realityshifted

[The kitchen's a good place to start. At the very least, it's usually the first place Riku ends up when he comes here, and today is no exception.

He looks tired, but no more worse for wear than usual. He gives Menzies a small nod when he sees her, but before he can head over to the fridge to get himself something to drink, he stops. Because you can bet that he's noticed just how pale she is, how stiff she's sitting... like she's been hurt. It sets off warning bells in his mind, so of course, he has to ask.]

Hey, Menzies... did something happen?

[she's glad to see Riku, both because he's a good friend and also because he was definitely high on her list of people she was hoping would come by. but she isn't planning to jump right in with the story until he apparently notices her injury. she smirks a little, amused at his keen eye] You could say that. I got shot. [and she actually means it this time]

[placatingly, she adds:] But, ah, before you start panicking, somebody 'ere used his future healing technology on me. I'm just a bit sore now. [and still recovering from bloodloss, but that hardly seems significant enough to mention]

But you don't look like things 'ave been fantastic for you either. [she raises a questioning eyebrow]

[Shot. Okay, his eyes go wide at that, but when she continues, he doesn't have time to get all up in arms about wanting to hunt down whoever did this and make them pay. He does calm down, thankful that someone here was able to help her when she immediately needed it.

~~You keep managing to call me out of my lack of canonbumping stop that jdkslfj~~ He quirks an eyebrow at her last comment, just barely rolls his eyes and shakes his head - exasperation at his situation, not her. Though he's sure he doesn't have to tell her that.]

They haven't been any worse.

[It's all he can really even say about it. Anything else might be giving something away, and considering Roxas can come here... he has to be careful. He wouldn't put it past the blond to be lurking in a corner, or something. Why stay in a jail cell if he can just come here, after all?]

And I'm not panicking, but... I am going to ask what exactly happened. [He crosses his arms, prepared to settle in for ~storytime~, if that's what this is going to be.] I'm glad you're okay now.

[~~sorry! I didn't realize!~~ she purses her lips at his answer, but he obviously doesn't want to explain further, so she leaves her questions there] Right. That's something, I suppose.

[she's grateful that he's not up in arms--not yet, anyway--and amused at his simple statement] Yeah, you're not the only one who's glad. It's not really an understatement to say Agent York saved my life. [the comment is a statement of fact, though there's gratitude there as well. but she smirks faintly at his question] I'd be surprised if you didn't, honestly. But considering I could use a hand, I was gonna tell you anyway.

[she sighs now, though, thinking of how to start. if anything, she wishes she could give more information, but unfortunately there's no way for her to learn anything further. her expression is grim as she recounts the events, though her tone remains factual] Bit of a short story, to be honest. I was at 'ome in my flat, making lunch, and then a man kicked my door in and started firing. [she pauses to let that sink in before adding:] I got a glance at 'im, but unfortunately that's all I know--other than theories. And even those basically boil down to it being likely that he's not local, and... [she pauses, her expression dark] Well, he's probably still firing.

[He lets the fact that Agent York literally saved her life sink in a little more. He'll have to thank the man later, whoever he might be. Meanwhile, it's just hitting him a little bit harder that he very well could have lost her... and he doesn't know what he'd do if he'd had to face that sort of news. He doesn't even want to think about it.

She tells him her story, and he listens, eyes narrowed in both concentration and thought.] Sounds like you need enough time to get out of the way as well as someone to stop this guy. [pause.] You said you could use some help, right?

[He smiles - a tiny, knowing smile.]

[clearly she should have called him Agent Bermuda to spice up Riku's first meeting with York. a missed opportunity! but in any case, she'd like to point out that he's the young one here, and he's already died once. she hasn't. so if anyone should be worrying about lives cut short, it should be her]

[at his suggestion, she nods] Either that or a way of blocking the incoming shots. But either way, I take it you're up for the challenge? [she smirks back at him. she already knows what answer he's going to give, after all]

[I would pay to see the eventual realization/fall-out of that one... And excuse you, age has nothing to do with this. You think this place discriminates? Nope.

~~Also it's kind of like he died 1.5 times. eesh.~~]

That would work, too. [He nods.] Of course I'm up for a challenge. When do we go? And did you get anyone else's help?

[see, even worse! it still doesn't change the fact that he's died and she hasn't. and she can discriminate based on age if she likes. there's no law in these circumstances~]

[she chuckles at his eagerness] Hold on, kid. Believe it or not, I'm gonna need a bit more time to recover first. [because she's not going in there as a liability rather than an asset if she can help it] And so far I've got you and Agent York, but 'opefully I can get one or two others involved.

[she pauses, considering whether it's too early to go into further detail, but she ultimately decides that he should know as much as possible at the outset. and it's not like she's afraid of him backing out; he's made his intentions clear enough] The real trick is coming up with a plan so nobody gets shot when we arrive. And... [she sighs becuase here comes the tricky part--and the one that worries her. she has a feeling there's more to this than one assailant, and that's a thought that has her very concerned indeed] Dangerous alien or not, we 'ave to neutralise this bloke without killing 'im. I need to find out what's going on 'ere, and he's the only lead I've got.

[Recovery... oops. He at least has the decency to look a little sheepish and apologetic, runs a hand through his hair as he shakes his head and glances at the tabletop for a second.]

Well, doesn't matter when. Just let me know.

[He's not sure who else could be involved with this, but that's okay. He can work with anyone he needs to, he thinks. He's also more than confident that anyone Menzies can trust with this, he can also at least trust enough to fight alongside. He listens to her further explanations, nodding his understanding where appropriate, and ends it with a small tilt of his head.]

Makes sense. Do you have any guesses of your own, or was this a complete surprise?

[she nods, unbothered by his miscalculation. to be honest, she's also eager to go back and get this taken care of, but she has too much sense to dive in when there's no benefit to it] Will do.

[at this question, though, she makes a face] Wish I did. I've been running it over in my 'ead, but I can't put my finger on anything out of the ordinary lately. I mean, it could always be some alien who got in trouble in the past and finally found the means for revenge, but...it could also be something bigger. [she sighs again, frustrated by not knowing] I just wish I knew what.

[At least someone around here has some sense...]

We'll find out. He's definitely not getting away with this. And if it is something bigger, then I'll help however I can.

[He really needs to re-learn the whole "don't mess around with other people's worlds too much" lesson, but... that's probably not going to happen anytime soon.]

[she would like to second that thought! perhaps Riku can learn a thing or two]

[her expression hard, she echoes:] No. No, he's not. [but then it softens somewhat, and she gives a small smile as she adds:] ...and thanks. I'll let you know.

[because she's grateful for his offer. as much as she's able to act calm about someone basically attempting to assassinate her, it's not something she's ever had to deal with before, and she really is scared of what it implies. if this is bigger than one person, are others going to come after her, too? and are the people in her life going to get hurt because of it?]

[but she knows she can't dwell on thoughts like that. for now, her plan is to give herself some time to heal, and only then is she going to go in there--and do whatever she has to do to stop her or anyone else from getting hurt]

How can I get a 'old of you when we're ready to make this 'appen, anyway? Did you ever get a radio, or is there somewhere I should look for you?

[Riku's worried about all of it, too. In his experience, where there's one, there's more. He hopes that isn't the case with Menzies and this shooter, but he isn't optimistic - not that he's going to share that much with her. He's sure she's thinking much of the same, anyway, preparing for all scenarios and such.

Seriously, if this is part of something bigger... then whatever that bigger thing is has a lot to watch out for in the form of Menzies and all of her friends, if you ask him.

Radio...? Oh, that old thing. It's been a while... He nods.]

I did. No one ever used them, so I haven't been carrying it with me. I'll start again.

[ooc: I meant dinner above rather than lunch. Oops!]

Right. [she nods, glad to have a plan] Then when I'm ready, I'll radio you and the others.

[a thought striking her, though, she adds:] But Riku--have you got any ideas about blocking gunshots? [because that's one problem they need to have a solution for before they go in there]

[He thinks for a second... then looks up at her.]

I have an idea, but I'd rather test it. Do you have a gun with you right now?

[~~/gets the popcorn ready~~]

[she just looks at him. because did you really just ask her that, Riku? and she can't even reasonably accuse him of being too American! what a shame]

Ah, no. I'm a police officer in the UK. We don't carry guns. [and from her dry tone, she is not impressed that you asked] But Agent York 'll have one you can use--or Agent North, once I've tracked him down, too. [because he's one person she's going to actively look for if he doesn't come by] So we'll be able to test it before we go. [curious, she adds:] What's your plan, anyway?

[He's a little puzzled by her rather impressive lineface in his general direction, truth be told. He just... assumed that if someone came after her with a gun, then maybe guns were a thing, and maybe she'd have one. Oops? Oh well, he notes that as a hot-button issue and moves on! (Though maybe he's biting the inside of his cheek just to keep himself from smirking, amused. ... ahem.)]

That's fine. I was going to try this.

[He stretches his hand forward, palm facing outward. A minimal amount of concentration, and not even a second later, a small barrier of swirling black appears in front of him. It may be thin, but it seems particularly solid - deceptively so, given how it seems to flicker in and out of view, like it's nothing more than a trick of the eyes.]

I can make it as big as I want. If it can stop magic, arrows, blades... I don't see why bullets would be any different.

[her eyes widen at the barrier he just made out of thin air] Now that's handy... [she steps a bit closer, looking at it curiously. she even reaches out a hand to touch it, but glances at Riku before she actually does in case it's going to give her some sort of shock or other backlash]

No, if this is solid, I can't see why they would be. [she smirks, relieved to have one worry off her mind at least] Good plan.

[He shakes his head when she looks his way. While he's pretty sure it wouldn't harm her, he can't be completely sure - doesn't want to risk it. With absolutely no thanks to the Plane, he's still trying to get used to the fact that his darkness is stronger than it was, and maybe a little more imbalanced that he'd like to admit. It could even mean his hold on it is slipping... but he tries not to think about that much of it. There's no proof of that, anyway.

But he smirks in return. If she thinks it'll work, that makes him even more sure that he can use it to help. He lets it vanish, hand returning to his side.]

We'll see, when someone brings a gun we can use to try it. But I feel pretty good about it.

[she lowers her hand at his signal, not one to take unnecessary risks. she'll just take his word for its solidity, then] Right, thanks. I'll let you know when we're ready.

[and when she's found one of the three of them so she can radio the others, as she doesn't have any of her own equipment with her. but as eager as she might be to solve this problem, she knows there's no real rush. when she goes back, she's going to do with safely with friends she can trust at her side]

[He sees her familiar figure in the kitchen after he enters, sets his helmet down on the counter, and smiles at her, turns to continue walking to the fridge--but then he stops and does a doubletake, his entire expression changing in the matter of seconds. Something's wrong. Worry creases his forehead as he turns over in his head the possible reasons why she would be wearing something like that. It looks like something he's seen in the ballroom costume storage.]

[North's prepared him for this trip to this world that defies all logic, but being sworn to secrecy and hearing about it, and actually seeing it is two different things. Same with meeting someone North is special friends with. (Theta doesn't quite get the whole girlfriend thing. He understands the theory but the execution is another thing. He figures North will explain it to him later.) Admittedly, Theta's really, really nervous about meeting North's special friend. He's met some of the others on the Mother of Invention, but not anyone outside of there...]

[He stays right where he is, not showing himself, but he can feel North's concern and he can't help feeling it in return.] North...?

It's okay, Theta. [He says it partially to tell himself that it will be okay and keep the bad feeling he has at bay.]

Patricia, is everything all right?

[she smiles back, relieved to see him looking well. considering what their most recent conversation was like, she was hoping he would stop by--for more reasons than just her current predicament. but at that doubletake, she can't help a chuckle]

Yeah, for the moment. But, ah, you're gonna want to sit down before you hear the story. [she waves a hand as if to brush it off for now, though] But first, what about you? I take it the surgery's already happened?

That...doesn't sound good.

[But he humors her, pulling out a chair for him to sit in.]

Is this her? Your special friend?

Yep, this is her. [Even his internal voice is warm and proud when he speaks about her--even if he is worried.]

The surgery went well! Had a bit of a headache for a while, but I'm doing good. Still me. It's right here if you want to see. [He pats the back of his neck, his fingers brushing the edges of the chip and the small patch of skin that used to have hair before they shaved it.] I think we'll save introductions for later, though...

Edited 2014-06-24 02:54 (UTC)

[she raises an eyebrow at his offer. with a nod, she stands and comes around to take a look. as she walks, the stiffness in her bearing is even more pronounced, and she leans down carefully behind him to see his neck] So that's...it? Your AI? [she eyes the chip, though she makes no move to touch it] And he's 'ere, then? In your head? [her tone is a mixture of uncertainty and awe, and her curiosity and concern distract her from sharing her own story for the moment]

[Thankfully, she doesn't have to see the rest of the stuff they put in his head in order for his AI to function inside him. Only that small bit of the chip is exposed.]

[Oh, his worry deepens when he sees her movement. Something's happened and she's concerned about him? What is she hiding?] That's him, his little home. Well, I am too, in a way. He's up here, and he can show himself if he wasn't so shy about it. Everything's still so new to him.

[Theta can't help protesting.] H-hey, I'm not shy! You just told me to be careful.

[North replies out loud.] Okay, Theta, why don't you come on out then? We're okay here.

...Well, okay. But don't rush me.

I wouldn't think of it. [And while the AI is mustering up the courage to, he smiles faintly at Menzies. He wants to find out what's going on with her, and since she seems determined to find out about him first, he's going to give her just that.] It'll be a second. You're the first one aside from my bosses that he's met. York and the others haven't seen him yet. [After recovering, he really did come here first.]

[Just as he's done speaking, there's a small flash of violet light near North's head, and there's a miniature, glowing version of someone in armor just like North's trying to hide behind his ear.] Um...hi... [The child-like voice is probably a huge change to her from the one Delta has.]

[she's not hiding what happened so much as distracted by making sure he's all right--and finding out what this AI is like. because she knows she's all right now and perfectly safe as long as she doesn't leave the Plane, so her own situation is hardly her immediate priority]

Shy? [her expression is curious. she straightens stiffly, moving herself carefully back around to take her seat again. she's still pale and sitting rather rigidly, but the care in her movements is automatic; she's not worried about her wounds] What do you mean shy? [she didn't think logical computers could be shy, after all]

[but she's surprised again when North mentions that only his bosses have met his AI so far] You came straight here, huh? [along with the surprise, there's appreciation in her tone and expression. he knew she was worried, and so he sought her out first. it's just the sort of thoughtful action that she's not used to but he just keeps doing. after a pause, she adds:] Thanks.

[she jumps when Theta appears, though, but she's just startled rather than afraid. for a few seconds, she gapes at him. his appearance is enough like Delta's that it doesn't surprise her, but his voice has caught her completely off-guard. because he sounds nothing like a logical computer; he sounds like a child]

This is... [but she cuts herself off, realising that she was about to talk about the AI like it's not there. Delta has hardly seemed different from a person, and so far Theta seems like a person as well, so she switches to:] You're...Theta? [her pronunciation is a bit different from North's--a long e sound rather than a long a sound. she watches Theta curiously, and after a beat, she adds:] Uh, nice to meet you. [this whole conversation feels surreal to her, but Theta looks so nervous that she feels like she needs to be extra-kind]

[Softly] I told you I would. Would've been here sooner if the headache I had after waking up wasn't as bad as it was, but as far as post-op things go, it could've been much worse. [He made it out okay but whatever's gone on for her is another question.]

[He doesn't explain what he means by 'shy' since she'll see for herself, and Theta doesn't disappoint. North can feel the AI's nervousness as much as his stubbornness to prove to him that he can do this. That and other things about him has really endeared the AI in North's eyes. It's no wonder the Director wanted him for his partner.]

[Theta just nods in response to Menzies' question.] Y-you sound funny.

[That makes North chuckle.] Her accent is different than mine. Wait until you hear Wyoming's.

[He turns to her next, reaching a hand out to touch her arm.] But hey, why don't you tell me what's going on? You look like you should be in lying down.

[The moment North touches her, Theta flashes a little brighter for a second. He turns to North, wringing his hands as he looks at Menzies again, then back to him.] Um, North? [But he doesn't want to talk about what readings he's gotten, not in front of her.]

Yeah, but... [she shakes her head, still smiling gratefully. she didn't realise he meant it literally--but she's glad he did. at that admission, though, she frowns, worried] But it's gone now?

[at Theta's question, she also gives a snort] Trust me, not everybody sounds like you Americans. Theta, then, if you like. [did you hear that, North? that American pronunciation was on your behalf]

[but she winces at that question, though she knew he'd get around to it eventually] Well, I've gotta eat sometime. [despite her deflection, she knows it's time to explain. so, sighing, she pulls back from him, reaching up to start unbuttoning her shirt] Look. Let me show you, and then I'll tell you everything you want to know.

[but as Theta speaks, she pauses, glancing up at him. she misinterprets his expression as discomfort and says, slightly perplexed:] It's all right. Just a bit of skin. [and she turns a bit away from him, still facing North, and opens the top of her shirt, revealing her chest. there are two large patches of skin on her right side that are pink in the middle, like new skin, with impressive purple bruises blossoming out from those points, overlapping into one large bruise. though some of the extent of the bruising is obscured by her borrowed bra, it's clearly significant] See? I told you, I'm all right. Sore, mainly.

Edited 2014-07-12 04:16 (UTC)

For the most part. Every now and then, I'll feel a little ache, but it's getting better as time goes on.

[Theta shakes his head after she does her impression of an American accent.] No, I like how you said it before. It's different! And...and cool.

[North frowns, concerned by the tone of Theta's voice after he touches Menzies and she begins to open her shirt; he's pretty sure that Theta isn't bashful.]

North, h-her blood pressure is really low. And her temperature is--

Patricia... [His eyes widen as he takes in that information, not needing to hear more. Those wounds... He's been injured enough times in his life to know what they are, even if these ones are in a somewhat advanced stage of healing. He finds himself unconsciously getting to his feet but still staring at her, a mix of expressions washing over his face, ranging from shock and surprise to anger and upset. Honestly, he's at a loss for words, at first, but that doesn't last long.]

This is not all right! Patricia--these are gunshot wounds! [And the position of them... She could've died if they were over any closer to her heart!] How come you weren't wearing that vest? Why you didn't tell me about this from the start?!

[His hands don't shake, nor his voice, but there's an edge to it, one that it doesn't have often. On his shoulder, Theta continues to worry his hands, unsure if he did the right thing or not telling North what he'd found.]

[she nods, still concerned but accepting that for now] All right...

[Theta's words surprise her, though, and she throws him a curious glance] Yeah? Well, if you ever change your mind, just say so. [she can't work out why he seems to be getting more nervous as they talk rather than less, but she's still doing her best to make a good first impression. after all, she knows he's important to North]

[and then North sees her wounds, and his reaction is nothing like she was expecting. she'd decided to show him the wounds in the hopes that he would see they were mainly superficial now and be less worried than if she'd outright told him she'd been shot. in fact, she'd even been hoping that he wouldn't immediately recognise the cause of the wounds. because of the work of York's healing unit, they hardly resemble gunshot wounds to her--but she supposes that, since the technology is from North's world, she should have known that wouldn't hold true for him. still, when she sees him stand, that mix of emotions flashing across his features, her breath catches even before he begins to speak]

[and when he's finished, she just stares for a moment. in the time they've spent together, if there's one thing she's learned, it's how rarely North actually gets angry. but that edge in his voice now--directed at her--could hardly be clearer] North... [she trails off, momentarily at a loss for words herself, still stunned by his strong reaction. she swallows hard, trying to think of a way to calm him down] Look...yes, they're gunshot wounds. But they've been healed, all right? I'm fine now. You can see that. [she gestures at her bruised chest for emphasis]

[she knows she needs to answer his questions next, and obviously she's been planning all along to tell him the whole story, but she still hesitates to answer about the vest. it isn't that she didn't know the question was coming--she'd even told York as much when she was barely holding onto consciousness. but she knows that North will realise the severity of the situation when she does answer, and as badly as he's reacted so far, she doesn't want to make it worse right away. so she answers the other question first]

I didn't say because you just 'ad surgery. I wanted to know how you were! And Theta. [she looks him directly in the eyes as she says this, hoping to prove it's the truth because she has a feeling he thinks she was trying to hide this, and she never meant to do that]

And the vest... [she watches him uncertainly, pausing briefly and then saying, quickly and flatly:] North, I wasn't wearing the vest because I wasn't working. I was at 'ome, in my kitchen, when this happened.

[Feeling a little bad--and very confused--about both their reactions, Theta pulls away from North's head finally to have a better look at his face. Maybe saying something will help the Freelancer in some way.] She's right, North. There's no bleeding, and she's not anywhere close to dying.

[North understands Theta's sentiment, and between it and Menzies' tone, that edge in his voice lessens.] I...I know that, Theta, but--[his eyes stay on hers]--I asked if everything was all right when we first got here. Everything about Theta and me could've waited. [His gaze turns to the wounds on her chest, his gloved hand lifting up to gently touch one of the healed wounds. It saddens him to see her like this, but it hurts more to think that she didn't want to tell him about this immediately.] Why were you trying to hide this? Getting shot is a serious thing, especially when it happens--

[It occurs to him that since she was shot at home, shot in those places, she probably came right to the Plane to get treatment. The shooter, however...] The guy who did this is still in your place, isn't he? [The edge in his voice is back again, and colder. This asshole almost killed her, and unlike that other alien who knocked her out on accident, this is deliberate. It was in her home.]

Edited 2014-07-24 16:04 (UTC)

[she's relieved to hear that anger lessen, but she's still at just as much of a loss as to why he's so upset. she holds his gaze, confusion in her eyes, and tries to explain further] I told you I was gonna explain. And that's easy for you to say--you knew you were all right. I didn't.

North... [when he puts his hand against her, she reaches up to take it in both of hers, and she presses to release his gauntlet. once she's pulled the glove from his hand, setting it on the table, she guides his bare hand, gently pressing it against the left side of her chest--right over her beating heart. because despite his words to Theta, she doesn't think he fully believes that she really is all right, and that's the best proof she can think of to give him] I wasn't trying to hide anything. I was just... [she frowns, facing her usual struggle for words when she attempts to describe her feelings] Well...I was worried about you! And look, I told you, I'll explain everything. Whatever you want to know, all right? I promise, I'm not going anywhere. You feel that? I'm right 'ere. [she holds his hand in place]

[at least when he realises that the shooter is still there, the edge in his tone is no surprise to her. hoping that full openness now might help ease his apparent frustration, she nods] Yeah--and I'm working on the assumption that he's still firing. But I've already spoken to York and Riku. I figure the four of us can go back as a group. Riku's got a sort of shield that should work; he just wants to test it with bullets in advance. And I'm 'oping to get your input, too. [a little concerned by what North might plan, though, she adds firmly:] We need to disable him. I don't know what's going on 'ere, but there's no guarantee that he's working alone, and if there is a bigger story, he's the only lead I've got.

Edited 2014-07-30 17:17 (UTC)

[He doesn't say anything to that. She has a point; he knows he's well, but she doesn't, and considering what he was going to go do when they were last together... He gets it. So when she starts to remove his gauntlet, he doesn't protest. Feeling the strong beating of her heart and warmth of her skin with his bare hand helps calm him more.]

I know. [His fingers gently move against her chest.] But damnit, Patricia, next time I won't be coming back from an operation. We have to be open about these kind of things.

[He falls silent as she gives him the sitrep and her plan so far.] Tell him not to worry about his shield. I've got one that I know is bulletproof. I've just never been able to run it safely without Theta, and since I've got him now... [His eyes flick over to the AI and notices his nervousness. He'd been able to feel it but his own emotions had drowned them out until now.] And Theta, you're not in trouble. You were doing what you were made to do.

You're not mad...? [He looks earnestly between his Freelancer and the special friend. He's only been with North a couple days; the last thing he wants to do is ruin things.] Both of you?

[North smiles faintly and shakes his head.] No, Theta, I'm not.

[Theta nods.] Okay, good. We should tell her more about your shield. [He looks to Menzies and says] I am gonna make it work 100 times better. No bullets are gonna get in while I'm running it. [The little AI sounds rather proud.]

We'll practice a little bit before we go. We can tell her then. [He returns his attention to Menzies] But you're right, there's no way this guy is acting alone. York and I will be able to tell the moment we get there with our motion trackers and different helmet systems. And...for you, we won't kill him. [Though he sure wants to make this guy hurt.] We'll take him out, question him, but after that is your call.

[she relaxes as he calms down, but she still frowns at his statement] I'm being open! [uncertainly, she adds:] What else do you want to know?

[when he mentions his shield, she nods. York had told her once that North had equipment like that, but she didn't know the details about it, and it's a relief to hear that it's bulletproof in particular] All right, that's good news. But if it's all the same to you, I'd still rather test Riku's shield before we go. He's gonna 'ave it anyway, might as well know it could work in a pinch.

[at North's exchange with Theta, though, she frowns. she didn't pick up that Theta thought they were mad at him at all. she can't help but wonder if North knew because of his own perceptiveness or if they really are that connected--but that's something to worry about some other time. because Theta is checking with her now, looking worried. she blinks at the glowing figure before she says awkwardly:] Ah, no. I'm not mad. [and from her tone, she's not at all sure why he'd think she would be. after all, she doesn't even know he told North about her vital signs. as far as she's concerned, he hasn't done a thing but introduce himself]

[but then Theta, apparently appeased, starts in about the shield, and she can't help smirking faintly at his show of pride] Yeah? Good. Sounds like we've got it covered, then.

[and she listens as North describes his plan, nodding--but when he mentions the motion trackers, she breaks in with:] Just remember we're not the only ones in the building, all right? We don't want to cause a panic. [any more than her door being busted in and the sound of gunshots will have caused already, that is] But it's a good idea. I doubt he'd 'ave thought he'd need backup, but you never know.

[then North promises not to kill and to leave the final call up to her, and she actually smiles] Glad to 'ear it. I mean, depending on what he says, UNIT might need a crack at 'im anyway. This... [she frowns] It doesn't feel right. I don't see what a coordinated effort to cause my death gets for 'em unless there's more going on.

[because while she knows she's good at her job, she doesn't think the general alien population is going to be as naive as Frank and count her personally--and exclusively--as worth that much. there has to be more to it]

[That's a little worrisome.] Well, what else is there?

I wouldn't have it any other way. It's not like we don't have any access to guns to help him test this shield of his out. Could be a good learning experience for Theta, too.

[This turn of events makes Theta happy. He's only been with North a couple days, and he's already going on a secret mission! The Freelancer had told him these would happen at some point, but already? He just hopes they don't screw anything up. He's just glad North didn't tell her about what he said about her blood pressure and stuff...] Don't worry, I'll be able to tell who's friendly or not. 25 meter radius should be good, right North? Or should I sweep wider?

Better bump it up to 30, just in case. [He hopes it isn't necessary, but there's no reason why he can't test the AI a little either...]

[He motions for them to sit down, but he keeps her hand in his.] It doesn't feel right to me either... [His lips curl into a frown, his eyes glancing at those healed bullet wounds. This feels bigger than someone acting out with a personal grudge against her.] We'll figure it out, whatever it is. [He gives her hand a reassuring squeeze, but he's keeping his anger at her almost-assassin to himself.]

[frustrated, she says:] I don't know! You're the one who says I'm not being open. [she frowns, struggling to think of what else he might want to know] I mean, I got a glimpse of the shooter. That's part of the problem, really--I didn't recognise 'im. [which is why she's so convinced that this is bigger than just her] He was short, stocky. Dark 'air. And you can see the height he's aiming.

Otherwise... [she pauses, thinking about what she's seen on the Plane since they met before his surgery. and, after a moment, one crisis does come to mind] Well, there's an experiment you should know about. This kid... [she sighs] This place made 'im a full-fledged vampire. Literally! When I talked to 'im, he was looking for people to 'elp so it didn't get bad. I'm 'oping it's over by now, but I 'aven't seen 'im since...

[she watches his exchange with Theta then, frowning a little thoughtfully. if she didn't know better, she'd think they'd been working together for a while. again, she wonders just how deeply they're connected. still, she knows she should just be relieved that Theta is the way he is and not...how she feared he might be. and they have a lot more to worry about right now than her thoughts on that, so she pushes those worries aside again and just nods in approval at the plan]

[as North motions for them to sit, she follows his lead, but she tries for a smirk at his comment] Well, I wouldn't be much of a detective if I couldn't. [she frowns at his expression, though] But you do know we're not doing this right away? I'm not going back in there as a liability.

[He sighs, saying nothing more about the openness issue. He'd be one to talk...] Short? Even for you? [That faint smile of his means that he's trying. And he's trying to picture exactly how tall this guy is so he can immediately pop him in the nose.] Didn't have blue or green skin? Or anything non-human?

[But then his eyes go wide at the word "vampire". He blinks a couple times, then tilts his head slightly.] Seriously, a vampire? What kind of help did he need?

[But at the same time as North asks his follow-up question about the vampire, Theta blurts out:] Vampires?! [He tries not to sound afraid. Logically, there's no reason for him to be afraid of supernatural entities such as a vampire because he's just an AI, but all the same...] N-North, they're not supposed to be real, right?

[North looks between her and his AI, then nods to Menzies.] I'll let you handle this. You know more about the situation. [And besides, he thinks it should be good for them both to talk more.]

[His thumb moves over the back of her hand, her skin so much softer than his.] I wouldn't have it any other way. I know York's healing unit can only do so much. The rest you've got to on your own. It's the best call, waiting. Gives us time to test your friend's shield and for us to work on things ourselves, right Theta?

[The AI nods at him.]

[she snorts] If you can believe it. But no--nothing obvious. Only thing is... [she frowns; she's been wrestling with these details since it happened because she's sure she missed clues, and she wishes she'd had time for a proper look. of course, she knows it would have been even better if she'd managed to get to the Plane before getting shot, but even so, she doesn't want the people who go back with her to be in unnecessary danger] I mean, I didn't get a good look at anything, really. But the way the door came in, he must 'ave hit it damn hard, but... Well, when I turned, he was just standing there--him and 'is gun. I couldn't see that he'd kicked or rushed it or used any sort of heavy object. But he busted it in somehow. [she sighs] And when is it anything other than aliens these days...

[another detail occurs to her, though, and she adds:] But so you know, North, he's still in the doorway. I'm in my kitchen--you know what my flat's like. That's why we need the shields; he's gonna 'ave time to get more shots off before we can disable 'im.

Hn. What kind do you think? [she purses her lips, realising even as she thinks about how to explain that North isn't going to like this part of the story at all. but she forges ahead anyway, without any indication of hesitation] If he got really hungry, it could get dangerous. And none of us want that, so I gave 'im a drink.

[but after Theta's outburst and North's next comment, she gives him an incredulous look. because she can't imagine why he would put her in charge of calming the frightened child. hasn't he worked out that she's not very good with children? still, after throwing the AI a nervous look, she gives it her best] Ah...well. Where you come from, Theta, and where I come from, no. They're not real. [not that she knows of, at least] But uh. I don't know what North's told you about this place, but it's connected to all sorts of universes, and in some of those, things are real that wouldn't be where we're from. [quickly, she adds:] But they're not always like fiction, either. This one's actually this really nice kid. You'd, uh, probably like 'im. [she glances at North, wondering at what point he's going to jump in to make this better because she has no idea what she's doing]

[when he agrees to wait without protest, though, she smiles a little in relief and gives his hand a squeeze] Yeah, that's what I thought, too. I told Riku to 'ave his radio with 'im--one of the ones Wash handed out for 'is taskforce. You should be able to raise 'im on that and plan a test.

Ah, I 'aven't got my radio with me, though. [she makes a face. unfortunately, she literally had none of her equipment on her when this happened] But I'm staying in the mansion mainly, and I could always get somebody else with a radio to raise one of you if I needed it. It shouldn't be a problem. It's not like exact timing matters anyway--Manchester's frozen until I go back.

[His hand tightens around hers as she tells him about the attack, his heart starting to beat a bit faster as he feels his temper start to rise again. Theta gives him a look of concern that North waves off with a slight shake of his head. He'll be all right. More importantly, so will she.] We'll make sure to stop him before he gets another shot off. I promise.

Y-you gave him a drink? [The thought of a vampire biting her, even if she did say it was okay, scares him. He tries to keep it out of his expression but as he reaches forward to look at her neck, his actions probably give him away.] Did he take a lot? It's not like one bite and you're one of them, right? [The look in his eyes right now...]

[It's no wonder Theta's worried. He makes a little noise as he mulls this over.] I don't know... As long as he's nice and doesn't attack people... [He files this away to think about later.]

Patricia...what if you stay the nights with me back on the ship? Until we're ready to go back to Manchester? [Admittedly, he's still wary of anything else that could find its way to her, both at home and ont he Plane. Plus...he's missed her. He couldn't come see her the entire time he was healing up. Gave him plenty of time to talk to Theta about her, though, and practice communicating in private.] It'd only be nights and...it's not like we're attached this time. [He gives her a half-smile.]

[as he squeezes her hand, she frowns, running her thumb along his] Look, you don't even have to do that--that's what the shields are for. Just...whatever you do, take 'im down safely. [this time, it's her turn to look worried. because she knows they won't let her get shot again, but she wouldn't put it past any of them to take a bullet for her, and she's not having that]

North. [her tone is firm, and she gives him a look to go with it. even so, she leans forward--with a slight wince at the pressure on her chest--and tilts her head so he has a good view of her neck] Touch it if you want. There's nothing there. And no. I'm not stupid, you know. I did ask before I offered! [she sighs and, frowning, thinks about how to describe it] It was more like...a blood drive. Even made sure I 'ad juice and a snack after. [she smiles a little wryly at the memory. but eyeing North now, she adds insistently:] Trust me, it was fine. Eithan's a good kid.

[and at Theta's thoughts, she gives him a nod, encouraged by that reaction] He is. We did this because he doesn't want anybody to get hurt.

What!? [but at North's suggestion, she just stares at him] You know, I seem to remember a speech about getting thrown in the brig. What if somebody hears me?

He will be. [And that's all he'll say about that, and not go into whose safety he's thinking of more than someone else's...]

[He does examine her neck, his touch gentle. He knows she's giving him a look right now but doesn't meet her eyes.] I know you're not stupid. Never said you were. Vampires...just aren't a normal thing in my reality. Just stories. [Softly, he touches her cheek and tilts her head back up, his hand lingering for a second before he removes both hands from her.] I trust your word about him. You're still here and still you, after all. [He smiles faintly, trying to lighten the mood.]

[Theta shares North's unvoiced worry: what if it wasn't enough for Eithan? And he follows North's attempt to move on. Though he's only just met her in person, the trust North has in Menzies is large enough to bleed into him.] Okay, good. [He's appeased and relieved.]

[A tiny hint of a blush rises up in his cheeks.] We'll behave ourselves. No one will hear you. Theta can secure my room. And...last time was different. We couldn't come here. And we were kind of connected and couldn't move apart... But...I just want a safe place for you to get some sleep. Somewhere quiet. [He touches her hand again.] I won't let anything happen to you there, I promise.

[she lets him explore her neck as he likes, hoping that being able to see for himself that there's no sign of any wound will reassure him] They're not in mine either--which is exactly why I asked about it first. And the bottom line is, he needed my 'elp. [her tone very much carries a sense of "and that was that." she couldn't--wouldn't--ignore Eithan's plight, after all]

[when he lets go, she straightens and seizes the opportunity to button her shirt back up--before they have the misfortune of someone else walking into the room. but at his expression of trust, she nods] Yeah, I am. [her gaze is still serious, intent on making him believe that she really is all right]

[she gives Theta a little smile, though, relieved that she seems to have appeased him at least]

[and at North's blushing, she rolls her eyes] I didn't mean that! I... [she hesitates, considering how to say this without potentially upsetting him further] I can't lie down without pain right now, so I'm not sure I'm sleeping silently. And... [she sighs] Look, I get that you're worried about Eithan. I 'aven't seen 'im again, so I don't know how the experiment's going... [she's frowning now. even if she won't say it, she's also worried it could have gotten worse, as much as she doesn't want to believe it possible] And I know I can go to the Plane, but if somebody else 'ears me in there, what about you? Because I'm not ruining your military career just so I can sleep somewhere else. I'll be fine in the mansion.

[North's offer now is reminding her of Kay's offer to let her stay with him while she was blind--an offer she also turned down. she refused to be a burden on Kay, and being blind while staying in an unfamiliar apartment would have been just that. this offer carries the same problem. because while she knows North is just thinking of her safety, as usual she wishes he'd consider his own more while he's at it. and if he won't, then she will for him]

[He smiles, quashing down lingering worries about the bite. Her donation only continues to show just how big her heart is.] You sure are.

[Considering where their conversation has gone, North thinks it's probably a fine time for them to just be on their own.] Hey Theta, can you shut down for a few minutes? Won't be too long.

Okay, no problem. [Without further ado, Theta disappears in another flash of light.]

[He waits for Theta to be gone until he starts to speak again. As far as he knows, the AI really should be off until given the command to return. He should have had Theta leave sooner... He kinda gets the feeling that she's still a bit weirded out with Theta being there. But that's a thought for another time.]

You're not going to ruin my career. And it's harder to hear people in and out of our rooms than you think. [He covers her hands with his. He is worried about things getting worse on the Plane, but what worries him more is what she says about not even being able to lie down.] Patricia, I'll do whatever it takes to help take away that pain. I...can share some of the pain medicine they've given me for the surgery. It's the same thing they give us whenever we get injured and shot, and it helps. Not addictive either, not like the medicines they have in your time. You'll need some honest-to-goodness sleep especially before an operation that we're going to execute. [His voice softens.] Let me take you to my home. Even just for one night. Just to get away from here.

[when Theta disappears, she gives North a questioning look, not understanding] What just happened?

North... [he's managed to baffle her yet again with the depth of his concerns for her well-being. she frowns, trying to decide what to say. she's still concerned about him, but she can also tell how strongly he feels about bringing her with him. not to mention, she knows he's right that getting sleep will help her prepare for going back to Manchester--though she's still set on delaying that as much as her health demands rather than her impatience to solve the problem. but, looking at his face and weighing the odds, she ultimately decides to concede--with conditions] Okay, for one? You'd better not give me any medication you need. I'm not working on a deadline here, you know.

But if you're that set on it, then... [she sighs, giving his hand a squeeze] All right. We'll try a night at your place, see 'ow it goes. Deal?

I asked him to shut down so we can have a little privacy. He understands. We...had some time to talk and get to know each other before we came here. He knows that sometimes, I will want time alone with you but that doesn't mean I'm leaving him on his own.

[He smiles a little, feeling so very relieved. Even Theta can feel it; the emotion is that strong from his Freelancer.] I know and I'll be good. [Granted, he is going to give her some of his, but his pain hasn't been so bad, especially not today.] You've got a deal.

[He stands slightly to lean in and give her kiss on her forehead.] I think we both could use the rest.

"Shut down"? [she frowns, still struggling to understand what Theta is. he seems partially like a person and partially like a computer, and she can't quite put the two together in her head] So he's like...what, sleeping? In your head?

[after he kisses her, she just gives him a stern look] Both of us, yeah.

So what time is it there now, anyway? Are you picking me up later? [because of course "night" is relative where the Plane is concerned--not that she couldn't fall asleep most any time in her current state, assuming the medicine can truly manage her pain]

Yeah, you can think of it like that. [An AI doesn't sleep, but with the order made, the AI isn't supposed to be listening or given a chance to pipe in until it's told to come out again.]

It's the ship's nighttime right now. I waited until I could go back to my room before I came to see you. So...[He holds a hand out to her. She's so lucky he's had surgery recently because he'd scoop her up otherwise.]...I'm here to pick you up now. [His smile broadens. He'll sleep better with her next to him.]

[020]

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