The highest instinct of a spy is self preservation

"Consider yourself the latest in the line of loathsome warlords who purchase my service with my hide." Not a big fan of the attitude, but I only need her compliance, not appreciation. And fortunately, I can **** that. I briefly wrap her up as I apply my Mark. She shows more fortitude in trying to stop it's addition, a result of her psionic training-but ultimately loses from sheer persistence. I undo my assimilation and let her go, unceremoniously dropping her to the ground. "It is done."

She scrambles to her feet, seemingly in a panic-before a hand briefly rubs over lower belly, where the mark now lays under her disguise. "What did-" "Something to make sure you won't just turn around and betray me-or my other agent. Who will now be your coworker when you're back in town. I'm sure two people can do a lot more work. Coordinate cover stories and actions and such." Her impassive expression convinced me that she thought I was bluffing, so a bit of a demonstration felt in order.

"You know, lot of lonely soldiers-how about you go spend the night with some-see if anything slips in their sleep after the deed?" An indignant sneer contrasted violently with the words coming from her mouth before turning and taking a few steps away. "Yes, Master." I let take a few extra steps away before giving a new statement. "Forget that one and get back here. That was for show." She dutifully returned with a worried look as I started to explain her new role. "You will write a letter to the other person I have sneaking around there. You will arrange some manner of rendezvous so you two can work together-I will have it delivered via my own methods. In the meantime-we will have much to discuss. The delicate balance of giving them enough info that they decide to keep sending you here-but not enough to actually disrupt something. important."

And so, that talk lasted a while after she returned. Later, I would have to see to give it to the harpy used for communicating with Arete. Confirming things they already thought were true, but were ultimately unactionable, and some truths to distract from what isn't answered. Since the burrows were impossible to hide, the partial truth was given: it was where the various monsters I brought forth were staying. That it was also was creating a passage right under their nose was not something this psychic-or her superiors-would be privy to. As far as they were concerned, it would be solely a way to bolster numbers.