maskormenacelogs | Closed | Don't shoot me Santa Claus

WHO: Aral and Tex
WHERE: The Residence
WHEN: Before Christmas
WHAT: Catching up
WARNINGS: NONE, will update as necessary

[ The residence had, among other things, a fairly modern heating system to go with the fresh wiring, but there was something particularly satisfying about a really good fire.

By this point in the evening, it was nearly the only light, besides the dim glow from the hallway. More than enough to cast bright oranges along the wine glasses and two sitting on the couch.

Against everything they had been training the dog to do, the German Shepherd had noticed the moment of weakness that comes from Aral visiting... mostly in the shape of Aral himself. And as such, is curled up warmly between the two of them, head flopped on Aral's lap, huge tail wagging merrily against Tex's leg. Aral scratches her between the ears as the story winds down.]

...which is how, apparently, Captain Galeni is on shopping duty. Given the season, it's best to send her with a battalion, but I suppose this will do.

I might still have you look at the comm, though.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ There weren't many evenings she felt content to sit around and drink. The more the quiet dragged on here, the more she could feel herself letting her guard down. A complacency she preferred didn't make itself comfortable within her, but one evening ensuring she was up-to-date on the latest news within her circle couldn't hurt.

Her hand rests on the back of the dog, occasionally petting whenever a wag of the tail caught her attention. The crackling of the fire made a good backdrop as she swirled her glass in front of her and listened. Somehow she's not surprised that a story involving Aral and his communicator included suspicions of hacking. She's already prepared to chalk it up to user error, a fact she neatly sums up in the glance she gives him as he finishes. ]

I can look at it, but I don't know what you expect me to tell you beyond figuring out how to work the damn thing. How many people is Cordelia shopping for anyway?

Perhaps that would be enough. [ He lifts a hand. There is, of course, the possibility of user error. Though he'd have sworn he was getting better at that device. Professional, even. ]

Last time this year, she went out for the whole planet. I'm rather hoping she doesn't try to top that.

Though it does remain to ask what you might like.

Surprise me. [ Sorry Aral, she's not giving you all the answers that easy. ]

I'll give it a rating after I open it so you know how well you did.

Do I get to know the grading rubric in advance?

[ She taps a finger on the hind leg of their dog as if considering his question before shaking her head. ]

It's better if it's a surprise. I could make it easier on you if you gave me ideas in return.

[ The dog, of course, takes this as intent to pet, and attempts to contort himself to put head in patting range without leaving both of their sides. Mostly, it's ridiculous. ]

Ah, negotiations are open? Hm.

... I did have a couple things I was thinking of...

[ Her eyes move to the dog and as soon as it seems the animal has settled itself, she's absently petting. ]

As open as I'm willing to make them. If I don't like your suggestions, I'm not guaranteeing any hints.

So I'm to give all, and gain little.

It would sound, my dear Tex, as though you are playing the board to hide an empty hand.

It's worked for how long with that board game of yours? [ Playing both sides of that conflict was the best part of that arrangement. ]

If you don't want any hints, you can take a stab at it on your own.

A fair point.

[He rubs his chin. There's an easier way to go about this... To suggest things she might like as gifts for himself, and watch the reactions. Plan, set.]

I had been thinking of developing an armoury from this world. Given that power nullifiers are common and government held technology... something that works all the time might be a fine idea.

[Of course, Aral Vorkosigan thinks that weapons ARE a perfectly lovely gift.]

[ Her brows raise with interest as she drums her fingers on the dog's back. An arsenal would be useful around here and while she has her own personal one she's been accumulating, partially through gifts and primarily through use of her salary, an official one couldn't hurt. ]

Is that so? I had been hoping that research department Miles had been putting together could be put to work on weaponry.

[ If the crew wasn't full of moral opposition. ]

[ Ah, there we are. ]

I've found scientists of this world tend to be a little skittish on the idea of weapons development.

Besides, it is not like there's nothing novel to this world, nor a solid base that couldn't be improved on...

I didn't think any scientists from this world were in the Dendarii R&D department.

[ Which she thought might open up their options for design. ]

Most of the ones we have tend to be a bit more open to development, however, even the imPort scientists tend to question quite heavily.

Sometimes, one merely wants a grenade launcher simply because one does not have one yet. It's something difficult to convey, surprisingly.

We don't have one of those yet, [ she says with a touch of longing. If only. ]

So if they're asking too many questions, what's you're backup plan?

Get something similar enough in base design and see what I can do with a tool kit and some garage space.

[ When was the last time she really got her hands dirty with weapon modifications? ]

And you were going to do this without asking for my help?

Well, I couldn't be sure if you were interested...

Should I punch you now or after the dog moves for even thinking that?

No need to punish the dog as well.

[ She gives the dog a firm pat. ]

Yeah, yeah. Just don't use him as a shield all night long.

Closed | Don't shoot me Santa Claus

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