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

[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.)

[harryhotspur]

Oh, right, he already said that (didn't he?). So he nods. "Very well, then."

[cutting_edgex23]

"There are more questions?"

Sometimes it is most sensible to check.

[maid_of_tarth]

"None that I can think of," says Brienne, glancing at Harry. "I suppose you'll find us when you're prepared to test us, then. And--I will find you both when I'm prepared to rescue Sansa. I think I know where she is, but I must narrow the location."

[cutting_edgex23]

"I will be here," X says.

It is like a promise.