The Dresden Files > DF Spoilers

"Job placement" microfiction

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Yuillegan:
Even so, Love Hurts was still a few years ago (in universe).

Likely it was a mix of frustration/depression/horror/nervous breakdown and being unable to explain certain things. But the line you quote is pretty old now, so it's relevance might not be strong as it was. But that is just speculation on my part.

Maybe he has done all that between Skin Game and Peace Talks (considering his sudden influx of capital). But there is nothing to suggest that so far (unless I missed something). But my question was about if he had the time and had the desire, why not yet? And I don't recall at any point between Changes and Peace Talks that Dresden has set up as a PI or resumed any of his old activities. You said he had the free time and the desire, but the result is currently nada. That might change between Skin Game and Peace Talks, but so far we have nothing. So you kinda didn't answer my question.

Actually, whilst he was reintegrated as a warden he has done precious little of that. He was dead, then not dead and trying to save the world for a weekend, then confined to an island and then went on a heist. So while he might be on the books, he hasn't been very active. He hasn't contacted them and they haven't contacted him (despite the fact that officially he is alive again). I am not necessarily saying Stallings has changed his opinion on Dresden (although the whole being-dead-then-coming-back might have made him more suspicious). I do get that it is part of a normal warden's job to work with mortal law enforcement, especially locally. But Harry is the furthest thing from a normal warden. Given that, I think it is less than likely they will have the spooky PI-Police relationship they had previously.

And I agree - depending on how quickly and how shockingly the masquerade breaks will color the response to Dresden and the supernatural. Just look how crazy people are right now, and how the events of 9/11 changed things. From the blurb of Battle Grounds I think should the masquerade fall in that book, I think it will be shocking and instant kind. However, I also wonder if Butcher will do the same as in the real world and have people just up and not believe what's happening in front of them. Probably a mixture - but when?

123Chikadee - Not 100% that the masquerade will fully fall in Battle Grounds (although that's the implication from the blurb), and as I said above if it does it will be fast and furious but potentially also have some people just straight up pull the wool over their eyes. So wouldn't be so sure everyone will unite together. People rarely do that as it is.

In fact, SI isn't the only mortal authority aware of the supernatural in the US - you even notice their existence in Dog Men. The Library of Congress (which has the "Men in Black" i.e. sort of secret service agency working with/ for it) is aware, and it is hinted they have been covering up the supernatural (such as making the tape of Harry and Murphy fighting the Loup-Garou disappear). Mostly they put pressure on to hush the situation up.

Well, Bad Alias think Harry will still want his old job. I am not so sure.

But I highly doubt SI will want Murphy back. Very rare in police circles, especially when someone leaves under a cloud. And if the masquerade falls but there is still a semblance of government (and Murphy is still alive, and wants to help/return to SI) whose to say she would work with them? She is on the radar of the Library of Congress - maybe they would want her working at a Federal level. I expect to see Agent Tilly working there when we finally encounter them.

Bad Alias:

--- Quote from: Yuillegan on May 13, 2020, 06:53:22 AM ---And I put this question to you: If Dresden had so much spare time, and really wanted to get set up again, why has he not yet?

--- End quote ---
I never said Harry had enough spare time. I said he will have the spare time, so the question is a bit of a straw-man. I also haven't really said he has the desire (other than it seems to fit his character to return to old habits). I said it would make sense because he would have the time, remain a warden, and it's a good way of collecting information/combating his scary image.


--- Quote from: Yuillegan on May 14, 2020, 06:05:57 AM ---[1]And I don't recall at any point between Changes and Peace Talks that Dresden has set up as a PI or resumed any of his old activities. (emphasis added)...

[2]...So while he might be on the books, he hasn't been very active. He hasn't contacted them and they haven't contacted him (despite the fact that officially he is alive again).

[3.1]...But Harry is the furthest thing from a normal warden. [3.2]Given that, I think it is less than likely they will have the spooky PI-Police relationship they had previously.

[4]... From the blurb of Battle Grounds I think should the masquerade fall in that book, I think it will be shocking and instant kind. However, I also wonder if Butcher will do the same as in the real world and have people just up and not believe what's happening in front of them. Probably a mixture - but when?

[5]...In fact, SI isn't the only mortal authority aware of the supernatural in the US - you even notice their existence in Dog Men. The Library of Congress (which has the "Men in Black" i.e. sort of secret service agency working with/ for it) is aware, and it is hinted they have been covering up the supernatural (such as making the tape of Harry and Murphy fighting the Loup-Garou disappear). Mostly they put pressure on to hush the situation up.

[6]...But I highly doubt SI will want Murphy back. Very rare in police circles, especially when someone leaves under a cloud.

--- End quote ---
1. He went to Burger King, meets people at Mac's, started keeping Mac's beer at home and refrigerated. (Side note: Is it legal for Mac to distribute his beer/ale/etc.? It just recently became legal for breweries that serve their brews to also sale them like a store here in Texas). He sticks his nose in any supernatural business that shows up whenever he's around even when most people would say he is not supposed to be doing that. So much so that he was manipulated into it. The point is that he has resumed some of his old activities.

2. He was definitely contacted by Ramirez who knew just where to find him. He definitely handled a young practitioner who was in danger of going warlock. He's also "protect[ed] mortals in [his] area [and been] vigilant against supernatural threats in [his] region." Has he done the best job of that? Irrelevant as you maintain that he was never a very good warden. Harry never seemed to be in much contact with the wardens.

3.1. Acknowledged. 3.2 I suggested that he should maintain a relationship with S.I. I specifically said he should do something like let them know he doesn't need to be paid.

4. I've never really paid any attention to the book blurbs. I'm not sure if I've read any of them other than SF, PT, and BG. I'm not sure how much truth in advertising there is there. But Jim's indicated the masquerade is definitely going to end.

5. I got the impression that the feds from Dog Men were not the feds previously brought up by Jim who were hostile to the supernatural. The comics are not very good, in my opinion, so I only check them out from the library and read them once because I'm a completionist.

6. Agreed, but I would note that they do often hire them back as consultants who make a lot more money for a lot less work. I've known a few people who were fired only to be hired back as consultant who charged exorbitant rates.

AClone:
Just to plug what has become a very long discussion...

A. Jim has said that Harry will go back to being a PI again. “He needs something to do when he’s not Wizarding”.

B. I think the main reason Carlos was placed in charge of Security in what should be Harry’s area of responsibility Was that’s Harry currently has the White Council crapping their collective pants. Not just the Winter Knight thing, or being in control of Demonreach, but the whole “coming back from the dead” thing. The last guy to pull that trick was an ongoing problem—and they don’t know yet about Harry’s “special “code blue” circumstances.

As Thomas said, adding Harry to the security team, rather than placing him in charge of it, let’s them keep an eye on him. Because everyone on the Senior Council had to know that Harry was the first person Carlos would ask.

Harry has been busy rebuilding his life, and bonding with Maggie. I’m guessing that he hasn’t hurried into getting lots of things done while she is out of school—and staying with him—over the summer. Such as reporting in person to Edinburgh.

I’m also taking a wild guess that a substantial amount of the Senior Council mistrust is attenuated by the end of Battle Ground.

For whoever was counting potential deaths, remember that the “younger” Wardens, whom Harry mostly worked with and helped train, constitute somewhere around 240 of the 300 Warden roster figure we last had. I’m guessing that group gets hit hard in Battle Ground. Lots of people that Harry knows and cares about off page.

Given the nature of the book, the FBI (and Tilly) will be involved around. Since SI was bullied away from Harry by City administration, perhaps that will be Harry’s new contact level. Either that, or Marcone decided he’s tired of bearing such a big part of the bill for protecting Chicago from supernatural threats, and leans on those same administrators to open up the SI spigot again.

Since Butters character arc was mentioned, I’ll point out that not only was his story arc capped by his choice to go out and sacrifice himself—which he had never done before—his possession of the Sword as it currently is expressed isn’t a matter of “not being able to have sword fights”. The Swords exist to defeat evil, not to fence with it.

BTW—Did anyone else notice that Butters choice to sacrifice himself even just as a stall tactic actually would have worked? By the time Nick finished killing Butters and getting his Squires heads back together, Molly would have had boots on the grind.

I’m also not sure just how long Butters will bear that Sword. But that’s another story.

Back on topic...as far as Irwin and Connie are concerned, I’m not sure whether or not they’ll be on Chicago in July, when school starts at the end of August. However, the fact that they’re moving into a staff apartment on campus at least makes that possible.

I’m wondering—assuming the two lovebirds are in Chicago in July when a Titan and her “army” show up—if they’re at enough risk that River Shoulders hears about it...and Shows Up. Jim has talked about all of the action figures he has on the shelf he hasn’t really had a chance to take down and play with yet. Along with the whole Senior Council, I kinda hope that River Shoulders would be another one.

Yuillegan:

--- Quote from: Bad Alias on May 15, 2020, 02:45:59 AM ---I never said Harry had enough spare time. I said he will have the spare time, so the question is a bit of a straw-man. I also haven't really said he has the desire (other than it seems to fit his character to return to old habits). I said it would make sense because he would have the time, remain a warden, and it's a good way of collecting information/combating his scary image.

--- End quote ---
My apologies, perhaps I misunderstood you when you said:

--- Quote ---He's got enough free time to investigate and solve a murder case that isn't his responsibility and plan a trip to the zoo between SG and PT.
--- End quote ---
Which I took to mean past tense. Anyway - it doesn't matter much either way. I think we can just agree to disagree on the issue.


--- Quote ---1. He went to Burger King, meets people at Mac's, started keeping Mac's beer at home and refrigerated. (Side note: Is it legal for Mac to distribute his beer/ale/etc.? It just recently became legal for breweries that serve their brews to also sale them like a store here in Texas). He sticks his nose in any supernatural business that shows up whenever he's around even when most people would say he is not supposed to be doing that. So much so that he was manipulated into it. The point is that he has resumed some of his old activities.

--- End quote ---
It is legal in some places. But no idea on Chicago. My mistake, by activities I meant his old jobs. Not really his hobbies/routines (BK, drinking etc). I suppose the argument could be made that he has been doing his job of warden in terms of sticking his knows in others business...but as only some of that was official White Council stuff I am not sure it counts. And his PI license has not yet (as far as I am aware) been renewed since his death.


--- Quote ---2. He was definitely contacted by Ramirez who knew just where to find him. He definitely handled a young practitioner who was in danger of going warlock. He's also "protect[ed] mortals in [his] area [and been] vigilant against supernatural threats in [his] region." Has he done the best job of that? Irrelevant as you maintain that he was never a very good warden. Harry never seemed to be in much contact with the wardens.
--- End quote ---
If you are referring to his contact in the first chapter of Peace Talks...well that's hardly fair as the book isn't out yet. Well, I actually I maintain he was a poor commander and leader. Not necessarily a bad warden though. They are different skills/roles and some are more suited one way or another. I don't hold it against Harry, but he probably needs some advice/training himself.


--- Quote ---3.1. Acknowledged. 3.2 I suggested that he should maintain a relationship with S.I. I specifically said he should do something like let them know he doesn't need to be paid.
--- End quote ---
Forgive me, but I can't find where you said that. So I am a tad confused. Don't get me wrong, I don't necessarily think it is the worst idea for Harry to maintain a good relationship with local law enforcement (specifically SI). But I wouldn't recommend he helps them with the local weird death unless he has the time. Mostly, he should be worrying about how to stop the Black Council and Nemesis etc.


--- Quote ---4. I've never really paid any attention to the book blurbs. I'm not sure if I've read any of them other than SF, PT, and BG. I'm not sure how much truth in advertising there is there. But Jim's indicated the masquerade is definitely going to end.
--- End quote ---
Then allow me to assist you. (click to show/hide)Harry has faced terrible odds before. He has a long history of fighting enemies above his weight class. The Red Court of vampires. The fallen angels of the Order of the Blackened Denarius. The Outsiders.

But this time it’s different. A being more powerful and dangerous on an order of magnitude beyond what the world has seen in a millennium is coming. And she’s bringing an army. The Last Titan has declared war on the city of Chicago, and has come to subjugate humanity, obliterating any who stand in her way.

Harry’s mission is simple but impossible: Save the city by killing a Titan. And the attempt will change Harry’s life, Chicago, and the mortal world forever.I hope that makes my point clear. I don't put it past the marketing to hype it up. But at the same time...the shoe fits.


--- Quote ---5. I got the impression that the feds from Dog Men were not the feds previously brought up by Jim who were hostile to the supernatural. The comics are not very good, in my opinion, so I only check them out from the library and read them once because I'm a completionist.
--- End quote ---
On my reading they were the "Men In Black" that represent the agents of the Library of Congress. I don't imagine there are too many federal groups that are aware (as an organization) of the supernatural world. And they were rather hostile in that comic. I don't know why but I feel they are tied to the Archive, but I can't remember why that sticks in my brain.


--- Quote ---6. Agreed, but I would note that they do often hire them back as consultants who make a lot more money for a lot less work. I've known a few people who were fired only to be hired back as consultant who charged exorbitant rates.
--- End quote ---
Absolutely. What a world we live in. I don't normally advocate for it, especially when the person in question left in a various level of disgrace. Seems corrupt. But occasionally, some people just had a bad run and deserve a second chance. But I wouldn't say that was the majority.

Yuillegan:
Nothing wrong with a long discussion, healthy debate is how good ideas are formed. But if they tire you - the option of creating new threads is always open. :)

AClone - where does Jim say that? I cannot find the WOJ in question. Be interesting to know how old that quote is.

A very good possibility that is why Carlos was chosen. I don't disagree with the reasons. My contention is that it wouldn't have been the case necessarily had Changes not gone the way it did.

There are few organizations that would allow you to blatantly not report in and not fire you. Looking after his daughter (which they supposedly have little to no knowledge of) wouldn't count (and Harry wouldn't disclose the existence of Maggie to them). That said, being all so old they might allow longer stretches of time. And they do have a lack of wardens and experienced combat wizards so he is probably too valuable to lose, generally speaking.

The Senior Council have always mistrusted Harry - and seemingly for good reason (if the Morgan microfiction is anything to go by). I don't expect that to change. It may well be vindicated or resolved in Battle Ground.

The body count will likely include his trainees. But considering his reaction in the Christmas Eve microfiction, I would say a fair few are familiar faces too.

Why do you think Tilly will be back in this book (Peace Talks)? Not that I disagree necessarily, but I am curious to hear you're theory. What about this book makes it more likely? I do suspect he will help with fighting the supernatural eventually. Not so sure that SI will have the same use.

I am sure that no matter the role, they will be present in either Peace Talks and/or Battle Ground. River Shoulders may well also make an appearance. I remember that quote about the action figures. There are some characters (particularly Langtry, Rashid and Cristos) that I would like to see take the field.

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