houseofcards_rp | While There Is Life, There Is Hope

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While There Is Life, There Is Hope

It's a better day. Not an excellent day, but a better one than he's had in a while. The losses still weigh onon him, of course, and his recent breakup with Brennan, though mutually agreed upon and amicable, is in that pile of hurts, but overall, the King of Diamonds us feeling good as he walks through his Castle, checking in with his people.

Be at ease, fellow men and women. Vasiliy's desertion is an intriguing matter that will be thoroughly investigated, but it isn't a total disaster. There are other forgers, and even though they aren't as talented as the Seven, it could be far worse.

So come, chit-chat with the King - business matters or not. He's smiling and receptive.

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Despite being an insufferably difficult man, Vasiliy did have some form of loyalty to his Suit; Silas has faith that that loyalty will prevent him from sharing Deck secrets, though he can't really be sure. Worst case scenario, Vasiliy has to be forcibly returned home.

He'd rather not do that.

Säde's voice wins a warm expression from him, has him pausing properly in her doorway. "Good afternoon, Säde. How are you today?"

They'll need to discuss it, of course, but pleasantries first, and perhaps that bullet can be dodged.

"The kindest phrase, I think, is off balance," she says, less warm and more stiff. "Let us say disturbed, even. Several high-ranking Cards in three Suits leaving in a matter of days- and among our own I heard that you and Zaslavsky had some kind of disagreement at Isaac's memorial. Why?"

He tenses, just a little bit, at that. "Trust me, you're not the only one disturbed by the sudden desertion, and I've got my own concerns, but it will be handled. As for what was said between myself and Mr. Zaslavsky, he thought it necessary to make comments about the memorial being held, and I made it very clear that such comments had no place there."

And unless she pushes for details, he's not elaborating.

She cocks an eyebrow. "Interesting. He knew Isaac well enough, I thought; he had more delicacy than that." She doesn't push, though. Vasiliy can no longer give his side of the story, so it's best to leave it at that.

"Doesn't it concern you, though? Our forger, who worked on several false identities; the Spade's computer specialist, with access to so much of the Spades' information? The Clubs' Jack? I don't believe for a second that she only left to be with her boyfriend."

Unfortunately, Säde thought wrong if she really believed that Vasiliy was above being an inconsiderate, insufferable waste of human flesh -- and Silas didn't think that about almost anyone. He figured it out a while ago, but he had overlooked it for the most part because Zaslavsky was good at his job. Or, he had been, at least.

Then he'd insulted Silas, and the funeral proceedings, and the family's mourning, and Silas stopped worrying about how Sensitive Vasiliy might have been. He'd meant to make his point, but the Russian never showed, and two days later, he was gone.

"It certainly looks. . .fascinating and suspicious. Do we have people on it yet?" He hoped so. And if not, well, he'd handle that. Immediately.

Even inconsiderate, insufferable wastes of human flesh had a point to make if you took the time to sort through what was and what wasn't bullshit. It had been so long since Vasiliy himself had said anything remotely less than cool biting politeness in front of her, though, she hadn't spared a thought for him over anything more demanding from the Suit.

"Cadogan is taking care of the Vasiliy angle, I understand." The slight twist of her lips speaks for what she thinks of the Ten, though she can't deny that he's capable in this area. "And I've instructed our ambassador to Clubs, Mac Mathghamna, to keep his ears open. It's a pity he wasn't closer to Mills."

Vasiliy hasn't contributed useful ideas in years. So Silas tended to tune him out when he started whining, until the funeral.

He nods just once, deliberately not acknowledging her lack of appreciation for Cadogan and all that he is, all that he does. "You did exactly what I was going to do. Thank you." A single nod. "Cadogan will get the results we need; I have faith in that."

She cocks her head, folding her arms. "I'm certainly pleased we're on the same wavelength, but I came to consult you on what else we might have missed. This isn't just a Suit issue, after all."

He shakes his head. "No, it isn't. Five high cards disappeared within hours of each other, and from all four Suits no less. We've lost our primary forger, the Clubs have lost their Jack -- while their King is Outside, no less, the Spades have lost their in-house psychotherapist in addition to their information technology specialist, and the Hearts' head of domestics is gone, as well. This would appear to go far beyond simply three of them leaving to be with their respective significant others."

Nope. He is so not buying that much, but. "I don't know what more it may be, though. Vasiliy may have felt unheard when he spoke here, and may have elected to leave because of it. Miss Adare and Dr. Rhodes were, obviously, involved, and there is naturally reason to believe that they've left together, perhaps even remaining in Miss Mills' general vicinity, considering the close friendship between her and Miss Adare."

But, really, he doesn't know.

"I dare hope the other Suits will assure us when they have ascertained that those who left will not compromise the Deck, just as we will once we've resolved things with Vasiliy." This matter requires transparency, she feels, especially with such significant information as they had access to.

"Failing that, we should collate a full list of who used his services and decide what next to be done." She sighs. "I don't imagine anyone will be pleased if they have to return and have a new identity created."

"No, I don't imagine they would be. I think creating a list would be beneficial anyway, just so that we know if red flags go up. I'd rather be able to react efficiently if one is flagged than have to track everyone down and waste hours while forty others go up. Proactivity is our best ally here." And they all know it.

"And in the meantime, we may do well to go ahead and have new identities instituted for those who intend to leave soon. Prioritize by order of exit." Simple enough. Smart enough.

"And have security measures put in place for those whose identities have already been established with those Outside." After all, there were several people who regularly went Outside and worked with the same people. Sudden changes in background would be suspicious.

She nods to him. "Shall we, then?" To their separate departments to set things in motion?

A firm nod. "Absolutely. Let me know when you've done what you can on your end, Lady."

That handled, he'll be swiftly taking his leave after a bow to go make his list and check it thrice.

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While There Is Life, There Is Hope

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