Tightening the Collar [Closed]

Dawnhawk had managed to keep things under control in Skyclan for now. He had informed the nightstrikers and others to do whatever they felt was necessary to keep order until he returned. He needed to talk to Theron. He had scouts and spies all over the camp and a lot of what he was hearing was far from pleasing. The smarter cats were coming along quietly and keeping their heads down, but the ones intent on resisting were about to pay a serious price, if he had the proper permissions. It was more than just executions that he was capable of thinking about, though he wasn't opposed to them if they were needed. Dawnhawk easily passed by the guards at the camp and went straight for where Theron typically stayed.

"Theron, I have reports... as well as requests." He said as he entered, though he kept his head down as he approached. He knew he had a fair amount of influence over a lot of cats, but Theron wasn't one of them. He quickly organized his thoughts as he thought about what needed to be said as well as addressed. Hopefully she was in a listening mood.

Theron was resting in the back of the Asylum cat, in the shade of a large tree. Her eyes were remained fixed on her paws, studying her pawpads and claws in almost a bored manner as she was listening to reports from a few of her Nightstrikers that had arrived from the different camps. That was until the current cat she was listening to suddenly cut off - causing her to look up to see them nervously backing out of the way of... "Dawnhawk, what a surprise," she purred, waving her paw to dismiss the cats who were lingering about. "You are in luck, I was already listening to reports. ...But requests?" she blinked, before she smiled softly. "Hmmm, I do suppose you have done enough for our cause for me to at least consider your requests. So, what is it?"

Dawnhawk noted the way the other nightstrikers looked at him. He kept his face cold and unresponsive, but he felt a twinge of pride to see how wary they were of him. He wasn't likely to attack one of them, but it was a reaction so few had given him in his life that he would drink it in for now. Theron had apparently already heard reports? Well... he was going to make sure that she knew what he wanted her to know, in case one of her other nightstrikers had skipped over some of it.

"The takeover went well, I'm sure you heard. A few casualties thanks to my idiot father and sister, but it's been taken care of. I really hope you don't intend to let Bloodstrike back home. He'll never submit. He'll die first and he'll die proudly, taking whoever he can with him." Theron probably figured this out already, but over-communicating, he wagered, was less harmful than under-communicating. "Wolfstar has come back. We've got him fairly passive for the time being, but I have a feeling it won't last forever. I will report back if there is further bloodshed." Now... onto the parts that actually brought Dawnhawk all of the way here.

"I am managing to convert a cat here and there, the younger ones are fairly malleable still. However, there will always be resistance in the beginning of take-overs. Mothers still tell their kits to be wary of the Asylum and not to trust us. Definitely the more senior warriors are wary and resentful and probably will be until they finally die. While I am fairly sure I can convert the youngest, it takes a lot of my time to do so. I don't intend to be an elder by the time things are settled within Skyclan. I need more resources, or a more effective plan. Perhaps I can bring apprentice-aged kits from the Asylum back with me to play with the clan kits? If they begin making friends with Asylum kits at a young age, I believe it would be more effective in the long run than just me smiling and talking like I've been doing. I'd also like diplomats from the Asylum more skilled than me to distract the adults if they can't be converted outright."

Dawnhawk then reclined onto his haunches, having a feeling he may be here awhile. He'd never tried to negotiate with Theron. He didn't know how reasonable this plan was since the Asylum had cats stationed all over distant lands. They may not have anything to spare, but he had to at least try to secure more resources.

"I know you are more experienced with take-overs and integration than I am, which is why I am coming to you with these requests. I think setting up some sort of... games between the Asylum and the clans would help, though what these games might entail I don't know yet. My clan just went through a very traumatic and negative experience. If we don't start patching it up with some positives, we will have uprisings that we will be forced to quell, thus further widening the gap between Skyclan and the Asylum. If all else fails... if all of the positives are rejected, then we need to-" He stopped himself and cleared his throat, taking a mental step back. "Sorry... I believe that we should stage some sort of... incident... that will push those on the edge between trusting and distrusting of the Asylum closer to the trusting side." He could continue, but he had said a mouthful already and Theron probably had input by now.

Dawnhawk held his tongue and waited, hoping this would be something she would consider. If not... well.... he didn't have the authority to do anything about it.

Theron propped her chin up on her paw as Dawnhawk started to launch into his length report/request, listening dutifully as he reported a few causalities but that things were underway. She wasn't surprised by the reports of unrest - the Clan cats were idiots, to blind to see good things in front of them. They were offering them protection, unity in a way they hadn't seen before. They were even being nice enough to let them keep their little ranks for the time being! But yet they complained, they broke rules. And seemed offended when they were punished for their actions.

But...For as much as she loved bloodshed, perhaps the tom had a point. Some sort of...Good will would be needed - not every takeover could be as easy as ShadowClan's apparently was. At least that...Flintstar knew what was good for his Clan, even if she was almost annoyed at how easy Iniko got it - but she also couldn't complain with the blood she got to shed. But...She couldn't help but notice one thing - Bloodstrike was asking the wrong cat. She was the captain of the Nightstrikers - playing nice wasn't in her wheelhouse. It wasn't in her job description- she was the leaders of the 'brutes' after all.

"Cute," she purred as he finished, tilting her head with a smile. "Can't say I object fully, but there was one thing you overlooked, dear. I'm the Captain of the Nightstrikers. Setting up...Games, helping smooth things over...You are asking the wrong cat. I'm honored you see my better side - most cats would have just written me off for the deaths I've caused," she noted. Of course, she didn't mind being known for her bloodlust - it was what had gotten her to this point. She wasn't afraid to squash anybody who dared looked at Asylum the wrong way but...What Dawnhawk was asking? She shook her head, but the smile remained. "But, you might have flattered me enough that perhaps I'll bring it up to Iniko, Lyralei and even Eris herself. I don't mind keeping cats in line with a little force but you do have points. That only goes so far. I'll be meeting with the others soon enough - I'll pass along your little requests and if they approve...Well, I'll be sure to send a scout your way to tell you."