voice everything.

[permit]

Even words from the wisest of men amount to very little when they fall on deaf ears. In the same vein, you won’t find much productivity to be had if you plan on continuing the way you are now.

But I imagine you’re well aware of this fact.

A will may not always come in the shape of a sword, but it is an apt description, don’t you think? For a will well-controlled is a functional tool with great potential. In capable hands it can carry out a wide array of actions, achieve conquests of the ilk of legends – whether it is used to attack, or to defend, or to kill.

But a blade is not a toy, and neither should a will be treated as such. I regret to inform you that if you continue to exercise your will so carelessly like this, then much like playing with a sword . . .

You will only find that you have cut yourself wide open.

[ . . . ]

--What a remarkably twisted thinking face you possess. Was I wrong? It appears you don’t appreciate the metaphor as much as I thought you might.

Ah. Very well, then. I’ll get straight to the point.

[ a pleasant smile. ]

You’re inadequate.

Comments

[permit]

[ nothing wrong, really. nothing so much as it is that he's playing with a full deck today, anyway -- trump cards included. ]

I'm taking stock. A quality control check, if I may call it. You needn't pay any heed, Awashima-kun.

[redbeans]

Consider me curious, sir.

[--or humour her, whichever.]

[permit]

Alright, I'll consider it.

[ he's teasing... probably. but there is a somewhat heavy pause -- and then, clarifying- ]

Presumably there is something off about the manner in which I speak.

[redbeans]

[carefully:]

Is there?

[permit]

[ amusedly: ]

Apparently I'm not the best judge of that in this particular instance.

[redbeans]

You sounds absolutely fine to me, sir.

[and if you say otherwise, nika, i will end you. ♥ ]

[permit]

[ oh my god don't just abuse the brackets like that how is he going to emote all stick-up-the-ass and properlike now ]

Then I suppose it's no longer up for discussion. [ the thank you is implied. ]

How is the situation with your new relocation, Awashima-kun?

[redbeans]

[i do what i want. also, i'd google "stick up the ass emoticons" but i'm not sure i'm ready for the results.]

Not good. The technology's not very advanced and the situation is... [bleak] unfavourable. It's all quite disorderly, sir.

[permit]

[ ... thank you for sparing me. ]

I see . . . And I hear that standard pen and paper will not do you much good, either. What a prickly conundrum you've found yourselves in.

[ a hum of contemplation. and he starts thinking, but- ]

I'm quite certain that you and -- ah, the Reishi Munakata with you will have things under control in good time.

[redbeans]

[quite unhappily:]

...writing does seem to be a punishable offence.

[regrettable, really.]

Thank you for your sentiments-- I do agree with you. If there's an explanation about all that, I'm hoping [and she looks particularly grim at having to use "hope"-- practicality states that "hope" has no use] that we'll find it. I don't intend to stay longer than what's necessary.

[permit]

[ yes, hope is a strange thing to hear her use, and yet- ]

You will find it. [ it's all terribly calm assurance with a matching smile. ] With Scepter 4 backing the situation, I am sure it is merely a matter of recon and reconvening.

I have it in good faith that the people there are in quite capable hands.

[redbeans]

[she bows her head-- actual compliments from the captain are rare.]

I [hope I'll] will have better news the next time we speak.

[permit]

I will leave you to it, then.

[ and, ah, hmm. how does he phrase this... ]

I suppose I should tell you to have fun seeing as how it's technically a vacation. [ if this is a joke, he's being terribly serious. ] Although the destination leaves much to be desired.

[redbeans]

[there is no fun in this place. there isn't even privacy....]

...I'd rather return to work, sir.

[redbeans]

Besides, I'd hate to think of how much paperwork that'd be if we're away for too long.

[permit]

[ ... oh yes, paperwork. ]

Commendable work ethic. I'll expect you back at HQ by tomorrow.

[redbeans]

[please try to finish all of yours, captain. having to do them for him takes up a lot of time that could be better spent.]

I will do my best.

[permit]

[ . . . ]

Beg pardon, I feel the need to clarify.

That was meant to be a joke.

[ without any sense of inflection, but he can only do so much. ]