Sabine's message in Comic 903 in light of Comic 906

[Porthos]

I saw this mentioned elsewhere, and upon re-reading it I want to see what other people think.

In Comic 903 Sabine ends her call with Qarr with the following:

: Ok, tell him that I love him, and give him lots of hugs and kisses, and tell him not to try to--

Was she about to say: -- kill Malack right now?

I mean, that'd be a bit interesting if she was about to say that. Don't know how likely it was considering that there a so many options she could choose from.

But it'd be pretty much SOP for Nale if his Crowning Moment of Awesome (which this was) blows up in his face (which it might very well, yet) all because Sabine didn't tell Qarr that right away.

Plausible?
Not very?
Sure, but probably won't happen?
Something else along the specturm?

Anyone have any thoughts on this possibility?

[Gift Jeraff]

I think it may have been something like that, but not because Malack's continued presence is important for the IFCC (though I think Tarquin's might be), but because Sabine and the archfiends doubted he could do it.

[Secris]

Interesting idea. That could certainly be it, I hadn't even thought of that. Hopefully we'll see Sabine/V's reaction next comic, or something else equally juicy (like Tarquin arriving, or Durkon trying to kill Nale).

[martianmister]

Probably not. Why would she tell it to Qarr? And why would she tell it in such a casual way.

[Porthos]

And why would she tell it in such a casual way.

A point. But Sabine can be awfully chatty when she thinks she doesn't have to rush things.

[Sir_Leorik]

Probably not. Why would she tell it to Qarr? And why would she tell it in such a casual way.

Qarr's got a cell phone with a direct line to Director Lee's place?

As for her tone, Sabine can be quite casual at times. She's doesn't always act like everything's a big deal.

[martianmister]

Qarr's got a cell phone with a direct line to Director Lee's place?

As for her tone, Sabine can be quite casual at times. She's doesn't always act like everything's a big deal.

If it isn't a "big deal" for her, what's the point of using Qarr as a messager?

[Steward]

I thought maybe she was just saying, "don't go chasing after the Order," because she doesn't want him to fight them alone.

[LightPhoenix]

Qarr's got a cell phone with a direct line to Director Lee's place?

Qarr works for them as well.

[KillianHawkeye]

Qarr's got a cell phone with a direct line to Director Lee's place?

Cell phones don't have direct lines. They can call many numbers. Also, he is clearly calling Sabine, not Director Lee.

[JCAll]

I think it may have been something like that, but not because Malack's continued presence is important for the IFCC (though I think Tarquin's might be), but because Sabine and the archfiends doubted he could do it.

That's what I'm thinking too. Nale has basically been Tarquin's bitch this whole book, whatever respect the people on this forum had for him was gone and I don't doubt it was much different for Sabine. She seemed really worried to leave him alone when she was banished. No doubt she new the plan to attack Malack just like Z did, so she probably didn't want him doing anything risky while she's away.

I wouldn't be surprised if the next time we see her it's just her V and the IFCC staring at the TV going "(Un)Holy crap, he pulled it off!"

[Math_Mage]

There are so many stupid risks Nale could have taken (and could still take) that it's hard to say, "This! This is the thing Sabine was warning him about!"

[Demolator]

"Don't forget to put on sunscreen!" Try not to get a sunburn!

[davidbofinger]

Rather than "don't try to kill X," maybe it was "don't try to kill X without me."

[Flame of Anor]

I think it may have been something like that, but not because Malack's continued presence is important for the IFCC (though I think Tarquin's might be), but because Sabine and the archfiends doubted he could do it.

That seemed likely to me. Nale doesn't have a flawless track record in regard to his schemes. But this one went off perfectly, and I can't say I feel any regret!

[Incom]

Which is better for the IFCC: that Malack dies right now, or that he continues to unlive?

Their stated goal is "destructive, unnecessary conflict", possibly including slaughtering Good-aligned dieties (they owe Tiamat some dead good dragons, also--so there's that).

Malack's endgame involved orderly mass slaughter. That's pretty darn close to the IFCC's endgame.

On the other hand, Malack's end marks the beginning of outright hostility between Tarquin and Nale. If this slight causes Tarquin to bring the rest of his partymates and go to the final Gate, that could possibly tip the scales in a way that favors the IFCC's Gate plan.

So it really depends: would Malack being present at the final Gate (or, alternately, Tarquin not being present because leaving the Empire of Blood wouldn't be worth it to him) be good for the IFCC?

Ask 'em yourself. ;)

[martianmister]

Whatever it is, it's less important than her "hugs and kisses".

[skaddix]

I suppose Malack dying might the IFFC another stern talking too from a god. My spurn Tarquin into action though which is a net positive.

[Math_Mage]

Which is better for the IFCC: that Malack dies right now, or that he continues to unlive?

Their stated goal is "destructive, unnecessary conflict", possibly including slaughtering Good-aligned dieties (they owe Tiamat some dead good dragons, also--so there's that).

Malack's endgame involved orderly mass slaughter. That's pretty darn close to the IFCC's endgame.

On the other hand, Malack's end marks the beginning of outright hostility between Tarquin and Nale. If this slight causes Tarquin to bring the rest of his partymates and go to the final Gate, that could possibly tip the scales in a way that favors the IFCC's Gate plan.

So it really depends: would Malack being present at the final Gate (or, alternately, Tarquin not being present because leaving the Empire of Blood wouldn't be worth it to him) be good for the IFCC?

Ask 'em yourself. ;)

I disagree that Malack's endgame is like the IFCC's endgame. Malack has the unnecessary destruction down, but not the central part: conflict.

[Lordchoculla]

I saw this mentioned elsewhere, and upon re-reading it I want to see what other people think.

In Comic 903 Sabine ends her call with Qarr with the following:

: Ok, tell him that I love him, and give him lots of hugs and kisses, and tell him not to try to--

Was she about to say: -- kill Malack right now?

I mean, that'd be a bit interesting if she was about to say that. Don't know how likely it was considering that there a so many options she could choose from.

But it'd be pretty much SOP for Nale if his Crowning Moment of Awesome (which this was) blows up in his face (which it might very well, yet) all because Sabine didn't tell Qarr that right away.

Plausible?
Not very?
Sure, but probably won't happen?
Something else along the specturm?

Anyone have any thoughts on this possibility?

Hmm... interesting point. Sounds like a likely possibility since Z's question to Nale ("attack?") is not directed against OotS but against Malack. This proves beyond doubt that Nale and his gang including Sabine had a plan to eliminate (at least) Malack set up. And therefore it makes it plausible that your idea is ... well.. plausible.