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

[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?

[proteusmoon]

[ For a change, she actually looks rather amused. ]

You seem strangely determined to prove me wrong. It's a little suspicious.

[heresyandlace]

[oh don't give him that look. he is the one busy being amused here, missy. and as such, his smirk widens.]

You've insulted me, that's all.

[proteusmoon]

Mm, that wasn't my intention, but at least no one else can hear this conversation.

[ Cecil Harvey versus Tekhetsio, round two: FIGHT! ]

[heresyandlace]

I'm sure that wasn't your intention.

The belittling judgments are given with my best interests in mind, of course.

[proteusmoon]

Just as your flippant disregard for healthy, meaningful connections with others isn't meant to boost your ego and protect your vulnerable insides, of course.

[heresyandlace]

[he just... laughs.

it's a light sound, but it's definitely more than just some derisive chuckle. he really can't help the reaction, and it's probably the most he's genuinely laughed at anything in a while. it even sounds more appreciative than mocking.]

...Have I ever asked how old you are, Cecil?

[proteusmoon]

[ She expected the laughter from him, though it still grates on her nerves. ]

No. I don't see how it's relevant either.

[ Ah, wait. He must be much older than her, hence the "a long time" from before. Her opinion and perspective is probably foolish to him, isn't it? Is that where he's going with this? ]

[heresyandlace]

[if she only knew that he's laughing because she's right.]

Do you not want to tell me? I suppose it's rude to ask a lady her age...

[proteusmoon]

[ He plays it off well enough that she can't tell how right or how wrong she is. All she knows for certain is that she hit a nerve. The appreciation in his laughter just confuses her more than anything. ]

It depends on why you want to know. I am not some highborn lady, so that's hardly it.