tampered | Log; Ongoing; Backdated

Log; Ongoing; Backdated

When; Sunday, December 21st, 3 PM
Rating; G-PG Fairly tame.
Characters; Li Xing-ke

turk_director
Summary; Xing-ke and Tseng have a meeting involving future business prospects.
Log; Two hours early. That was Xing-ke method of approach. Regardless if the man he was meeting was new, precautions had to be taken, especially while Lelouch was still free to walk around. He had to prepare himself against any type of ambush that might present itself. It wasn't that he didn't trust Tseng but he didn't trust others.

After an hour of watching from a distance, he decided to head into the cafe itself and take a seat. Ordering a simple tea, he waiting for the arrival of his cross-dimensional countryman. An effort had to be made now to keep Lelouch under control and hopefully he could be part of it.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Tseng had spent some time scouting the area in advance, partly out of habit, and partly so he could get his bearings. He hadn't really had a chance to see the City in the last few days and he was making the most of the opportunity to explore.

He slipped inside the cafe and looked around. It didn't take him long to spot Li Xing-ke seated at a table. Tseng quietly pulled out a chair and sat down.

"Good afternoon," he said. "Forgive me if I'm late."

Xing-ke nodded at his entry.

"Even if you were, there would be no problem."

The General pulled an envelope out from his lap and set it down on the table. Inside was information needed to accept the mission that he had planned. but first, he needed confirmation.

"If you're still interested in this type of mission, I'm ready to describe what you're to do and the targets you should keep an eye out for."

Tseng smiled. "I wouldn't be here if it was just to waste your time. I'm ready."

He eyed the envelope with interest. Tseng had been feeling rather adrift and useless since coming to the City and he was looking forward to working on a mission again.

Tseng was also looking forward to working to aiding his fellow countrymen, even if technically speaking they weren't from his world. This was the first time since being caught on the wrong side of the war that he'd been able to think of one of his people as an ally and not the enemy. It was like a great weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

"To make this as simple as possible, I want you to be me.

I will provide you with the proper clothing that will withstand inspection from a distance. I don't require you to interact with anyone, therefore, you have no need to hide your identity at close ranges. My goal here is to not only make it seem as if I have a greater presence in this city itself but to gather information."

Xing-ke pulled a picture out of the envelope and displayed it.

"This is Lelouch Lamperouge, AKA Lelouch vi Britannia. He is a high school student who has recently become Emperor of the country of Britannia. His physical abilities are rather weak and possibly surpassed by a twelve year old child. However, he has a sharp mind, and even more importantly, an ability called Geass."

He removed more paperwork and slid it across the table.

"This Geass, upon eye contact, allows him to issue you an order that you will follow to your death or until its completion. This is what I meant by remote brainwashing."

Tseng raised an eyebrow. This was unusual. And interesting...

He was already running the details through his mind. Undercover work? He'd have to cut his hair and cover his urna with makeup, but that wasn't a problem.

He slid the photo towards him, doing his best to memorise the individual's features.

"About this 'Geass'," Tseng asked, "speaking theoretically, if I were to be affected, would I be consciously aware of being affected at the time?"

"Not much is known about the Geass ability but you will not know nor will you ever realize that you have been affected. After the action is complete, the time period you lost will just be a blank memory. Of course, this is all simply avoided by not making eye contact with the individual. You have more to worry about from his bodyguard."

Once again, he slid over another image.

"This is Kururugi Suzaku, Lelouch's personal knight. He is highly dangerous, skilled in both ranged and melee combat, and agile enough to even dodge bullets. He's also level headed and has a conscious so he will not surprise attack you, even under orders."

Tseng narrowed his eyes. He should have known the mission wouldn't be as easy as it sounded. He would have to be careful and ensure he had plenty of backup options and escape routes on the field. And it looked like he'd have to avoid direct combat. This was private work and he couldn't call Rude and Reno for help.

He thought for a moment. "Do you know if the Geass works indirectly through visual aids? Binoculars, rifle scopes and the like?"

"That, I don't know. We're currently trying to devise a method to block the transmission through modified sunglasses. If there are any ideas you have on that subject, they would be well appreciated."

Of course, that wasn't all. He passed the rest of the envelope over, which contained information on people he could rely on. While undercover, Xing-ke wouldn't leave him without help.

"The rest of the folder there contains information on Kouzuki Kallen (http://aced.livejournal.com) and Gino Weinberg (http://knight_of_three.livejournal.com). In case you require support in an emergency, they can be called on for support. Both can provide personnel support or mechanized support."

He nodded slowly.

"I see. If I find any useful information on blocking the transmission I'll let you know immediately."

Tseng had a quick look at the rest of the files, but didn't linger since they were in public. He could study them in depth later, in the privacy of his bedroom, then destroy them when he had them memorised.

He smiled. "Your offer of backup is much appreciated. They shouldn't be needed but it never hurts to be prepared."

Putting the files back, Tseng clasped his hands together and leaned forward. "So, this is an information gathering mission, correct? I am to shadow the target and report back to you on his whereabouts, as well as any information that may be considered useful?"

Xing-ke nodded in reply.

"Work at your own pace. Every two weeks, you can leave a report and a dead drop location, as specified in the information. In discussions of pay, name the amount you wish. Information comes at it's own price. Also..."

Xing-ke thought back to their introductions, recalled the information. His mind worked like a sponge and he plucked what he wanted out of it.

"I remember saying you were head of your own organization. If you have any subordinates, I am willing to have an interview and hire them. It may make things more efficient in the long run."

Tseng suppressed the urge to raise an eyebrow. Name his price? Xing-ke had mentioned an Empress, so they probably had money to burn. Or were they trying to get him to give them an offer so they could negotiate?

"A living wage and expenses is fine," he replied. "I'll bill you along with my report."

Tseng considered the next part. "You are right, I did indeed lead an organisation back home. Although we were part of a larger organisation we operated as a mostly autonomous unit. And some of my subordinates are here in this world as well."

He thought carefully about his next words. He didn't want to offend. "May I suggest, perhaps, that if they were to work with you, that you subcontract them through me rather than hire them outright? They would be more eager to follow orders given to them directly from me, plus if they don't know who you are they would be unable to reveal your identity. That would give you a layer of protection on the unlikely occurrence the mission could be compromised."

"Fine. Name your price with every report and I'll deposit the funds into a bank account which you'll have access too."

A smile grew on his face at the man's ingenuity. He was already glad he came into contact with him.

"An excellent idea. It's fairly clear why you lead your own group. I'll leave them in your hands, then."

Tseng had to admit to himself that he was becoming quite pleased with this arrangement. Meeting Xing-ke had definitely turned out to be a good idea. "Excellent. That will work nicely."

He opened up his suit jacket and slipped the files inside the inner pocket. "One last thing," he asked. "Are any of the target's usual haunts included in the files, or has that been left for me to find out?"

"Unfortunately, that information is currently unknown. He was last seen in a costume store before Halloween."

Tseng nodded thoughtfully. It looked like there would be some investigative work involved too, but as long as his target stayed in the City it was workable.

"Understood. It's not a problem."

Tseng rose from his seat. "It was a pleasure meeting you Li Xing-ke. You'll hear from me in exactly two weeks."

Xing-ke stood up and offered his hand.

"It was a pleasure to meet you too, Tseng. If you ever need help in your endeavors, feel free to ask."

Tseng took his hand and gave it a firm shake.

"Likewise," he replied. "If you are ever in need of my help, do not hesitate to ask."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Log; Ongoing; Backdated

no subject

no subject

no subject

DEAR GOD, I NEED TO LEARN TO CODE RIGHT

No worries!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject