xp_communication | IM log: Nathan and his mystery 'benefactor'

Nathan is waiting around online for Domino when, out of the blue,

Simonides: That you, Dayspring?
Simonides: Nathan?
GunForHire: Sorry. Got the wrong person.
Simonides: Sure I do. Do I need to quote more Alcman at you?
GunForHire: 'M'?
Simonides: Yeah.
GunForHire: Simonides. Cute. Not subtle, but cute.
Simonides: I try.
GunForHire: Give me another of the special quotes.
Simonides: Tyrtaeus: 'You should reach the limits of virtue before you cross the border of death.'
GunForHire: Shit. All right, so you know something only me and several dead people should. Who are you?
Simonides: Not over the computer, son.
GunForHire: ...Son?
Simonides: Never mind. Just wanted to make sure that you are coming to see me.
GunForHire: Was planning to, yes.
Simonides: Alone?
GunForHire: ...that's asking an awful lot.
Simonides: I know. If you show up with anyone, though, I'll be slipping out the back. Can't take the risk.
GunForHire: If you can't tell me who you are, can you at least tell me what sort of information you have? Why I should take the chance that this is a trap?
Simonides: Because those planning to make a stand had better make damned sure they have the weapons they need to be able to put up a fight. Basic strategy.
GunForHire: That's very vague.
Simonides: You expect me to be more specific in this particular medium?
GunForHire: Well, no.
Simonides: Good.
GunForHire: Not sure vague promises of help are enough to make the trip worth it, though.
Simonides: Ah. Well, I suppose I could get a little more specific, son.
GunForHire: That would be nice. And why do you keep calling me son?
Simonides: You'll know when you see me.
GunForHire: Confident, aren't you?
Simonides: Actually, yes. Here's another quote you might recognize...
Simonides: There flowers the battle-spear of young men.
Simonides: There the Muse is eloquent,
Simonides: There Justice in the wide ways lends force to actions of honor.
Simonides: Terpander. Always liked him best. Shame to see him put to such uses, though.
Simonides: Still there, Nate?
GunForHire: Yes.
Simonides: Good. Wasn't sure how hard that trigger would hit you.
Simonides: Are you alone in the room?
GunForHire: Yes.
Simonides: Even better. Now listen to me. You will come alone to our meeting. No need for backup. I'm not going to hurt you.
GunForHire: I'll come alone. I don't need backup. You're not going to hurt me.
Simonides: We've just got some business to take care of, that's all. I am going to help you, son. I just don't want your new friends coming along and complicating the issue.
GunForHire: I don't understand the order.
Simonides: Wasn't an order, Nate. Fuck... I feel like shit doing this to you, but we don't have time for you to be suspicious.
GunForHire: I don't understand. Repeat the order?
Simonides: Goddamn it. Okay. When I tell you, log off and go lie down. You're liable to feel a little shaky after this. We don't know how far your conditioning cracked - never got the chance to find out.
GunForHire: I'll log off and go lie down. Now?
Simonides: Not just yet. When I see you on Friday, I'm going to offer you a beer. You won't want to drink it, because you're justifiably paranoid and will think I've tampered with it. But you're going to drink it anyway.
GunForHire: I'll drink the beer you offer me.
Simonides: Good. It'll be okay, son. This is all for the best.
GunForHire: I don't understand the order.
Simonides: And again, I say fuck. I'm going to need a shower after this.... You can log off, Nate. Go lie down. I'll see you on Friday.
GunForHire: Understood.
***GunForHire signed off at Wed Apr 28 23:45:28 2004.