testing!

[allthyvexations]

You would enjoy it if I told you to "put your back into it," wouldn't you? You seem like the sort to enjoy that semblance of jamais vu.

Ah, yes. This is the part where I'm supposed to quote Shakespeare. "Brave new world." You'll never actually reach this brave new world if you don't actually set sail. I know that you know what I mean, considering that you've begun to study my speech patterns. I won't discriminate - science and art begin with observation, after all, and you and I appreciate both.

I don't mind waiting with a cup of earl gray and my laptop. I'll leave this deadline to you. I've got a division to run and you have your own department. I trust that you'll keep the ball rolling regardless, so to speak. Mundane.

Comments

[easilysmitten]

I suppose "mundane" is a rather accurate term. They do seem to study the most trivial of subjects. Sometimes with more vigour than the task deserves.

[allthyvexations]

Better a mundane that studies than one that does not.

[easilysmitten]

While this is true, I can't help but feel it being a bit intrusive.

[allthyvexations]

Science and art are intrusive. Somewhat painfully.

[easilysmitten]

I've heard of people suffering for art, but I'm pretty sure it was willingly.

[allthyvexations]

Van Gogh would say otherwise.

[herotypical]

Jamais vu. I like that. It's cute.

[allthyvexations]

Am I to expect that you'll be swooning every time I speak French, then?

[herotypical]

Swooning? Please. French is all Greek to me. [ only clearly not, as she knows enough to know that his line was -- as she put it -- cute. but she plays a fast and dirty game of seeming less than she really is. ]

Practically flunked it, y'know. In high school.

[allthyvexations]

The root of French isn't quite Greek, though it was prevalent enough to leave its mark regardless. [Two can play a game of obtuseness, and Q doesn't mind his circumlocution.]

C'est une grande habileté que de savoir cacher son habilité.

[herotypical]

Sorry. Barring kitchsy platitudes, Jean Paul Gaultier, or fromage, I'm out of my depth. Besides, aren't you Brits supposed to be the anti-French?

[ she guess off the accent, at least. ]

[thatbastard]

Ah, the bloodless competence of British government. Makes a change from bloody incompetence. Out of curiosity, were you born forty or did you just cultivate it to frustrate your superiors?

[allthyvexations]

Why is everyone so curious about a fellow's age? Surely it's no concern of yours if I was born forty and with a doctorate or two.

[thatbastard]

Not what I asked, squire. [Surely the most ironic "squire" ever uttered.] But you're right, it's not my concern. Generally when I dabble in politics, half a dozen people die, and you're a bit too important for that, aren't you.

[allthyvexations]

Squire. How novel. Here I expected to be called "pleb" or "peasant".

Anyone dabbling in politics unwittingly sets in motion a chain of unfortunate events. I don't see how you would be any different.

[thatbastard]

Couldn't speak for your expectations or how far you see, or can't see. I just like to take a look at people in power every now and then. You're a bright young thing, but you sneer the same. It's reassuring, really. No room for lack of confidence when it comes to national security, eh?

[lastrat]

And you want to set sail? [Jeez Q you won't fly but you'll make sailing metaphors.]

[allthyvexations]

Anchors aweigh.

[lastrat]

Might get in over your head.

[allthyvexations]

I suppose I'll turn to your expert advice should that ever happen.

[at_stake]

... I'm sorry, that was just exceedingly British.

[Britisher than Giles. Who knew she'd ever see the day?

She says it in a light tone, though. Teasing. A little wistful. 'Cause she misses Giles, damnit, so of course she'll be reminded of him.]

[allthyvexations]

Would you like some tea and crumpets to round off the experience?

[at_stake]

What's a crumpet, anyway? [Her brows furrow.] Sounds like someone mashed together "crumble" and "trompet"... no, that can't be right.

[allthyvexations]

They're precisely that. A crumbly trumpeting pastry. Quite the adventure on your plate.

[at_stake]

Sounds like quite the experience. A must-have.