♠ | 031 | Video

[lastrat]

[Bond is in the pub, a tumbler in his hand (and no bottle in sight even, this is a semi-healthy indulgence okay) and a fairly clear expression on his face. He takes a sip, licks his lips and smiles a little wryly as he finally settles his attention on the camera.]

Alec's gone.

[He doesn't sound remotely broken up about this. Sorry, Alec.]

That - on top of surviving - seems deserving of a party. I'll open the door for whoever's interested. I might even break out the good food.

[He lifts his glass in a little toast, and downs that's left in one go as he kills the feed.]

[Private to Elena]

Stop by.

[Is he gonna say why? Nope.]

Comments

[lastrat]

It makes me think you spoke to him once.

If Alec was good at anything, it was putting on a friendly face.

[walkingmeltdown]

[He has to relent, at that. Masks are a dime a dozen around here.]

And that's why first impressions are always so crucial. But you clearly had more experience with him than I, any way you look at it.

[lastrat]

Clearly. And that's why I'm glad he doesn't get to earn a second chance. Traitors don't deserve one.

[walkingmeltdown]

Ah. I see. Betrayal.

[So this was personal, then. No wonder Bond's riled up. If Batman came and went, Blight figures he'd probably feel the same.]

Well in that case I might stop by. Just so I can congratulate you in person, you understand.

[lastrat]

You're more than welcome to.

[He's not like to hand out details, not of the personal story between them - but Alec was a traitor to the Realm, and Bond will happily make sure everyone knows that.]

[walkingmeltdown]

Considering it's you? I'll take that as an invitation. Practically a warm one, by comparison.

[He and Bond have hardly spoken much, but he certainly knows of the other man, by reputation at least.]

[lastrat]

[It's difficult not to know of most everyone on the ship: Bond is certainly aware of Powers.

He lifts his glass in a silent toast.]

And here I thought you hardly knew me.

[walkingmeltdown]

You'd be surprised, what you can gather of another man while he yet remains unknown.

[And for all his blind spots and obliviousness...Powers is a manipulator. A user. When he pays attention, he can be downright shrewd in his observations of others.]

[lastrat]

[Bond lets the corners of his mouth curve in an appraising smirk: he knows the sort. Most he hates - some he finds worthwhile. Where Powers stands on that spectrum remains to be seen.]

No, I wouldn't.

[walkingmeltdown]

No. I suppose you would not.

[The pause here isn't scrutinizing, it's practically respectful. The equivalent of a silent wave of a hand, conceding however minutely a point.]

See you in a few.

[lastrat]

[Bond nods once, that small smile still in place as he reaches out to kill the feed. He'll be here; James isn't about to leave his own celebration.]