[the last voyages] ic inbox

[onlyhearmusic]

[a lyrical hum cuts in, almost as if someone didn't know what they were doing]

"Leave yer message."

[oh. no, he knew. he just didn't care. the beep comes after another brief humming stops.]

Comments

[onlyhearmusic]

Are you asking for my word to act against my nature to earn what I want?

[zichen]

I am. Are you willing to try?

[onlyhearmusic]

Yes.

Are you going to give me the exact specifics that you want? What are you telling the bastard to lift or keep? If you're not completely straight with me, I have no way to keep my word to you.

Lay it out and we'll strike a proper accord.

[zichen]

If you will come and see me, I will show you how I have been keeping an eye on you. When I arrived on the Barge, I was given a piece of parchment. On that parchment, I can track you and it alerts me whenever you are in a fight or injured. The deal I want to make with you is simple: I will request that the restrictions are lifted and if you wish to spar with someone, you only need to tell me beforehand. Then, even if the parchment alerts me, I will ignore it. I will trust you to not go too far.

[onlyhearmusic]

Right. Your warden item. So that is what yours is. They all do the tracking from what I've learned. And that federal lackey made the bastard "admiral" notify you when I step out of line. All very convenient for you.

Understood. I can do that. You're half way to being smart.
[Keeping part of the restrictions, giving some leniency to keep them both satisfied. That he can agree to. This was...just another contract. Albeit, funnily enough, in the complete opposite terms of what his contracts usually consisted. Still, he could manage it. He would.]

Then you have my word that I will do no harm unless directed at me unreasonably first. I will tell you ahead of time any other incident to expect and the harm done will be within reason. No killing. We have an accord.

[zichen]

Yes, it has been convenient, but it offers you little privacy. [Which is a problem that has only grown more obvious as Collins makes allies and even shows himself to be selfless now and then.]

I'm glad you think so. [He can't help a small smile. Halfway to being smart, hm?]

Yes, we do. Thank you, Mr. Collins. I will go to the Admiral immediately.

[And the request has been granted!]

[onlyhearmusic]

[A point of fact he didn't need reminding.

As soon as he reads the last part he immediately jumps the gun. Some things have to be tested right away.]

Then here is your first warning: I will be testing this today. If your word holds, I'll keep to mine as soon as I know it's worth a damn.

[And with that, he's off. There will be no debate. There won't be any quick replies to responses to his brash warning.]