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[use_everything]

"Messages will be returned in order of priority."

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[fullmetalbrat]

. . . I think it can wait a few more minutes. [For some reason? He sounds a little surprised that he's not being pulled off the phone yet.]

I just have one more question for you—so we can weigh our options well enough. Are you offering anything aside from the added protection of working together?

[use_everything]

[Together was more than Vorkosigan had proposed to the Colonel... and was quite interesting.]

Should you opt to work together with us, there is the sundries of regular pay, an experienced research and intelligence network in its beginnings. We've set aside a significant research and development budget to bring us up to the technological standards we're accustomed to, and will outfit accordingly.

[fullmetalbrat]

[That . . . is a lot of information to relay back without sounding awkward. So instead there's a brief rustling of paper while Ed jots down the list of perks that they could get with this guy.]

Not bad . . . If there's nothing else you wanted to ask, then we'll be in touch after we've spoken with General Armstrong.

[use_everything]

Ah, I believe you've forgotten your exchange. As we have moved from casual alliance into mutual investment...

What are you willing to offer?

[fullmetalbrat]

Two out of the four greatest scientific minds in our country. The Colonel's got plenty of experience with military strategy too.

[Winry is also here, but she sure as fuck isn't getting signed up for this unless she asks for it herself.]

[use_everything]

And political acumen; it was a good conversation. [There's a thoughtful, pleased sound over the line.] It would be good to have scientific advancements among all of this magic.

Do let me know what you agree upon, Mr. Elric.

[fullmetalbrat]

Like I said, we'll be in touch. It was good talking to you, Aral. [Enlightening, at least.]

[use_everything]

[And the line clicks off.]