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Stand down from your assignment. Then report to me.
[Rome presents himself, as promised, within a few minutes. He's slightly out of breath, but forces control as he moves across the doorstep, placing his hand over the cool metal of the doorknob. There's a pause there- as if touching it makes him come back to himself, if only briefly.
He curls his fingers along the metal, tightening just for a moment, strengthening his grip and feeling as the tension works its way up his forearm, locking his elbow and shoulder into place, traveling across his back until his shoulders are lifted and his head is downcast, teeth clenched tight in frustration. It ends quickly, only lasting for a brief handful of seconds during which he lets his heart slam against his ribcage as the frustration of failure tightens through every part of him and is let out through one slow, defeated breath.
In the exhale, his shoulders drop again, his eyes close. After the frustration comes the defeat and the expectation of discipline- that's alright. He knows the way the world works- he's not so anxious as to expect the worst, but he is a realist, and he knows the logical next step from what's already behind them now. There's no way to change it. He moves forward, he accepts it.
Right.
The entire show of emotion lasts for maybe five, six seconds, and Rome opens the door with perfect composure, his customary posture and professional appearance put well into place. His expression is neutral, unfeeling.]
Miss Maketh?
He curls his fingers along the metal, tightening just for a moment, strengthening his grip and feeling as the tension works its way up his forearm, locking his elbow and shoulder into place, traveling across his back until his shoulders are lifted and his head is downcast, teeth clenched tight in frustration. It ends quickly, only lasting for a brief handful of seconds during which he lets his heart slam against his ribcage as the frustration of failure tightens through every part of him and is let out through one slow, defeated breath.
In the exhale, his shoulders drop again, his eyes close. After the frustration comes the defeat and the expectation of discipline- that's alright. He knows the way the world works- he's not so anxious as to expect the worst, but he is a realist, and he knows the logical next step from what's already behind them now. There's no way to change it. He moves forward, he accepts it.
Right.
The entire show of emotion lasts for maybe five, six seconds, and Rome opens the door with perfect composure, his customary posture and professional appearance put well into place. His expression is neutral, unfeeling.]
Miss Maketh?
[It takes Maketh a moment to realize she has company. In any other situation - and particularly in one as important as this - it would be an unforgivable breach of protocol. But she's tired and feeling oddly distant from the whole thing, as if she's observing the events from a distance rather than actively participating in them. It's an odd feeling. It should probably worry her.
Maketh tips her head to the side. Her face is carefully empty.]
Did he see you?
Maketh tips her head to the side. Her face is carefully empty.]
Did he see you?
Not that I'm aware of.
[It's not impossible that Sato noticed him and merely did nothing about it, but- it's improbable. Rome has been careful on his extra assignment, painstakingly slow and methodical, eager to do well on the first thing he's been really trusted with here.
Everyone can all see how well that went.
His tone is clear and concise, not betraying any of his earlier emotion, though his gaze is straightforward, avoiding eye contact.]
He never reacted to my presence, and I never sensed any sort of tension in him that would indicate he knew he was being watched.
[It's not impossible that Sato noticed him and merely did nothing about it, but- it's improbable. Rome has been careful on his extra assignment, painstakingly slow and methodical, eager to do well on the first thing he's been really trusted with here.
Everyone can all see how well that went.
His tone is clear and concise, not betraying any of his earlier emotion, though his gaze is straightforward, avoiding eye contact.]
He never reacted to my presence, and I never sensed any sort of tension in him that would indicate he knew he was being watched.
Good.
[There can't be any other mistakes. Shadow acted in ways Maketh hadn't predicted. She needs to control the remaining assets as best she can, or there will be more costly errors in the future.
She watches Rome for a moment, silently.]
Your assessment of the threat?
[There can't be any other mistakes. Shadow acted in ways Maketh hadn't predicted. She needs to control the remaining assets as best she can, or there will be more costly errors in the future.
She watches Rome for a moment, silently.]
Your assessment of the threat?
[He wants to ask- maybe, if she sent Shadow like she sent him. Unofficially, quietly, without telling anyone or making a big deal of it. If everyone else was wrong about Shadow not working for the Guard anymore, if he was continuing his service in secret, known only to her.
If she did, truly, send him to his death.
It's not Rome's place to ask, and even if it was, he isn't sure if he would. Not because it would have been a mistake on her part- but because he still doesn't know if it would have been the wrong choice, even considering the way it ended. He doesn't really even know how to parse a hypothetical situation like this, and so he shuts it down quickly, returning to the task at hand.]
I haven't had much time to observe, ma'am. [He says, honestly.] Nor was I able to come here with a report prepared.
[He hasn't had enough time, or warning, so this will be maybe a little less official than either of them would prefer.] ...but in the several days I monitored him, he seemed very- understated. Even when nobody is looking, he behaves as he appears: as a quiet older man. However, his movements and physical capabilities do not seem to be affected by his age. I-
[It's nothing and he knows it. Failure seeps in through the edges, and he struggles to keep tension from creeping in through his shoulders. Rome wets his lips carefully, breathing out slow.]
-I wasn't there. When the attack happened. It was during my patrol. Therefore, I cannot assess his combat capabilities.
[Silence, and then slowly, a little painful:]
If he knew that he was being watched... that would have been the time to act.
If she did, truly, send him to his death.
It's not Rome's place to ask, and even if it was, he isn't sure if he would. Not because it would have been a mistake on her part- but because he still doesn't know if it would have been the wrong choice, even considering the way it ended. He doesn't really even know how to parse a hypothetical situation like this, and so he shuts it down quickly, returning to the task at hand.]
I haven't had much time to observe, ma'am. [He says, honestly.] Nor was I able to come here with a report prepared.
[He hasn't had enough time, or warning, so this will be maybe a little less official than either of them would prefer.] ...but in the several days I monitored him, he seemed very- understated. Even when nobody is looking, he behaves as he appears: as a quiet older man. However, his movements and physical capabilities do not seem to be affected by his age. I-
[It's nothing and he knows it. Failure seeps in through the edges, and he struggles to keep tension from creeping in through his shoulders. Rome wets his lips carefully, breathing out slow.]
-I wasn't there. When the attack happened. It was during my patrol. Therefore, I cannot assess his combat capabilities.
[Silence, and then slowly, a little painful:]
If he knew that he was being watched... that would have been the time to act.
[So he has nothing that Maketh doesn't already know. She closes her eyes and counts to five. Focus, soldier. Play the game out. Sato has been careful, playing the part too well. He doesn't make mistakes. She can't afford to, either.
And she cannot waste a soldier like Rome. If he begins to doubt her abilities, he'll turn on her. They all will. It's the way of things. She needs to control the situation.]
I haven't determined if he knows he was being followed by more than one person. Shadow acted without me.
[And oh, she hates that she couldn't predict this.]
It's clear an attack is eminent, though the exact nature of it is not clear. We must be on guard.
[She opens her eyes slowly, watching him.]
Do you trust me, Rome?
And she cannot waste a soldier like Rome. If he begins to doubt her abilities, he'll turn on her. They all will. It's the way of things. She needs to control the situation.]
I haven't determined if he knows he was being followed by more than one person. Shadow acted without me.
[And oh, she hates that she couldn't predict this.]
It's clear an attack is eminent, though the exact nature of it is not clear. We must be on guard.
[She opens her eyes slowly, watching him.]
Do you trust me, Rome?
[He can sense her disappointment, and he expects- well, he doesn't quite know what to expect. Discipline, for sure. Discipline is routine for failure, and there isn't a doubt in his mind that Rome has failed the first assignment that he's really been given.
But she reverts back to control, some semblance of calm, and he's not sure... if that means that punishment will come later, or if it's not coming at all. He's not anxious about the other shoe dropping, but he knows that it must. His brows twitch downward slightly, the barest hint of confusion coloring his expression.
The question does little to make him less confused, and he can't help the slight tilt of his head, the reaction more doglike than human.
How does he answer that? It's not a question he's ever been asked before. But he forms the words slowly, reasoning it out:]
You are my commanding officer. I've already said that I obey you without question, as it is my duty- trust does not enter into the equation.
[Whether that's comforting or concerning is up to her.]
Is my trust important to you?
But she reverts back to control, some semblance of calm, and he's not sure... if that means that punishment will come later, or if it's not coming at all. He's not anxious about the other shoe dropping, but he knows that it must. His brows twitch downward slightly, the barest hint of confusion coloring his expression.
The question does little to make him less confused, and he can't help the slight tilt of his head, the reaction more doglike than human.
How does he answer that? It's not a question he's ever been asked before. But he forms the words slowly, reasoning it out:]
You are my commanding officer. I've already said that I obey you without question, as it is my duty- trust does not enter into the equation.
[Whether that's comforting or concerning is up to her.]
Is my trust important to you?
An officer who loses the trust of their command is not worthy of it.
[And such an officer will likely be killed by the very soldiers they're meant to guide. It's the Imperial way. A weak leader cannot be allowed to live. She meets Rome's eyes for a moment.]
Your personal feelings do not concern me. I am asking if you believe my tactics are sound.
[And such an officer will likely be killed by the very soldiers they're meant to guide. It's the Imperial way. A weak leader cannot be allowed to live. She meets Rome's eyes for a moment.]
Your personal feelings do not concern me. I am asking if you believe my tactics are sound.
[It's an odd sentiment, and even rephrased, Rome isn't used to it. He told her when they first met that he is a tool at another's disposal, and instruments like him aren't meant to have beliefs, they're meant to function as utilized.
If he knew what she was thinking, that there was even a chance of betrayal- he'd be even more confused. He wasn't built for betrayal. The Imperial army may be run on bloodthirst and deception, but Rome's is mindless obedience above all else.
The difficulty in his response is clear- it's like being asked a question about an emotion that you're not capable of- but he sounds it out anyway, trying to give her some semblance of an answer.]
I... suppose that I do, yes. It isn't my place to look critically at you or your tactics. I will not second guess you, ma'am. That isn't- it's not something that I'm capable of.
If he knew what she was thinking, that there was even a chance of betrayal- he'd be even more confused. He wasn't built for betrayal. The Imperial army may be run on bloodthirst and deception, but Rome's is mindless obedience above all else.
The difficulty in his response is clear- it's like being asked a question about an emotion that you're not capable of- but he sounds it out anyway, trying to give her some semblance of an answer.]
I... suppose that I do, yes. It isn't my place to look critically at you or your tactics. I will not second guess you, ma'am. That isn't- it's not something that I'm capable of.
[An acceptable answer, Maketh supposes. Not the one she's looking for, but it's honest enough.] Understood.
[She watches him a moment.]
I have a new assignment for you. Continue with your patrols as scheduled, but should an attack occur, I want you to go and protect one of the Guard leaders. My third in command is Nick Valentine. A good strategist, but not a strong fighter. Should something happen, I need him kept alive.
[A pause.]
He's not human. I trust that will not be an issue.
[She watches him a moment.]
I have a new assignment for you. Continue with your patrols as scheduled, but should an attack occur, I want you to go and protect one of the Guard leaders. My third in command is Nick Valentine. A good strategist, but not a strong fighter. Should something happen, I need him kept alive.
[A pause.]
He's not human. I trust that will not be an issue.
Yes ma'am.
[He nods once, sharply. He's a little curious at just what sort of brand of subhuman Nick is... but that will have to wait until he sees him in person. It's strange- back in Rome's world, all of the non-human creatures were lesser, more savage, not capable of functioning in a regular society in the slightest... but here, he's met at least several who would tout themselves as equals to pure humans.
It's not what he's used to, but he can deal with it. He won't forget his place.]
He will be my first priority in the event of an attack. I'll locate and introduce myself to him shortly, so he can know what to expect.
[He nods once, sharply. He's a little curious at just what sort of brand of subhuman Nick is... but that will have to wait until he sees him in person. It's strange- back in Rome's world, all of the non-human creatures were lesser, more savage, not capable of functioning in a regular society in the slightest... but here, he's met at least several who would tout themselves as equals to pure humans.
It's not what he's used to, but he can deal with it. He won't forget his place.]
He will be my first priority in the event of an attack. I'll locate and introduce myself to him shortly, so he can know what to expect.
[Maketh nods. It's a bit of a relief to know that at least she has Rome on her side - his loyalty is one-sided and simple. There probably isn't much she couldn't order him to do at this point.
That's a dangerous thought. Maketh pushes it away.]
Good. That will be all, Rome, unless you require clarification on any aspects of my orders?
That's a dangerous thought. Maketh pushes it away.]
Good. That will be all, Rome, unless you require clarification on any aspects of my orders?
Your part in it is done. I have other, more subtle means. [She frowns. Perhaps it should have been that way from the beginning. Something done quietly, in the shadows. Nonetheless, Amos has proven himself trustworthy. Much as she dislikes his birds, he's reliable. And the best chance they have of getting the upper hand.] I am confident these measures will not be detected. And if they are, then Sato is much more powerful than he's let on.
[Either way, it tells them something.]
[Either way, it tells them something.]
[Enough time has passed for Maketh to reflect on what was done and her actions therein. What choices were made and which were ignored.
She said things she shouldn't have, in the heat of it. Caught up too much in a memory.
Eventually there must be a reckoning.
So she goes to find Rome. She doesn't contact him ahead of time, just knocks on his door and stands there waiting, uniform in perfect order.]
She said things she shouldn't have, in the heat of it. Caught up too much in a memory.
Eventually there must be a reckoning.
So she goes to find Rome. She doesn't contact him ahead of time, just knocks on his door and stands there waiting, uniform in perfect order.]
[Rome hears the knock, but it takes him some time to answer- a minute or two goes by before he finally appears at the door, opening it a little too quickly because he knows he made whoever it is wait.]
Can I-
[-help you, he's about to say politely, before seeing who it is and stopping abruptly. Rome is somewhat roughly dressed (compared to the norm, at least) and while he looks presentable, his jacket is open and unzipped, dogtags underneath his shirt like he threw it on in a hurry, his feet bare against the wood flooring.
It's a bit of a stark reversal from their first meeting, but he doesn't think about that. All he really thinks about is that Maketh is at his door- and after their last meeting, that doesn't seem like a good thing.
His eyes lower toward the ground as he takes a small step back, opening the door a little further in case she'd like to come in.]
-ma'am.
Can I-
[-help you, he's about to say politely, before seeing who it is and stopping abruptly. Rome is somewhat roughly dressed (compared to the norm, at least) and while he looks presentable, his jacket is open and unzipped, dogtags underneath his shirt like he threw it on in a hurry, his feet bare against the wood flooring.
It's a bit of a stark reversal from their first meeting, but he doesn't think about that. All he really thinks about is that Maketh is at his door- and after their last meeting, that doesn't seem like a good thing.
His eyes lower toward the ground as he takes a small step back, opening the door a little further in case she'd like to come in.]
-ma'am.
[It's clear that she's caught him off guard. In another moment she might have relished that, pushed even harder to gain the upper hand. But that's not the point of this, it won't help.
She takes a breath. Steps inside. Back perfectly straight.]
I hoped we could talk.
She takes a breath. Steps inside. Back perfectly straight.]
I hoped we could talk.
...I see.
[He closes the door gently behind her. Rome's living area is as impeccable as ever, but there's some fragments of evidence of someone else staying with him now- two cups on the kitchen table, a pair of non-uniform sneakers by the door- but nobody else is in the house currently.
Rome moves to zip up his jacket, straightening his shoulders and tilting his head slightly toward her.]
Would you like some tea?
[He closes the door gently behind her. Rome's living area is as impeccable as ever, but there's some fragments of evidence of someone else staying with him now- two cups on the kitchen table, a pair of non-uniform sneakers by the door- but nobody else is in the house currently.
Rome moves to zip up his jacket, straightening his shoulders and tilting his head slightly toward her.]
Would you like some tea?
...that would be welcome. Thank you.
[Almost like normal. Like something two people do when one of them has made a mistake.
But they aren't people, not really, the two of them are soldiers.
Maketh holds herself very still. She cannot let this go wrong. It's important.]
[Almost like normal. Like something two people do when one of them has made a mistake.
But they aren't people, not really, the two of them are soldiers.
Maketh holds herself very still. She cannot let this go wrong. It's important.]
Of course.
[He nods, moving into the kitchen to start the pot. On his way in, he takes both mugs from the table and rinses them in the sink. He fills the pot carefully with water before setting it on the burner and moving back to the sink to finish handwashing the cups.
It feels better to be moving- to have purpose. He's not sure if his purpose here is about to be taken away or not, and this is something that he can do until then to calm his admittedly-fraying nerves.]
[He nods, moving into the kitchen to start the pot. On his way in, he takes both mugs from the table and rinses them in the sink. He fills the pot carefully with water before setting it on the burner and moving back to the sink to finish handwashing the cups.
It feels better to be moving- to have purpose. He's not sure if his purpose here is about to be taken away or not, and this is something that he can do until then to calm his admittedly-fraying nerves.]
[There's silence for a while. Maketh holds herself perfectly still and watches Rome work. Someone else has been here - a friend? She hadn't known he had those. But she really doesn't know anything about Rome, other than his use to her.]
My actions were unprofessional.
[She says it rather abruptly.]
It will not affect your standing in the Guard.
My actions were unprofessional.
[She says it rather abruptly.]
It will not affect your standing in the Guard.
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