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[use_everything]

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[use_everything]

Hm. [He opens his hand, acknowledging the error.] The volume is the same, the content subdued.

[failureisntachoice]

At least I can't get headaches. [ It's a light grumble and she lets out a small sigh. ] I'm still not sure what I want to do about this whole link business, but I appreciate you explaining it better.

[use_everything]

The links are wholly new and... role quite undefined. Though, though it pleases me to think you would be the first female armsman Barrayar has seen. [The first one knowingly sworn, like stories of women dressing as men to join the wars, there were the occasional tale of a lady so taken with patriotism to her lord, skirts were discarded and hair was shorn.]

... Though, I would implore you, knowing what it means now, as well as I can present it. If you decide to remove it, do it while he is still young.

[failureisntachoice]

[ That causes her to completely freeze. That was the opposite of what she'd been planning. ]

You're joking, right? I can't talk to him seriously about this while he's a kid.

[use_everything]

Stone serious. As a child, when he returns to an adult, he will have innumerable reasons to rationalize why you, an able bodied and capable armsman, would leave his service. There is his age, not understanding his seriousness, Gregor also being young and quite overwhelmed with other links...

But when he is an able and capable lord, and you are an able and capable armsman, that changes the field significantly.

[failureisntachoice]

So you're saying I have an indeterminate amount of time to make this decision. And what if I wait? It sounds like I only need Gregor's permission to take care of the oath part.

[use_everything]

You could do that.

[At the very clear challenge, Aral's expression darkens, his tone clearly laced with what he thinks about that particular idea.]

[failureisntachoice]

[ Her back straightens immediately under that gaze.

Dryly, ] Then I guess my original plan of waiting won't work. I thought it'd be a good idea to keep the link at least until he aged up given how much trouble he's getting into.

[use_everything]

It is considerable.. almost impressive. You are correct there. Frankly, that doesn't abate with age. The excuses merely get sophisticated.

[failureisntachoice]

No, it doesn't. [ A beat then: ] Are you implying he needs a bodyguard with a link even at 20?

[use_everything]

There's no need for implication. It's a matter of fact, particularly given the situation with Lucifer.

[failureisntachoice]

And you think a random person he's sworn in is the one for that job? I can't say I fully understand this whole oath deal even with what you've shown me.

[use_everything]

[He doesn't answer that immediately. He sets his chin on his fist and merely watches her. There could easily be stating the obvious... but the fact that she was in no way random was beyond that. This wasn't honest objection.

This was kicking on the way down.]

Regardless, as the Lord Vorkosigan, approve of the choice.

[Letting go of the high manner in which the last line was delivered, the next was muted, sincere.]

You are welcome to the position, but not obligated. Please think it over.

[failureisntachoice]

Approve already, huh?

[ It's more rhetorical than anything else. He wouldn't have bothered showing her anything if he didn't approve. Whether or not she wants this...

The jury is still out, but with any luck she'll have time to decide. ]

I'll think about it. Would I still be collecting my pay as usual?

[use_everything]

[The affirmative gesture comes easily.] Keep receipts for expenditures, travel and suchlike. They will be handled.

[failureisntachoice]

[ Wait, what? ] Just for during this mess or...?

[use_everything]

As an armswoman, you are working. Those are routine reimbursements.

[failureisntachoice]

Working the same hours I usually do or around the clock?

[use_everything]

[Ah, here we are.]

Around the clock, full pay for on shift, quarter-pay for off. Naturally, you're expected to be on call. Hazard and active combat is double. Standard, really.

[failureisntachoice]

If I get brought in when off shift, what then? And what about injuries? A normal healer won't work and last I heard, we didn't have a tech on call that could handle mechanical bodies. I know someone at StarkTech who would likely do repairs [ For free, but she'll leave that part out for now. ], but who knows when he'd be available.

[use_everything]

Full pay begins at the moment of the call, hourly rate until the stand down is given. [This was said with the same bland, automatic answers as the rest. The next gives him a pause. That was a truly unique problem.]

It would be our duty to provide... We'd have to talk in detail, should you accept.

[failureisntachoice]

[ She nods in acceptance of the facts. That's information she'll be tucking away and keeping track of with computer-precision. ]

It's hard to make a decision if I don't know all the details ahead of time. What else is it your duty to provide?

[use_everything]

Safe accommodation for you, and such family as you take. Three meals in house, rations or stipend out. Two dress uniforms in good working order, two undress. Access to commsat- a little difficult here, we should assume the network shall suffice. Two weeks paid leave, schedule and timing subject to approval in order to receive pay. Those are the major ones.

There are more archaic and less useful ones still in record. I will assure you they rely on such provisions as swords and horses.

[failureisntachoice]

I wouldn't say no to more weapons, but I can do without the horse unless you're planning on doing all the upkeep.

[ There's a small pause as she considers the more serious list then nods. ] Am I right in assuming this doesn't need a written contract? It's just guaranteed with the oath?

[use_everything]

An oath is a contract, binding and complete.