[Not telling Catherine, nope. She wants the truce to steady before she does anything to upset it...and yes driving Jacob to bloody his knuckles would probably do that at this point! Not taking a chance with it.]
I would hope so. See you soon.
[When he gets up to the deck, she's easy to spot since she's in what's becoming her usual spot: starboard side of the aft, standing just under an overhang. There's signs that she's been out in the rain, but that is a small roll of bandages in her hands. At least something went right.]
[No, no it probably wouldn't. And he had been doing so good to with Catherine, he's going to be lucky to not flip something at this rate.
And he does spot her yes and heads over to her, tugging on his uniform a little self consciously at how dirty and wrinkled it is but whose had time for laundry? And also scruffy. He's scruffy and that's a bit of an odd thing for him.
But he ignores all of that as he gives her a half-hearted wave.]
[Well, with some luck he'll be lucky. ...Or he can hide behind John for a while. That would probably work too.
For now, however, she couldn't care less about the state of his uniform. It's been a long week, and they're running on fumes by now. A slightly grubby uniform is the least of their concerns.]
Commander. [He gets a half-hearted smile in return, and she extends the bandages towards him.] Here. It's all I could find on short notice.
[No because then she'll give him the cold shoulder in their room, and he's already feeling guilty over things. Argh.
And it has, so he can't talk and he just takes the bandages and starts to work on his knuckles.] Thank you, it'll do fine. It's just bloody knuckles is all, not anything worse.
[If it had been he doubts he'd be allowed to leave the room.]
[True, that. They're really just one hell of a mess now.]
I'd hope so. You up to date on your tetanus boosters? [It's an attempt at teasing, but it falls flat and she has to keep herself from fidgeting by clutching at one arm.]
[Yes, yes they are. And somehow he has to pick things up.]
If I wasn't we'd have known by now. [This isn't his first time in trouble with something metal recently, in other words.
Though what teasing tone was there at that as he wrapped the bandage around his knuckles was gone at that question, and he keeps his eyes on the task at hand.]
As well as to be expected. [He's not going into full detail there, that's his secret to keep for Catherine.] And yourself?
[He's a tough man...who may end up with some help if he can give her a couple days to get her head back on straight.
Because normally she'd try for a laugh or smile at that, but today she just can't quite manage. She tucks some hair behind her ear when it drifts in front of her eyes, nodding slowly.]
It's good to hear that. [She figures there's something he's not telling her, but she won't push. Catherine's got her right to keep secrets. Especially something like this.] I'm fine. I've...had some experience with this sort of thing before.
[Both the "death" and it's toll; she could be speaking of either at this point.]
[By that point he's likely to have caved to needing sleep, something he should have done earlier but hadn't managed. But he'll take what help he can get.
Though he's not expecting a smile or a laugh, not after everything.]
So I've gathered. [He's not sure what he means by that, probably some hint by how he's figured some things out but not others and he's not asking. He won't clarify if asked at least, he has no need too.] Doesn't make it easier.
[When he wakes up, then. Goodness knows she sleep was not a companion for her the previous night, either.
She's a little glad he didn't ask, really. For all she claims to be used to it, explaining it won't be simple.]
It actually kind of does. Takes the edge off. [At least on her end. On the rest, like John or Jacob...well. That's a whole other story.] Not that I'm in any rush to have it happen again, mind you. I like being able to breathe and feel things.
[He knows when not to ask thins, there are just some things he'd rather not know honestly.
So as he finishes up his work on his knuckles, he sighs at that. He's not going to share his thoughts on death with her, no.] And talk. That's one thing I expect to hear all about after this is over.
[Then he's better off than she is. Stomping on her curiosity is hard enough as it is.]
Not much to tell, really. I don't have any juicy details for you this time. [She's not lying, at least. If he wants juicy details of her past, she can do that. But of her death on board the Charon? That's...not happening. Hard to tell something you can barely remember.]
[He just knows when not to ask, it's a thing that makes him stand out. Stupid ability to keep quiet.]
I don't need details Cortana, you gave me enough to know far more than I'd like too last time. [Another hint on things and then he's looking down at his feet and thinking before her.] Not all of which I'm certain how to take.
[Not stupid if it kept him alive. Just...really annoying.]
Then with all due respect, Commander? You'll probably be better off if you don't ask me to tell you what happened. [She frowns, almost sympathetic.] There's probably a lot more you don't want to know involved in those explanations.
[It got him stuck on the Pillar. Halsey likes secrets being kept too well man, too well.
Lets ignore the totally "He's a tactical genius" compliment while we're at it.]
I've made my career on not asking about things I'd rather not know about, I'm not surprised if you think that. [He shakes his head at that, sighing.] So unlike someone else we know, I'm trusting you to tell me if there's something I need to know. I don't need to know everything, just enough to stay out of trouble if it comes up.
[Such is life with Catherine Halsey, sadly. She does it with everyone. At least they're not new to dealing with her?]
Noted. Although if something like that actually ends up on this ship, don't be too surprised if you end up locked up somewhere with Dr. Halsey and myself. [a less sympathetic frown.] Trouble by our standards would be enough to earn that, I'm afraid.
[This is true, and yes exactly. He's pretty sure his older self is used to being her errand boy.]
The last time someone told me that it didn't stop me. [He ran head long into a Covenant boarding party, but details.] And I can't do either of you any good if I'm there.
You might be surprised, actually. [she gives a nonchalant shrug, turning to watch the waves as they impact the ship's hull.] You're the one who knows how to fire a gun, Commander. That's more useful than you think if we have the right hardware at the time.
[He leans against the railing for now, frowning.] Catherine does too, Cortana. And the last time I was on a ship that I was defending I ended up grounded for a while protecting it.
[Plasma burns, his leg still bugs him on occasion, and a crushed hand.]
And two people capable of using a weapon is a lot better than just one. Especially if we can get into a proper position. [she shakes her head a little, pushing hair out of her face again.] Don't sell yourself so short because of one incident. The situation would undoubtedly be different.
[He shakes his head at that and points at her a bit, even if he's not looking at her.] You say that now. I should point out my luck in staying in one piece isn't exactly the best. Even with the proper position.
[The corner of her mouth twitches downwards at that, and she sighs quietly. Luck in staying in one piece isn't the best? She's well aware of that.]
It has little to do with luck, sir. With proper weaponry and positioning, the numerical odds would be in our favor. That's not luck; that's planning.
[Luck is all well and good; it's saved John's hide more than a few times and it is a big part of why she chose him back then, but to rely solely on it? Sometimes that just doesn't sit right with her.]
[Which gets a bit of a look before he shakes his head.]
All the planning in the world can only get you so far, Cortana. Planning can make sure you know what you are doing, but for it to succeed, even the best of plans need luck.
[But that's the difference between them isn't it? He sometimes forgets she was an AI before being here.]
[Another sigh, this one louder. Sure, she's lost most of her processing power just by virtue of having a squishy brain and not a processing unit or dozen, but even she knows better than this.]
It doesn't hurt to have luck on your side, no, but relying on it like that? Is just asking for trouble. If you do your math right and plan correctly, the odds don't lie to you. From all my research, Lady Luck is too fickle to be counted on in war.
[Science and faith, meeting and headbutting again. At least she's nicer than her mother about it?]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
and action~
I would hope so. See you soon.
[When he gets up to the deck, she's easy to spot since she's in what's becoming her usual spot: starboard side of the aft, standing just under an overhang. There's signs that she's been out in the rain, but that is a small roll of bandages in her hands. At least something went right.]
forever :3
And he does spot her yes and heads over to her, tugging on his uniform a little self consciously at how dirty and wrinkled it is but whose had time for laundry? And also scruffy. He's scruffy and that's a bit of an odd thing for him.
But he ignores all of that as he gives her a half-hearted wave.]
Cortana.
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For now, however, she couldn't care less about the state of his uniform. It's been a long week, and they're running on fumes by now. A slightly grubby uniform is the least of their concerns.]
Commander. [He gets a half-hearted smile in return, and she extends the bandages towards him.] Here. It's all I could find on short notice.
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And it has, so he can't talk and he just takes the bandages and starts to work on his knuckles.] Thank you, it'll do fine. It's just bloody knuckles is all, not anything worse.
[If it had been he doubts he'd be allowed to leave the room.]
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I'd hope so. You up to date on your tetanus boosters? [It's an attempt at teasing, but it falls flat and she has to keep herself from fidgeting by clutching at one arm.]
...How is she doing?
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If I wasn't we'd have known by now. [This isn't his first time in trouble with something metal recently, in other words.
Though what teasing tone was there at that as he wrapped the bandage around his knuckles was gone at that question, and he keeps his eyes on the task at hand.]
As well as to be expected. [He's not going into full detail there, that's his secret to keep for Catherine.] And yourself?
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Because normally she'd try for a laugh or smile at that, but today she just can't quite manage. She tucks some hair behind her ear when it drifts in front of her eyes, nodding slowly.]
It's good to hear that. [She figures there's something he's not telling her, but she won't push. Catherine's got her right to keep secrets. Especially something like this.] I'm fine. I've...had some experience with this sort of thing before.
[Both the "death" and it's toll; she could be speaking of either at this point.]
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Though he's not expecting a smile or a laugh, not after everything.]
So I've gathered. [He's not sure what he means by that, probably some hint by how he's figured some things out but not others and he's not asking. He won't clarify if asked at least, he has no need too.] Doesn't make it easier.
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She's a little glad he didn't ask, really. For all she claims to be used to it, explaining it won't be simple.]
It actually kind of does. Takes the edge off. [At least on her end. On the rest, like John or Jacob...well. That's a whole other story.] Not that I'm in any rush to have it happen again, mind you. I like being able to breathe and feel things.
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So as he finishes up his work on his knuckles, he sighs at that. He's not going to share his thoughts on death with her, no.] And talk. That's one thing I expect to hear all about after this is over.
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Not much to tell, really. I don't have any juicy details for you this time. [She's not lying, at least. If he wants juicy details of her past, she can do that. But of her death on board the Charon? That's...not happening. Hard to tell something you can barely remember.]
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I don't need details Cortana, you gave me enough to know far more than I'd like too last time. [Another hint on things and then he's looking down at his feet and thinking before her.] Not all of which I'm certain how to take.
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Then with all due respect, Commander? You'll probably be better off if you don't ask me to tell you what happened. [She frowns, almost sympathetic.] There's probably a lot more you don't want to know involved in those explanations.
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Lets ignore the totally "He's a tactical genius" compliment while we're at it.]
I've made my career on not asking about things I'd rather not know about, I'm not surprised if you think that. [He shakes his head at that, sighing.] So unlike someone else we know, I'm trusting you to tell me if there's something I need to know. I don't need to know everything, just enough to stay out of trouble if it comes up.
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Noted. Although if something like that actually ends up on this ship, don't be too surprised if you end up locked up somewhere with Dr. Halsey and myself. [a less sympathetic frown.] Trouble by our standards would be enough to earn that, I'm afraid.
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The last time someone told me that it didn't stop me. [He ran head long into a Covenant boarding party, but details.] And I can't do either of you any good if I'm there.
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[Plasma burns, his leg still bugs him on occasion, and a crushed hand.]
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It has little to do with luck, sir. With proper weaponry and positioning, the numerical odds would be in our favor. That's not luck; that's planning.
[Luck is all well and good; it's saved John's hide more than a few times and it is a big part of why she chose him back then, but to rely solely on it? Sometimes that just doesn't sit right with her.]
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All the planning in the world can only get you so far, Cortana. Planning can make sure you know what you are doing, but for it to succeed, even the best of plans need luck.
[But that's the difference between them isn't it? He sometimes forgets she was an AI before being here.]
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It doesn't hurt to have luck on your side, no, but relying on it like that? Is just asking for trouble. If you do your math right and plan correctly, the odds don't lie to you. From all my research, Lady Luck is too fickle to be counted on in war.
[Science and faith, meeting and headbutting again. At least she's nicer than her mother about it?]