Chapter 7: How to make a spy
"First things first. You're going to need a cover. What is it you do best?" Caius asked.
"Survive," Saleg replied
"Right." Caius answered. "Survive. Yeah, that'll do." He paced. "You grew up on the streets, right?"
"Yeah."
"Shouldn't be too hard to reprise that role. Develop a reputation on the streets." Caius sat down.
"You'll be meeting with a few people of different economic statuses though. Street walking will help with some, but it may be odd to meet with the middle class as a beggar.
"I'd prefer you to develop a rep as a small time dealer. Should cover your meets with me."
"And how will I afford that? Dealing takes money. Money I don't have."
"Don't worry. The Blade's have resources. What you need will be provided, either in goods or cash for those goods." Caius was reassuring, another giant leap from the threats. "We'll play it up or down as need be. When you need to rejoin the streets, a big bust on a supplier hurting your business. Then a daring escape by your sources or a big bribe to bolster opinion of you to rejoin the moneyed crowd. You'll be loved and hated in the underworld."
"And my extra-curricular activities?" Saleg asked.
"Raid on a rival. Hunting down someone who stiffed you. Fighting a gang war. Whatever. If need be, we can plant evidence of an operation or plan a drug war. Your activities will be covered up. No worries. I would suggest joining the Thieves Guild. Add an extra layer to your cover. You'll still be questioned if you go where you're not supposed to be. But it'll throw them off our trail."
"Sounds good," Saleg replied weakly.
"Don't rise too far, though. Or too fast. We don't want people questioning you more than necessary. Keep your head down." Caius stood up again. Saleg wondered how much was the skooma and how much was him being nervous. "They won't like your dealing. But they will tolerate it. After we're through go down the hill and look for Nine-Toes. He'll act as a middleman when you're cover doesn't call for a face-to-face meet. He'll also be a provider for your contraband and an advisor in getting started. Also, buy a weapon. You'll need it. I suggest some sort of dagger. Easy to conceal."
"And Ahnassi?" Saleg asked.
"You stay on course, she'll be free. You abandon me and the Blade's, and her blood will be on your hands. She's your friend. I don't want to do anything. But I will. You sell us out, I sell you out. Don't tell anyone about your involvement in the Blade's. In fact, don't even mention us. If you get in trouble, leave a message at the South Wall with the barkeep. Tell her it's for some friends. Plural. Friends. Make it sound innocuous enough. Leave it to Seridyn. Memorize the spelling of the word. S-E-R-I-D-Y-N. If the request for aid is made under duress, switch the i and the y."
"You spy folk are pretty particular, aren't you?"
"Trust me. If anything happens, you'll be happy we're so particular. Until I have need of you, find an alley or an abandoned home. Make a name for yourself. Not enough to make a noticeable splash. Just enough to explain your whereabouts."
"Alright." Saleg got up from his seat and took a step to the door.
"One more thing."
"Yeah?"
"Watch your back in Balmora. Wouldn't want to have to find a new agent."