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WHO: Petyr Baelish and Brandon Heat
WHERE: Baelish's Mayoral Office
WHEN: Early April
WHAT: They discuss a promotion.
WARNINGS: None so far. Will update if necessary.

[ When things had calmed down from the usual bustle, Petyr invited Brandon into his office so he could have an important discussion with him. There was so much paperwork to be done in the absence of many of his former employees, and while a lot of his non-imPort staff stepped up their game to take on tasks, Baelish was still left with holes he wanted to fill. Particularly when it came to bodyguards. There had been a time where he had four of varying skills. Now, he was down to one.

When Brandon arrived, Petyr flashed him a quick smile -- gesturing toward a seat. ]

Brandon. I am glad you could come. Care for a drink? I have the office stocked with wine if that is to your tastes. You could consider it celebratory wine because most immediately, and I will cut straight to the chase, I would like to offer you a promotion.

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[Brandon sits more towards the edge of the seat, ready to be back on his feet at a moment's notice. He is, first of all, on the job, no matter where they are.

He's about to refuse the wine (on the clock, after all), when the rest of the offer comes and leaves him in surprised silence. Of course, many of the staff have ported out, but Brandon had expected Baelish to pull in some established natives before offering anything more to him.]

A promotion?

Yes. The whims of the porter can be unpredictable and ever changing. You never got the opportunity to meet Jorah Mormont, but he had been my original bodyguard for the past year. And then at a moment's notice -- swept away without a trace, along with most others from my own world.

[ Petyr poured himself a glass of wine with a rueful smile. ]

I started my journey in this world alone, and I predicted I would outlast all others from Westeros. I suppose I should have bet upon it. I would be a rich man.

[ Lifting his glass in amusement, he takes a sip. ]

But I certainly am not a poor man, and I can definitely afford to not only increase your pay, but give you the title as my main bodyguard. Unfortunately for you, it means you may have to see my face a bit more.

[Brandon's silent for a string of moments, his expression distant. He doesn't doubt he can do the job. In Millenion, he'd been trusted both to carry out significant jobs himself and to lead his own team, and he'd proved himself capable over and over. More work here is a welcome idea. Even more to keep him engaged, work where he knows he'll be useful.

But he's struck by learning that Baelish was the first to arrive from his world, and is the last left. Brandon's thought about going home (constantly), and thought about what might happen if someone from his world came here. What they might do. He hasn't really thought about regaining someone only to lose them again. The Porter makes loss so unpredictable, gives it a particular kind of hopelessness, even before you consider the fact that some imPorts are dead in their own worlds.

Brandon's brows draw together a bit as he considers offering sympathy, but he decides against it. He doubts Baelish wants it. And so he switches to a polite smile.]

I don't mind. I'd like the job.

[ Baelish isn't particularly the sentimental sort. So it is good instinct on Brandon's behalf to not offer condolences or anything of the like. Instead, it's his simple answer and stoicism that bring a touch of a reminiscent smile to his face. Brandon is definitely a suitable replacement for Jorah, right down to the temperament. ]

Excellent. Then along with getting a raise to your base pay, you will be entitled to cash bonuses as well. [ His fingertip rises to his lips. ] Under the table, of course.

[ So don't go reporting that income on your taxes, Brandon ol' pal. ]

Now, if I were to consider giving you your own security team -- would you be comfortable with this? Or would you prefer to handle things solo?

I wouldn't need a bonus. [Back home, Brandon is, technically, a wealthy man. But he's never spent much on himself. He's learned to appreciate fine things, but he doesn't really want them, and so his money tends to sit unused until someone needs it. His protest still comes across as automatic, though. He knows how things work. Typically, if the boss thinks to slide you some extra, you're going to end up with it.]

I led a team back home. It was...helpful. [Rewarding, in a way, and a reassurance. Supremely useful, strategically.]

There's no need to be humble, my friend.

[ Petyr says with a hint of a grin. Sure, people don't need a bonus. But it certainly doesn't hurt anything to have one. Extra money in the pocket never does anyone any harm. Unless they do not carry it wisely and get mugged, of course. ]

That is good to hear. Some people prefer to keep to themselves. Jorah was that way, so I never gave him true authority over the other people I had hired. But it would be incredibly helpful to have someone to be a strong leader for my security team.

[ A beat. ]

Especially since I plan to do something incredibly dangerous within the next couple of days.

[It's less humility than a statement of fact, but Brandon gives a resigned shrug. If nothing else, he's sure he can find other imPorts who could use some extra funds.

Baelish's last statement saves him from Brandon downplaying his own leadership capabilities. (Harry's the leader. He's the charismatic one, never mind the admiration Brandon's earned from his team.) For the briefest moment his face shows his surprise, but it's immediately overtaken by the impassive professional. He sits slightly straighter, leans slightly forward.]

What do you have planned?

[Honestly, Brandon, if you want anyone to believe you were involved in totally normal security work back home you should be more surprised by some things.]

I am sure you've seen the message the Ambassadors have put across the network about contacting the OTO.

[ Petyr pauses. He feels confident sharing his intentions with Brandon because Brandon doesn't seem the sort who will go and spill his secrets freely. Besides, it's only a few days in advance. The public will know of his offer soon enough. ]

I plan on extending an invitation for a representative to meet with me alone in an area of their choosing under the pretense of using myself as bait. Considering they are an organization who would be willing to blow up an entire city out of hatred for imPorts, this will be a rather bold and potentially deadly move. But I am a high profile imPort. I would make a rather attractive lure if I do say so myself.

[Again, there's a moment of surprise before Brandon controls his expression. That's definitely "incredibly dangerous."

But if it means a chance to actually get at OTO...from what Brandon understands they've been a threat for some time, and with recent events they've become a threat to everybody, imPort or not. Stopping them is going to require information. Leverage. Force. They need to be drawn out.

It's a while before Brandon says anything, or even really moves. He wonders if he'd be able to use his powers to get close, or if any representative of OTO would have tech on them to prevent that.]

We'd have time to prepare the area?

It all depends on what they say -- if they agree to this meeting. I will give them as many homefield advantages as possible. Choice of venue, time, going alone while they could have many forces -- etc. What they do not count on is my vast network of spies.

[ Baelish holds out his hand and as if by command, a mockingbird flies in through the window -- perching upon his finger. Petyr smirks a bit. ]

They would be the ones keeping watch. They would be the ones to inform you, should things go south. I intend to uphold my promise of going alone, but that does not mean I do not plan on having a bodyguard nearby in case I need a swift extraction. Or in the event that it gets too dangerous -- there to inform the rest of the imPorts what's become of me.

[ Of course, Baelish being Baelish -- while he realizes the risk, he is also confident that he can strike a deal with OTO. ]

[It's completely reckless, even with the backup the mockingbirds can provide (it's still surprising to think like that). However great the payoff could be, the chance of it happening is small. Thinking you'll come back with something takes confidence bordering on overconfidence.

It's something Harry would do. It gives Brandon an intense homesickness - and a feeling of comfort, like he belongs. He lets out a breath too short to be called a sigh and shakes his head, but he's smiling slightly.]

You'll make it back. [In the event the OTO accept, Brandon will make sure of that.]

[ The assurance from Brandon causes Baelish to smile in approval. While Jorah had been excellent at his job, Brandon would excel where Jorah could not. He had a confidence that was assuring. And more than that, he seemed to care. So, with a confident, wagging finger -- Baelish says: ]

I knew I made a good choice when I hired you.

[ Perhaps these things happen for a reason. The porter takes away people to bring in even better replacements. ]

If there is an option to request this meeting privately, I will. I do not want too many people privy to what I intend to do. You know imPorts -- always intervening and making things a mess. So I intend to keep it between us and the birds. And possibly a third party. One who may be able to provide the getaway vehicle.

[The show of appreciation sets the smile in more. As much as he can be glad about settling in here more, Brandon's glad he took this job.

He nods. Any chance this plan would have of success would hinge on the OTO's trust. The more people involved, the more chances for that to be broken.]

A getaway vehicle?

[He's assuming something...unusual.]

A friend of mine has quite the talent for operating vehicles from a distance.

[ Baelish answers with a vague smile. As far as this world goes, it's not the most unusual thing considering some of the powers some boasted to have. But it's still not quite the norm. ]

I will have to speak to them further to see what limitations they may possess. Either way, I do believe it would be good to have a quick escape route, should we need it. This is, of course, all assuming the OTO will not be a group devoted to peaceful negotiations.

[ He's mirthful when he says it. The OTO has already proven itself to be highly volatile. Why should it be expected they will be anything but? Perhaps they will surprise him, though. Except they won't surprise him because Baelish will be prepared for every possible scenario. It is his strength to overplan everything. ]

[Brandon purses his lips for a moment. He doesn't doubt Baelish, but he hopes he'll be able to evaluate this "friend" before working with them. He nods, though. A reliable exit is always necessary. It's possible the OTO will be open to negotiation now. It depends on how much they had invested in the missiles and their success. You can never depend on "possible," though.]

Best to prepare. [He's far from cheerful, but Brandon does say it more lightly than he might have. It doesn't take knowing Baelish long to know he prepares.]

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