The Consequences of a Compromise

Writers: Cali, Dana
Date Posted: 9th February 2006

Characters: Mosler, Traelyn
Description: Dolphin Hallmaster Mosler meets with Traelyn to discuss the Weyr's Search practices
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 10, day 2 of Turn 3

Mosler stood in the Weyrwoman's office, slightly nervous. This was the first time he had met the Weyrwoman and he wasn't exactly looking forward to this introduction. When he had started to go through Seori's office, he had noticed an appointment was made with Traelyn to discuss 'searches' and 'candidates' and, taking Zanyar's advice, had decided to plunge right in to things and keep the scheduled meeting.

"Good afternoon Weyrwoman," Mosler said casually, extending his hand in greeting, "I appreciate you making time to see me."

"Not at all, Hallmaster," Traelyn smiled, taking the offered hand firmly.
"Please, have a seat." She gestured to one of the chairs before her desk.
"Would you like anything to drink?"

"Thank you, yes." He said sitting down in the surprisingly comfortable chair, "Fruit juice if you have it."

A pale eyebrow twitched just slightly. Fruit juice? She didn't have any of that here in her office... "Would klah be all right?" She glanced over her shoulder at him as she took two mugs out of the cabinet.

"Water perhaps?" he didn't want to start the meeting out appearing difficult so he explained with a smile, "The healers are after me to lay off the wine and klah for a while. They say only for special occasions."

"Oh. Of course," she gave him an apologetic smile as she filled his mug with water and then poured some klah for herself. "Here you are..."
Traelyn gave the mug to him before taking a seat behind her desk.

Mosler took a long drink of the cool water and gave an appreciative nod, "Thank you that hits the spot after the walk here."

She smiled at him and leaned back in her chair. "So, what can I do for you today, Hallmaster?"

"Well, I was wanting to ask a favor of you Weyrwoman," he said easily, getting down to business, "about your Search practices."

"My Search practices?"

"Yes, ever since we relocated from Topaz we've had a decrease in apprentices applying to the Hall. Topaz was a major recruiting point and we just haven't recovered from its destruction." He sighed at that memory; it had been a horribly traumatic event.

Traelyn inclined her head. She remembered hearing about the disaster at Topaz Seahold. It had been so terrible... "I am sorry to hear that, Hallmaster. It will take time to recover from such a loss."

"It will," he agreed somberly, "Which is why I'm hoping that for the next few turns you might consider refraining from conducting future Searches at the Hall."

Traelyn stared at him. Was the man serious? "I beg your pardon?"

Not sure what she was thinking, but confident that they could come to an understanding by talking this through, he continued, "We've few enough apprentices as it is, and three were searched for the clutch on the sands now. I won't stand in their way or hold them back from future hatchings, but I'd appreciate it if you would first conduct your Searches in the Holds and only attract away my apprentices if necessary."

Apparently he _was_ serious! "If necessary? Sir, the Weyr has and will always conduct Searches in the places that are beholden to Dolphin Cove.
No one Hold or crafthall will be shown preference above another - and we certainly won't pass any of those holdings up." Surely the man had to understand _that_!

Mosler pursed his lips slightly as he thought. This wasn't going as he had planned it. Before Seori had her stroke they had discussed several avenues with which to increase their apprentice population as well as to keep from losing the ones they had. He was almost positive this was what the meeting was to be about. How would Seori handle this? Deciding on another route, he put a smile on his face and tried again. "My harper tells me that until a boy or girl is sixteen turns old, that they aren't much use to the Weyr and cannot fight in a wing. Would you perhaps compromise then on not Searching anyone under that age from the Hall?"

Traelyn shook her head, her jaw beginning to tighten slightly. Did he not remember tradition? "Just because some of the Candidates may be younger than others doesn't mean that they're useless, Hallmaster. During Hatching, age doesn't matter at all out on the Sands. A twelve-Turn-old boy has just as much of a chance Impressing as a sixteen-Turn-old does."
She paused, studying him. "Let's say that I decided to accept your compromise, and our Search dragons found potential in one of the younger boys of your Hall, and passed him up because he didn't fit the age requirement. Now let's jump ahead a month or two. The Hatching has begun. A dragonet has split his shell and is creeling his hunger, searching blindly for that young boy who we had passed up." Traelyn leaned forward. "Hallmaster, that dragonet would die. And we need every dragon. We just cannot take that chance."

Mosler had no comeback to that argument. He had assumed that as long as a large enough number of candidates were presented that the dragonets would find a match. He didn't know the intricacies of dragon impressions so he didn't argue the matter. Besides, he knew that he had lost the discussion; she hadn't moved an inch in her position. "I understand Weyrwoman. I did not fully realize the consequences of my suggestion."
He hoped she wouldn't hold any animosity towards the Hall because of his request.

She leaned back in her chair, her expression smooth as she inclined her head. "More young people will come to your Hall, Hallmaster. It will take time, but more will come."

He highly doubted that, especially with not only the Weyr to lure them away, but also the Harper Hall now. He nodded slowly and tried to smile, "Aye, but your dragon friends aren't the only choosy ones. The dolphins won't work with just anyone, and we have to turn many away on that account." He stood up, feeling frustrated and overwhelmed and more than ready to leave. "I appreciate you taking the time to talk with me today, and just please keep our current situation in mind."

Traelyn stood as well. "I will, Hallmaster." Shards, but it was hard to keep a mask of neutrality. "Have a good afternoon."

"To you as well." He gave a nod and walked out the door. The meeting had definitely _not_ gone as he had planned. Some Hallmaster he was turning out to be!

Last updated on the February 9th 2006

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The Consequences of a Compromise