Imperial Soldier's Mafia: Day 2

[def]

I don't find that argument convincing at all. Is there a man among us who doesn't wish to be with his family again?

I find these four votes in rapid succession with little foundation very suspicious indeed.

[Shadows]

I don't find that argument convincing at all. Is there a man among us who doesn't wish to be with his family again?

Exactly. What a silly reasoning for murdering someone without evidence. We are all missing our families. If anyone was not likely to admit that, it would be a deserter trying to hide his feelings. The Private's openness only shows that he is honest with his emotions, which is not a sign of guilt or innocence. I will not be making that vote without something more than nonsense.

I find these four votes in rapid succession with little foundation very suspicious indeed.

You do make a point there, though. No activity on the surface and then a little blood in the water and the sharks circle fast.

[Rick]

I'm with privates Gale and Shadón on this so far. I'm sure everyone misses their families during such a long war. But I'm convinced this isn't the number one reason to betray our regiment and our country. For deserting this fine regiment certainly isn't in the best interest of anyone's family. Your family will be without any income and you'll likely be on the run for the rest of your life, 'cause our brave nation doesn't take the act of deserting lightly.

And I too find this jumping on the captain's bandwagon suspicious. Again, someone is targeted merely because he was trying to bring order to this chaos. Chaos is only benefiting the deserters among us, because noone has more to gain from a divided regiment. Surely the odds of us voting off an innocent honorable soldier are far greater than us voting off one of them, because I refuse to believe they outnumber us. The odds are on their side, let wisdom be at our side.

[pedro]

At ease men!

I don't find that argument convincing at all. Is there a man among us who doesn't wish to be with his family again? I find these four votes in rapid succession with little foundation very suspicious indeed.

Taking initiative is not a cause for suspicion Private. In any event accusation is a means to proving guilt - not innocence.

Exactly. What a silly reasoning for murdering someone without evidence. We are all missing our families. If anyone was not likely to admit that, it would be a deserter trying to hide his feelings. The Private's openness only shows that he is honest with his emotions, which is not a sign of guilt or innocence. I will not be making that vote without something more than nonsense... You do make a point there, though. No activity on the surface and then a little blood in the water and the sharks circle fast.

This isn't murder Private Shadon. Nor is it paranoia. It's court martial. Trial by jury. If it is seen fit by our peers that Entaine should not be voted for in this instance then so be it. I am a man of honor and trust the will of my men. This talk of 'sharks and blood' is the only nonsense here.

Let Private Entaine come forth and speak his piece.

[Rick]

Taking initiative is not a cause for suspicion Private. In any event accusation is a means to proving guilt - not innocence.

Questioning someone, accusation if you like, is indeed a means of getting to answers, ...

Let Private Entaine come forth and speak his piece.

... but if all - or even a majority - of your privates would simply follow your lead, Sir, Private Entaine would not have had a chance to defend himself, because then a verdict would have been reached already.

Now do note that I do not have any reason to defend Private Entaine, I just think we should let him speak before voting against him, but I also do not have a reason to be overly suspicious about him.

[Sandy]

I find the rising defending of Pvt. Entaine much more suspicious than the accusations.

The fact remains that we have to vote someone out today, or face the more grave consequences. I will gladly go with the first option. At this point, aside from myself I cannot tell if any of you are honourable or deserters, so I'd rather take a risk with you than myself.

Thus, I unvote: Pvt. Wilson Gale (Whitefang), and subsequently vote: Pvt. Alan Entaine (Alice).

[MetroiD]

There seems to be paranoia setting in to find these deserters...

And it definitely shows by the entire process of voting here.

Once again however, as I've stated, the lack of any solid information dictates that I refrain from voting for now. Even if that might mean I am letting one of the deserters slip through the cracks, I'd rather see that happen and then act on it immediately than put a question mark over the integrity of an innocent man.

I fully understand that my fellow soldiers want me and Provost Guard Ian Ded to act quickly in order to expose the deserters, but you must bear in mind that this is simply not the kind of work that's done overnight. One thing I can tell you for sure though is, my work here will be done!

[Sandy]

Once again however, as I've stated, the lack of any solid information dictates that I refrain from voting for now. Even if that might mean I am letting one of the deserters slip through the cracks, I'd rather see that happen and then act on it immediately than put a question mark over the integrity of an innocent man.

I have read books that had similar problems as we are facing now depicted them. They were called "Infection" and "Prohibition", I recall. In both books, the group with traitors in them declined on voting each other out during the days, leading to an easy and quick victory for the traitors.

Inaction is much more detrimental to our cause than voting one person out, because we can't effectively prevent the killings from happening at nights.

[pedro]

...but if all - or even a majority - of your privates would simply follow your lead, Sir, Private Entaine would not have had a chance to defend himself, because then a verdict would have been reached already.

It is an unfortunate aspect of command that these provocations must be made for the good of all, Private Aellot. We cannot tarry when confronted by this decay amongst our ranks. Private Entaine is free to speak his part, but must show face - and with haste!

Once again however, as I've stated, the lack of any solid information dictates that I refrain from voting for now. Even if that might mean I am letting one of the deserters slip through the cracks, I'd rather see that happen and then act on it immediately than put a question mark over the integrity of an innocent man.

I fully understand that my fellow soldiers want me and Provost Guard Ian Ded to act quickly in order to expose the deserters, but you must bear in mind that this is simply not the kind of work that's done overnight. One thing I can tell you for sure though is, my work here will be done!

Good Lord Dalese! I'm most surprised by this lackadaisical attitude from one of such standing. Letting a deserter slip through the cracks rather than questioning the integrity of an innocent man? Good gravy! Have you seen the devastating effect of what resides when but one deserter is left to run amok amongst us? Evil intent, a barrel of explosive and that all that can identify Captain Lecoq is his backpack!

We cannot let this process of trial by jury go unfettered. As long as we do we hand a free pass to these would-be assassins. I'm not about to accept that. I thought that the Provost Guards of all people would understand this.

I have read books that had similar problems as we are facing now depicted them. They were called "Infection" and "Prohibition", I recall. In both books, the group with traitors in them declined on voting each other out during the days, leading to an easy and quick victory for the traitors.

Inaction is much more detrimental to our cause than voting one person out, because we can't effectively prevent the killings from happening at nights.

I am familiar with those books Private Yellman. I'm sure there are copies available in the camp stores and suggest that you all make use of your leisure time by reading them and taking heed of the message posed therein.

For as long as a state of stalemate and inaction previals, so the deserters will work in the dark, drawing their heinous plans around us like a shroud, suffocating all that is good and just.

These killing will not stop... and nor must we in our pursuiut of these fiends.

As you were men.

[def]

Taking initiative is not a cause for suspicion Private. In any event accusation is a means to proving guilt - not innocence.

Initiative is not the issue. It's four people making an identical vote with little rationale behind it. One person, yes. But four? No, it doesn't sit right by me. More is needed than, He missed his family, therefore...

I stand by my vote. I'm not 100% sure, but far more so than I am about Pvt. Entaine. This feels like a lynching, a coordinated one.

[Alice]

Men, as Lieutenant I feel I should make a decisive move or our continual procrastination will cost us dearly - of that I am sure!

As I mentioned before, I have my suspicions, but I am willing to share my thoughts on one of our number now... that being Private Alain Entaine.

None amongst us has been so open in their feelings of detachment from family - can one who's feelings are consumed so really be focused on our momentous task at hand and the preservation of our Fine Army, our comrades? The desire to see family again is one of the strongest reasons a deserter will turn his back on his fellows.

I say to you, Private, that maybe it began with a longing to see your family again after these many months, a longing you could keep in check at first. But maybe that longing has became an endless and desparate yearning, turning, twisting into an unquenchable desire to be with those you love, corrupting and maddening your senses as you seek any exit from our Illustrious Army, even if it means murder!

Under such circumstances a man might find allies. It may even be that your call for shared information is an attempt to draw out those of honorable stature so that you or your conspirators can quickly silence them!

What say you Private Entaine? Prove me wrong or by God I'll run you through myself if I find you've had a part in this devilish scheme!

Vote: Private Alain Entaine (Alice).

I agree, Alain's longing to be with his family is a tad suspicious (although maybe too obvious for a deserter to say). This on top of his request for our investigators to out themselves so early in this game we call life.

Just to apply some pressure and get perhaps something out of this day, I'll Vote: Alain Entainte / Alice for now.

I find the rising defending of Pvt. Entaine much more suspicious than the accusations.

The fact remains that we have to vote someone out today, or face the more grave consequences. I will gladly go with the first option. At this point, aside from myself I cannot tell if any of you are honourable or deserters, so I'd rather take a risk with you than myself.

Thus, I unvote: Pvt. Wilson Gale (Whitefang), and subsequently vote: Pvt. Alan Entaine (Alice).

This seems a bit odd to me. So the only evidence against me is that I miss my wife. I don't even have any children or family other than her. I do miss her. She is the love of my life and I want to go home to her alive. I am quite displeased with the vote against me and it seems coordinated. I think everyone who voted against me is certain of my honoured status but is going after someone that they can make the best case against. It is quite a weak case. I encourage you all to look at these accusations. I do not want to cast a defensive vote, but I do think it is time that those who voted for me start defending yourselves. If you are honoured, I hope that you would not kill an honoured soldier, especially one who is invested in keeping all of his fellow honoured soldiers alive.

The deserters have now made themselves apparent. I encourage all of my fellow honoured soldiers to take a look at these accusations and see that they hold no water.

[Sandy]

The deserters have now made themselves apparent. I encourage all of my fellow honoured soldiers to take a look at these accusations and see that they hold no water.

I wouldn't be so quick to judge all of us as deserters. I for one am motivated to get someone voted out, since it's the only thing I can do in this game of life to get rid of the low-lifes infesting our brigade.

Like I said, at this point, we have to make a shot in the dark. Unless you are willing to prove why you are so valuable to us, I can't really think of a better person to vote out than you.

Ask yourself: would the deserters really be so openly organized? If I were a deserter, I would try to lay low as long as possible, and only vote with the majority. Today, I was the one who started voting, for someone who nobody else even suspected, even. I have nothing to hide, and nothing to lose.

So I apologize, but right now the one getting "shot in the dark" is you. The votes could turn to me today or tomorrow, but that's the way of this game of life.

[def]

So I apologize, but right now the one getting "shot in the dark" is you. The votes could turn to me today or tomorrow, but that's the way of this game of life.

If it's a "shot in the dark" you want, I suggest the Provosts, who've brought nothing to assuage us so far... Just a continuing investigation and a dead captain.

[MetroiD]

Have you seen the devastating effect of what resides when but one deserter is left to run amok amongst us? Evil intent, a barrel of explosive and that all that can identify Captain Lecoq is his backpack!

Yes, and an entire Regiment full of hungry, sausage-munching no-good-doers who only care about their stomachs - or wives. If I was to base my vote on observations, I'd probably have to vote off almost every single soldier in this Regiment, since all that their captain's death has done is to increase their appetite for sausages and intrigues.

Today, I was the one who started voting, for someone who nobody else even suspected, even. I have nothing to hide, and nothing to lose.

Isn't the latter the definition of a 'deserter' in most cases? I don't see how stating that you were the first one to start pointing fingers for no apparent reason proves that you are indeed an honoured soldier. If anything, it points in the other direction.

If it's a "shot in the dark" you want, I suggest the Provosts, who've brought nothing to assuage us so far... Just a continuing investigation and a dead captain.

Monsieur Gale, I had made a decision not to vote for anyone until I have conclusive evidence as to where their loyalties lie. I may not be holding a piece of paper in my hands showing without a doubt that you are a traitor who's willing to bomb his own captain just so that they can escape the battlefield, but your deeds during this last day have been more than enough of a proof as to where you stand here.

Trying to turn your fellow soldiers on me and monsiuer Ian Des is a very cowardly deed, even more so when all you have to say to defend this is "if it's a shot in the dark you want, why not go for them Provosts". Other than a deserter, I just can't see who else would want both me and Mr. Des out of the picture.

Hence it is clear to me who I should cast my vote for here and who is most definitely one of the deserters among us. I hereby vote: Private Dan Gale.

[Alice]

I wouldn't be so quick to judge all of us as deserters. I for one am motivated to get someone voted out, since it's the only thing I can do in this game of life to get rid of the low-lifes infesting our brigade.

Like I said, at this point, we have to make a shot in the dark. Unless you are willing to prove why you are so valuable to us, I can't really think of a better person to vote out than you.

Ask yourself: would the deserters really be so openly organized? If I were a deserter, I would try to lay low as long as possible, and only vote with the majority. Today, I was the one who started voting, for someone who nobody else even suspected, even. I have nothing to hide, and nothing to lose.

So I apologize, but right now the one getting "shot in the dark" is you. The votes could turn to me today or tomorrow, but that's the way of this game of life.

I am judging you all as deserters. For voting off an innocent man is deserting enough. I do think the deserters would be that organized. As far as you are concerned, you stated yesterday that you didn't want to vote anyone off and then today you have voted for 2 different individuals with no evidence. That shows me that you know who your fellow deserters are and are making weak cases aimed at people who you know are not deserters. As I said previously, I believe you are insulting the intellect of my fellow honoured soldiers by voting for me. Keep doing that so that I will know who my fellow honoured are, as well as, your fellow deserters.

[def]

Monsieur Gale, I had made a decision not to vote for anyone until I have conclusive evidence as to where their loyalties lie. I may not be holding a piece of paper in my hands showing without a doubt that you are a traitor who's willing to bomb his own captain just so that they can escape the battlefield, but your deeds during this last day have been more than enough of a proof as to where you stand here.

Trying to turn your fellow soldiers on me and monsiuer Ian Des is a very cowardly deed, even more so when all you have to say to defend this is "if it's a shot in the dark you want, why not go for them Provosts". Other than a deserter, I just can't see who else would want both me and Mr. Des out of the picture.

Hence it is clear to me who I should cast my vote for here and who is most definitely one of the deserters among us. I hereby vote: Private Dan Gale.

My previous statement was indeed hasty and overstated, and perhaps regrettable, so I respect your decision.

The actual intent of that statement was to communicate that the rash of voting for Entaine has unnerved me, and it was the second time a provost's behaviour has not sat well with me. So, having seen our captain pass in the last 24 hours, I am unsure of how high up in the hierarchy this corruption has reached. I wonder why you think yourself and Mr. Des should be above suspicion? Up to this point, the two of you are the only ones who've exhibited any suspicious behaviour. In contrast, my only "suspicious" behaviour is suspecting you.

I place my country first above all. Let us have more concrete information tomorrow.

[Alice]

I'd like to add, if there is an investigator who would like to know the truth, investigate one of us tonight and you will have your truth. I hope I make it through the day and this will be possible.

[def]

I too, would love to be investigated, to have my status as an honoured confirmed. I have nothing to hide.

[Rick]

Lieutenant Pellcan, sir, you have this morning called upon all your men to share any information they'd have with you in private. Have you heard anything there that lead you to your suspicion this afternoon? I believe transparency about this would be in order, because as you probably know it is transparency which leads us to have faith in our direct superiors.

[Sandy]

Isn't the latter the definition of a 'deserter' in most cases? I don't see how stating that you were the first one to start pointing fingers for no apparent reason proves that you are indeed an honoured soldier. If anything, it points in the other direction.

Don't be absurd. I'm in this brigade because I have nothing to lose. If I wanted to desert, I would have a reason for it, wouldn't I?

And my votes may not prove my innocence, but they certainly prove that I'm not part of an organized group. I will gladly draw in attention because, again, I have nothing to hide.

As far as you are concerned, you stated yesterday that you didn't want to vote anyone off and then today you have voted for 2 different individuals with no evidence.

I never said I didn't want to vote anybody out, on the contrary I stated that I will gladly help to dig out the deserters. When nobody came up with any suggestions to vote for, I just said that we should sleep over the night since we would be a bit wiser in the morning.

Trust me, if someone would have voiced their suspicions yesterday and started voting, I would've most likely voted with them. It may be rash, and the results may prove wrong, but I always prefer action over inaction - especially in a dire situation like this.

So while the rest of you may cower and pee your pants in fear, I refuse to just sit around and do nothing while we are taken out one by one by the deserters!

[MetroiD]

In contrast, my only "suspicious" behaviour is suspecting you.

There is a thin line between suspecting and calling on your fellow soldiers to vote both Provost Guards off - which would only aide your cause. And you've long crossed that line, hence my vote for you.

Now, I understand that for some reason you have a personal issue with me - hell, I've been calling most soldiers around here sausage-munching no-good-doers, so almost everyone has their reason to bear a grudge against me. But these latest actions of yours go far beyound personal feelings of dislike for me - they involve both myself as a Provost Guard and my colleague Ian Des. We do not in any way think that we are above the other soldiers, nor above suspicion - since obviously you are all paranoid - but do not forget that we have been brought to actually do a job. If we wanted to run away, any one of us could have done that long before ending up in the 42. Regiment of all places.

As to all the "I have nothing to hide" claims being made recently - curiously, I was probably the first one to do so and I ended up being a deserter, at least in the eyes of Mr. Gale - who, on the other side, claims to be pure as a dove. Double standards, perhaps?

[Shadows]

So while the rest of you may cower and pee your pants in fear, I refuse to just sit around and do nothing while we are taken out one by one by the deserters!

Ah, you are so brave... with someone else's life.

You have nothing to lose? And when you are found to be wrong and have caused an honourable man to lose his life, will you bravely stand next to die?

I bet not, for you are the worst type of coward, the kind who is brave with the lives of others, others you hide behind. No, you will point fingers and say, "but they said it too!" and "oh no, we were wrong, oh well, too bad", all the while rubbing your filthy hands together in glee that you have another miserable day of life at the expense of another.

Almost sounds like a deserter, doesn't it?

[Sandy]

Haha, thanks for the deep analysis about me, Mr. Shadón.

I know why you are defending Mr. Entaine, but you fail to see that I haven't really gotten many options to choose from. Two other people voted for Etaine, so I went with them. That's all I've got against him.

I strongly feel we must vote someone out, but whatever name I write down, there's always going to be resistance. "No, it's not me, I'm innocent, you're making a mistake!" etc. Should I just bend under every objection, never trusting my intuitition - my only weapon?

For now, I will unvote: Alain Entaine (Alice), but that doesn't mean I trust his innocence. I just don't want to take the chance with him.

So... who's next?

[pedro]

Lieutenant Pellcan, sir, you have this morning called upon all your men to share any information they'd have with you in private. Have you heard anything there that lead you to your suspicion this afternoon? I believe transparency about this would be in order, because as you probably know it is transparency which leads us to have faith in our direct superiors.

Indeed Private. Transparency is respectable but I implore you all do not share your night tactics openly. This will immediately make you a target of those who would seek to destroy us.

Disappointingly there hasn't been a tide of response for my call, but that is somewhat understandable in our current situation. Suffice to say I have seen fit to contact others, at random, of my concerns and seek to speak privately with yet more.

I suspect several of us gathered here. I have a list of soldiers which I am trying to determine guilt over over the course of time. My accusation against Private Entaine is based directly on what I have seen and heard of his behaviour. If it is the will of those present to have him court marshalled then so be it. At every stage I have given Entaine a chance to speak. I even initiated private communique this afternoon which bore no fruit. This may be understandable in light of my accusation but does not still my suspicion.

As a high ranking officer on camp I feel it is my honorable duty to motivate us all to greater deeds. Yet I am in a dangerous postion. Like our Captain who has gone before us my rank will most likely mark me for death.

But have heart men. Some of us may fall by the wayside... but with determination and communication we'll rid ourselves of these degenerates.

[Alice]

I fear that Lt Pellcan may be trying to use our trust in authority to see who he will vote off next. He tried to threaten me in a private talk with him that if I had a certain nightly duty and revealed it in public, I would surely die. In these times, let's all remember that we can trust no one including our superiors. I know that we are not supposed to question authority, but I fear that our authority may be using our information against the honourable soldiers and killing off the ones who have certain nightly duties that would keep the deserters from success.

My reasons for being suspicious are as follows:

1. Threatening my life in private conversation if I reveal proof of my honorable status in public.

2. Wanting to know all of the information found out by people with nightly duties in private rather than discussing it in public. At this point if we have a case against someone, we need to discuss it in the open. As I have mentioned previously, our leaders are not necessarily honorable and we have no evidence that they are honorable. This particular tactic sounds like a way for the deserters to take over our camp and kill our honorable soldiers or blackmail them into deserting our cause. I believe that there are few deserters at this point, but their numbers will most likely continue to grow as the days pass.

3. He is quick to accuse someone that there is no evidence against.

Does anyone have any reason to trust Lt Pellcan other than him telling us that we should trust him?