Muse is not impressed // Canon is 007: Skyfall. Spoilers not in post, maybe in comments.

[thatsvexing]

Yes, I suppose that journal name is rather accurate. This is all quite vexing.

I have no idea what you intend to do with me, so we should both just get back to doing what we're supposed to, hm?

Comments

[thatsvexing]

There are many things that one should find curious. The key is having the correct balance of curiosity, knowledge, and common sense.

[barebacking]

Let's see which one that you have... okay?

[thatsvexing]

Less of curiosity, more common sense and knowledge, I think.

[barebacking]

So how is it that you got to where you did? With no means to protect yourself? Surely... surely... there may come a time when there are no agents or guards to stand in the way of those that wish harm, yes?

[thatsvexing]

Then I will use my common sense and keep away from that situation as much as possible.

The probability is there, yes. But, as I said before, I have other means to defend myself.

[barebacking]

And I'd like to see those means.

[ And he steps closer. ]

Or is it all just a little game for children? Can you stand with adults? Because if you can't, then... that's fine. Just admit it and we can call each other friends. Yet if you say that you can... then I'll have to test your mantle. Which everyone needs to have done once and awhile, yes? Yes.

So, the choice is yours.

[thatsvexing]

The means will remain private to myself until such a time when I am required to use them.

[Looking up from the laptop now, directly at Yaha.]

You do not reveal your hand to your opponent so willingly. Doing so will compromise your entire game.

[He keys in a few commands in his laptop.]

However, if you insist upon insisting that I show you my... "mantle", as you put it. I suppose I have no choice.

[And the lights go out. Looks like someone hacked the power grid for this little area of the internet.]

[barebacking]

Huh?

Hiding in the dark doesn't help things. It just means that you'll bleed more if I find you. Because that's cowardly, and I think you should understand that. I hold no hate in my heart, just understanding and wishing to teach the correct means of battle.

[noblefive]

[The lights come on, and this guy is standing here.

All 7'8" of him. And he has a rather large gun.]

Looks like someone couldn't take the hint, huh?

[barebacking]

[ Ara?

His head tilts a little. ]

Are you his guardian for these proceedings, then?

[noblefive]

I prefer the term "proxy."

[barebacking]

What a lovely bit of armor that you have. Also part of soldering and the like, but this time an actual solder with actual battles under your belt.

[noblefive]

Likely more than you. So, how about you get on your way, and I don't have to do anything?

[barebacking]

More than me?

How young do you think I am?

[noblefive]

Irrelevant. What's the longest stretch you've been in constant war?

[barebacking]

Since I was fourteen, sir.

The battles are never-ending. While there is no war, there is always blood to be let, as it were.

[noblefive]

I'm not talking about battles. I'm talking about war. Where you only get a few days rest between one battle or mission. Where it's constant.

[barebacking]

Sadly, none.

I was a civilian as you would call it when the war happened. That was when I was seven... you are right that there is no rest, though.

[noblefive]

Thirty years, more or less. That's how long I've been at war.

You'll forgive me if I don't go down so easily.

[barebacking]

Well, not in that armor.

[noblefive]

And out of it.

But if your next question is for me to get out of it? No deal.

[barebacking]

And why's that?

I think that one more battle would be so dull for you... so if you are to be his proxy, why not go on that date with me?

[noblefive]

If it didn't work on the techie, what makes you think that'll work on me?

[barebacking]

Because you're a different sort of man.

[noblefive]

Not interested.