, yes. I'm well aware of the consequences; certainly I wouldn't wish to draw my own country into this war as well. However as imPorts, they'll establish that fact very quickly. It would be better not to get caught.

Then we're in agreement. [There's a pause and Thane's brow furrows slightly.] It would be wise to remember, no matter their familiarity, none of these 'countries' are your own, Mr. Fraser. We are not a part of this universe, and your expectations of these nations may contradict their reality.

[ Fraser ducks his head briefly, then removes his hat, looking up with a little more honest sadness in his expression. ]

The wild open spaces are the same. The animals, the land. I'm aware it can be a deceptive familiarity, but my heart belongs to the country, not the government. If I fight for anything, it's for that; for peace, and for those which can't speak or act in defense of themselves.

If you don't find the question too unreasonable, do you mind if I ask what you are fighting for?

[He shakes his head.] Not at all. For 10 years, I was asleep. I didn't have any concern for what my body was paid to do. recently, I was woken from that battle sleep by the most noble and powerful man I've ever met. He gave me myself, and helped me find and save my son. He lead his crew, myself included, on a suicide mission to the center of the galaxy and we all returned, and now he's asked me to aid our fellow ImPorts in learning the truth behind the aggression from our Russian neighbors. He is a dear friend, and I would follow him anywhere.

[A pause.] Forgive me. I suppose I could have sufficed to say I fight for loyalty, and to help the others who are also trapped here.

[ Fraser listens intently to the explanation, listening to the explanation about 'battle sleep', the words about finding and saving his son in particular--family is important to Fraser, because he has none, or had none until he'd discovered a long lost half sister only weeks ago. But he understands the meaning of deep friendship most of all, and he inclines his head gratefully. ]

Loyalty is a good word for my feelings too. I swore to maintain the right.

And thank you for the full explanation. I - ah - have a preference for the long winded, myself, so please don't hesitate. I grew up amongst peoples who treasured listening and storytelling chiefly in their heritage. It's...it's very fortunate that your dear friend is here. Perhaps when our mission is done, you can introduce me?

Perhaps you've met him already. Commander Shepard.

[If Thane feels anything about leaving parts of his history out, he doesn't show it.]

I don't work with others often. Most assassins don't, but I think we'll work well together, Mr. Fraser.

We have, yes. [ Briefly, but Benton remembers the name. He lowers his head again appreciatively. It's almost like having a partner again, and it's true that he works better when he's not entirely left to his own devices. Maybe they can even prevent a war. ] I imagine we'll speak again very soon. Until then?

[He inclines his head in acknowledgement.]

Until then.

I C C O N T A C T (maskormenace)

video; backdated to the planning section of the Alaska defence plan

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