hadriel | 007 [Video]

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007 [Video]

[Like the last few posts that have occurred, this is also clearly in regards to the Null's latest announcement; however, Lance is trying a different tactic, because he's doing his best to avoid getting kicked out of seeing their list. So he's wording this very carefully, and that's purposefully obvious in his tone; it's also probably pretty obvious in how intent his stare is, and in how he's casually fiddling with his FBI badge in view of the screen.

He's really hoping the Null aren't too good with subtle body language, and that the people here aren't as generally bad at it as he's concerned they are.]

In light of recent occurrences, I'd like to remind everyone that I'm a psychologist, and I have an office in the clinic should anyone wish to speak confidentially. Additionally, although I prefer to work with individuals, group meetings are also possible.

[Aka the Clinic is available for anyone who wants to have private conversations about all of this going on, and Lance will be lurking there himself both to participate and keep watch on things.]

[[ooc: Feel free to jump right to action threads, to do multi-person threads, threadjack on the network or in person, etc!]]

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Yeah, of course.

[He notes the bruise, but decides to wait on asking for the moment; instead he nods again, briefly picking up his phone to put it in his pocket and apparently having forgotten completely about his tea.]

What's going on?

[Ephemera rocks back on his heels.]

The Null put kids on the list. Most of them don't know shit about fighting or protecting themselves.

[Might as well be blunt.]

We got plenty of knives in the armory. They're easy to conceal, not hard to learn. I figure we should teach some of 'em.

I saw that.

[And he's none too pleased about it, although fortunately it seems that others here actually care--at least about kids--and so Lance hadn't needed to say anything himself.

As for Ephemera's suggestion, Lance absolutely doesn't like it, but he doesn't like the idea of leaving them defenseless either. He takes a moment to think back to when he was younger, and if he would've been willing and capable of stabbing someone to protect himself if necessary, and is silent for several seconds.]

Maybe. It's better than leaving them defenseless.

[As long as the kids, who all seem pretty bright, know not to use the knives for anything but an emergency, it's really no different than if they carried normal pocket or hunting knives. Preteens and teens do that all the time, and Lance is realizing that it's really the idea that they would need to do so because they might be targets for murder that's upsetting him--not a huge surprise--more than them carrying weapons to begin with. They shouldn't have to be in this situation.

But kids get dragged into things they shouldn't be in all the time, and usually they're helpless in it. Turning that last part around is at least something that can be done.]

Dr. Brennan is also skilled in martial arts; she might be able to teach some simple techniques as well.

Cool. Can you set that up?

[Ephemera hesitates.]

Figured it'd go better if it didn't come from me. And you seem to know everybody.

I need to avoid saying or doing anything that will catch the Null's attention on the network, but Dr. Brennan is already on their list and will probably be willing to message the kids. We can talk to them about the knife thing in person and I can call you, if that works.

[He really hates this; it sucks.]

Good. I can work with that.

[He hesitates again.]

Look, I'm not good with kids. But I don't want them getting hurt, so I'll get this done. You got my word on that.

Okay. I'll make up something for the contents of the message, so it doesn't seem suspicious, but you'll know it means to meet here.

[All this secrecy is going to get really stressful really fast, but it'll hopefully be worth it. He nods a little at Ephemera's next comments, because he believes he means them.]

I'm trusting you, on this.

[Which is not something he does often, and that's probably easily readable in his tone.]

[Ephemera nods. He prefers it when things are straightforward, but coded messages are still fully in his wheelhouse.]

You should come too. You can take a hit, I can tell. But knives are different.

[He still isn't sure he likes that he gives off that impression, let alone that it's also an accurate one, and so does his best to turn the conversation around.]

I'll consider it. But speaking of taking hits, are you alright? Your face is bruised.

[Ephemera shrugs. He's been clocked in the face a lot. This barely smarts anymore.]

I'll live. Nothing's broken. Washington hits like a bitch anyway.

[Washington does not, in fact, hit like a bitch. Ephemera just doesn't feel like admitting that.]

You got into a fight with Washington?

[It isn't really disapproving, because he's trying not to be judgemental, but that's very much the opposite of what they talked about doing.]

Nah. He just punched me.

[A fight would have ended with somebody hurting. Ephemera runs a hand through his hair.]

Probably deserved it. He didn't like me insulting his--girlfriend? Or whatever they've got going on.

[Lance is just not going to bother arguing about if that counts as a fight, because there's something way more obvious to focus on.]

Why did you insult his girlfriend?

[Ephemera huffs. He regrets it now.]

We live across from each other. Saw him leaving when I was going out. We had--words. And then I told her she had bad taste when I went back to apologize.

[Because apparently he's classy like that.]

[Wait, hold up--]

You live across from each other?

[That's worse than a bad idea.]

[Ephemera grimaces.]

Her name's Kyna. She's actually all right. Shitty taste. But all right. .

[Oh, he lives across from Kyna, not Washington. Okay. Moderately better.]

I know Kyna.

[Not well, but he has a positive impression of her.]

I don't think I need to tell you that commenting on her choice of boyfriend probably wasn't the best idea.

[And that he should avoid doing such a thing in the future.]

[Seems like everyone knows everyone here. Ephemera exhales sharply.]

I know that. Which is why he punched me.

[Lance watches him warily for a moment at that reaction, before deciding he's probably just frustrated and it's safe to continue.]

Then why did you choose to do it?

[It isn't accusatory; he really wants to know, or more specifically to make sure Ephemera knows.]

Because I was pissed and she was there.

[He's always been bad about that, rising to the bait too easily. Even when he knows better, he always lashes out. Returns the strike twice as hard.]

[It's not a surprising answer.]

What did you think taking your anger out on her would accomplish?

[Ephemera shifts his weight unhappily.]

Thought she'd yell or try hitting me and then we'd fight for real.

[Lance furrows his eyebrows slightly.]

Do you mean you and Washington, or you and Kyna?

Kyna.

[He blinks.]

She's got magic and shit. I wouldn't have fucked her up or anything.

That's great and all, but why would you want to fight with her in the first place?

[Now he's starting to sound disapproving again; he can't help it.]

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