Sometimes it's fun to give in to those deliciously evil impulses from the muse.  Even when it results in an interview like...well, this.  


I'm here with Mr.  Joe Ryan and Mr.  Fabron Gausto, who have (somewhat cautiously, it must be noted) agreed to a joint interview.  Mr.  Gausto arrives early, somewhat impatient to begin.  His tailored three-piece suit is immaculate and his mannerisms studied.  He does not...quite...indicate that he expects some sort of formal acknowledgment.  This is good, as I lost my will to curtsy some years ago.  Joe Ryan arrives...well, we won't call it late.  We'll call it casual.  This suits his appearance--those jeans are worn, and I would guess they've seen work this morning.  The sleeves on his flannel shirt are rolled up and he's possibly forgotten to shave this morning.  

Yrs Trly: Good morning, gentlemen.  

It's been more than two thousand years since the days when Rome and Gaul lived in uneasy occupation, although it's understandable that people did intermingle.  One thing is clear--one young woman in particular had two sons--one fathered by a druid of the old lines, one by a Roman.  

The druid's son turned out to be a man of unusual talents, including the occasional ability to shapeshift, albeit at great cost.  The woman's younger son had none of these earthly abilities.  He hunted other ways to acquire power, stating it was necessary to protect the area from his powerful and wayward brother--which, in turn, prompted his brother to codify and develop his own skills.  

The Druid side of the family grew into the Vigilia, now known as the Sentinels, while the younger son founded what turned into the Atrum Core.  To say the family feud has continued would be an understatement, wouldn't you say?

(Ryan sorts in amusement; Gausto seems annoyed at the familiarity.)


Yrs Trly: (clears throat) Er...is that summary satisfactory to you both? Mr.  Ryan? Mr.  Gausto?

Ryan: Call me Joe.  Sounds good to me.  

Gausto: It's a vast oversimplification, of course.  Even what they call themselves--Vigilia, Sentinels--speak of their arrogance and their underlying goals to control.  


Yrs Trly: And the Atrum Core's name?

Gausto: Dark Core.  Of course.  They gave us that name, long ago.  It amused us to keep it.  (he smiles with lots of teeth.)


Yrs Trly: (not hastily at all) Let's take things in a more personal direction.  Why do you think you, personally, were chosen to represent your organizations in this interview?

Gausto: Because I exemplify Core values and goals.  This interview demanded someone who could be decisive and assertive.  (pauses for thought) Let's just say I consider this an opportunity...and I know exactly how to take advantage of opportunity.  

Ryan: I wouldn't say I was chosen to represent the Sentinels.  I'm pretty sure they wouldn't say that, either.  (he pauses. yes, he'll stick with that.) I just think brevis figured I could contain the situation, if necessary.  


Yrs Trly: (waits for elucidation.  none forthcoming) Okay then.  You know, looking at that history...one might say that mistakes were made on both sides...do you each have a comment on that?

Gausto: That's a vast simplification of a complicated situation.  If you truly understood the circumstances, you would see that the Atrum Core only responds to minimize threats from the Sentinels.  Of course, this requires development of the means to deal decisively with them.  This kind of necessary defensive action never comes without cost, but that cost is justified by our success, and by the nature of the threat we face.  

Ryan: Well, sure.  That first Sentinel...he took the boar, you know.  Our current brevis consul takes the boar, and they can be-- (he pauses & starts again) I don't think that first Sentinel realized the impact his nature would have on the people around him.  I think he probably frightened some of them.  So it created an. . .opportunity.  And the Core filled it.  


Yrs Trly: What has it meant to you, personally, to have a position in your organization?

Gausto: As drozhar for this region, I carry a tremendous responsibility; it is, of course, a position of great prestige.  (glances at Ryan) I'm surprised that the Sentinels couldn't be bothered to send someone of commensurate status.  Read into this what you will about the respect they offer this opportunity.  My position may be familial, but I never cease my efforts to improve our status.  

Ryan: (rubs a thumb along the knee of his jeans for a long moment, considering the question) There's a cost.  But it's an honor I take very seriously.  


Yrs Trly: What is your best vision of the future between you?

Gausto: Obviously, we need to break this stalemate.  In the best of outcomes, the Core will finally gain control over Sentinel arrogance, at which point we will assure that their skills are put to good use.  

Ryan: Our world faces a lot of challenges right now.  We'd be better off if we all-- (he stops, focused on some distant thought)

Yrs Trly: Mr.  Ryan? Joe?

(outside this office, someone shouts in protesting surprise)

Ryan: Sorry.  Gotta go.  (he gives me a wry look) Wouldn't hang around if I was you.  

(He leaves.  He moves a lot faster than I thought he would.)

Gausto: This is just like the Sentinels.  Especially this one.  My apologies.  What are you doing for dinner? You seem like a perceptive individual.  I'd like to talk to you about the final form of this intervie--

(More shouting.  A crash.  An unexpected. . .roar?)

Gausto: Another time, perhaps.  

And, from the Paranormal Romance Blog contest winners...

(These questions were answered separately via phone, as the interview participants became otherwise occupied shortly after the interview above)

Jody F.:  My question to you gentlemen is…..do you believe in true love?

John C. Bunnell:  It’s been suggested in some circles that the Sentinels and the Core aren’t the only folk in your immediate area with ties to ancient powers. How are your respective organizations prepared to deal with these powers and their guardians in the event that your paths cross?

Gausto: These people aren't truly relative to our activities--which of course are worldwide, and handled on such a scope that small localized matters and methods don't accrue much impact. I'm sure they understand it would be best if they don't interfere with us.

Ryan: I don't think we're ready to handle that kind of encounter.  I'd like to see a liaison set up, myself--assuming, of course, that there was an interest from those others. I wouldn't blame them if there wasn't, the way things have been handled up until now.

That's, um, not an official statement.