[He's not as loud about taking charge as Maketh would like, but people trust Nick. He makes good calls, stands back long enough to see the truth of things even when it's uncomfortable. Even when it hurts.
She meets his eyes briefly.]
I'm sorry, if you had to kill it. I don't remember. I'm told most do, but it....never came to me.
I figured I shouldn't go it alone to the headquarters when that double of yours started preaching all over the network, just in case she'd set up some traps. I didn't know what I'd be up against.
[He hadn't known what Shadow would do, either. Somehow, he's not surprised the hedgehog made a similar bargain with Maketh.]
So I called him in to watch my back. He may not consider himself a part of the Guard anymore, and he may be impulsive, but he's there when you need him.
That was wise. [Maketh rubs her face unhappily. In truth, there had been traps. The Imperial standard. She'd disabled all of them. It was a damn miracle the double only managed to kill two people before--
Well.]
He--is honorable. Of a sort. I know it was not easy. For either of you .
It wasn't, but that's how it goes when you're facing down someone who looks like a friend, trying to take their place in this world.
[His brow creases, nose wrinkling he pushes a sigh through him, his eyes falling to his hands before him. This whole 'doubles' business hit a little too close to home for him on premise alone, given what he is, where he comes from, and the whole reason for his existence.]
We couldn't let her do it. Couldn't let her make a damn mockery out of you and everything you've worked for... that we've worked for.
And you've got mine, so long as you don't go off the deep end like that copy.
[He shakes his head just once, his metal hand closing in on itself. They weren't exactly copies, weren't synths; this wasn't the Institute, but folks were being manipulated just the same.]
[As much as he doesn't want to ever have to do that.]
Just try and get some rest in the meantime, and let's hope that day never comes. There's no telling what the gods will do to us next, and what we'll have to do to hold down the fort.
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[He's not as loud about taking charge as Maketh would like, but people trust Nick. He makes good calls, stands back long enough to see the truth of things even when it's uncomfortable. Even when it hurts.
She meets his eyes briefly.]
I'm sorry, if you had to kill it. I don't remember. I'm told most do, but it....never came to me.
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I was going to, but Shadow got to her first.
[Yes, Shadow. The Shadow that isn't working with the Guard.]
He didn't take seeing you two on the ground well at all.
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[She shouldn't laugh. She really shouldn't. Maketh covers her mouth with her hand, shaking her head.]
I'm sorry. I didn't--we had a conversation once. About what he would do if I---became what I'd been. I see he kept his promise.
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[He hadn't known what Shadow would do, either. Somehow, he's not surprised the hedgehog made a similar bargain with Maketh.]
So I called him in to watch my back. He may not consider himself a part of the Guard anymore, and he may be impulsive, but he's there when you need him.
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Well.]
He--is honorable. Of a sort. I know it was not easy. For either of you .
no subject
[His brow creases, nose wrinkling he pushes a sigh through him, his eyes falling to his hands before him. This whole 'doubles' business hit a little too close to home for him on premise alone, given what he is, where he comes from, and the whole reason for his existence.]
We couldn't let her do it. Couldn't let her make a damn mockery out of you and everything you've worked for... that we've worked for.
[Because after all, she's not alone in this.]
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[Maketh pauses.]
You have my trust, Nick. Always.
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And you've got mine, so long as you don't go off the deep end like that copy.
[He shakes his head just once, his metal hand closing in on itself. They weren't exactly copies, weren't synths; this wasn't the Institute, but folks were being manipulated just the same.]
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I trust you will do what must be done, in that case.
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[As much as he doesn't want to ever have to do that.]
Just try and get some rest in the meantime, and let's hope that day never comes. There's no telling what the gods will do to us next, and what we'll have to do to hold down the fort.
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I will--try. I will do that for you.