contact part deux

[bouchonne]

if this were modern times byerly would probably make you listen to total eclipse of the heart before you were able to leave a message

Comments

[bouchonne]

Because I swore myself to a duty.

[heirring]

Then why swear you to a duty that doesn't matter?

[bouchonne]

It is not for me to decide what does or does not matter, Madame. I just do my duty.

[heirring]

Yet here you are attempting to assure me of just that! That you are knowledgeable in the weight of these things. Why should I trust your assessment if you haven't practiced it?

[bouchonne]

Well -

[ He finds himself rather at a loss, unable to form a capable counterargument to this. ]

I have practiced it. It's - Look, it's - complicated.

[heirring]

I am aware it is complicated! It is my life and well being, Mister Rutyer!

[bouchonne]

[ A frustrated huff, then - ]

I trust the people I work for.

[heirring]

Well I dislike the whole prospect, and would prefer it if you said nothing about the whole affair. Though obviously I can't very well stop you.

[bouchonne]

I understand. That is fair.

[ Though he does briefly air the most churlish complaint of all: ]

I also didn't have to tell you, you know. I could have stayed silent about it.

[heirring]

I suppose you could have, yes.

[It doesn't sound particularly grateful; rather, it is exactly as prim and sniffing as Byerly's justification had been petty. Someone (not her!) might suggest the phrase 'two of a kind.' Presumably that someone would also find themselves being vigorously shouted down.]

Now we will both just have to make due with the truth. In any case, I suppose it will make little difference in the immediate future.