You believe that because you were instructed to. [She says it without judgement. There's a reason officers belittle their storm troopers on a regular basis. The weapons must never think themselves capable of questioning orders, let alone giving them.] I would train you in the way I was trained as a junior officer.
[She lifts her chin, eyes narrowed.]
You have been conditioned to believe you are nothing but a blunt instrument. I would show you how to be something more.
[There's definitely a conflict there- Rome has always listened to his superior officers, but when they directly contradict one another he's not entirely sure what to believe. But the ones who would say that he's not capable of this sort of thinking or responsibility aren't here, and Maketh is.
For now, she's his commanding officer. For now, he listens to her.]
I'll follow orders, ma'am. If you want to do this, I'll do my best not to disappoint.
[Even if he's not sure how to take this, Rome will give nothing less than a hundred and ten percent. Failure is an option- and maybe what he expects- but he'll try his damnedest anyway, if this is what Maketh wants from him.]
[He's still apprehensive, but it's not like he's going to refuse her.
And he's forgotten entirely about the tea. The water has been on for some time and he frowns, moving to turn off the stove.]
Would you still like to stay? Morgan will be back soon, I believe. [The same Morgan he'd filed a report on back during his first days on the guard. Rome might be taking his instruction to keep an eye on the other werewolf a little too close to heart.]
Oh? [Maketh hesitates. Part of her wants to. She likes Rome. He's easy to understand, doesn't confuse her. And she's curious now, about how close Rome and Morgan seem to be. The last report Rome gave didn't indicate that.] I--all right. For a little.
[Rome nods and moves to pour tea for the both of them, busying himself in the action of it.]
During the flood, his house was ruined, [he explains while he sets the pot down and moves toward the table, setting both mugs down.] I said he could stay here until he finds a new residence.
[Astute. He considers that for a moment, before taking his own seat, his lips pursed curiously.]
I have been trained specifically to handle wolves who lose control. It makes sense that I would not refuse an opportunity to routinely observe him. I believe this is the safest way to go about it.
[He nods, though the question gives him pause- only because he's not sure if Morgan falls under either descriptor. He isn't exactly useful enough to be an asset, nor is he friendly enough to be an ally.]
[Maketh hums. That might be true now. Living in proximity to someone doesn't necessarily equal trust, or any level of cooperation. But it can, given time and patience.]
I suggest you learn, then. You've observed him for some time, yes?
[Rome frowns, rubbing at the back of his neck as he tries to think of a concise way to state his findings.]
He's... it's difficult to see him as a threat as a human. He's listless, relies on sarcasm and humor, and isn't exactly... good at many things. [He quickly rectifies-] -at least, not the sort of things that the city demands of us. He's lazy, he doesn't have many friends, and he's complacent.
[There's a slight pause there.]
On full moons, he chains himself up. I am nearby to monitor him during the shift, but overall, he's at least knowledgeable on how to restrict himself.
[Maketh watches Rome for a long moment, considering the best way to go about this. She's trained junior officers before, had even fancied herself good at it. But that was a different life and these days, she has very few illusions about it. This is not the Empire and much as she would like, she cannot treat it as such.
[ it's around then that they'll hear a gentle rapping of knuckles on the pane of the window looking into the kitchen. a moment after, the top of his head will sort of drift into view, just above the sill. he calls through the glass: ]
Just whoever he's told. Like you.
[ he has a mouthful of... something. morgan has apparently been enjoying a snack and eavesdropping from outside. :') ]
[ morgan considers for a moment, then shrugs as he stands up. it'll be just a few seconds later before he's actually nudging the door open, toeing his shoes off and shutting the door behind him.
he is eating a bag of stale convenience store powdered donuts. it is all over his fingers. he does not seem to care. ]
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[She lifts her chin, eyes narrowed.]
You have been conditioned to believe you are nothing but a blunt instrument. I would show you how to be something more.
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For now, she's his commanding officer. For now, he listens to her.]
I'll follow orders, ma'am. If you want to do this, I'll do my best not to disappoint.
[Even if he's not sure how to take this, Rome will give nothing less than a hundred and ten percent. Failure is an option- and maybe what he expects- but he'll try his damnedest anyway, if this is what Maketh wants from him.]
Thank you.
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[She nods just once.]
Report to me tomorrow. I will assign you new duties then.
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[He's still apprehensive, but it's not like he's going to refuse her.
And he's forgotten entirely about the tea. The water has been on for some time and he frowns, moving to turn off the stove.]
Would you still like to stay? Morgan will be back soon, I believe. [The same Morgan he'd filed a report on back during his first days on the guard. Rome might be taking his instruction to keep an eye on the other werewolf a little too close to heart.]
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During the flood, his house was ruined, [he explains while he sets the pot down and moves toward the table, setting both mugs down.] I said he could stay here until he finds a new residence.
[But...]
He- hasn't yet.
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You don't seem to mind.
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I have been trained specifically to handle wolves who lose control. It makes sense that I would not refuse an opportunity to routinely observe him. I believe this is the safest way to go about it.
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You are gaining his trust.
[That's the clinical way of looking at it.]
Good. You will need allies and assets both. That is one of the things I will teach you.
[She tips her head to the side.]
Which is Morgan?
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[He nods, though the question gives him pause- only because he's not sure if Morgan falls under either descriptor. He isn't exactly useful enough to be an asset, nor is he friendly enough to be an ally.]
I don't know if he's either. We aren't close.
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I suggest you learn, then. You've observed him for some time, yes?
[She tips her head to the side.]
What have you concluded?
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He's... it's difficult to see him as a threat as a human. He's listless, relies on sarcasm and humor, and isn't exactly... good at many things. [He quickly rectifies-] -at least, not the sort of things that the city demands of us. He's lazy, he doesn't have many friends, and he's complacent.
[There's a slight pause there.]
On full moons, he chains himself up. I am nearby to monitor him during the shift, but overall, he's at least knowledgeable on how to restrict himself.
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This must be different. She must be different.]
Does anyone else know what he is?
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Just whoever he's told. Like you.
[ he has a mouthful of... something. morgan has apparently been enjoying a snack and eavesdropping from outside. :') ]
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Rome glances out toward the window with a frown and holds back a terse sigh. Of course Morgan would arrive while they're discussing him.]
I- I have only informed miss Maketh. What she does with that information is her own choosing.
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Hello, Morgan. Won't you join us?
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he is eating a bag of stale convenience store powdered donuts. it is all over his fingers. he does not seem to care. ]
Don't mind me. Didn't wanna interrupt.
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[This is a little awkward. He glances between them, conflicted with how these two separate pieces of his life are meeting up.]
...you weren't interrupting. Good morning, Morgan.