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]

X approves of Harry's get-up-and-help spirit.

She may be dubious about the reason behind it, if she ever hears. So it goes.

But as it is --

"It is likely. But I have been to many other worlds. From here."

Including Ambergeldar, where she is known as the Comtesse d'Exe.

"I am used to strange. If you will explain?"

[maid_of_tarth]

"A most kind offer, ser," says Brienne, who would consider Harry's sentiment honorable enough but totally unnecessary in her particular case.

To X, she says, "My world doesn't have all this...science. It's simpler in some ways, and harsher, and...more ignorant, I suppose. And it's ruled by lords and kings, not by...whoever runs this place."

[cutting_edgex23]

"I have friends who are kings. And queens. That is not strange."

Beat.

"They make it difficult for you? To do your work. There."

[maid_of_tarth]

"Well, yes," says Brienne. "The older girl I seek--the queen regent has accused her of regicide."

Did she leave out that detail before? Well, she's declaring it now. Never say she isn't honest.

[cutting_edgex23]

X considers that.





Eventually --

"They will kill her if they find her?"

[maid_of_tarth]

"That's the penalty for killing a king. The queen regent's brother--he helped me. He gave me a sealed charge from the king, who's a child, saying I search for Sansa at the king's behest. This helps. But if someone else found Sansa, Jaime--the queen's brother--he would be able to do nothing to save her."

[cutting_edgex23]

"You can," X says, just a little forceful.

"Even if someone else finds her. If they do not kill her right away. And you can get here. From where she is."

X is just saying.

[harryhotspur]

Harry nods agreement. "If it is good for naught else, this place makes a fair sanctuary."

[cutting_edgex23]

"It is a good place to get help, too."

X is watching Brienne, now.

"People that will not be recognized on your world. So that you will not be who they look for."

Just in case.

[maid_of_tarth]

"I'd thought to bring her here as a sanctuary, yes."

Or die trying.

"That's why I wished to join Security in the first place. But I hadn't thought anyone would offer help. I'm most grateful. Some already know I'm looking for her, but if I were seen actually in her company, that might help her enemies track her down."

Brienne isn't exactly inconspicuous-looking, and knows it.

[cutting_edgex23]

"Most people do not suspect me," X notes. Carefully.

"In other worlds."

Beat.

"Even when they do not think I am stupid."

It's her lack of affect, she's come to learn. Ah, well.

[maid_of_tarth]

Brienne looks at X. "You would certainly draw notice. But...you can defend yourself."

[harryhotspur]

"And I, madam?" Harry asks. "It seems the customs of our countries are not all unlike."

[maid_of_tarth]

"It does, and you might easily pass as a knight of my own world. We would have to invent a name and house for you."

Brienne's talent for inventive lies is not particularly great, but she doesn't think this would be difficult.

[harryhotspur]

"Then I will gladly aid as I may," he says. "Though I shall be of little use, methinks, searching in a strange country."

[maid_of_tarth]

"An ally--someone who I know means Sansa Stark no ill, who will not sell her life for a bounty--that will be of great use."

This is said to both X and Harry. It's more than Brienne had hoped for, when she had found Milliways.

[cutting_edgex23]

"I will kill anyone that tries," X says, matter-of-factly.

"If you want."

Beat.

"Not here."

[maid_of_tarth]

"That would be...good." Brienne does not like killing, but there was never any doubt in her mind about what she would do to anyone trying to turn Sansa in. "Here it would be against the rules, I know. But there, so long as we have a door back...'

[cutting_edgex23]

"Security badges are useful. For that."

Beat.

"It will not be a reason. To hire you."

This pause is slightly shorter.

"But I have one."

[maid_of_tarth]

"Why," says Brienne, surprised, "can Security create a door wherever they like?"

[cutting_edgex23]

"It is better to use a door that exists."

Well. Better. Easier. They're the same thing, really.

(They really aren't.)

"People need to report for their shifts. It is a spell. On the badge."

[maid_of_tarth]

Brienne nods. "So the spell prevents truancy, and calls officers back here, wherever they are?"

[cutting_edgex23]

"No."

X's response is prompt.

"People are responsible for remembering their own duties. This just makes it easier. Not to get stuck."

Unless it doesn't!

[harryhotspur]

"I am ever here," Harry notes, just in case that helps his case. He won't get stuck anywhere!

[cutting_edgex23]

"I know," X says.

Because she does.

(Milliways dead smell different than other people. For one.)