lightofdemocracy

[lightofdemocracy]

Serenity grinned, laughing lightly at the story, and then slowly a little harder. Ahh, it was good to laugh after how stressful the meeting with Crowbar had been. She felt so much better now.

"Hahaha...of course, Porosi. I know what you mean. I'm sure it'll be the tops, eh? Terrors know what'll happen to 'em if it ain't, eh?"

She allowed herself to lapse into slightly less formal speech. She couldn't remember the last time she'd been able to do that. She'd been all business for quite a while now.

When the cab finally stopped, she made good on her promise to herself to make sure the driver received a generous tip, though he seemed to be willing to leave with nothing at all. Anything that would get him as far away as possible as quickly as possible.

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Checking In

[lightofdemocracy]

"Because if it has to be a secret that you're firing a gun, perhaps you shouldn't be firing it in the first place. Besides that, I wouldn't go so far as to say I trust all our officers unconditionally..."

Serenity was well aware a large number of them were in the pocket of the Felt or the Crew, or could otherwise not be trusted. Hell most people couldn't be trusted. Why would cops be any different?

"After all, the only person I trust unconditionally is you."

Although admittedly, she was slowly growing to trust Porosi Pyrope quite a bit. Which was a rather nice development. She just hoped it didn't blow up in her face anytime soon.

She continued to watch occasionally giving him pointers and encouragement. He was doing quite well, and she made sure he knew it. It was a load off her mind that he was learning to defend himself. Not that she'd ever stop worrying about him.

"Humans are much the same. Squishier. Heart and lungs in the chest. Brain in the head."

The Crack Shot and The Mayor, who can’t shoot for shit.

[lightofdemocracy]

In The Dark

He dodged the question.

The small part of her mind that still saw the Mayor objectively told her that. But she ignored it, and dismissed it as nonsense. As hysteria. She'd take what he said at face value. He'd never lie to her, keep things from her, keep her in the dark. He'd never. He trusted her, so why would he lie to her?

He had faith in her. He'd always said so. She believed that. She had to believe that for her own sanity.

She had no secrets from him, except the secrets she was keeping from her own self. He was the only person she'd allowed herself to trust entirely her entire life. Even if on some level she knew he wasn't telling her the whole truth, she'd convince herself the truth wasn't there to tell. Or that she didn't deserve it.

She didn't know what she'd do if she didn't. If she let herself realize he was manipulating her. That he was afraid she'd screw up his plans if he was honest with her. Her, that was supposed to be his greatest support, brushed off like a child told to go play somewhere they would not be in the way. A pathetic state of affairs.

A soldier who outlives her usefulness ought to eat her gun.

She drank heavily that night to continue believing and to drive off the bitter tasting thought. She'd been drinking heavily a lot lately. It wasn't too terribly hard to get booze and she wasn't sure how she was at sleeping without it anymore.

[lightofdemocracy]

[pvt]

I...okay. Alright. I'm glad. That's true. Of course it's true.

Nothing has changed.

I'm sorry

I just

lately it almost seems like you somehow don't care about the people they've killed, I know you're a controlled man, that you hide your anger better than I.

I don't know what you're thinking lately because you rarely tell me anymore and you keep many secrets. But that's fine. You are not obligated to make me understand. I'm just a secretary.

I should not have questioned you.

[pvt] William, a large part of your constituency are humans. And a large part of that part are human women. PLEASE try to have some idea of what you're talking about before making sweeping generalizations because you're making yourself look like a fool. No one wants to follow rules from someone who doesn't even understand the people he's governing.

[pvt] Well, if the public believe me a fool I can calmly point out that nobody can come to grasp the entire livelihood, biology and culture of each and every race in just eleven years.

Up until then I only had one source for human information, and that was a male. I believe it proves to the people I am open to new ideas, they’re aware that I do not know everything, and so in turn, I must be open to new aspects.

The public are aware I didn’t become the Mayor accidentally, Serenity.

[lightofdemocracy]

Serenity yanked on her seatbelt. She was no squishy human of course, but sick days are for the weak and lazy, even if one did get thrown through a car windshield, tell your friends.

"You've used a flare gun to hail a cab before? Did that work?"

She raised her brows, and crossed her legs calmly, watching as the city zipped by.

"Winding Dragon you said? Or something to that effect? Sounds like human chinese or some such..."

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Checking In

[lightofdemocracy]

[pvt]

So you don't have to care what humans think because they're a minority?

No I'm sure that's not what you meant

just

Forgive me William I'm just...growing concerned and frustrated. I've always been sure our vision was the same and that we were on the same page and I'm beginning to wonder about that lately. I...it's hard to tell what you're thinking anymore. I used to thought I understood your motivations implicitly.

I don't think I do anymore.

You understand that the Felt are monsters that nearly blew you up, injured many, and killed several of your supporters and that's only including the charity bombing incident.

You agree with that sentiment correct? We're...on the same page here, right?

Right?

[pvt] William, a large part of your constituency are humans. And a large part of that part are human women. PLEASE try to have some idea of what you're talking about before making sweeping generalizations because you're making yourself look like a fool. No one wants to follow rules from someone who doesn't even understand the people he's governing.

[pvt] Well, if the public believe me a fool I can calmly point out that nobody can come to grasp the entire livelihood, biology and culture of each and every race in just eleven years.

Up until then I only had one source for human information, and that was a male. I believe it proves to the people I am open to new ideas, they’re aware that I do not know everything, and so in turn, I must be open to new aspects.

The public are aware I didn’t become the Mayor accidentally, Serenity.

[lightofdemocracy]

[pvt]

Keeping an open mind and continuing to learn and grow is admirable but

that and the talk of you having sex on your desk, drawing penises on napkins and shopping with criminals

can't lie to you anymore, William, the public isn't going to take you seriously as a leader much longer, you're making yourself a damn laughingstock and me with you

and you've been sneaking around and

just

what the hell is going on with you?

[pvt] William, a large part of your constituency are humans. And a large part of that part are human women. PLEASE try to have some idea of what you're talking about before making sweeping generalizations because you're making yourself look like a fool. No one wants to follow rules from someone who doesn't even understand the people he's governing.

[pvt] Well, if the public believe me a fool I can calmly point out that nobody can come to grasp the entire livelihood, biology and culture of each and every race in just eleven years.

Up until then I only had one source for human information, and that was a male. I believe it proves to the people I am open to new ideas, they’re aware that I do not know everything, and so in turn, I must be open to new aspects.

The public are aware I didn’t become the Mayor accidentally, Serenity.

[lightofdemocracy]

"Well I've never tried to detach my own, but I've detached someone elses more than--..."

Aaaand the Commissioner was running off into the street. For a moment, Serenity is pretty sure she's going to get run over, but the lucky soul stops just in time. Pretty good for a man no doubt having a heart attack.

Serenity was 99% sure this behavior was illegal. But she couldn't think of the charges off the top of her head, and it was the head of the police force who was doing it.

So fuck it.

"...you really know how to hail a cab, Rosi."

She slipped into the car beside the other woman, trying not to smile too widely or show other signs of amusement or surprise. Though she knew Porosi would be able to tell.

She'd give the driver a hearty tip for his trauma.

Checking In

[lightofdemocracy]

Serenity nodded, accepting his gun loading excuse easily enough. With anyone else she'd have a few more questions of course, but this was William and he was perhaps one of only two people in the world she trusted without question or hesitation.

"Yeah, that makes sense."

She looked mildly concerned when he flinched though. Her own soldier training had made such reactions to gunfire a thing of the past but she knew how easily they could put a rookie in pain. Or even make them ill.

"Yes. There are things you can put over your ears that I've seen the humans using...as for ways to make the bang less loud in the first place, there are gun modifications for that...but they're not considered particularly legal."

She shrugged.

"Ain't hard to guess why we'd want to keep tools to kill more quietly and easily out of the hands of the gangsters."

Nodding to indicate he should go ahead and try, she stepped back and observed carefully, ready to step in should he need help. But so far his form seemed decent. If a little unsure. He'd clearly been paying attention to her.

For once.

"...excellent work, William."

She looked proud.

The Crack Shot and The Mayor, who can’t shoot for shit.

[lightofdemocracy]

"Don't worry, Porosi, I've got no plans in the future to detach any arms. I saw that happen to enough poor bastards back in the war that I know it's not exactly a hell of a time...frankly, I'm surprised I still have both of mine to offer."

Serenity was grinning though. This was going well. Right? Right? This was how things went when they weren't going absolutely pear shaped. Or so she suspected.

They could definitely absolutely be going worse at any rate.

"Haven't seen too many wild roarbeasts in the city lately. But I'll let you know if I do."

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Checking In

[lightofdemocracy]

"Yes, yes, I just said I would, didn't I? Be patient. Being overeager won't serve you well with a gun, you know."

Serenity crooked a brow.

"What were you doing loading vast multitudes of guns if you don't know how to shoot them? Seems a bit of a waste..."

Shrugging, she continued, stepping over to one of the long alleyways with a target at the end. She raised the gun, turning off the safety.

"Now watch closely. That's how you turn off the safety. Don't do that unless you're prepared to shoot. Watch where I have my feet and hands. It's important to be balanced. Stand steady. Cock the gun like this. Hold it straight. Focus on your target, not on the gun, and line it up. Take a deep breath, keep your hands steady and..."

Bang. It was a good shot. Right through the chest of the human shaped practice target.

"Hold it firm throughout the shot, and try not to let it jerk up when it recoils and lose your aim. You can't always count on only having to shoot once."

The Crack Shot and The Mayor, who can’t shoot for shit.

[lightofdemocracy]

"If you were a human, you'd have to grip it with both hands, or the weight and recoil would be much harder to manage. However, it'll still give you better balance and aim if you put the one hand after the other when you shoot."

Serenity nodded, stepping over and putting her hands over his, to shift them into the correct position.

"Like that. Remember to keep your grip firm but always be aware of where you're pointing it. Yes, don't worry. I'll demonstrate before I let you shoot anything."

Letting go of his hands, she quickly retrieved another handgun for herself, and some practice ammo for it.

"Alright. This is how you properly load a gun. Watch carefully."

The Crack Shot and The Mayor, who can’t shoot for shit.

[lightofdemocracy]

"Good to know."

Serenity smiled.

"You have my arm whenever you need it, Rosi. That's a promise."

She could tell that despite the mutual affection, duty to their jobs and to the mayor came first for both of them. That was reassuring. It was a comfort to know she'd never have to worry about explaining her priorities to the other woman, or that she might be rejected for them.

All other would-be friendships and relationships had fallen away and withered over time. She neglected them, she admitted.

Whenever the Mayor needed her, she dropped whatever she was doing, and whoever she was doing it with. He was the most important thing in her life, though she knew she'd never be the most important thing in his.

In the end, no one stuck around around knowing her job, and the mayor would always always come first. And she couldn't exactly blame them. But maybe Rosi would be different?

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Checking In

[lightofdemocracy]

"That sounds lovely, Porosi. And very fitting. I did already bring you some coffee, and as you pointed out that's quite the armlike thing to do."

If this were Ms. Paint speaking she would point out that maybe this is because Serenity used to be in the army.

Serenity will not say this because she is not a pun loving dork.

"It would be an honor to be your favorite arm."

She gives no particular reaction to the tapped response, except to smile and look exceptionally pleased. It was good to hear her feelings were returned this time.

Of course this time the feelings were a great deal less high stakes and brutally painful. A cautiously budding new pale interest rather than the old longing red she felt for the Mayor as fervid and devoted as it was hopeless. But even so. it was nice to have a feeling requited about now.

Any feeling.

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Checking In

[lightofdemocracy]

"Mmm, an arm maybe. But lately I have had my doubts as to how favored and trusted an arm I really am."

Especially after the prodigal favorite arm from ten years ago burst onto the scene and all of the sudden was the most favored trusted...you know what, this metaphor is getting out of hand.

She didn't have anything to tap back with that would make a significant enough sound though. So she went instead for cautiously, hesitantly, taking the other woman's hand and tapping a message back on her palm, where she'd be able to feel the words rather than hear.

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Checking In

[lightofdemocracy]

Serenity smiled again, feeling a bit relieved.

"Mmm, I like to think so. Taking care of everything that needs taking care of is my job. I like to think I do it pretty well, and if I didn't, I probably would have been fired by now."

The thank-you was definitely most reassuring. Good. So she noticed it. And appreciated it. For a moment she'd wondered if her gestures of friendship were just causing the other woman stress...somehow.

"You're welcome, Rosi. Why wouldn't I be nice to you? You've been nice to me. Honestly, there are very few people in this city I can trust. It's nice to be able to let my guard down with someone. I can't give members of the Crew an inch and Felts even less than that...even around city hall and the police force I can't show an ounce of weakness or it'll bite me in the ass.

Just look at what happened today. I was honest and voiced my concerns to Rocha and before I knew it, Crowbar of all people was throwing it back in my face, trying to use it against me.

There are very few people in this city I can relax around. Only two actually. You and William."

Checking In

[lightofdemocracy]

Serenity looked unsatisfied with his answer, considered he hadn't exactly indicated he'd be willing to tell her if he needed a break. Dammit, why did he always have to brush her off when she was concerned?

Sigh.

"Alright. Er...well, we certainly can start with that one. But mastering smaller guns doesn't exactly translate to the handling of larger ones. It doesn't work exactly like that. Every type of gun is unique and must be handled differently. It's best to stick to guns you know how to use unless you absolutely have no other choice. Trying to fire a gun you have no idea how to use is dangerous and stupid."

Serenity smiled brightly and nodded encouragingly.

"But you've got the right idea. That there is a standard handgun and a good place to start. Relatively simple to use, and the easiest sort to conceal and keep on you in a pinch. That one's unloaded so go ahead and pick it up. Get a feel for the weight and the grip."

The Crack Shot and The Mayor, who can’t shoot for shit.