RUSSIA MISSION ♔ CLOSED TO ETHAN

[socialgraces]

WHO || Francesca and Ethan Mavery [Closed]
WHAT || Mission stuffs
WHERE || Outside Magadan, Russia
WHEN || Day after arrival in Magadan
HOW || Prose

Francesca pulls Ethan aside the day after they arrive in Magadan. She requests that they speak alone, and proceeds to lead him back to the Knights' aircraft to ensure they have privacy. She closes them in plane after briefly scoping the surrounding area, making sure this is indeed a private conversation.

"I have special orders concerning this mission and I'd like to ask your assistance with carrying them out, if you'd be so inclined?" She raises her eyebrows, awaiting his response while attempting to gauge his reaction.

Comments

[socialgraces]

She only wanted to protect him as keeping your squire safe and alive is of utmost priority. However, she can accept his refusal, as she feels satisfied his determination is derived from his sense of duty and not some foolhardy desire to be a hero. Besides, he's not a child and she would never disrespectfully deny him his personal moral obligations. In fact, she gives him a little half-smile at his response.

"Alright, I fully respect your decision. I just didn't want you to feel... obligated to put yourself in harm's way simply because you're my squire. But I know this show of loyalty is much more than just chivalry." She's quick to interject her last statement before he can argue with the first.

"We'll proceed with the mission as previously outlined by Wynn until an opportunity arises for us to do more. So if you have any questions, now would be the time to ask."

[militarized]

He did, in fact, open his mouth to argue, but she stopped him with her next statement. Loyalty, more so than chivalry. It was true enough. He was chivalrous enough, but it ran deeper than that. So, he quieted, nodding. And, by the time she was done, he just considered her for a moment, then shrugged openly. He trusted her judgment, which meant not asking questions -- another habit ingrained in him from his military service.

"Just wondering when we start."

[socialgraces]

"Well, now, I suppose. We'll just be watching for any suspicious activity within the city, especially the appearance of government or military officials. Hopefully we'll know enough in advance to make an infiltration plan before they actually hold a meeting. I'm not sure exactly what I'll need you to do yet, but I'll be glad for the assistance. I'm sure you'll be useful in many ways."

[militarized]

"I'm just happy to help where I can," Ethan responds with a nod. "Even if all you wind up needing me for is sitting back and learning something, well, I'd say that's not the worst way this operation could turn out." There's an edge of humor in his voice, made more evident by a smile he's not trying hard to hide.

[socialgraces]

"Yes, it definitely wouldn't be the worst outcome." She tries to return his humor but there's a definite weight to her words. "I must admit this is quite the mission for a squire. But, with your experience, I suppose it's not that surprising. Besides, we're with very capable Knights." She stands up to gather up the papers and put them away.

[militarized]

As she stands, Ethan rises as well out of respect, and gives a kind of cocky smile at her commentary about it not being a mission suited for a squire. There was something satisfying about that, an ego boost.

"Chalk one up for prior service," he jested. "I'll try not to disappoint."