[ when blade comes into one of the smaller sim rooms, adrastea is standing in the middle of a warmly but darkly lit lounge, the simulated environment outside the windows rainy and comfortable. they don't look up, but they know he's there judging by the way they shift to face him as they tap at the keys of their I.R.I.S. projection. no exposure to their back. ]
[ Blade practically breezes into the room like he owns it, though noticing that they expertly turn to face him, his lips turn upwards.
Good of them to pay that level of attention (because Blade is a problem old fogey/child.) Though, his vibrant eyes fall upon the cozy atmosphere projected by the simulation. ]
Better?
Would you consider it better that I don't feel the urge to test the limits of your patience like last time?
[ they feign consideration, apparent by the muted projection of their emotions due to the effect. it's like feeling them from another room. whatever game it is that they're going to fall into, with blade being a great big babyman, they seem prepared for the match to begin. ]
If I say yes, are you going to be contrary and do it anyways? You seem the type to turn on a dime just to cause problems. [ they do look at himm through their holo screen, now. watching. ]
[ Well, while we're on the topic of emotionshare, there is a sense of something like amusement mixed with some mild impatience. ]
I've never been much good with authority. Extenuating circumstances or no.
[ Being in trouble with the law or a governing body of some sort has happened more than once. And not because he was trying to hunt down a certain someone at one point. ]
Tell me...do you feel it is still worth being on this ship that you are on now? Knowing that you have a crew that is, more or less, not enthused about going along with everything? Or, are you the type to look at a silver lining?
[ adrastea wants to kick him in the head for the impatience more than the amusement. this isn't an emotion he can detect i just thought i would tell you that. ]
You and half of the passengers aboard. You just like to make it an active problem.
[ they're watching him closely, but don't make a move as they continue to let the data run. ]
I like my job, and I enjoy my time here in space and aboard the Eudora. But I'm keenly aware of what the situation is - none of you consented to the contract, and none of you remember how you got here, and only a fool would look at this and think that we haven't run afoul of something.
[ the moment that they even sense him, adrastea's head lolls back slightly and they sigh. ]
Why are you so obsessed with me. What. [ what do you want now!!! they pivot on their heel to face him, having stopped as they were making their way through ( spins roulette ) the strip mall, just making sure nothing is horribly damaged. and now, here's their sleep paralysis headache. ] Come to make good on keeping me on my toes?
[ Blade leads in with that, as if that's really why he's decided to come along, tossing them an amused look. ]
You could say it's something of that as well. You should look at it this way — if I weren't here to keep you on your toes, you might just entertain letting your guard down. Crew are supposed to help each other out, after all...
[ He is, perhaps, the worst sleep paralysis headache ever. ]
With your head, it might be a detriment unless I'm planning to use it as a battering ram.
[ adrastea lolls their head to look properly at him, and it would be a deadeyed stare if he could actually see their face. you're not funny! ]
You're being awfully kind, wanting to keep me company while checking on the ship security. It's so sweet of you, truly, to think so much about your fellow crew.
A recognition of my strength and an insult wrapped all in one...how kind.
[ Blade thinks he's absolutely hilarious (no) ]
...What can I say? I'm a man who knows the value of teamwork and fair play. Besides, we do have a large security concern on this spaceship, no?
[ The way he asks this is while yes, that is certainly true, he still has that annoying little 'I'm going to be a bother about it' tone slipped in there. ]
[ adrastea is seated curled, a little, in one of the plush chairs of the lounge when blade comes sauntering in. there is a waterfall of fluffy, foxish tails spilling out from the seat - and they do have a sort of waterfall effect, with the way that there's a ripple of water across the fur. like the surface of a clear pond.
when they look up from their book, see blade, the calm pond shifts into heavy rainfall across the fur. ]
[ Blade's steps are purposeful, spotting the other seated on the lounge, words clearly on the tip of his tongue as he watches the way the calm pond is disturbed easily by his presence.
As fate would have it, Adrastea pre-empts him, and for once is witness to him grimacing. ]
...As far as I am concerned, that never happened.
[ Unfortunate for him, that can't be the case. ]
On the other hand, you appeared to be enjoying yourself in a state of full recovery from last week...though I can't help notice the change. Did I surprise you? Or perhaps, is it dismay?
[ sneaks back up here because you said i could, though i have to remember to use my they/them for these tags. ]
Cameras don't lie, and I think the Eudora stores footage for a quantum cycle. [ he won't even be able to tell if they're bullshitting him, because their helmet is infallible even if their mood is indicated by the water effect of their tails. the rainfall abates slightly seeing him grimace, and the tips all twitch briefly.
haha. ]
As we're no longer sharing our emotions and thoughts, you will simply have to guess for yourself if that would satisfy you. [ closing their book. it's apparently one on galactic botany. ] My recovery period is much shorter, in comparison - only my wetware was damaged, as opposed to what the four of them had to contend with. Inconvenient as it was, recalibration is easy, considering Io is familiar with what it needs.
[ Definitely still open to it, backtagging is super okay with me!! ]
...Is that the truth?
[ Blade's tone is dry, kind of caught between somewhere seemingly dry(ish), yet sarcastic, but also potential resignation that this fact is true, especially since he is unable to confirm otherwise. ]
Hm. How fortunate and for them as well...that you weren't as damaged as they were. Can you imagine? If a leader meant to take a responsible leader had all but fallen...
Still, that suit must have afforded you something like decent protection. Even if I doubt that will always be the case...after all, it doesn't seem as tough as a normal suit of armor. And it won't always be there to protect you.
[ Here we are at the observation deck! Metis is a bit comfortable in the lounge area with a bunch of pillows on a couch. Cushy. He's writing stuff down in a journal before he notices him. ]
Hello, Sir Blade. [ Still a bit raspy sounding, and tired looking, but he gives him a small smile anyways. ] Good work today.
[ Blade is still bad at greetings, but he has gotten somewhat. Better? Yeah. Though at the comment, he's thinking, evaluating his own actions to judge if it is worth praise, and the chaos that happened towards the latter half of trial. ]
Didn't expect to hear that. [ But speaking of 'work', he remembers a glimpse of the other writing in something. ] You...seem to still be working. Or are you?
[ It's fine, Metis at the very least does not seem bothered or offended by the manner of greeting. Possibly even a little familiar? He chuckles a little, giving a small shrug. ]
Even if one does not think they provided a clear hand in all of it, even some words are helpful enough. [ A glance to his journal, humming. ] Somewhere to put my thoughts. Writing them down has always been much preferable than jotting down on the data pad.
[ Blade blinks at that, feeling something like a bit of surprise. ]
Helpful...
[ Not something he'd use to describe himself. It's a little ironic. Hadn't he once said something like that to someone too? Blade mulls over the words, and finds he doesn't mind them. ]
Because it feels more natural? Or...you're used to it, instead of all this?
[ it is. actually, very, very late in the evening that blade is able to find adrastea coming into the library. almost like she booked it from execution and disappeared for the rest of the day. she's got a scifi compound bow slung over her shoulder, along with a quiver of arrows that is hanging at her hip. she looks like she's on patrol at the moment, or perhaps coming off of it.
she's too tired for hostilities, the moment she sees him, although she does slip into a different alertness that's reserved for him specifically. ]
There's my personal headache. [ dry. ] Hello, Blade.
[ Blade ends up turning to face her as she enters. It's certainly been a long day, even if Blade figures they have both definitely dealt with it differently.
He also doesn't quite have it within himself to stir up too much trouble. Sounds fake, but it is true; as for any indications in the bit of alert settled for him, he does feel an echo of amusement that doesn't quite surface. ]
Correct. Your personal headache is here...Adrastea.
[ Words spoken in his usual tone, alongside an utterance of her name as something like a rare greeting. ]
...Decided a patrol was necessary because of events? Or, simply it being your shift?
[ when he doesn't immediately jump to prod at her more readily, she settles into something... not necessarily companionable, just settled. they'll trade barbs, because that's their dynamic, and she doesn't relax still - but adrastea does unclip the quiver from her hip and set it down in a chair as she huffs a soft noise. ]
... we're making preparations for a few things. Namely, replacing our wetware in the oncoming week. Mine won't be the first, so I'm making sure that things are, hm, all in order from front to back. Taking some of the load off of those that will be undergoing treatment first thing tomorrow.
[ the bow comes around from her shoulder, and she reaches out to tap him in the center of the chest with it. there's enough time for him to see it coming, to bat it away, so it's not an attack. just.
bap. ]
I know you don't tend to have a normal sleep schedule, if watching the security room footage is anything to go by. So I can't say I'm surprised to see you still about.
[ That truly is how they are. It's just something they have more or less happened to settle in — a form of routine that seems strange to completely disturb, even as they engage in it mildly. Either way, he also prefers (approves...?) that she keeps her guard up — of course, partially because he is Just Like That, but there is a part of him that doesn't think it wise in general.
The Eudora has only become ever the more dangerous. Still, instead of a smirk his expression seems to turn to show a crooked smile. ]
Oh? Hm...so you're simply working hard to ensure everything is in place. This must be something like a brief reprieve, then.
[ His eyes slide on over to watch the movements, amused enough that he just lets it happen (if it were more blade-like, it'd be a different story) before raising a hand to lightly grab a hold of the bow, holding it in place with a gloved hand. ]
...I had no idea you were watching me so close. Then again, it would be wise to track my movements, wouldn't it? ...I was seeking to gain some more knowledge; something to supplement what I already have. Restlessness is only a boon to me in this now.
yelan is facing the screens when the door to the security room opens, leaning forward on an elbow and that hand curled at her chin, eyes scanning the feeds. some of them show outside of the ship, while the majority are inside - and she keeps sideeyeing the fleshy escape pod bay that blade and shu are going to give her a headache in later today. nothing on the screen changes, she's just keeping a close eye on it in case it does.
she saw blade coming down the hall and to the door, so she doesn't react to him being there right away. just stirs her tea absently with the other hand before she takes a drink.
her emotions are immediately alert, an electrc current, though, acknowledging him in another way. ]
Blade's lips curl upwards in that sharp, but amused way, patented just for her. His red eyes first looking at her, but then darting to land on the screens showcased right before them.
Nothing apparent or concerning; though his attention on those is only momentary, more focused on her afterwards. ]
Is someone that excited to see me? Should I be...flattered?
[ Blade strides forward, even further in to close the distance so that he's standing close to her, lips curled upwards, as if promising to be nothing less than the usual. Movements in almost a complete mimicry of the way when he breezed into the simulation room where they first spoke 'in confidence'. She can feel a sense of warped amusement, twisted satisfaction, and heightened attentiveness. ]
Please don't flatter yourself, I don't want to lose my lunch.
[ slowly, she lolls her head to look at him, rather than getting up. there's another placid sip of tea - something strong smelling, likely just as strong on the tongue - that she then slowly puts back onto her cup warmer before going back to her screens for a moment. people coming and going, activity in the mess hall and food court as always.
but yelan takes note of his emotions roiling off of him, and the same steel under water is present with hers along with that alertness. this time, however, it's not as muffled - not as clouded. it's right there, even if she keeps some of it concealed beneath the surface as she continues her work for a bit longer.
there's the electric current, the typical patronizing twist her smile takes now in her emotions, but also the gambler's thrill and something else. not affection, because archons know that's the exact opposite - but the delight one gets from a good fight, an adrenaline rush.
well, at least whatever their fucked up relationship it's mutual. ]
What a pity that would be. However would you be able to do your work in such a terrible state?
[ Blade watches her glance back at the screens, images still as they were when he last looked. Probably just the same when she did as well.
He concludes that the tea might have something in it to help boost some form of alertness. Perhaps prudent, and not just because being caffeinated keeps one awake to fit in extra hours of work. Blade isn't exactly the most subtle person either, though, so even if he certainly knows how to push down his own emotions, he doesn't bother. He lets them flow, though he can't quite predict his own thoughts, Blade doesn't seek to try to obscure those from Yelan either.
Such as: "As always, you know well to never conceal that steel. But I wonder what vulnerabilities you dare hide in my presence?" ]
I have. It's just as sickeningly sweet as you might imagine it is.
So perfect, yet suffocatingly coddling. As if deliberate to hide the rot inside. You can witness it all, watch those insects walk around mindless, so eager to please...but, would you find that sort of thoughtlessness to your liking?
[ His hand lightly runs along the top surface of the desk, fingers seeking to see if he catch a hold of the hand nearby the tea. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
W0 WEDNESDAY
Better mood now?
no subject
Good of them to pay that level of attention (because Blade is a problem old fogey/child.) Though, his vibrant eyes fall upon the cozy atmosphere projected by the simulation. ]
Better?
Would you consider it better that I don't feel the urge to test the limits of your patience like last time?
no subject
If I say yes, are you going to be contrary and do it anyways? You seem the type to turn on a dime just to cause problems. [ they do look at himm through their holo screen, now. watching. ]
no subject
I've never been much good with authority. Extenuating circumstances or no.
[ Being in trouble with the law or a governing body of some sort has happened more than once. And not because he was trying to hunt down a certain someone at one point. ]
Tell me...do you feel it is still worth being on this ship that you are on now? Knowing that you have a crew that is, more or less, not enthused about going along with everything? Or, are you the type to look at a silver lining?
no subject
You and half of the passengers aboard. You just like to make it an active problem.
[ they're watching him closely, but don't make a move as they continue to let the data run. ]
I like my job, and I enjoy my time here in space and aboard the Eudora. But I'm keenly aware of what the situation is - none of you consented to the contract, and none of you remember how you got here, and only a fool would look at this and think that we haven't run afoul of something.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
W1 TUESDAY
Why are you so obsessed with me. What. [ what do you want now!!! they pivot on their heel to face him, having stopped as they were making their way through ( spins roulette ) the strip mall, just making sure nothing is horribly damaged. and now, here's their sleep paralysis headache. ] Come to make good on keeping me on my toes?
no subject
[ Blade leads in with that, as if that's really why he's decided to come along, tossing them an amused look. ]
You could say it's something of that as well. You should look at it this way — if I weren't here to keep you on your toes, you might just entertain letting your guard down. Crew are supposed to help each other out, after all...
[ He is, perhaps, the worst sleep paralysis headache ever. ]
no subject
[ adrastea lolls their head to look properly at him, and it would be a deadeyed stare if he could actually see their face. you're not funny! ]
You're being awfully kind, wanting to keep me company while checking on the ship security. It's so sweet of you, truly, to think so much about your fellow crew.
[ bites him bites him bites him ]
no subject
[ Blade thinks he's absolutely hilarious (no) ]
...What can I say? I'm a man who knows the value of teamwork and fair play. Besides, we do have a large security concern on this spaceship, no?
[ The way he asks this is while yes, that is certainly true, he still has that annoying little 'I'm going to be a bother about it' tone slipped in there. ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
W2 WEDNESDAY
when they look up from their book, see blade, the calm pond shifts into heavy rainfall across the fur. ]
Oh, look. The crab himself.
no subject
As fate would have it, Adrastea pre-empts him, and for once is witness to him grimacing. ]
...As far as I am concerned, that never happened.
[ Unfortunate for him, that can't be the case. ]
On the other hand, you appeared to be enjoying yourself in a state of full recovery from last week...though I can't help notice the change. Did I surprise you? Or perhaps, is it dismay?
no subject
Cameras don't lie, and I think the Eudora stores footage for a quantum cycle. [ he won't even be able to tell if they're bullshitting him, because their helmet is infallible even if their mood is indicated by the water effect of their tails. the rainfall abates slightly seeing him grimace, and the tips all twitch briefly.
haha. ]
As we're no longer sharing our emotions and thoughts, you will simply have to guess for yourself if that would satisfy you. [ closing their book. it's apparently one on galactic botany. ] My recovery period is much shorter, in comparison - only my wetware was damaged, as opposed to what the four of them had to contend with. Inconvenient as it was, recalibration is easy, considering Io is familiar with what it needs.
no subject
...Is that the truth?
[ Blade's tone is dry, kind of caught between somewhere seemingly dry(ish), yet sarcastic, but also potential resignation that this fact is true, especially since he is unable to confirm otherwise. ]
Hm. How fortunate and for them as well...that you weren't as damaged as they were. Can you imagine? If a leader meant to take a responsible leader had all but fallen...
Still, that suit must have afforded you something like decent protection. Even if I doubt that will always be the case...after all, it doesn't seem as tough as a normal suit of armor. And it won't always be there to protect you.
(no subject)
(no subject)
W5 SATURDAY POST-TRIAL
Hello, Sir Blade. [ Still a bit raspy sounding, and tired looking, but he gives him a small smile anyways. ] Good work today.
no subject
[ Blade is still bad at greetings, but he has gotten somewhat. Better? Yeah. Though at the comment, he's thinking, evaluating his own actions to judge if it is worth praise, and the chaos that happened towards the latter half of trial. ]
Didn't expect to hear that. [ But speaking of 'work', he remembers a glimpse of the other writing in something. ] You...seem to still be working. Or are you?
no subject
Even if one does not think they provided a clear hand in all of it, even some words are helpful enough. [ A glance to his journal, humming. ] Somewhere to put my thoughts. Writing them down has always been much preferable than jotting down on the data pad.
no subject
Helpful...
[ Not something he'd use to describe himself. It's a little ironic. Hadn't he once said something like that to someone too? Blade mulls over the words, and finds he doesn't mind them. ]
Because it feels more natural? Or...you're used to it, instead of all this?
W5 SUNDAY
she's too tired for hostilities, the moment she sees him, although she does slip into a different alertness that's reserved for him specifically. ]
There's my personal headache. [ dry. ] Hello, Blade.
no subject
He also doesn't quite have it within himself to stir up too much trouble. Sounds fake, but it is true; as for any indications in the bit of alert settled for him, he does feel an echo of amusement that doesn't quite surface. ]
Correct. Your personal headache is here...Adrastea.
[ Words spoken in his usual tone, alongside an utterance of her name as something like a rare greeting. ]
...Decided a patrol was necessary because of events? Or, simply it being your shift?
no subject
... we're making preparations for a few things. Namely, replacing our wetware in the oncoming week. Mine won't be the first, so I'm making sure that things are, hm, all in order from front to back. Taking some of the load off of those that will be undergoing treatment first thing tomorrow.
[ the bow comes around from her shoulder, and she reaches out to tap him in the center of the chest with it. there's enough time for him to see it coming, to bat it away, so it's not an attack. just.
bap. ]
I know you don't tend to have a normal sleep schedule, if watching the security room footage is anything to go by. So I can't say I'm surprised to see you still about.
no subject
The Eudora has only become ever the more dangerous. Still, instead of a smirk his expression seems to turn to show a crooked smile. ]
Oh? Hm...so you're simply working hard to ensure everything is in place. This must be something like a brief reprieve, then.
[ His eyes slide on over to watch the movements, amused enough that he just lets it happen (if it were more blade-like, it'd be a different story) before raising a hand to lightly grab a hold of the bow, holding it in place with a gloved hand. ]
...I had no idea you were watching me so close. Then again, it would be wise to track my movements, wouldn't it? ...I was seeking to gain some more knowledge; something to supplement what I already have. Restlessness is only a boon to me in this now.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
W7 MONDAY
yelan is facing the screens when the door to the security room opens, leaning forward on an elbow and that hand curled at her chin, eyes scanning the feeds. some of them show outside of the ship, while the majority are inside - and she keeps sideeyeing the fleshy escape pod bay that blade and shu are going to give her a headache in later today. nothing on the screen changes, she's just keeping a close eye on it in case it does.
she saw blade coming down the hall and to the door, so she doesn't react to him being there right away. just stirs her tea absently with the other hand before she takes a drink.
her emotions are immediately alert, an electrc current, though, acknowledging him in another way. ]
Look who's here.
no subject
Blade's lips curl upwards in that sharp, but amused way, patented just for her. His red eyes first looking at her, but then darting to land on the screens showcased right before them.
Nothing apparent or concerning; though his attention on those is only momentary, more focused on her afterwards. ]
Is someone that excited to see me? Should I be...flattered?
[ Blade strides forward, even further in to close the distance so that he's standing close to her, lips curled upwards, as if promising to be nothing less than the usual. Movements in almost a complete mimicry of the way when he breezed into the simulation room where they first spoke 'in confidence'. She can feel a sense of warped amusement, twisted satisfaction, and heightened attentiveness. ]
no subject
[ slowly, she lolls her head to look at him, rather than getting up. there's another placid sip of tea - something strong smelling, likely just as strong on the tongue - that she then slowly puts back onto her cup warmer before going back to her screens for a moment. people coming and going, activity in the mess hall and food court as always.
but yelan takes note of his emotions roiling off of him, and the same steel under water is present with hers along with that alertness. this time, however, it's not as muffled - not as clouded. it's right there, even if she keeps some of it concealed beneath the surface as she continues her work for a bit longer.
there's the electric current, the typical patronizing twist her smile takes now in her emotions, but also the gambler's thrill and something else. not affection, because archons know that's the exact opposite - but the delight one gets from a good fight, an adrenaline rush.
well, at least whatever their fucked up relationship it's mutual. ]
Have you gone planetside yet?
no subject
[ Blade watches her glance back at the screens, images still as they were when he last looked. Probably just the same when she did as well.
He concludes that the tea might have something in it to help boost some form of alertness. Perhaps prudent, and not just because being caffeinated keeps one awake to fit in extra hours of work. Blade isn't exactly the most subtle person either, though, so even if he certainly knows how to push down his own emotions, he doesn't bother. He lets them flow, though he can't quite predict his own thoughts, Blade doesn't seek to try to obscure those from Yelan either.
Such as: "As always, you know well to never conceal that steel. But I wonder what vulnerabilities you dare hide in my presence?" ]
I have. It's just as sickeningly sweet as you might imagine it is.
So perfect, yet suffocatingly coddling. As if deliberate to hide the rot inside. You can witness it all, watch those insects walk around mindless, so eager to please...but, would you find that sort of thoughtlessness to your liking?
[ His hand lightly runs along the top surface of the desk, fingers seeking to see if he catch a hold of the hand nearby the tea. ]