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[ 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. ]
Better mood now?
Better mood now?
[ 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?
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. ]
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?
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.
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.
[ I'm hecking crying, it's for the best that Blade is blissfully unaware because of his everything right now, but that is hilarious. ]
Keeps you on your toes, doesn't it?
[ Blade slides in this unnecessary question, as if to imply the other should be grateful for that. Though, there is a thoughtful pause, as he seems to consider something. ]
Hmm...I suppose for the rest of that, you took the words out of my mouth. Speaking of running afoul of something, what is the reason for that damage earlier? Over at the entertainment section of this ship, at that control panel and part of the gate. Should we have reason to suspect something else is amiss?
Keeps you on your toes, doesn't it?
[ Blade slides in this unnecessary question, as if to imply the other should be grateful for that. Though, there is a thoughtful pause, as he seems to consider something. ]
Hmm...I suppose for the rest of that, you took the words out of my mouth. Speaking of running afoul of something, what is the reason for that damage earlier? Over at the entertainment section of this ship, at that control panel and part of the gate. Should we have reason to suspect something else is amiss?
[ the shitpost is NOT wrong. this cr is so funny. ]
Assuming I'm not always on them anyways.
[ despite the snap-quick responses, their overall emotions remain muted and calm. but they do snort softly behind their helmet at that inquiry. ]
Ganymede did that when they and Europa were trying to unjam the door before we even had your pods delivered. Thebe couldn't get it to raise all the way, and Ganymede used too much force. Nothing so nerfarious as you want to fish for.
Assuming I'm not always on them anyways.
[ despite the snap-quick responses, their overall emotions remain muted and calm. but they do snort softly behind their helmet at that inquiry. ]
Ganymede did that when they and Europa were trying to unjam the door before we even had your pods delivered. Thebe couldn't get it to raise all the way, and Ganymede used too much force. Nothing so nerfarious as you want to fish for.
Edited (NO MY ICON) 2024-02-29 14:50 (UTC)
[ #facts ]
You're not the type to let your guard down? Even a little?
[ Blade, of course, prods at this, because as we all have learned, he can't help himself.
As for the reaction in turn, the noise of amusement is evident and clear. Then there is the response, which is...unexpected. His mind is something like pulling together thoughts about there being "no secret raging alien demonic beast" or something outlandish like that with disappointment. Truly, he expected something nefarious indeed. ]
Hmph. Perhaps it's for the best it's something ridiculous than anything like foolishly kept secrets.
You're not the type to let your guard down? Even a little?
[ Blade, of course, prods at this, because as we all have learned, he can't help himself.
As for the reaction in turn, the noise of amusement is evident and clear. Then there is the response, which is...unexpected. His mind is something like pulling together thoughts about there being "no secret raging alien demonic beast" or something outlandish like that with disappointment. Truly, he expected something nefarious indeed. ]
Hmph. Perhaps it's for the best it's something ridiculous than anything like foolishly kept secrets.
If I do, it certainly won't be while you're prowling around.
[ dryly, a bit of banter in exchange for his prodding. adrastea does not seem like they're going to accept being baited without him working hard for it. ]
Imagine we just left that sort of damage out in the open for you all to see, and then - oops! [ raising one hand, kafkaesque with a spread of their fingers wide. ] We forgot to sweep it under the rug.
No, we just knew we needed somewhere for people to unwind. Turned out to be more true than ever with the situation.
[ dryly, a bit of banter in exchange for his prodding. adrastea does not seem like they're going to accept being baited without him working hard for it. ]
Imagine we just left that sort of damage out in the open for you all to see, and then - oops! [ raising one hand, kafkaesque with a spread of their fingers wide. ] We forgot to sweep it under the rug.
No, we just knew we needed somewhere for people to unwind. Turned out to be more true than ever with the situation.
That is how it should be.
[ He just might do his best (worst) working up to that difficulty ladder...surely this will be appreciated (no)
Blade watches the sudden movements, and he looks curiously at them; the familiarity is stark. But after the pause, he continues onwards without fail. ]
It wouldn't be a first. If you had, of course.
Fortunately for the rest of you, people are in fact taking to 'unwinding', as much as they can. They have no other choice. While awaiting for whatever undesirable results bureaucracy may give courtesy of your higher-ups, so to speak.
Speaking of which, why did you take on the job, hm? To keep seeing the stars and beyond?
[ He just might do his best (worst) working up to that difficulty ladder...surely this will be appreciated (no)
Blade watches the sudden movements, and he looks curiously at them; the familiarity is stark. But after the pause, he continues onwards without fail. ]
It wouldn't be a first. If you had, of course.
Fortunately for the rest of you, people are in fact taking to 'unwinding', as much as they can. They have no other choice. While awaiting for whatever undesirable results bureaucracy may give courtesy of your higher-ups, so to speak.
Speaking of which, why did you take on the job, hm? To keep seeing the stars and beyond?
[ adrastea takes off their helmet just to start biting (no)
they tilt their head slightly as they mull over what he says, tapping at a few things on their holo screen in the meantime. ]
I don't doubt that they'll probably be undesirable. We're already going to be waiting a week, at least, to hear back from them, and while you'll all be compensated I'm not optimistic in the turn around time.
I took the job because I like answers. [ this is not a straightforward answer and they know it. they elaborate: ] I already worked in intelligence, prior, so getting decent pay, benefits, and expansive travel was a decent payoff for seeking out information.
they tilt their head slightly as they mull over what he says, tapping at a few things on their holo screen in the meantime. ]
I don't doubt that they'll probably be undesirable. We're already going to be waiting a week, at least, to hear back from them, and while you'll all be compensated I'm not optimistic in the turn around time.
I took the job because I like answers. [ this is not a straightforward answer and they know it. they elaborate: ] I already worked in intelligence, prior, so getting decent pay, benefits, and expansive travel was a decent payoff for seeking out information.
[ Uwaa Blade gets an early NPC true identity reveal— (impossibiru) ]
Heh. A little ironic that someone who likes answers manages to get into a predicament like this. Though, I would imagine it's not the first time you've been lacking in getting enough information, hm?
[ Incidentally, will that compensation be enough to match his 8.13 billion credit bounty? Time only can tell.
Blade would definitely doubt that on the basis of even with potential conversion that it'd likely be an obscene amount of money. ]
Seems like a reasonable enough tradeoff if it works out in the end. [ Slight smirk. ] But maybe becoming an infamous information broker who works in the shadows is an eventuality instead of working for some so-called reputable organization. Or does that sound too frightening to you?
Heh. A little ironic that someone who likes answers manages to get into a predicament like this. Though, I would imagine it's not the first time you've been lacking in getting enough information, hm?
[ Incidentally, will that compensation be enough to match his 8.13 billion credit bounty? Time only can tell.
Blade would definitely doubt that on the basis of even with potential conversion that it'd likely be an obscene amount of money. ]
Seems like a reasonable enough tradeoff if it works out in the end. [ Slight smirk. ] But maybe becoming an infamous information broker who works in the shadows is an eventuality instead of working for some so-called reputable organization. Or does that sound too frightening to you?
[ will blade get an unmask... who knows... stay tuned.
the way their head moves makes it seem like adrastea is... rolling their eyes at him? but it's hard to tell when the glow within the helmet doesn't move, only occasionally blinks. ]
It's happened. Sometimes you need to know when to fold your cards, so that you can come up with a better strategy. Sometimes, the house cheats, so you figure out how to break their system. That's just how things go.
[ it's funny because the conversaion rate probably wouldn't be that too far off from his bounty, although considering how cuckoo bananas it is it'd still not meet it.
swiping their hand through the air, they close out their I.R.I.S. interface and then place it on their hip, regarding him again. ]
There's no reward without risks - and, sometimes, the risks are better than the rewards. The more excitement in something, the better, so - no, I wouldn't be afraid of that sort of thing.
the way their head moves makes it seem like adrastea is... rolling their eyes at him? but it's hard to tell when the glow within the helmet doesn't move, only occasionally blinks. ]
It's happened. Sometimes you need to know when to fold your cards, so that you can come up with a better strategy. Sometimes, the house cheats, so you figure out how to break their system. That's just how things go.
[ it's funny because the conversaion rate probably wouldn't be that too far off from his bounty, although considering how cuckoo bananas it is it'd still not meet it.
swiping their hand through the air, they close out their I.R.I.S. interface and then place it on their hip, regarding him again. ]
There's no reward without risks - and, sometimes, the risks are better than the rewards. The more excitement in something, the better, so - no, I wouldn't be afraid of that sort of thing.
[ To be continued...
Anyway, very hard to tell but if there is some exasperation being sent his way he can feel, that could work or something, it is fine. ]
Hmm...and here I thought you would be all about following the rules.
[ Poking a little there. Because of course he does. ]
Would you look at that? You have a more colorful personality than I imagined. I wonder what else you've been hiding under that helmet.
But, I do agree. Risks can be worth more than the rewards, especially if it ends with the achievement of your ultimate goal in the end.
Anyway, very hard to tell but if there is some exasperation being sent his way he can feel, that could work or something, it is fine. ]
Hmm...and here I thought you would be all about following the rules.
[ Poking a little there. Because of course he does. ]
Would you look at that? You have a more colorful personality than I imagined. I wonder what else you've been hiding under that helmet.
But, I do agree. Risks can be worth more than the rewards, especially if it ends with the achievement of your ultimate goal in the end.
[ there's a little bit of it, yeah. it still feels like it's coming from another room, or from under murky water. ]
There are always rules to follow, but there's also always rules that should be bent or broken.
[ just depends on the reason and the rule. but there's something that's vaguely amused at that. ]
Do you always jump to assumptions, the same as you jump into your tantrums? [ jabs back at ] But I suppose we can at least agree on one thing, here, so color me shocked.
There are always rules to follow, but there's also always rules that should be bent or broken.
[ just depends on the reason and the rule. but there's something that's vaguely amused at that. ]
Do you always jump to assumptions, the same as you jump into your tantrums? [ jabs back at ] But I suppose we can at least agree on one thing, here, so color me shocked.
[ "So seemingly perfectly balanced, but for how long?" Runs along this little thought from Blade to the other with ease.
But, fortunately, they have time to get to know each other well. ]
Maybe you're just an outlier that I've decided to pay close attention to, and whatever I have to give would be something you'll have to deal with, until you simply can't bear it anymore. Does it comfort you to hear that? [ Grin ] That in mind, I doubt we'll ever see eye to eye on much else.
But, fortunately, they have time to get to know each other well. ]
Maybe you're just an outlier that I've decided to pay close attention to, and whatever I have to give would be something you'll have to deal with, until you simply can't bear it anymore. Does it comfort you to hear that? [ Grin ] That in mind, I doubt we'll ever see eye to eye on much else.
[ there's no returning thought to that, but they do acknowledge and file it away for the threat that it could very well become. neither of them has moved, but it feels a little like they're circling each other regardless.
the glow in the helmet narrows, slightly. hard to say what the murky emotion here is, but some of the haze in the water clears to reveal something that feels like steel. ]
I doubt anything you ever say could be comforting to me, especially when you bare your teeth. [ put that smirk away you rat. ] If you keep misbehaving, I'll simply have to tie you up.
the glow in the helmet narrows, slightly. hard to say what the murky emotion here is, but some of the haze in the water clears to reveal something that feels like steel. ]
I doubt anything you ever say could be comforting to me, especially when you bare your teeth. [ put that smirk away you rat. ] If you keep misbehaving, I'll simply have to tie you up.
[ They really are doing exactly that, but at the sudden emotion of steel filtering into him, and those words, Blade laughs. It's a sharp sound, equal parts honestly amused, and definitely partially made just to incite. That infuriating smirk seems to be stuck on his face for sure now. ]
Will you? Can you?
How about it, then? A proper round, except this time no one else is around to interfere...no one would blame you if it got out of hand.
[ His hand is already sliding down to where the hilt of his sword happens to be, because apparently he has taken this as a challenge. Excitement, where it should be absolutely dulled, is more than adequately shared across the emotional link. ]
Will you? Can you?
How about it, then? A proper round, except this time no one else is around to interfere...no one would blame you if it got out of hand.
[ His hand is already sliding down to where the hilt of his sword happens to be, because apparently he has taken this as a challenge. Excitement, where it should be absolutely dulled, is more than adequately shared across the emotional link. ]
Edited 2024-03-04 15:15 (UTC)
[ 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?
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?
...Two heads are better than one, hm?
[ 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. ]
[ 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. ]
[ what's the fight scene equivalent of a fade to black, lum, so that we don't have to describe a fight in full.
but they don't back down, and don't tense up as he goes for his sword. ]
In one breath you question what I can do, in the next you're sounding like you've already accepted that I'll take you down. Are you really prepared to face me again, Blade? Or are you boasting to try and get a rise out of me?
Anything that happens will be in my control. I'm not the kind of person that gets out of hand.
but they don't back down, and don't tense up as he goes for his sword. ]
In one breath you question what I can do, in the next you're sounding like you've already accepted that I'll take you down. Are you really prepared to face me again, Blade? Or are you boasting to try and get a rise out of me?
Anything that happens will be in my control. I'm not the kind of person that gets out of hand.
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.
[ bites him bites him bites him ]
[ 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 ]
[ We can definitely do something like that! Just describe things vaguely that happened like:
"Behind brackets: 'They fought for quite awhile, and then eventually tired themselves out', or 'It was a tough fight, but eventually (character) claimed victory', etc.
After brackets: (potentially continuing dialogue if we thread for a lil bit)"
Either way, whatever kind of result of the match is definitely fine/can be up to you.
...As for Blade, he throws the other an amused smirk, seeming to not be bothered by it at all. ]
Why can't I do both? You have more or less indicated that it is your responsibility to protect this crew...but if I am able to best you, that proves that your position is untenable in ways then you can begin to understand.
So, come on, take me down if you can. Don't hold back.
[ Blade is drawing his sword out immediately, before charging ahead towards Adrastea... ]
"Behind brackets: 'They fought for quite awhile, and then eventually tired themselves out', or 'It was a tough fight, but eventually (character) claimed victory', etc.
After brackets: (potentially continuing dialogue if we thread for a lil bit)"
Either way, whatever kind of result of the match is definitely fine/can be up to you.
...As for Blade, he throws the other an amused smirk, seeming to not be bothered by it at all. ]
Why can't I do both? You have more or less indicated that it is your responsibility to protect this crew...but if I am able to best you, that proves that your position is untenable in ways then you can begin to understand.
So, come on, take me down if you can. Don't hold back.
[ Blade is drawing his sword out immediately, before charging ahead towards Adrastea... ]
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. ]
[ 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. ]
[ we'll figure it out as we go along because on one hand, oh no fight scenes. on the other hand, oh yes fight scenes!
adrastea watches him, and that feeling of steel under the cover of murky water becomes more stark, ready for his movement. they don't warp, this time. they move like liquid under their own power as they whip out their hand to snare his sword with a length of wire expelled from their sleeve. ]
I wonder if you're an unbroken blade or not. [ contemplative. their strength stat is their worse score, though, so they're not about to stay close to him for long.
the simulation room changes so that there's fewer obstacles in the way, the lounge setting becoming empty of tables and chairs, as they dance back from him. ]
adrastea watches him, and that feeling of steel under the cover of murky water becomes more stark, ready for his movement. they don't warp, this time. they move like liquid under their own power as they whip out their hand to snare his sword with a length of wire expelled from their sleeve. ]
I wonder if you're an unbroken blade or not. [ contemplative. their strength stat is their worse score, though, so they're not about to stay close to him for long.
the simulation room changes so that there's fewer obstacles in the way, the lounge setting becoming empty of tables and chairs, as they dance back from him. ]
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