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 Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 1:44 pm
"...there you go again, talking and thinking like a human...."
She smiled as she said it, and crossed her boots at the ankles, tail swishing slowly as she gave in and sought a second smoke.
"Guns and bullets are tools, sure, but 90% of the weapons in use today are sentient brains behind the tools. People are the best weapons of all time, and the Jyhad is all about Kindred using that resource to wage war. Humans think weapons are tools used to cause injury. Kindred KNOW otherwise.
The world can only ever be what you have perceived and experienced... but there is always another layer to scratch away and more to learn, and see. The human world is well known to you. But it is just a layer of a much deeper reality. My sword talks to me, and my greatest weapon of all is myself."
She shrugged, exhaling a series of smoke rings lazily into the stiller air of the ravine.
"I'll take any edge I can get to keep myself ahead of my enemies, and on a path I can live with."
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Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 1:52 pm
Yeah, well...Iunno. It's been hard to keep a clear head when the slightest movements remind me that I'm basically caged. If you'll let me get away with it, I'm going to that doctor in a few nights with a new project for him. This s**t has got to go if anybody is going to expect me to do anything. I'm not operating with a kill switch, orders be damned.
He expected a verbal backlash to come from that statement; he truly did. The qualifier he was about to tack on likely wouldn't help that, but he still spoke it softly.
It's more than just standards; reflective metal is just begging to draw attention I don't need, even if I'm not shooting people to get by.
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Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 1:56 pm
"I'm not going to stop you, but you go out the grounds, you're on your own. You try and take those off... let's just say it wont end well.
Trust me, you'd be better off just towing the line enough to get what you want, then start conveniently interpreting things constructively until such a time as you can beat the s**t out of the controlling parties.
To THAT end... if the scythe is truly meant for you... I'd think about taking it up if I were you. Just saying."
She shrugged once more, then sniffed the air, before turning and waving to him to come with her, and leave the area.
"Garou heading in. they don;t know we're here, and I'm not in the mood for a fight with THEM tonight. Let's head back. You can make your own decisions and act on them without my help. Just... remember the warnings, alright?"
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Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 2:01 pm
Well, you can tell them that I can't be reasonably expected to physically do anything if I'm hobbled like this. If they don't like it, then sucks for them.
A strong sigh. He knew she was right, but it didn't change the fact that he wasn't going anywhere when he knew a simple button push would turf him, regardless of time or place. Hardly comforting when he already knew the freaks in charge were willing to throw their puppets under the bus.
He followed her quietly, keeping up as they withdrew to the mansion.
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Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 2:04 pm
"Tell them yourself. You don't WANT me a nurse maid, from everything you've said tonight. Hell, you can go ahead and say you absolutely hate being here... I wont mind. Not now, anyway."
Her left boot bit into loose scree to boost her up the hill, after which, a slow saunter back towards the house suited her just fine, enjoying the night air. Even the urge to punch things in the face was lessened.
"You want the TR codes? I do think it would help, even if you only use it to set yourself an environment you can stomach sitting in for a few hours at a time."
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Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 2:14 pm
Honestly, it's not you I have a problem with. And while I don't like large houses, I'm fine with being under your wing. I just don't like the fact that I didn't get to choose to do it, and I really don't like the fact that you'll get the shaft if I do anything untoward. I'm used to paying for my own ********, not getting someone else thrown under the bus with me. If I have to pick up a few new things, at least you try to put it on my head, rather than dishing orders and demanding respect without earning it. And right now...if I ran into that thing again, I don't know if I could handle myself properly. That s**t shook me up bad, and it shows. You saw it earlier tonight.
He was surprised by the lack of tension after the conversation. He had expected his tangled snarl of a mindscape and relative inexperience to in turn bring Roan to even more frustration, which would just make the spiral continue even further. Instead, she seemed to be much more calm than usual, and his usual little habits that infuriated her seemed to be going unnoticed.
It would be nice to get those codes. A change in scenery is always helpful. A chance to arm up would also go well, now that I know what's in there. I'm sorry I lost it earlier, it caught me flat footed.
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Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 2:21 pm
"The entire world after dark is still doing that to you, kid, but it'll change with time. Especially if you let yourself think beyond just being human.
Heh... mortality. Look at your common mortal male. He gets up, goes to work, comes home, eats chips and watches TV while trying to pay off a mortgage and kids. he finally gets to 70 and retires, with all these plans to do great things he never had time for when he was younger...
...and a week later, he pops his clogs, because the drive to do every day isnt there. Because the pressure is gone and his heart finally knows it can rest, and just gives out.
We all have an enemy, and a struggle to endure. Whether its a person, or boredom, each of us fights every night, without end, because to stop is to have the human part think its time to rest, and die. and then all that's left is the beast.
I just want to see you fight, Nines. Fighting to win would be an added bonus."
Re-entering the house, she walked back to the armoury, looking to him for confirmation he was ready before she'd open the door once more...
...and nothing happened. No voice, no whisper, no glint on the blade. Admittedly, it was still an eye-catching weapon, and a certain pull was always to be found. But there was nothing overt. The only thing which DID occur, was the black blade next to it shuddering inside its case, until such time as Roan did.... something... to Ferago to make it vanish. That done, the black blade stilled as well.
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Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 2:30 pm
Yeah, but what do you win in the end? It doesn't change that when you finally win, you're ready to just up and die. Only difference I can see is the amount of trauma involved, and the length of time taken.
It wasn't meant to be a jab, just an observation. Nines called it as he saw it, but then fell silent as the door slid open for the armory. He stepped in lightly, and was relieved that he was no longer under such pressure within his own skull. The clarity was a pleasant change, and it allowed him to select his choice in sidearm with relative ease. A .45 caliber handgun; simple, no frills, designed to simply be robust and durable. He took only the gun and one magazine of ammunition.
Funny how this thing's balance is different from my old one. Funnier still just how little it matters considering how new the old one was.
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Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 2:36 pm
"...you're an idiot."
She murmured the words barely above a whisper in response to what he said as he entered the armoury.
By the time he'd selected his .45 and turned around... the Lady was gone.
Not a sound had marked her leaving, and thanks to being undead, she didn't have much a presence within personal space unless she WANTED to.
It was like a shadow had left the area, but something had taken its place.
Quietly entering the room, Jan half bowed to Nine's, with a small smile on his face.
"An excellent choice sir, may I recommend a few extra magazines for the mean time? Also, her Ladyship has requested I organise some training codes for you. They will be on your bedside unit by dusk tomorrow."
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Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 2:40 pm
He didn't hear her comment, and so when he turned to speak with her further, he saw only Jan. Blinking, Nines could only slowly let his head sink.
Tell me I didn't just screw the pooch again just as I thought we'd managed a conversation that didn't end poorly.
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Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 2:45 pm
"You are young, and she is old. It is the duty of the young to speak out of turn and without understanding, is it not? And the duty of the old to be prejudiced, difficult and over opinionated.
All things considered, I'd say sir did very well."
Smoothly moving past Nines to pick up a few extra magazines, he'd then use a single gesture to invite Nines to step out of the armoury.
"Age is something that cannot be taught or explained, only experienced. Fighting ones enemies is easier. Fighting oneself, or the entire world, is much harder, especially when losing is the only end. Her Ladyship... does not like to lose.
I fear that is enough said on that topic however. Is there anything else sir wishes to peruse in here?"
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Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 2:50 pm
So...what does that make you? No offense, Jan, but haven't you been with her as long as she's been about?
He sighed, and shook his head. Perhaps it was a conversation for another time. At the moment, Nines simply felt ill at ease for abruptly ruining an otherwise good conversation. He threw one more glance over the armory.
That...isn't a safe question to ask. It really, really isn't. It's also incredibly tempting.
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Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 2:53 pm
"It makes me the mediator, of course. Better you don't ask more. Serving the lady is my primary concern, and right now, that is best done by serving sir."
That slight smile never wavered, and the look in Jan's eyes never changed.
"Ask your question, young sir, and we will address it as is best. Here."
Passing over the extra ammo, Jan quirked his brow slightly in query as to what was on Nines' mind.
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Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 3:00 pm
You asked if the armory had anything else, and the insurance policy I've got in mind is a very, very bad idea.
He shook his head, somewhat shocked that he had even considered the idea. Arms were one thing, but...
I highly doubt I could get away with it anyways. No worries. Besides...none of this kit is mine. Something about a borrowed gun, you know?
Accepting the ammunition, he afforded the scythe one additional look, then shook it off. He must be crazy to consider it. There was no way...not when he knew that would just be playing into the freakshow's claws.
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Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 3:03 pm
"Borrowed is one thing. Meant for is another. When sir is ready... I will unlock the doors as needed.
I am requested to also remind you of the offer of a key to the house. This too, remains open. Sir has choices... if he is brave enough to make them."
Jan spoke quietly and evenly, before standing to one side. It was up to Nines whether to approach the cabinet, or leave the armoury entirely.
If the latter, Jan would lock up and leave Nines to his own devices. If the former... well, Jan DID have the keys to everything in the armoury.
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