Meet the new boss

[cutting_edgex23]

X, Security badge pinned to her belt, is settled comfortably at a corner table, contentedly munching her way through a sandwich.

She may be on her second root beer float.

And, of course, she is keeping an ear -- and a nose -- out for anyone who might be approaching her.

It is only polite.

Comments

[cutting_edgex23]

"I am very good at tracking," X offers. Carefully. "If that will be useful."

She is also excellent at killing things and people, and not dying.

"And you are both good at fighting. And protecting people."

According to what they say, anyway.

"That is not terrible. You are good at knowing when not to fight, too?"

[harryhotspur]

....um.

"I will do what is honorable," Harry says. That's an answer, right?

[cutting_edgex23]

X just looks at him, unblinking.

"That is not always sensible."

But Thor and others are fond of it, so it is not necessarily incompatible with things.

A pause.

"You are good at keeping your tempers?"

[maid_of_tarth]

"Tracking," Brienne says, slowly, "that might help..." She's still staring. She hadn't expected any such offer. "And yes, I am. In my land--many insults are offered to women who fight. If I didn't keep my temper, I'd have no time for food or sleep, but would constantly be at war with all about me."

She does not answer this question for Harry.

[cutting_edgex23]

"I can try," X says. "If you want. I like being useful."

It is only the truth.

And then --

"And it is good. To stay calm. Fighting angry is stupid. And dangerous."

And you, Harry?

[harryhotspur]

....um.

"I have spoken sharply to those I think foolish, I will not lie." He goes on, fervent: "But put me, lady, to any test or trial, and you will find me apter than any to face it."

[cutting_edgex23]

She appreciates the lack of lying. Not that it would have helped him if he tried.

"I will. You do not have to worry."

A pause, and she studies them again for a few moments, one after the other.

"You can ask me questions, too. If you want."

[maid_of_tarth]

Brienne nods. "What precisely are the duties of those on Security? Other than break up fights."

[cutting_edgex23]

"To stop people from having sex. Or being naked. Downstairs. Where people can see."

Well, that's most of the other things.

"And not to be cruel. When sentencing."

[harryhotspur]

Harry (only turning very slightly red) nods firmly. "It is such cruelty, such partiality doth especially concern us."

[cutting_edgex23]

X's attention is on Harry, now. Her visible attention, at any rate.

"You will do better for everyone?"

Beat.

"Or you want to represent a different side."

[harryhotspur]

"Why--" He considers a moment. "Both, you may say. Myself, I have no powers beyond that of any mortal man. But I may yet be honorable, be just."

[cutting_edgex23]

"Justice is not very relevant. Or honor. Not here."

A pause as she looks for the right words.

"We separate people who are being stupid until they calm down. Since we cannot make them leave."

This has only really been frustrating a few times.

"Preventing repetition is not terrible, but some people are very bad at learning."

She flicks her gaze to Brienne at this, then looks back at Harry.

[harryhotspur]

"I am myself no great scholar," Harry says. "But I begin to think the word as I use it means not-- others do twist the word out of shape. I mean it to say I will hold my duty as sacred as my soul."

[cutting_edgex23]

"Words are difficult," X agrees.

So, so difficult.

"But that is probably acceptable."

Or as close as anyone gets, here at the end of the universe.

[harryhotspur]

"I do not ask you to trust my word," Harry says. "Put me to trial and you shall see."

[cutting_edgex23]

"I will."

X's attention shifts from Harry to Brienne, her gaze sharp and clear.

"Both of you. It will be good. To see what you can do. And how you do it. When things are dangerous."

Beat.

"And you are not allowed to kill."

[maid_of_tarth]

Brienne, who is devoutly hoping she won't have to deal with anyone having sex, nods in response. "I am glad to hear killing won't be necessary. And that partiality is frowned on. What weapons do you use, to stop combatants?"

[cutting_edgex23]

"I use my body," X says. "Hands and feet."

A pause.

"Sometimes claws are faster. Or swords. You are both acceptable at hand-to-hand?"

[harryhotspur]

"Acceptable," Harry agrees. That's an accurate assessment, he thinks.

[cutting_edgex23]

X absorbs that for a moment, then shifts her attention to Brienne.

Silently.

[maid_of_tarth]

"Yes." Hand to hand is something she's long considered the province of commoners unable to use or afford a sword. But she can do it, more or less.

"But--claws?"

[cutting_edgex23]

"Yes."

X holds up her left hand.

snikt

Two adamantium claws emerge from the space between her knuckles, accompanied by a thin trickle of blood that is hidden by her black fingerless gloves.

(Ah, multipurpose gloves. So handy.)

"Claws."

[harryhotspur]

Harry starts back. Aaaalright, then.

"--well, you would never lack a weapon."

[cutting_edgex23]

X shrugs, one-shouldered and quick, and resheathes her claws.

"I am a weapon. It is why I was made."

Obviously.