06 | Audio

[implying]

I'm sorry to interrupt the, ah... that is, this isn't about any of — you know, the recent...

[ well this is a terrible start. A pause, an audible breath out, and he starts again. ]

I'm going to need... a programmer, I think. Anyone good with systems. That sort of thing.

[ LONG PAUSE. ]

Possibly Sollux. [ oh god kill him now. ]

Comments

[implying]

[ He shrugs, eyes closing. ]

She wanted to work with a good foundation, I suppose. There'd be little use in empowering someone who wouldn't know how to use it.

[payback]

Who is it? [And can they... get rid of her somehow...]

[implying]

[ It takes him a second to answer. If he's ever said her name outside of Wyander, he can't remember when — like saying it would call her here.

But that's stupid. ]

Venus. A human scientist.

[payback]

[She rubs at his shoulder absently, silently. Thinking. Would it be possible to request a mission to a certain world... to assassinate someone...]

[implying]

[ He's a little glad for the silence, for a while. It's more comfortable than having to say anything. But eventually he shifts, crosses his legs, wraps an arm around her waist, and pulls her into his lap. He looks to find one of her hands at the same time, to drop it to the leg that used to be flesh. It's metal now, all the way down from the top of the thigh. ]

I suppose it's a good thing I never considered my legs an erogenous zone, hmm?

[payback]

[She goes with it, though her eyes narrow (albeit only slightly). In her lap if anything there's the vague impression she's perched, a bird if not nervous, then ready to flit back into the protective underbrush.]

Hmm... for you, definitely, I can see why you'd be concerned.

What's she like? [Besides clearly a fucking BITCH, Rin thinks.]

[implying]

[ He wraps both arms loosely around her, forehead leaned against her back. It's not sex, but the comforting proximity is at least the next best thing. ]

Ah... cold. [ There's a tiny, humorless laugh. ] I tried forever to seduce her -- first to make her stop, then only to try and lighten the load of it all a little. I'm not sure she ever even noticed.

[payback]

[Rin stares blankly off into space. She doesn't even know what to say. Vanadi's slipping closer is noticed and then accepted.

What can she do? What can anyone do? There must be something.]

They should be able to help you...

[implying]

[ He pauses, a little awkwardly. Admitting this could be the first step to admitting more unpleasant things. ]

Sollux offered to help.

[payback]

He did? What's he going to do?

[implying]

[ idly: ] Programming, adjustments... something like that.

[payback]

And you think that'll help?

[implying]

Well, yes. I think so. And if he can't do it — I'll ask someone else.

[payback]

Could they send a mission to your home?

[implying]

[ He blinks, frowns a little, and lifts his head again. ]

You — saw what happened when they tried that.

[payback]

Was the United Earth already active there? Or did they really just respond to us?

[implying]

[ Low: ] I wasn't there, I suppose you're asking the wrong man.

Mm, but... it's not a risk I'd take.

[payback]

Maybe when we win, then. [If. But she can't let it lie now.]

[implying]

[ He's still and quiet for a moment, but... begins to rub her back. A gesture to alleviate a little nervous energy more almost more than for the contact. Almost. ]

If— if they could, I wouldn't... be able to go along.

[payback]

Why not?

[implying]

Because I...

[ He should lie. Invent something. But then... if there's anyone around here he can trust, it's definitely Rin. ]

If... I get within range of her, she'll be able to give me commands. I have to obey those. [ quieter: ] She'd just order me to kill whoever came along with.

[payback]

[A pause. It's heavy.]

I want to kill her.

[implying]

[ That draws up a tiny smile, and his hands pause. ]

You'd be more than welcome to her, if the chance ever arose.

[payback]

[She is gonna slide out of his lap now. A little more comfortable sitting next to him instead.]

With any luck it will.

[implying]

[ Slightly disappointing, but, well, he can imagine that his legs are not the softest things to sit on anymore. After a quiet moment he pushes himself to his feet. ]

I'd best go and speak with the Initiative. They have a lab they don't know they're going to let me borrow.