exsiliumlogs | (no subject)

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kevin cecil (makai ouji)

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Date & Time: 01/02 in the afternoon
Location: The creepy hotel, guest study
Characters: Rufus Barma and Huey Laforet (or anyone snooping around the museum/hotel)
Summary: Very safe science and alchemy
Warnings: Moral ambiguity- WHUP Blood and Baccano! death

In its prime, the study, boasting of a selection of actually printed books and rich, polished oak desks, was austere and quite a draw to the wealthy patrons of the establishment. While the valiant cleaning crew had done what they could from the warp of cold, bite of vermin and the simple passage of neglect, the room only clings to its fancy dress of ages past.

Still. It had books and paper, two things Rufus Barma took comfort in. Also, it was close to the heating ducts and far from the remaining colonies of aggressive penguins... Probably.

"I trust thine journey were a safe one."

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[Kevin enters in complete silence and pours the tea, setting down down the tray within Barma's reach, but also as unobtrusively as possible. The whole environment reminds him both of young master and Solomon. It does not take long to guess what Barma has been studying, though his method remains a complete mystery.

When he finishes what he is supposed to do, he merely lingers in a corner, patiently waiting for either further instructions or a simple dismissal.]

[He does neither immediately. Instead, he reaches out and brings the cup for a quiet sip of the tea. There's a small smile as he nods in approval, flavorful but delicate, steeped JUST long enough. It was certainly better than anything he'd found in powders on the moon.

The scones remained untouched, and would until his guest arrived.]

A question of thee, Mr. Cecil.

[The smile does not go unnoticed. He leans forward just slightly.]

Yes, your grace?

Edited 2014-01-03 15:59 (UTC)

How long hath ye resided in the presence of mine associates?

[He warms his fingers on the cup a moment, before settling it above his work.]

If you do count the moonbase... [Heaven knows they were close enough.]..three months and seven days, sir. We moved into the castle twenty two days ago.

[He is carefully omitting the time they stayed at the brothel, but Barma is free to do the math.]

[He seems to attend his paperwork for some long moments after that. Comparing one page to another, simple symbols cross-reference the concepts in genetics, and a fresh note starts on another page still.]

Then I imagine ye hath seen what each of them capable of.

[He turns his face away, suddenly finding his own reflex on windowpane surprisingly interesting. It is terribly foggy outside, isn't it?]

Indeed, sir. I have had the opportunity to witness their talents more than once.

[Kevin hears, rather than sees the page turn over, and the gentle scritch of more writing. Barma's tone remains passive, almost placid in its neutrality.]

They hath little ability to think of means of handling problems without such displays, I am afraid.

But it leads me to a curiosity...

Who art thee, Mr. Cecil?

[It is not that he did not expect Barma to ask. It seems that all those who have been brought to Exsilium are special in a way or another. Still, skirting direct questions has never been his forte.]

...I am the Twining family's house steward, sir.

[He looks up from the papers, irritation hardening his expression.]

A man with something to hide, and a reason to cling to such deceptions.

Thou art willing to serve, and yet unwilling to trust. Unsure of whether I art worthy of such.

I imagine by now, the Hatter hath seethed well at my presence, and ye, a man whom is capable and observant has taken a pause, wondering at the wisdom of thine choices.

Correct?

[Well, Mister Break did seem displeased by his choice. And that is why he cannot outright deny Barma's accusation. Still, he can offer him an explanation of sorts.]

Please, do not blame him, sir. Certain private affairs are mine to guard, regardless of company or circumstances.

May I ask why you do not call Mister Break by his name?

[Hatter, he knows, is the name of Break's chain.]

A diversion. [He nods slightly, picking up the tea for another sip.

The man had deep investment, and little guard when it was pressed at. But the benefit of pushing Break seemed scant at the risk of this tenuous alliance with the Hatter and the Vessalius child.]

He might call that a private affair as well.

[Kevin is visibly startled, but he keeps his mouth shut.]

I hath offered my aid, and for all that I am, and what I am not, I am keen upon my duties and promises, Mr. Cecil.

For now, I shall let thee set the distance that rests between us.

...

[Well, he is dying to ask. However, it occurs to him that if Break finds out he discovered any secret of his through Barma, he will be in a lot of trouble. Besides, that might hurt Break's feelings.

His smile is not completely devoid of humor.]

That is incredibly kind, sir.

[That gets a smile from him.]

That is all, Mr. Cecil.

[He recovers his tray and, after a polite bow, he leaves.]

[Rufus Barma returns to his work in earnest again, expressionless.]

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