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[powerhungry]

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SILCO

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[transponders]

You think he did Ash, too?

Not yet. I'm waiting for more evidence, so I know the right question to ask.

[powerhungry]

I don't believe Ash was killed by a wolf, and if he were, it wouldn't be August.
The man nominated himself at the mere thought that he might be capable of murder. He wouldn't go out of his way to kill someone without an external force guiding his hand.
But the other bodies, the ones posed around the pulpit — there's nothing to discount him, there.

I'm sorry, by the way.
I know you were trying to keep the girls from getting hurt.

[transponders]

What about all the runes carved into the table? I don't know what kind of witchcraft or wizardry he's capable of, but to have everyone acting in unison like that - it's creepy. But organized.

I stood out too much. I think they killed her to get to me.

[powerhungry]

The runes seem more in line with what I'd expect, but magic is unfortunately not my area of expertise. In the interest of relative impartiality, he's requested that others familiar with his magic investigate the scene, so we'll see what comes of it.
As for the more coordinated efforts this time, I suppose we ought to take the Shepherd's claim of an Alpha to heart.

If you'll forgive the indelicate question, why wouldn't they just kill you?

[transponders]

Do your people really think the martyrs are worth listening to?

I was the most visible the last round. They're counting on me having a loud, public meltdown, diverting attention from the investigations.

[powerhungry]

August, specifically, yes.

And will you?

[transponders]

If your people come up with anything tying him to Natalie, mine will vote for him.

No. I told you, I'm keeping my head down until I can nail those fuckers to the wall.

[powerhungry]

If they do, you'll be the first to know.

And will the girls?

To backtrack, your question may have to serve as the evidence, if the findings this round continue to be inconclusive.

[transponders]

I think so. They understand that we don't need to be any more visible.

I'll see if I can get in touch with her.

[powerhungry]

Very well.

I understand I've nothing material to offer in exchange, at the moment, but I'd ask that you share what she has to tell you.

[transponders]

She said it's a spade. But nobody believes me, so there's no point in coming out with it.

I understand a case against August is in the works. I need another one.

[powerhungry]

I can offer you leads, but no other names have yet surfaced.

The garroting and the superhuman strength required for at least some of the decapitations have yet to be answered for, as well as, potentially, the cauterizing (which has been deemed magical in nature) if it isn't tied to August.

[transponders]

Respectfully, Silco, the clock is ticking.

How much of it could he have personally done? The runes, the hounds, apparently, the cauterizing. It's a lot of elements to belong to one wolf.

[powerhungry]

All I mean is that you'll have a better shot at finding a wolf by looking for something that has yet to be covered. Right now, whatever could have been done by him will be used against whatever argument you can make against someone who could do the same thing.

If you want to make a long shot, I've been informed that a name has been dropped into the Clubs chat. One of your girls will have read it, by now. But, be aware, some already believe it to be a misdirect. As do I.

[transponders]

I have that lead. And one more. But nothing solid enough for a woman of my...reputation...to actually gather the votes. If one of them is accused, the girls will back it.

[powerhungry]

I can't help but notice that one of them is presently voting for you. At your request?

[transponders]

Jackie died on the first day of the first winter. She's innocent, unlike the rest of us. She doesn't understand why I did what I did, and that's alright. I hope she never has to understand.

If her being mad at me is the price for that, fine.

[powerhungry]

[ After an uncharacteristic pause: ]

I understand.

If your second lead is different from mine, a third name will be coming down the pike — this one supported, I think, by Strange. You'll have options.

[transponders]

It was Yelena. Looks like it's being handled.

I assume you have a preference.

[powerhungry]

My preference is for a wolf to be caught, and the case August presents is a compelling one. I assume you've already come to this conclusion, but given the accusations currently on the table, for you, I imagine rallying your girls — and whoever else you can — behind Yelena to be the best option.

[ The second, he thinks, is for Misty to do for Shauna what he said he'd do for Jinx, but that seems like a bold suggestion to make to a woman he's known for a week and change. ]

I'll let you know if I hear anything more.

[transponders]

Yeah, I'm thinking the same thing.

Thanks. I know I'm not popular right now, but the consideration is nice. Even if I have a feeling I won't like whatever the favor is when you call it in.

[powerhungry]

Who knows, maybe I never will.

For what it's worth, I understand why you do what you do, as much as I understand the reasoning of those who mislike you, now. And I know what I'd do, in your position.

[transponders]

I think we're of a similar mind.

Is that enough to get your vote on Yelena?

[powerhungry]

It seems we are.

I'm sorry, Miss Quigley. I lost too much of the trust of my colleagues by working directly in alignment with you last time. But I won't cast my vote for Shauna.

[transponders]

Did you? I guess some people's loyalties are pretty weak.
Couldn't be me, but

I'll see you around.