The Ninth Gambit

[alltheways]

[The Red Queen is not smiling. Her hands are folded in front of her, her expression serious, almost hard.]

My dear Real Things, I have a request.

[She raises a hand as though reaching out for the hand of another, appealing to anyone watching.]

It seems that my sister’s battle lust will not be satisfied without a fight. Despite my wishes otherwise, I must implore you to help me. However, I do not want to force you.

[And she could, one way or another, if she had to.]

I would like volunteers to assist me. But I must be honest: this time, I cannot guarantee your safety. This is not a challenge to take on lightly. As much as I abhor the idea, I may need you to fight for me.

[She folds her hands again, her expression saddened.]

I will do all that I can to protect you, whether you fight for me or not.

[Note: If you have volunteered your character, you can either respond here to ICly volunteer or handwave a conversation with the Red Queen about volunteering. Characters who were not OOCly volunteered within the allotted time frame can still respond to this post; just be aware that late volunteers will not be accepted.]

Comments

[jivitadana]

I will.

[Minato didn't hesitate to respond, especially after his last conversation with the Queen.]

[alltheways]

I thank you, my dear. I will do my best to protect you.

[forwearemany]

Acknowledged. We will not be volunteering at this time.

[alltheways]

That is fair enough. I hope I do find enough volunteers, however.

[theenforcer]

I have previous experience fighting in the army and in warzones. I know special forces back home is not the same as here but I am willing if I can help.

[alltheways]

I appreciate your offer. Skills such as those would certainly not be wasted.

[selfworthbitches]

Finally. I've been so bored.

[....she's in.]

[alltheways]

I take it you'd like to participate.

[choosetruth]

How soon is she planning to attack?

[How much time does Georgia have to plan a last minute intervention?]

[alltheways]

I do not know that for sure, but the confrontation will be in the near future.

[jamminshield]

[Oh no. Is it time... and Steven hasn't been able to come up with anything.]

...Isn't there any other way?

[alltheways]

I'm afraid not, my dear. My sister will not hold back. I cannot afford to either.

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[revokes]

it's really nice of you to give them an illusion of choice.

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[alltheways]

There is always a choice, even if that choice is not to choose.

[thecourier]

Ain't gonna fight fer you, but I'll fight fer the people here. That'll hafta be good enough for y'.

[alltheways]

It is. We must draw on whatever gives us strength.

[normandysbest]

Are we gonna primarily be fighting her Mirrors, or is there a chance to get a shot at her?

[Shepard's got motives, if she's being real. She doesn't necessarily want to fight Mirrors, ones she's pretty sure won't want to fight. But if Hearts is on the table, even possibly? It puts some real stakes.]

[alltheways]

It is unlikely that she will face any but myself in combat.

[255000255000255]

I'd be willing.

[ Something for something, right? ]

If it meant a little freedom, of course~

[alltheways]

I see. You'd like a body, my dear?

[That is, after all, the only way she'd be able to fight.]

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[postictal]

How will you protect us? Assuming we...end up fighting.

[As if it isn't already obvious that he's gonna be volunteering.]

video

[alltheways]

As I said, I cannot guarantee your safety. But if the worst should happen, I have the Vorpal Shield at my side. Nothing can harm those behind it.

[morethan084]

Our safety is never guaranteed around here anyway.

Count me in.

[alltheways]

I shall. I am sure your fellows will appreciate your efforts.

[kingtrousele]

I VOLUNTEER!!! IF THERE WILL BE FIGHTING, THEN I CAN HOLD MY OWN OUT THERE!!! MY ATTACKS ARE STRONG AND FIERCE!!!!

[alltheways]

My, such enthusiasm. I can appreciate your spirit.

[uncoils]

I'm not crazy about it, but if it means somebody else doesn't have to, I'll volunteer.

[She gets the feeling she's going to regret this, but too late now.]

[alltheways]

That is a noble way to think of it.

[hairdont]

If it means I can stop someone else from getting hurt, then yeah, I volunteer.

[alltheways]

That is very kind, my dear.

[trabryu]

[ Whether or not Red Queen asks for it, he's already ready to rumble. After all, he's a member of Commander Shepard's guard organisation, he won't be just laying down in the low. ]

As long as you don't mind that I'm fighting not just for you, I'm in.

[alltheways]

I appreciate your enthusiasm and I shall keep you in mind.

[angewiesen]

And what'll happen if you don't get any volunteers?

[alltheways]

I will, unfortunately, have to conscript fighters.

[fortune_cookies]

[Not that he's a fan of women with royal titles, but he's going to do his best not to piss this one of, yet.]

I'll volunteer, but what do you mean 'fighting for you or not?

[alltheways]

Those who are unable to unwilling to fight will still be protected to the best of my ability.

[rightcall]

I volunteer.

( Clementine is half surprised at how quickly she comes to this conclusion, to this necessity. Back in her own world, she is never one to stick out her neck for others. Not anymore. She can't trust people. She can't trust anyone. It's different in Wonderland. Clementine desperately wants to be different in Wonderland. She does not want to be the person who only survives, who murders for no reason. )

I'm not fighting for you. I'm fighting for my home and for the people here I care about. I get you're the best chance we have... so thanks for not screwing us over and leaving us to the wolves. I promise I can fight. I can survive. I've had to for awhile.

[alltheways]

I believe in you, dear Clementine. Your motivations are not misplaced.

[beatupgrass]

I'm in, but it's like the kid said- I'd do it even if you didn't ask me to, 'cause I happen t' live here and if this shit goes sideways it's gonna deeply inconvenience me.

[alltheways]

And we wouldn't want that.

[Video]

[mettatonvevo]

So you think that this will break into all-out war for everyone?

[He shudders. He does Not want this.]

Do you think there will be any place to hide when all hell breaks loose?

[Video]

[alltheways]

I am certain there will be places of relative safety. I cannot, however, guarantee that.

[burntvideocassette]

Hey, so--

[Great. Great start.]

Your--Your Majesty, I want to help--like, I want to volunteer, but--

[It's not exactly something he likes to draw attention to, for obvious reasons.]

I'm not exactly...good...in a fight. I took karate for, like, a year as a kid and, uh.

[He leans to the side, dangling one scrawny arm across the frame.]

[alltheways]

I am sure there is a part you can play, my dear.