008 ↔ video & text; mutiny day 2, 1545hrs

[5055034455]

[Saul would've come to the network sooner, but his earpiece picked something up not long after the network came back online.

So, he waited.

And waited.

And now, he thinks, is as good a time as any for this broadcast.

He's seated in DITR's office; the interior looks much the same as any other bedroom on the base, but in lieu of the beds, there's a medium-sized desk. This is where he's perched in his usual pose with elbows on his knees, hands folded, leaning forward just slightly and addressing the camera — which someone else is holding — with an expression so grim it somehow almost seems amused.]

This is not how you get what you want.

[A pause. He appears thoughtful for a moment, then waves a dismissive hand at nothing and smooths down his tie.]

I mean, sure, it must've sounded great in theory. And I'd bet any amount of money that you all thought you had your bases nice and covered, buuut —

[Tch.]

Looks like maybe not, if the network being back online is any indication. Hi, by the way. Are you having fun yet? Because that whole lack of gravity thing — man, that was a blast. I'm just wondering, you know, if this is gonna work in your favor the way you'd all hoped. Messing with the systems is all well and good and yeah, okay, we get your point: you're mad as hell and not gonna take it anymore. Fine.

But I think — and this is just my lawyerly opinion — you're gonna have a hell of a time dealing with the fallout from this. And I promise you, Charlie, there will be fallout. Civilized fallout, of course, assuming no one gets hurt. I'll keep my promise if you keep yours.

[He grins, then winks.]

Anyway, I dunno about everyone else, but I'm waiting with bated breath for your next move. And if you need anything from us —

[A quick sweep of his arm to indicate the entirety of the room and, with it, the entirety of DITR's staff. Whatever anger he's been keeping at bay finally seeps through, Saul's eyes narrowing for the split second it takes him to say:]

Good fucking luck.

[And off goes the video feed.]

*

[PRIVATE to all members of the Department EXCEPT Jesse, Mike, and Stephanie:]

If you haven't come to the office in room 206 yet, please report to Roslyn Small or another member of the police force for further instructions. They're set up in the cafeteria.

Comments

video; private

[ensorceler]

[ Well she was impressed with his talk until the cursing. No Saul, no! Cursing to make a point only lowers you.

But she certainly let out a mouthful herself the moment gravity went off, if anyone was around at the time to hear. A woman with skirts and no undies definitely has issue with floating around, thank you very much. If ANYTHING was going to turn her against the mutineers... ]

Police force?

samesies; samesies

[5055034455]

[yo did someone say no undies

I mean.

Saul nods, gesturing out toward — somewhere.]

Yeah. Roslyn needs people to make sure we're okay on food and that everyone's playing nicely — things like that.

[ensorceler]

[ NOBODY BETTER HAVE LOOKED. ]

And what of your state? Who will see to that?

[5055034455]

Me? I'm fine. But Kanaya's around, so if I need anything —

[Aw, Anne. He can't help but smile a little.]

Don't worry about me.

[ensorceler]

[ Because strange troll monsters are totally trustworthy... ]

You said all who haven't been to the office. Mayhap I did not hear this order until I was already on my way.

[5055034455]

Then by all means, stop by, but you'd be better off finding something else to do. I don't need a babysitter, milady.

[ensorceler]

[ Babysitter, what a weird word, but she can figure out through context. ]

I would hardly label you a child after you have alerted all here to know that you are a man who stands by his beliefs and grants no mercy to traitors.

[5055034455]

[...well then.

What's he supposed to say to that?]

We've got some coffee here, if you want it.

[ensorceler]

[ Is it shitty moonbase coffee or 'imported' via a mission? Well if it sucks maybe she can just add a ton of sugar. ]

How lucky then that I was already walking along that direction.

[ LIES, obviously, but well you know. ]

[5055034455]

[This is a crisis, Anne. Of course Saul's busted out the good coffee.]

Then I'll see you when you get here.

[ensorceler]

Sir.

[ Said with the tone of a farewell before the tablet's turned off. It will be several minutes, especially with her stopping along the way, but eventually she'll waltz in. Today is the first day she hasn't worn black since the nuclear bomb, finally sporting one of her few other dresses, made of silk red and green brocade. Her long hair is tied into a braid and then wrapped around a red french hood before being pinned in with pearls.

She's done mourning; she's onto being pissed...even if she arrives with a smile, a small basket toting something in her hands (like maybe ICE CREAM). ]

[5055034455]

["Sir"?

Did the future Queen of England just call him "sir"?

Saul sets his tablet down with a slightly blank look on his face, then shakes his head and takes a minute to stretch. By the time Anne appears, he's back to work, eyes on the network.

When he hears her enter, though, he looks up, gaze immediately falling to the basket.]

Are we having a picnic?

[ensorceler]

[ Anne only tilts her head in confusion at the word 'picnic'. That's one that context won't help her with, but she does hold up the basket with a cheekier smile. ]

Frozen cream.

[ That means she had to stop at the cafeteria on the way ,whoops. She's terrible at following directions, isn't she? ]

It has strawberries within. I could not resist, especially as you offered a good drink to accompany.

[5055034455]

[So terrible.

But he can't complain, really, if she brought ice cream.]

I hope you brought spoons.

[ensorceler]

Yes, of course.

[ She's no animal, she knows how to use a spoon! Just not a fork.

The basket is set down so she can remove the carton of ice cream along with two spoons, and linen napkins. ]

It is difficult to be angry when your tongue is tickled with both the flavors of summer and the chill of winter. Please, help yourself and I will pour the coffee.

I'd say I'm sorry, but...

[controlledvariable]

[You know what she didn't expect to see when she stuck her head into the room to see if Saul needed anything?

Him having a little picnic with the fucking Queen of England, but that's fine. Whatever. He can do what he wants.]

Sorry to interrupt, I just need to deliver a message real quick.

[She barely even acknowledges Anne as she crosses the room to stand next to Saul, and apparently that message is top secret, judging by the way she leans in close enough for her lips to brush his cheek while she whispers in his ear.

It's really not subtle.

When she leans back, she offers Anne a polite smile before looking back at Saul.]

Call me if you need anything.

[And then she's just - gone.

Teleportation is so useful.]

sighs

[5055034455]

[He was right to look a little worried when Steph showed up.

And now? Now he just looks as red as those strawberries, flushed from the tips of his ears down past his collar. He glances away and rubs the bridge of his nose to try to hide it from Anne, but he knows it's not going to work.

WHY IS HIS GIRLFRIEND SUCH A LITTLE SHIT?

Maybe if he just... shoves a bunch of ice cream in his mouth, that'll help.

What a good plan.]

[ensorceler]

[ When Stephanie waltzes in, Anne is about to greet her when she rushes on over to Saul with whatever 'message' it is. She feels like the message is more for her than Saul, but rather than feel insulted, she's highly amused. Anne's smile never leaves her face as the woman whisks in and out, her thoughts kept to herself.

When Stephanie is gone, Anne's icy gaze flicks back over to Saul, having fully taken in his reaction, too. She twirls the tip of her spoon against the top of the ice cream. ]

My, that must have been urgent for manners to escape her so. Something of this rebellion? Ought I to leave you to it?

[5055034455]

Yeah, uh — urgent. But no, it's — later. I'll take care of it later.

[Jesus.

Time to focus on that ice cream again, yep.]

[ensorceler]

[ If only she could read minds. Does Jesse have that power? She should find a proper moment to ask...

She knows that whatever it is has nothing to do with this, and Anne's lighter tone suggests she's aware, but she continues on her faux ignorance. There ARE important matters at hand, ice cream and all. ]

Is there a plan, then? To calm this strife? I worry for the state of my charge, and how oft I must confide him to the apartments because of constant turmoil. Monsters these rebels may not be, but trouble and pain they make just the same no matter what they state of their plight.

[ She takes a small bite, thoughtfully holding the tip of the spoon to her lower lip before speaking again. ]

I am offended they claim to speak for me.

[5055034455]

The plan is that there will be a plan, eventually.

[Saul stares sadly at the ice cream for a moment.

This is so pathetic.

Buck the fuck up, Goodman.]

A lot of people are. Ditto for me. But as long as they think they're right and we think we're right...

[ensorceler]

Is that not the same for the Initiative and the United Earth? That is the way of war, but it is the victor who tells the story and becomes truth.

Our story must be told, and we cannot let misguided fools dictate our fate, no matter their initial good intention. Something must be done before someone innocent is seriously injured, or even killed. Such erroneous causes need be squashed before they grow too large.

[5055034455]

And how do you propose we "squash" them?

[ensorceler]

As of now, they are more organized than we. This cannot remain.

Is there not someone who can find their leader? The one who has most rallied them? There is a woman who speaks for them, but I do not recognize her voice. Are you aware of who leads them, or are they rather more like a small parliament?

[5055034455]

Charlie Cutter and Chloe Frazer are behind this.

[He's not surprised.

After a moment, Saul sets his spoon down. He can't sit here eating ice cream when there's chaos outside.]