a proposition

[heresyandlace]

Who: Tekhetsio
Broadcast: Network video - sent to all ships
Action: SS Pathstone - he's hanging out in his 'office'
When: Oct 14, late morning

[as the broadcast begins, he knocks on the receiver with a knuckle, causing all speakers transmitting the message to give nice, sharp little pop noises. just to make sure everyone is listening. and then there is the image of a very pretty man with lavender eyes smirking into the camera.]

This meager allowance that they've started us off with really is a shame, isn't it? Only enough to make one significant purchase... and even then, we must choose between vitals such as palatable food, and those luxuries that keep us sane and happy.

It's almost cruel.

[and with that, he hoists up one of the bottles of alcohol that had been offered for sale on various way-stations, making sure that the camera gets a good view of it.]

...Being the generous creature that I am, I'm here to offer everyone listening the chance at a trade. I have alcohol. It is much more potent than anything that you will find on the stations, and I am looking to sell it.

And, since I know we are all still hurting for spending cash, I am taking payments of a few--very specific--different kinds.

Hail the SS Pathstone if you are interested, and we can discuss further arrangements.

[he tilts the bottle toward the camera, in salute]

Cheers.

Comments

[heresyandlace]

Oh, I don't know... but they could have at least attempted to call it something less belittling, you know?

[proteusmoon]

...I'm afraid I don't. Being civilian just means you aren't trained for military. Don't be so sensitive. It's surely not intended that way any more than any other role is.

[heresyandlace]

Civilian means that you're common enough to not have some other talent or attribute that earns you a different title. That is what I find a little insulting.

...And what did they give you, I wonder?

[proteusmoon]

Security.

And, not that I mean to offend you, but the fact that you don't have a specific choice about what you'd prefer and instead choose to focus on the implications of such a title seems a little to me like something different would be wasted on you anyway.

[heresyandlace]

Not having a specific choice isn't a negative thing. I'm adaptable.

[and give him a second to think about this]

...They put you in charge of the guns?

[proteusmoon]

[ ...why do you say it like that... ]

Yes. Why?

[heresyandlace]

Nothing.

[nothing at all.]

Do you have... much experience with that?

[proteusmoon]

[ Mrrrr... not sure if trust... ]

With these particular weapons, no, but with weapons in general, yes.

[heresyandlace]

Do you?

[forgive him if he sounds surprised]

Is that usually your specialty?

[proteusmoon]

[ She doesn't take much offense to it. Most people underestimate her because she's a woman and if they don't underestimate her for that, then they do because of her size-- or her humanity or her appearance. ]

I've served in my country's military since I was rather young, yes.

[heresyandlace]

[he's hit every one of those prejudices except the first one. it would be rather hypocritical of him to judge her for her gender... so he'll just take up all those other ones instead]

In a fighting capacity?

[proteusmoon]

[ She scoffs softly at that. ]

Maybe one day you'll find out first-hand.

[heresyandlace]

[he... probably shouldn't sound totally delighted by this turn of conversation]

Oh, might I?

[proteusmoon]

[ Probably not, but she manages not to seem all that affected by the change of his tone.

Then again, she's no stranger to drawing a weapon against acquaintances. ]

Never say "never".

[heresyandlace]

I won't.

[and he means it! he's going to remember this, and seems nothing but pleased about it. how fun!]

[proteusmoon]

[ It would be remiss to say she is especially pleased, but perhaps there will be a friendly opportunity to spar, since it seems Tek has some abilities himself. She would prefer that to a true fight, but...

Well, never say "never".

His excitement over it is a little suspicious though. It reminds her of Tyki a little. She's not so sure it's a good thing. ]

Are you really so bored here already?

[heresyandlace]

Yes.

I have been bored for a very long time.

[there's only so much entertainment that you can get from petty dickery]

[proteusmoon]

Define "very long time"?

[heresyandlace]

That's difficult to quantify. I might call it a chronic condition.

[proteusmoon]

That sounds sad.

[heresyandlace]

Sad isn't quite the word for it.

But it isn't pleasant.

[proteusmoon]

It's sad.

[ She's super certain about this. ]

[heresyandlace]

[he just... can't believe the things that she says to him sometimes.]

...Maddening is the term you're looking for.

They are two very different things.

[proteusmoon]

No, it isn't. I'm sure it is that as well. The two are not mutually exclusive.

But if you're constantly bored with life, it doesn't seem that you're actually living. That is sad.

[heresyandlace]

[a low, light, disbelieving little laugh]

Do I look sad to you?