there is no right way

"Mmh. I have not been to the island to see the results of the first planting." Hadama inclined his head at Deimos in gratitude for the Sword's efforts in that regard. "But if the Void is able to reclaim land from the flowers, I would think they would begin with their own stronghold." Dahlia, proud as she had seemed at the Midwinter Conference, did not seem the type to let such an insult linger if she had the power to uproot it.

Given how unrelentingly the Family had attacked Halo in recent seasons only made it more likely that, at least for now, the flowers of Caido's gods held enough power to keep them at bay.

But Jack was right as well. The island's roots were growing deeper and the poison at its heart was growing more concentrated. Progress was required. A turn of the tide... though Deimos's concern over something going awry was aptly put.

"Given that they took the blade from Vi's own champion, I am also concerned. What is to stop them from simply taking such a destructive item from us?" And using it against Halo or Torchline in turn.

But he shook his head in answer to his own question. "I do not mean it is a bad idea. But that we will need safeguards in place. And crafting an item to detect our eavesdropper will likely require further crystals or tangible pieces of something that is not physical... which brings us back to another visit to the island." Though this time he looked speculatively to the lightless charm. If it could be used for stealth rather assault, to collect pieces of Starfall without a fight...

That would certainly be of use to Halo and King's End at the moment. And perhaps to their countermeasures against their violet snoop.

JACK

Quiet in the face of both leaders, Jack swirls the liquor in a glass quite suddenly frosted with ice, before taking another sip. "It seems to me," he says slowly, "that in the absence of being able to just get Vox easily under the thumb, everythin' you want to do - every safeguard, every extra bit of preparation - is gonna cost us time we don't have. Yes, someone could take an item like the one I suggested, providin' you gave it to someone who'd let it go easily."

But regardless, this isn't a matter he can push with any sort of political sway, and the captain realises he's quickly reaching the end of his ability to manoeuvre these plans. "Whatever you decide, you've got use of this item if you want it. An' if I can help spit in The Family's eye in the meantime, me and my ship are yours." To suggest, if not to command.

and the only solution was to stand and fight

The concerns from everyone were understandable factions, and by the end of it Deimos was simply nodding, the machinations twisting and turning through his mind. He didn’t want to make anything definitive here, not until he discussed matters with others. But there was certainly much to be had and utilized. His eyes flickered from the item offered, and back to Hadama – a hint to snag it, and likely for the future use of Sunjata when they could embark for Starfall.

Then his gaze shifted back to Jack. “Thank you for all your insight and assistance. You have given us much to think about and consider. We will let you know.” He already had some notion of, whomever deemed to create the gravity bomb, of pummeling it from that flying Ark’s threshold, right above Starfall’s nuances. Depending, of course, if they could manage to break a multitude of other barriers in the meantime.

DEIMOS

Ronin had not, Hadama suspected, given up the deadly blade easily. And the White Knight and his husband were the strongest men that he knew. Just who else Jack thought could carry such an item in the face of Familial interference was a mystery to the former Mer, but that did not mean that the seed of the idea was a bad one.

Only that Hadama would not give it the consideration it deserved while they might have an unseen audience peering over their mental shoulders.

"Perhaps a use can be found for it," he murmured, a gleam of appreciation in emerald eyes for Jack's offer. His sense of humor was as dry as ever, and his habit of understatement had not diminished since the last time he had met with the captain. A tilt of his head acknowledged that the stone would be used as he met Deimos's gaze briefly and then returned his attention to their host. "Thank you." He collected the loaned artifact, slipping the chain through his fingers without touching the stone with his skin. "Your advice is appreciated." As always, the captain's unique perspective would give him much to think about in the days to come. "Perhaps you will let me return the drink when you are back in Torchline?" By then they might have more to discuss, gods and luck willing.

JACK

"Perhaps so," Jack rumbles to Hadama, his blue eyes as sharp and unreadable as ever as he lifts his glass in a cheers and then knocks the rest of the drink back, setting the empty down on his desk.

Allowing either leader to take the item he's presented, the captain remains seated - of course - as it appears their business has come to a close. "You'll excuse me for not walking you out. Busy man," he says gruffly, gesturing to the door where they'd come in.

"Until next time," he adds, before returning to his parchments and his musings; letters and ledgers and any other plans he hasn't disclosed to the Sword and the Tidebreaker.

~FIN