broken-lovestreak

[broken-lovestreak]

[For a moment, Zero hesitates. He’s gone too far and he knows it. There is no going back now, not for him. He grits his teeth, then turns to leave.]

“Then it is a good thing that I’m not your pilot, Conal.”

[With that, he leaves, slamming the door behind him as he retreats.]

“You would not believe the week that I have had, darling.”

[Zero shoulders open the door to Signal’s cell, already talking and talking loudly as he enters. He has come bearing gifts, most food, although he sets it on the table to be soon forgotten until his departure.]

“RA below, between the Nightjaws and plans to depart and preparations for your mission it feels as though I have not slept in a week.”

[He pulls out a chair from the table, carding a hand through his hair. He looks more disheveled than normal, his hair loose and messy and his clothing far more simple than what the flamboyant man favors. The talking, too. He only talks so much and so insistently when trying to cover something up, to get at something he wants. His tone gentles for a moment, the manic insistence fading as he grows a tad more serious.]

“I am… sorry about the delay, darling. With my visit. With the mission. I have no proper excuse.”

"You haven't slept. Or eaten"

{It's a simple statement but the way Signal looks at him. It's cutting. Angry. Disappointed.}

"Pushed. To a breaking point. I don't care when you sleep around or when you're late. I do not care when you end up with the blood of an unblood staining your hands or when you disappear for days on end because that is what you do."

{There's a sharp inhale. A voice Zero knows all too well as Signal settles into the role of a Handler once again.}

"I made it clear that my pilots remain in their top shape. That includes sleep. That includes food. That does not include running yourself ragged over business that you can delay."

{Signal faster than should be possible for someone so old grabs the underside of Zero's chin and stares directly into his eyes.}

"I am still your Handler. And I know you. I know you better than anyone on this station. I made a choice to pick you and Khione out from being forced under any of the other Handlers because you wouldn't have been able to survive as long as you have. I know how you work. How you react. And I did not give you the order to self implode."

{Signal lets go and sits back down in their seat, those eyes glowing somehow more intensely under the Hardsuit.}

"If you want to lie to my face at least try harder. Your clothes give it away. So does your tone. You got sloppy without my guidance. Fix it. Learn to prioritize. The mission can wait. TRS is stagnant. And I am patient."

{Their eyes remain locked onto Zero. Watching. Waiting.}

[broken-lovestreak]

“Then perhaps she should win.”

[A low blow indeed, but Zero was never immune to going lower. Never immune to a confession just a tad bit too genuine for comfort.]

“Perhaps I am tired, Signal. Perhaps I do not wish to spend the rest of my life hiding and running and cowering like a dog.”

[He hesitates for only a moment before continuing.]

“Perhaps I would rather let her kill me than end up like you.”

“You would not believe the week that I have had, darling.”

[Zero shoulders open the door to Signal’s cell, already talking and talking loudly as he enters. He has come bearing gifts, most food, although he sets it on the table to be soon forgotten until his departure.]

“RA below, between the Nightjaws and plans to depart and preparations for your mission it feels as though I have not slept in a week.”

[He pulls out a chair from the table, carding a hand through his hair. He looks more disheveled than normal, his hair loose and messy and his clothing far more simple than what the flamboyant man favors. The talking, too. He only talks so much and so insistently when trying to cover something up, to get at something he wants. His tone gentles for a moment, the manic insistence fading as he grows a tad more serious.]

“I am… sorry about the delay, darling. With my visit. With the mission. I have no proper excuse.”

"You haven't slept. Or eaten"

{It's a simple statement but the way Signal looks at him. It's cutting. Angry. Disappointed.}

"Pushed. To a breaking point. I don't care when you sleep around or when you're late. I do not care when you end up with the blood of an unblood staining your hands or when you disappear for days on end because that is what you do."

{There's a sharp inhale. A voice Zero knows all too well as Signal settles into the role of a Handler once again.}

"I made it clear that my pilots remain in their top shape. That includes sleep. That includes food. That does not include running yourself ragged over business that you can delay."

{Signal faster than should be possible for someone so old grabs the underside of Zero's chin and stares directly into his eyes.}

"I am still your Handler. And I know you. I know you better than anyone on this station. I made a choice to pick you and Khione out from being forced under any of the other Handlers because you wouldn't have been able to survive as long as you have. I know how you work. How you react. And I did not give you the order to self implode."

{Signal lets go and sits back down in their seat, those eyes glowing somehow more intensely under the Hardsuit.}

"If you want to lie to my face at least try harder. Your clothes give it away. So does your tone. You got sloppy without my guidance. Fix it. Learn to prioritize. The mission can wait. TRS is stagnant. And I am patient."

{Their eyes remain locked onto Zero. Watching. Waiting.}

[broken-lovestreak]

“Fuck you, Conal.”

[The words are out of his mouth before he thinks. There is a visible moment of recognition, understanding what he said, and a swallowing of his disgust with himself as he decides that he’s gone too far to go back now.]

“Take your fucking self-pity and drown in it. I did not come here to be lectured and insulted, and I shall not stay where I am not wanted.”

[He backs towards the door, never turning his back on Signal. His movements have taken on a prey animal type of demeanor, obvious fear beneath the snapping teeth. He does not leave just yet, a misplaced spark of hope still lingering.]

“If you did not fail me then maybe I wouldn’t be like this.”

“You would not believe the week that I have had, darling.”

[Zero shoulders open the door to Signal’s cell, already talking and talking loudly as he enters. He has come bearing gifts, most food, although he sets it on the table to be soon forgotten until his departure.]

“RA below, between the Nightjaws and plans to depart and preparations for your mission it feels as though I have not slept in a week.”

[He pulls out a chair from the table, carding a hand through his hair. He looks more disheveled than normal, his hair loose and messy and his clothing far more simple than what the flamboyant man favors. The talking, too. He only talks so much and so insistently when trying to cover something up, to get at something he wants. His tone gentles for a moment, the manic insistence fading as he grows a tad more serious.]

“I am… sorry about the delay, darling. With my visit. With the mission. I have no proper excuse.”

"You haven't slept. Or eaten"

{It's a simple statement but the way Signal looks at him. It's cutting. Angry. Disappointed.}

"Pushed. To a breaking point. I don't care when you sleep around or when you're late. I do not care when you end up with the blood of an unblood staining your hands or when you disappear for days on end because that is what you do."

{There's a sharp inhale. A voice Zero knows all too well as Signal settles into the role of a Handler once again.}

"I made it clear that my pilots remain in their top shape. That includes sleep. That includes food. That does not include running yourself ragged over business that you can delay."

{Signal faster than should be possible for someone so old grabs the underside of Zero's chin and stares directly into his eyes.}

"I am still your Handler. And I know you. I know you better than anyone on this station. I made a choice to pick you and Khione out from being forced under any of the other Handlers because you wouldn't have been able to survive as long as you have. I know how you work. How you react. And I did not give you the order to self implode."

{Signal lets go and sits back down in their seat, those eyes glowing somehow more intensely under the Hardsuit.}

"If you want to lie to my face at least try harder. Your clothes give it away. So does your tone. You got sloppy without my guidance. Fix it. Learn to prioritize. The mission can wait. TRS is stagnant. And I am patient."

{Their eyes remain locked onto Zero. Watching. Waiting.}

[broken-lovestreak]

[The moment Signal opens their mouth, their tone disappointed and sharp, Zero visibly bristles. He crosses his arms over his chest, tail lashing as he glances back over his shoulder for the briefest moment, making sure the path to the door is still clear.]

“Well, I’m sorry that I wish to get to the mission that my handler assigned to me. I should think you would be grateful that I am even doing it when my goodwill should have run out during the damn trial!”

[His tone is venomous, dripping with sarcasm. Sharp and biting and dangerous.]

“You knew who I was when you chose me, so shut the fuck up and deal with it. Or, just maybe, you stop playing at being a handler and accept that you failed.”

[Signal grabs his chin, and it takes visible effort not to bite down and break his teeth on Signal’s gauntlet. He makes the effort, though. He cannot bring himself to make eye contact, every muscle in his body tense to the point of trembling.]

[He does not speak until he is let go, tail unnaturally stiff and expression carefully neutral.]

“If you did not want me here, you could have said.”

“You would not believe the week that I have had, darling.”

[Zero shoulders open the door to Signal’s cell, already talking and talking loudly as he enters. He has come bearing gifts, most food, although he sets it on the table to be soon forgotten until his departure.]

“RA below, between the Nightjaws and plans to depart and preparations for your mission it feels as though I have not slept in a week.”

[He pulls out a chair from the table, carding a hand through his hair. He looks more disheveled than normal, his hair loose and messy and his clothing far more simple than what the flamboyant man favors. The talking, too. He only talks so much and so insistently when trying to cover something up, to get at something he wants. His tone gentles for a moment, the manic insistence fading as he grows a tad more serious.]

“I am… sorry about the delay, darling. With my visit. With the mission. I have no proper excuse.”

"You haven't slept. Or eaten"

{It's a simple statement but the way Signal looks at him. It's cutting. Angry. Disappointed.}

"Pushed. To a breaking point. I don't care when you sleep around or when you're late. I do not care when you end up with the blood of an unblood staining your hands or when you disappear for days on end because that is what you do."

{There's a sharp inhale. A voice Zero knows all too well as Signal settles into the role of a Handler once again.}

"I made it clear that my pilots remain in their top shape. That includes sleep. That includes food. That does not include running yourself ragged over business that you can delay."

{Signal faster than should be possible for someone so old grabs the underside of Zero's chin and stares directly into his eyes.}

"I am still your Handler. And I know you. I know you better than anyone on this station. I made a choice to pick you and Khione out from being forced under any of the other Handlers because you wouldn't have been able to survive as long as you have. I know how you work. How you react. And I did not give you the order to self implode."

{Signal lets go and sits back down in their seat, those eyes glowing somehow more intensely under the Hardsuit.}

"If you want to lie to my face at least try harder. Your clothes give it away. So does your tone. You got sloppy without my guidance. Fix it. Learn to prioritize. The mission can wait. TRS is stagnant. And I am patient."

{Their eyes remain locked onto Zero. Watching. Waiting.}

[broken-lovestreak]

Join in on taco night, darling! If nothing else it is quite good enrichment for when one has not been on a mission in far too long.

Zero~

(( ANONYMOUS//; I've gone on, like, a wiki dive/rabbit hole diving but with CORSAIR squad files. Some personal files. A lot of incident reports. There's a 'Taco Night Incident(s)' registry that's so large I had to swap from my dataslate to my Omnihook just to open it?? I tapped out of "Taco Night" this go around, though I heard they have really good vegetarian options. I'm trying not to start throwing hands on my first week on the job.. ))

[broken-lovestreak]

I am unfamiliar with the trappings of the Omninet, but Dadao squadron has decided to make its step into the public eye. My squadron has helped me to make this account, but I will be upkeeping it myself.

I am Callsign: CHOIR BOY, pilot of the IPS-N Stortëbecker “Hand of God.” A vessel of a hollow haunting.

<<They make it sound so dramatic. You can call me Aloysius, he/they, properly dead and haunting this sad sap! The CORSAIR guys call me an ACHILLES-class NHP, but ghost rolls off the tongue better.>>

I use it/its pronouns, but they/them is acceptable.

//CHOIR BOY\\

[broken-lovestreak]

Oh please, this shall be fantastic for the hangover.

@umbrasnow It is showtime, darling!

Zero~

All CORSAIR personnel this is Glacier speaking.

Tonight is Taco night. The locales serving tacos have been sent to you via your dataslates and mailboxes. You have one hour to prepare.

//Glacier\\

[broken-lovestreak]

Come now, darling, at least you are in good company. Not the first one to fall for my charms~

Zero~

(( ANONYMOUS//; I need to disappear off the face of Union airspace. ))

[broken-lovestreak]

What else is Everclear for?

And it isn’t my room.

Zero~

Diplomat, darling, I do suggest that you put down the dataslate for but a moment. Perhaps a distraction shall keep you from making a further fool of yourself.

You know where to find me should you care for the quality of said distraction~

Zero~

@broken-lovestreak

(( ANONYMOUS//; ooh, they've warned me about you. ra knows my work hastaught mr a lot about the importance of a reputation... ))

(( but fuck it literally what elhse is there to do. you're tolerable. I'll be right over and . i'll bring whatever bottle the barperson gave me ))

(( this stuff sure does. taste. ))

[broken-lovestreak]

Wonderful! Do make your way to our dearest Fallow’s bar, I know a place nearby.

@butsodobirds I shall be a tad longer than I anticipated, darling.

Zero~

Diplomat, darling, I do suggest that you put down the dataslate for but a moment. Perhaps a distraction shall keep you from making a further fool of yourself.

You know where to find me should you care for the quality of said distraction~

Zero~

@broken-lovestreak

(( ANONYMOUS//; ooh, they've warned me about you. ra knows my work hastaught mr a lot about the importance of a reputation... ))

(( but fuck it literally what elhse is there to do. you're tolerable. I'll be right over and . i'll bring whatever bottle the barperson gave me ))

(( this stuff sure does. taste. ))

[broken-lovestreak]

OOC: things are happening...........

[broken-lovestreak]

You cannot tell me that you are afraid of horses, darling. Hell, I learned to ride as a child!

They are skittish beasts who take cues from their riders. If you are afraid then it is, and when they are afraid and cannot run they shall kill you. You simply mustn’t be afraid.

Zero~

D’you think they’ll allow stims in Pankrati if I say it’s a medical necessity?

-Han Jae-

[broken-lovestreak]

[Taking the bottle in hand, Zero takes the time to inspect the cork and seal, turning it over in his hands. He did not expect Fallow of all people to make an attempt on his life, but one could never be too careful. Sitting the bottle in his lap, he took a far longer moment than usual to look as his eyes glazed over the important details, struggling to catch anything of note.]

“A bar on the Tenacity, empty? What has this company come to.” [His tone is sarcastic but distant, unfocused.] “I did not know mercenaries could keep themselves out of the bottle.”

[Once satisfied with the integrity of the seal — and the proof of the liquor — Zero cracks the bottle’s seal and pops the cork, pouring himself a rather hefty portion for such a strong drink. The man was a stick insect, perhaps 130lbs soaking wet, but a mercenary’s life gives one a tolerance for substances rivaled only by old Cradle sailors.]

“A mixer? Oh, darling, you underestimate my week.” [Likely a mistake, the drink burns horribly on the way down and sets Zero coughing as he downs the glass in one swig. Likely the point, knowing Zero.]

“Now, Fallow dear, how has your darling companion been? She and you will be quite happy to hear that the fallout of Morse’s little fuckup has been all but managed.”

[A brisk little knock at the door is the only warning heralding a rather dramatic entrance. Zero whisks into the bar clad in all white, a silk dress and a luscious fur coat, the collar sitting just above his elbows. He looks harried, his braid a ragged mess and the dark bags under his eyes made far more noticeable by his pale blue skin. Bloodshot veins show prominently through pale irises, lending his entire eye a red tint.]

“Fallow, darling, it has been far too long!”

[Sitting himself on a barstool and propping one elbow on the bar, he directs his attention to Fallow’s prosthetics, speaking directly to the Nightjaw contained within.]

“You as well, my dear, Ashana sends her regards. Snacks rather thoroughly slipped my mind, I do apologize.”

[Carding a hand through his hair and managing to prick himself on barbed wire, Zero turns his attention back to Fallow xerself, a toothy grin only highlighting the strain in his expressions.]

“Thank you, darling, I do rather need this. You know how things seem to go to pieces the moment they start looking up. I certainly hope your week has been better than mine.”

>//Zero's sudden introduction to the otherwise silent bar gives Fallow a start, even if xe was expecting him. The haggard state of his attire— especially his hair— prompts a sideways glance and a slight twitch of Fallow's brow, but that response is quickly stifled and replaced with a bittersweet smile. Xyr deep-set eyes barely move when xe emotes, despite Fallow's best efforts towards the contrary; Unfortunately, the sort of exhaustion xe grapples with never truly abates.

>//As Zero claims a seat, Fallow moves to select the bottle she had clearly set aside. The label boasts some rather well-accredited brand; The cap remains tight in place, and the seal unbroken. With a hum, Fallow presents Zero with the bottle in its entirety and an empty glass.

>"Please, Zero, this is the most interesting thing to happen to me in months." There's some hyperbole evident in her voice. Fallow's spoken tone takes up a hint of Zero's accent; A slight curl in the way she enunciates, little else. "I didn't even have to clear the place out before you arrived; It was this empty well before anyone caught wind of your appearance."

>//The ever-present sound of Fallow's Nightjaw reaches a crescendo as the two pilots speak. Nanites buzz and ripple along the surface of Fallow's prosthetic arms— which she dutifully keeps well above the counter— as though attempting to get a better look at Zero. An earnest smile plays on Fallow's face as her dearheart leaps at the opportunity to greet a familiar voice.

>"Now, before we get too comfortable- let me get you something to cut that. What do you prefer? Soda, lemonade, powder mixes?"

[broken-lovestreak]

You expect me to be so rude as to leave my companion waiting outside like a dog? Well, you presume correctly, my dear Fallow. He has been quite frustrating, as of late, speaking to a brick wall may be a more entertaining use of my time.

I shall take you up on the offer of opening the bottle myself. Frankly, I have far too much work to do to find myself in the infirmary again. It gets quite tedious after the first dozen times, and I am sure that the medics shall be hounding me for ditching the walker they insisted upon.

It has been far too long, darling. I do expect that you shall be seeing quite a bit more of me in coming days. I would say to tell your dearheart that I say hello, but I do believe that I would rather tell her myself.

Zero~

Fallow, darling, I shall be stopping by soon. Any chance you could have a drink on hand for when I arrive? Whatever is strongest, at this point I could not care less for taste. Don’t despair, I shall not be staying long.

Ah, yes, and Telegram shall be with me, I do not know his order but I am sure he could use a drink as well.

Zero~

P.S., poison is so tacky. If you must make an attempt, do get more creative with it.

>//"Whatever is strongest", at a mercenary's bar? Dear friend, I would not need to poison it. The proof alone should qualify as an attempt on your life. Of course, I trust that you know what you need; I might as well break the seal on a bottle I had been saving for myself. Whatever you have going on tonight is leagues more important than what troubles I would seek to drink away.

If it eases your worries, you can stop a moment to pop the cork yourself. I enjoy your company and would hate to see you blow through, though I know you're terribly busy. At the very least, try the drink, let me know if it's strong enough for you.

But leave your company at the door. I'll have his drink on hand, I still remember his order, but he won't be having it at my counter.

Thank you.

[broken-lovestreak]

As the hottest bitch on this fucking station who also incidentally looks sexy when covered in blood, I think that allowing me to kill is simply a win-win scenario for all involved.

Except the victim, of course, but they would deserve it.

Zero~

I should be allowed to kill people because I am pretty and deserve to.

Zero~

[broken-lovestreak]

I should be allowed to kill people because I am pretty and deserve to.

Zero~

[broken-lovestreak]

I have been bossing handlers around from day one, darling! Why else would our dear Signal single me out?

I shall stop by your office. Do be ready, I shall not wait for you.

Zero~

Telegram,

I must pick something up from the Last Stop, you are coming with me, I ordered you a sandwich, I do not wish to hear complaints. My usual helper in regard to carrying things is off on a jaunt, and you truly must get out more.

Wallowing isn’t a good look on you, darling!

Zero~

Christ the Buddha kiddo. Pilots bossing handlers what has this station come to.

Fine... Fine fine fine... You win.. I can take a break from my work.

//Telegram\\