ne t'en fais pas, mon chou.

[agogemod]

WHO? Everybody!
WHAT? Agoge's second TDM! And welcome to Paris, everybody.
WHEN? Late 1792, Paris.
ANYTHING ELSE? Violence, as always. Please warn in subject lines for anything beyond physical violence, and move to a personal journal if things go beyond PG-13.

IT'LL BE FINE;

Paris, 1792: revolutionary france.

read the France setting infopages

arrival for veterans

For those who broke off from the army that fought at Valmy and returned to Paris, they come to a city bustling with life. Not only that, but they are greeted with nothing short of a hero's welcome. The tricolor is flown from every possible spot that can hold a flag, cockades are everywhere, and people cheer the names of the generals Dumouriez and Kellermann.

Simply saying you fought at Valmy is liable to get someone to buy you a drink, do you a favor, congradulate you, shake your hand. It's a great way to get shopkeepers to lower their prices, to get a low cost room, or just get someone to smile. Children will ask for stories of the fight. Grown men and women will ask to know what the generals were like.

Yes, you are undercover, yes, you are in the wrong time, and possibly the wrong universe, but for today? You are heroes.

arrival for new recruits

If you didn't fight at Valmy, it means you're new to COST. Maybe you agreed to work with them, maybe you don't remember. It doesn't matter. You wake up in a Parisian hotel room with a kind woman standing near the door, waiting for you to awaken.

You have none of your clothing, just black military-issued underwear, and none of your previous possessions beyond the one you chose (if you remember choosing) to bring with you.

The woman by the door speaks French, and if you didn't understand the language before, you do now. If you have questions as to what's going on, she'll answer: you are a member of COST, a paramilitary organization of time travelers fighting against the Regency, a tyrannous kingdom of the future who are trying to stamp out freedom and individuality in the name of peace.

She will provide you with the clothing necessary to fit in at this time, and show you how to use your BCE implant to look up information on this time period and its social and political mores. She won't let you leave until you're properly dressed to fit in, but once you are, she'll wish you luck.



MISSION OBJECTIVE

Unlike the last two missions you may have faced with COST, this one isn't as straight forward as a battle. This is about information-gathering, keeping your ear to the ground, and watching.

Paris during the revolution, even early days like this, is rife with paranoia. Though the heroes of Valmy are treated with huge respect and admiration, that is a huge exception to the rule, one that will fade with time.

As it stands, everyone expects counter-revolutionary spies sent from Prussia and the Holy Roman Empire, or simply French monarchists, to take what freedoms the people of Paris have wrested for themselves. Whispers abound. Suspicions mount.

It's in the midst of this that COST has received information that the Regency has placed its spies within Paris. Their aims are currently unknown, but it's suspected they have some sort of machinations for the King and Queen. Paris has declared itself a republic, free of monarchial control, but the Regency may have other aims. It's imperative that COST operatives keep an eye open for any and all signs of suspicion.

It's just difficult, because so is everyone else in Paris.



CELEBRATE

Paris is in an uproar, excited by the return of some of its great heroes, the fighters at Valmy. Even if you didn't actively participate in the battle, if you were there, if you contributed at all, someone will want to shake your hand.

Of course, there's always rumors, and there's little way to prove one was actually at Valmy in this premodern era. Accusing, or being accused, of lying about this tremendous day is an excellent way to get into a fight. Be careful.

coffee break

At this time, high spirits in Paris are a dangerous thing. So many people on the streets inevitably leads to trouble: a riot breaks out.

You see, the shipment of more coffee from San Domingo is late, and this increases the price of the coffee already on the market. This may not seem like much, but the average citizen in Paris is very poor, and works upwards of twelve hours daily, often doing back-breaking or repetitive labor. Coffee is an essential ingredient to get them through the day, a stimulant to keep them from dropping flat. Price increases are even worse, then, because of certain laws put in place to stop this from happening. In an attempt to aid the poor, the National Convention has put price laws in place, decreeing that goods such as food and coffee cannot rise above a certain price. In view of the shortages, merchants have ignored these laws.

So a riot breaks out. People break shop windows, attack businesses, and fights break out left and right. In the chaos, it's difficult to tell friend from foe, and you may be attacked by someone who, hours ago, was shaking your hand and congratulating you. You may get swept up in the riot without meaning to. Or, hell, maybe you want to cause a little chaos and break some windows yourself.

Regardless, a riot is a calamitous thing; be careful. While it doesn't cease all of Paris-- Paris is a big place, after all-- it certainly takes a fair percentage of the streets, especially near markets.

One thing, though. It's very odd. Often, when these shops are broken into and goods are stolen, money is left behind. Generally, it's not the amount the shopkeeper was asking-- often, it's exactly the lower amount decreed by the National Convention's ignored law.

WITNESS A BEHEADING

But neither the riot nor the celebration overtakes all of Paris. There are other things going on. Like a beheading.

Jacques Cazotte is one of the first victims of the Terror that will sweep France in a couple months, though he didn't know it at the time. He is a monarchist, though, the very definition of the feared 'counter-revolutionaries' everyone believes live in secret throughout France, seeking to undermine the Revolution at any cost. (Convenient, considering the definition of what precisely a 'counter-revolutionary' is constantly shifting).

Many gather to watch his death, and cheer when the guillotine falls. The executioner holds up his head for all to see when the act is completed, and some may notice the eyes still blink and roll in their sockets. The crowd gasps and jostles closer to see more, but after that, there isn't much fanfare. The body and its head are shoved into a cart and taken away to be buried. The event is over.

Still, the people discuss with great excitement, happy the filthy monarchist, the counter-revolutionary, is dead and gone, and France is that much safer.

PLANT A LIBERTY TREE

Liberty trees are popping up all over Paris, and everyone wants to plant one (if only to say they have). They're any kind of tree, and people are plopping them down in any bit of soil they can find. It's a symbol of the revolution, of patriotism, of loyalty, of whatever the planter wants it to be. Join in, or you'll inevitably be invited to the activity. It's a great way to get an ear to the ground for gossip, or just an idea of how things are going in the city.

LISTEN TO A SPEECH

France was just recently declared a republic after literally hundreds of years of unbroken absolutist monarchism. People are a little excited. Attend political clubs to listen to the speeches on the subject, all with their own perspective (but nearly all very much in favor of the republic). Or maybe you'll see someone speechifying on a street corner, throwing their ideas out to the masses. People are forthright about their political opinions, because they feel like, for the first time in history, their political opinions actually matter. It's pretty exciting, if you're into that sort of thing.

If not, feel free to let people know. Giving public speeches is an active process, and the speech makers are expected to be able to keep up with the crowd. Heckle, argue back, debate, start a fight, whatever.

The major things being debated are what, exactly, to do with the king and queen now that France is a republic. Should they be executed? Should they be brought down to normal citizenship? Should they serve as figureheads, like in England, making France a constitutional monarchy? Is that a step backward or forward? Everyone has an opinion, and everyone wants to hear it.

However, if you're lucky, you might catch the rare debate on other subjects: women's suffrage (still unheard of), the correct price for bread and coffee, what to do about the slaves in San Domingo, and which countries to invade in the upcoming war. It's all on the table.

read the France setting infopages

NAV. NETWORK LOGS OOC PLURK DISCORD

Comments

Eames | Inception | newcomer, ota!

[withimagination]

a. coffee break

Eames has been trying to settle in. He enjoys talking to the people, learning about them. Eames is chatting with a man exactly when the chaos starts. He hears a yell, glass breaking. And he begins to realize what's going on here.

A riot. Well, can't say he didn't see that one coming, but it still makes his heart race. He pushes back through the crowd around the shop, trying to get out of there. But he's shoved back when he tries to get past the guy he'd been talking to. So much for that. He finds another spot and pushes through. Almost there, almost there...

He pushes so hard past the crowd, that when he reaches the end of the crowd, he falls, just barely catching himself.

"Bloody riot," he growls, moving to push himself up.

b. get out

Eames is shoved out an inn door, stumbling backwards as his belongings follow him with a thud.

"I didn't know-"

The inn keeper slams the door, and Eames sighs, bending over to pick up his belongings. As a person passes, he glances at them with a - "That was completely uncalled for. I'm an excellent tenant. Are you looking for a place?"

c. wildcard

[Feel free to come up with something else or hit me up on plurk everlark to plot!]

b. get out

[planetdeath]

[She'd rather not speak at all, if anyone asked, but it would be a bit rude to just ignore someone who's called out to her. Though she's tempted. She tilts her head a bit, as if listening to something far away.]

Are you offering such a thing?

[withimagination]

Yes. Absolutely! I... don't have a place in mind, but having a roommate would be cheaper!

[He approaches her with a smile.]

Do you know of a place?

[planetdeath]

Not particularly. [She'd much rather build her own, truth be told.] How would one go about finding a landlord?

[withimagination]

Pray.

[Joking, joking.]

Everyone seems pretty booked up. But I may know a place down the road. I suppose I should introduce myself if we're to be roommates. Eames.

c. i can spot you in a crowd

[pointedlook]

[ The thing about Arthur is that he's meticulous. He's always had an eye for detail, people, faces, places– you name it, he probably remembers. It's made him the best point man in the business, this sponge-like ability to remember the small stuff. If he really listed everything out, it would be rolls and rolls of information. Ranging from every country Cobb was wanted in to the kind of cufflinks Eames wore that one time on a Venice job.

This uncanny talent means he can spot someone he recognizes nearly a mile away. And here is no different, not when he makes out the distinctive profile of Eames, making his way through the crowd. After some quick maneuvering, he slips through the cracks in the crowded street, winding his way closer to the forger.

As if luck is smiling on him, Eames pauses in front of a shop. Arthur slips up just behind him, off to his left side, leans forward, mouth close to his ear. ]

That jacket will look awful on you.

[withimagination]

[He's been here for a bit, a little disappointed (and relieved) that he hasn't seen anyone he recognizes. Maybe they're all home and okay. There are few people he cares about that much, but he thinks of them as he walks own the street leisurely.

He reaches the front of a clothing shop, peering in as he wonders if he really did the right thing coming here. And then he hears a voice to his left and stiffens on reflex. Arthur. His heart pumps a little faster. It isn't that Eames is bad at detecting threats, is what he tells himself. It's just Arthur is really, really good at being quiet and sneaky. Let's go with that. He tries to relax, not turning to face him quite yet. His fingers reach to touch the jacket's sleeve.]

The material is about the texture of sandpaper, so perhaps I'll heed your words.

[He turns then, still incredibly close and not stepping away, his hands stuffed in his pockets as he smirks at him. It's kind of delightful how their heights match up.]

Arthur. [He appears to be genuinely happy to see him. A quick look-over.] You look well. Having a blast in the past?

[pointedlook]

[ Eames, of course, has to touch the jacket. He's noticed the forger is a very tactile person, always needing to touch things or shake them. As if he needs to know the weight or dimensions of everything he encounters. It's... kind of amusing. Especially to someone like him, who rarely touches anything unless he has to.

Even now, with the two of them so close. He keeps his hands to himself, though he could push Eames in order to give them space. Their faces are a little close together, thanks to their matching height. Arthur quirks an eyebrow, mouth pulling up a bit. Closeness aside, he is happy to see Eames. ]

Yes and no. I'd murder for a real gun and a PASIV. And maybe the ability to wear a suit. This frippery is a bit much.

[ It's all the ruffles. On virtually everything. His expression turns serious as he gets into the deeper questions ] When did you get here? Did they recruit you by choice?

[withimagination]

Oh, I don't know. I kind of like the frills, [he says with a grin, taking his hand out of his pocket and reaching out to fluff the ruffles on Arthur's shirt.

His expression follows suit quickly.] Just yesterday. And yes, I chose to come here. It seemed foolish not to investigate what was going on, whether or not they're telling the truth.

[It's really actually a relief to see Arthur here. He really didn't want him to be, but now that he is... Eames is thankful for an ally. Sure, they argued and teased, and they had their differences, but he couldn't imagine Arthur would waste an opportunity for an ally. And, maybe, they're really the closest things to friends that either has had for a while.

He gestures to the street, smiling.] Walk with me? And same questions.

[pointedlook]

You would. [ Arthur squints at him as his shirt is ruffled. And just barely holds back from rolling his eyes. But only just. ]

Risky endeavour. [ That's what Eames is all about though. Of course something like this would appeal to him, if he knows anything about the forger. He's the creative one in the group, always thinking outside the box. And always up for some kind of challenge.

And as Arthur is realizing quickly– a dependable ally to have. Not that he thought him an enemy before, but he's someone to trust here, amongst strangers. Though, Cobb arrived recently. They haven't made contact yet and he still hasn't seen him in person to be able to say it's him. He chooses not to mention it and starts walking with Eames. ]

A few weeks ago. There was a battle in Valmy; we've been mired in politics here. [ And not always doing well. ] I got tricked. Said it was another dreamshare job, but when I showed up to meet them– I don't remember much before ending up on the field.

[withimagination]

[Is he learning from Cobb with that squint? The idea amuses him, but his attention drifts back to Arthur, his expression dipping back down to serious as he listens and frowns.]

That's not a good sign. I fear we'll have to stay on our toes, especially around the Commander.

[He looks back up at him.] I haven't had a chance to speak with her, but I think, if we're careful, we should ask her our burning questions.

[pointedlook]

[ (He really has been learning the squint from Cobb. Someone please separate them before it gets worse.)

Arthur nods, listening as Eames goes through his thoughts on the matter at hand. Of course at the mention of the Commander, he braces himself on reflex. He's not entirely sure what to make of Grothia, but she seems alright.

And well, she did answer his very stupid questions. ]

We'll have to be on alert for the regency in any case. As for the Commander, she's uh, she's not so bad. A soldier first, so she isn't gonna walk on eggshells.

[ He pauses, trying to sort through everything he wants to ask. ] Wait. What's the last thing you remember?

[withimagination]

[He blinks, not having realized that they could be from different times. What if Arthur doesn't know? He narrows his eyes, looking conflicted.]

Will I mess up time and space if I tell you? [He doesn't wait for an answer.] Nevermind, we're probably already screwing around with it too much. I was waiting for my bag at the airport.

[He smiles in a brief moment of giddiness, lowering his voice.] We pulled off inception. We really did it. [A pause.] What's the last thing you remember?

[pointedlook]

Pretty sure we're messing with it already, yeah.

[ A bunch of people from all sorts of eras in revolutionary France. If that hasn't messed up the historical timeline already, he'd be shocked.

Thankfully though, it seems like Eames remembers almost the same thing he does. It's a few weeks old in his mind but good enough. And honestly? He has to return the flash of the smile, still inordinately proud they managed to pull off inception. The job might've been the biggest clusterfuck he ever had to run point on, but they'd done it. ]

I was at a cafe, waiting to make contact with the fake job COST had spun. Fischer-Morrow made the announcement to dissolve a few days ago; caught it on the news.

[withimagination]

[He sighs, relieved that Arthur remembers that they succeeded. He likes that flash of a smile. Eames knows that Arthur enjoys their work just as much as he does, and he appreciates it. They really did an incredible thing together. He wishes they could celebrate.

He frowns again.] If COST lied about the job and got you here, that means they could be lying about my eventual family line being "bloodline criminals".

[Eames sighs, glancing at Arthur with a half-smile.] You really do look good. Any idea where you could buy me a drink?

[And now it's a cheeky smile being directed toward him.]

new option D. network!

[withimagination]

I could use some cheering up. Things are bloody awful out there. So let's get to know each other. What is your idea of a romantic date?

[justttkidding]

I don't know if the mess outside has quite reached the "bloody awful" tier. Perhaps just awful. Though if anymore chaos comes through, this era will be truly buggered.

[ Dirty English, ugh!!! ]

To answer your more positive endeavour– wine and stargazing. Maybe dancing.

[withimagination]

probably true. the chaos will probably get worse.

hm. that doesn't sound like too bad of a time. add in 'with eames' and you'll be golden. ;)

[justttkidding]

If history tells us anything, it's usually that things get worse before they get better.

You know, I was going to ask your name, purely for that reason. I get the feeling it would undeniably be a good time.

[withimagination]

sounds like someone I work for occasionally. no wait, that's 'things get worse before they become the worst possible situation ever and then they get better.'

I get the same impression with you. what name should I add to my perfect date, hm?

[justttkidding]

Oh? They sound quite practical, if pessimistic.

Jack Simon. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr Eames.

[withimagination]

pleasure's all mine. just eames is fine :)

tell me about yourself. what do you like to do in your downtime?

[justttkidding]

Very well, Eames.

Hmm, catch up on my reading, usually. Brush up on learning a new language. People watch. Admittedly, not very interesting, I'm afraid. What about yourself?

[withimagination]

very close to my interests. just add in video games and cooking and I'm in.

how long have you been with COST, jack? if I may call you that. do you think it's all rubbish or do you think it's the truth?

[So many questions... he's feeling like Ariadne... but this guy is interesting.]

[justttkidding]

Cooking? Do you have any specialty? I must admit I'm a novice when it comes to things like that. Work keeps me rather busy.

Ah, not long at all. I think it might be a little of both. Either way, it's an interesting thing we're caught in, wouldn't you agree?

[ Honestly, he doesn't care too much. He misses the luxuries of modern life, purely because they're faster and make life infinitely easier. But, he didn't get to the top of MI6 without being able to adapt. ]