[OPEN-ISH] Sometimes I feel like my brain turns to leaves

[overharrowed]

WHO: Julius, Ellie, Strange, Barrow, Wysteria, Benedict, and anyone else who wants to tap in
WHAT: Julius has a new job
WHEN: Vaguely after the return from the Silent Plains
WHERE: The Gallows
NOTES: Feel free to tag in responding to the main text, or talk to me OOC if you'd like to hash out a bespoke starter.

When Julius realized he was the last dedicated project leader remaining, it had been clear to him that the position was likely to change or vanish in short order. The organization has contracted, and distinctions that were once useful have become redundant. It's not as if his knowledge from the project would be lost, or that he doesn't trust the new division heads. To the contrary, he's worked with Niehaus on red lyrium for years, and Derrica is among his nearest and dearest. They are sensible choices and that are also personally advantageous to him.

If a small part of his mind registers frustration at not swinging up the ladder himself, there's another part ready to point out all the reasons he wasn't the most strategic choice, many of which were the results of his own actions. It's fine.

Seneschal is unquestionably a position they need filled, and also one that requires trust. He's here because he's earned that. And he's willing to shelve his own ambitions (or at least turn them down a bit) in the name of a well-run, effective organization. It's not as if he isn't a practical man. But it's an adjustment. It certainly feels a bit like starting over, not least as he settles into a new office. He's not set official office hours yet, but he can be found sorting through a variety of books, papers, and correspondence more often than not for the first week or so.

Comments

[altusimperius]

"I..."

It's not that the question catches Benedict flatfooted, since it's perfectly reasonable: perhaps it's that he's not used to being asked such things, still finding himself a bit jittery in a place of visibility again. The little toss of his hair, haughty on its surface, betrays how immediately he tries to recover his poise.

"...understood it to mostly be in placing new arrivals," he replies, straightening, "in. Divisions. Or, I suppose, reassigning people who aren't happy where they are."

[overharrowed]

"I think that is an important part of the position, yes," Julius says, not notably affected by Benedict's shift in demeanor. "Our roster is currently on the small side, but that makes proper placement arguably more important, not less. I imagine you'll be in touch with all four Division heads, to see how things are going, if there's any skill sets they are looking to acquire, that sort of thing."

He looks thoughtful, then adds: "On that note, obviously this wouldn't be something you should or could fully do as an individual, but it might be useful to start compiling a list of skills or backgrounds we might seek out for recruits. Obviously, we can't control who we get as far as Rifters are concerned, but there's no reason we might not do some active reaching out. You might be well placed to be more specific about who we could use beyond anyone interested." It's clearly framed as a suggestion, not an order, and he's watchful to try to gauge Benedict's initial reaction.

[altusimperius]

Benedict is nodding as he watches Julius, and then he's shuffling things around in his folio, finding his little charcoal pencil and beginning to commit all this to note form, a habit he got into after years under Byerly. He scribbles it down and then looks up, in the manner of awaiting further instruction, with apparently no commentary to add.

[overharrowed]

Julius nods in light approval at the note-taking.

"I think, at least to me, to the extent I'm overseeing some of our positions, it's because the people of Riftwatch are its most important resource. Obviously, managing resources like food and lumber is different, but to the extent you can keep me informed of your findings and your thinking, it would be helpful to have a larger picture. Not only who is working for or with us, but their skills and expertise. I imagine you'll get a sense of that in the ordinary course of your work."

[altusimperius]

Still writing, still nodding, Benedict plays the dutiful scribe with little on his end to contribute. It's reassuring, actually, to have someone older and more experienced here to give him some guidelines on what he should be aiming for-- not that he didn't understand the job description when he signed up for it, but more context is always nice.

"I'll poll the company," he decides, "with the book. It's easy enough to know everyone's divisions, but not their specialties."

[overharrowed]

"Good. And some people might wish to speak with you more privately, so you might make clear that it's an option as well. In case they don't wish whatever talent they mention to be general knowledge for the entire company." He can think of several possibilities that would fit the bill, whether or not they apply to anyone present.

"I think that should be plenty to keep your hands full for now, but keep me informed. And," a little wry, "given the size of Riftwatch, I expect you won't typically have any shortage of things to do, but if it ever comes up for some reason, do let me know."

[altusimperius]

"Of course." Nodding, writing. "I appreciate it, ser--" the honorific comes out before he can think about it, but instead of backpedaling, he just diverts his gaze.

"...and it's not entirely related to all this, but if you don't mind sitting with me sometime, I'm curious to know more about the Southern Circles. Whatever you don't mind telling me, anyway."

[overharrowed]

It subtly but visibly surprises him, though there is only a momentary pause before he inclines his head. "I would be happy to find a time to talk, if you like. I know that my experience is hardly universal, but if you are interested, I don't mind sharing what I know." To the extent he may or may not be cautious about it, the offer at least seems genuine.

[altusimperius]

Benedict gives a little appreciative shrug; it's not a huge deal (YET), but he's pleased that Julius is open to getting his brain picked a little.

"I'll be in touch then," he says pleasantly, "is there anything else you need from me at the moment?"

[overharrowed]

"That should be all for now." At least one of these meetings was straightforward. "I'll be in touch about a more regular schedule to check in, but in the meantime if you need anything or think I should be aware of anything, I intend to set regular office hours shortly. I look forward to working together." It's a dismissal, but not an unfriendly one.