[Although he's generally feeling a lot better lately, some days are better than others and he's dragging a little; he does make it to the Clinic in a decent amount of time, but it's definitely longer than ten minutes. More like half an hour.
He's almost feeling guilty, actually, by the time he does get there, dressed just as casually as he had been last time, but her comment--and the fact that she brought her gun again--kind of kills the guilt pretty quickly.]
I didn't give a time.
[Just pointing that out even though it's somewhat petty.]
[Maketh lifts her chin, ready to snap at him - one does not waste time when intelligence is concerned - but holds herself back. She needs this to go well, can't let it spiral like it has before. Control yourself, soldier.]
What have you learned?
[There. That's neutral. That's not yelling at him like an errant storm trooper until he learns respect.]
[He's... Actually a little surprised by the lack of snappish comments or insults in return, especially since he can tell she wanted to break them out, but he's not complaining.
He does stay closer to the exit than she is, though, just in case.]
Although I'm still hesitant to make any conclusive diagnosis regarding Sato, there are a few clear patterns and predictions that can be made. The first, though, I don't have to do any extrapolating on; he made it very clear he was planning something else.
[Which is the most important thing, and sure, it's probably easy enough to guess and therefore likely not new information, but he can't in good conscience not warn her anyway.]
He's clearly manipulative, and seems to be used to being successful in talking his way into and out of things. He avoided most of the direct questions I asked, and answered in ways that sounded good but were purposefully vague.
[Which is something Lance is good at, and finds really annoying when it's turned on him.]
He's also likely used to getting his way, and has a great deal of confidence; if what you said about being immortal even in his world is true, that's a good reason for such confidence. Judging from what I heard of the attack, from you and the others I spoke to, it was well thought-out which indicates he'd either been planning it or he's done something similar in the future. Being out-maneuvered this time means a likely escalation next time, both in method and in planning.
[What else...]
I'm still unclear on his exact motive, which is important for finding an effective way to more permanently deter him, but I doubt at this point that any sort of show of force in opposition to him will do anything but encourage him.
[Not that he's suggesting they don't fight back, just that it's like double-daring Sato to find a way to outdo them in return.]
A more subtle method might end up being more effective, if anything can be discovered about what he cares about; even those that care about no one else case about something of meaning to themselves.
[And whatever that is might give them leverage, depending on what it is. A compromise could be made, or an agreement reached, or something that doesn't involve an ego contest.
...Also ow, that's a lot of talking to do at once for him with six broken ribs and a broken hyoid, so although he purposefully doesn't show much outwardly--he's not interested in a lecture from Maketh, or letting her know anything more than she already does--his posture and expression might be a little more tense than they were.]
[It's a lot of information to process. Some of it is expected - a person like Sato doesn't become as skilled as he is overnight. Clearly he's done this before. He knows enough strategy to be dangerous even without his abilities. And now that Maketh has played her hand once, he'll be able to predict her traps.
The next attack will be much more devastating.
Maketh considers Sweets for a moment. He doesn't need to know about Rey just yet, or the deal she made with Shadow.]
I'm having him watched. If he does anything big, we'll know. But he's clearly had some training. That will make things difficult. Do you require painkillers, Doctor Sweets?
[That Maketh has people watching Sato isn't surprising, but Lance doesn't really think that's going to be too effective; people mess up, and someone like Sato wouldn't be so easily foiled by something so simple.]
The preparation is what you should be most concerned about; I doubt he'll make his actual attack any sort of surprise. It's about showing off what he can do without being stopped.
[Also, damnit.]
No. Are painkillers even a thing where you're from?
[Considering they'd be 'showing weakness' or whatever, and please just ignore the less than subtle attempt to turn the conversation back on her instead of him.]
[Several of them have been moved into place. Doctor Sweets doesn't need to know the details.
Maketh frowns at him.]
Don't be ridiculous. We have sedatives and opiates like any planet. Our medical technology is far more advanced than anything here and we have neither the equipment nor the supplies to make it work. Thus we make do. Do you require painkillers or not?
[Now he's feeling distinctly ignored, which is annoying--although not new--and he should've expected it. Of course she wouldn't really listen to him, right?
Also blah blah blah on the advanced technology thing.]
I said no.
[And another attempt at regaining control of the conversation--]
Sato said there was an event going on during the time he last attacked the Guard; is that true?
It was systematic. Each person here was afflicted with--whatever you want to call the outcome of Rage's power. Upon seeing their target, the individual would succumb to an involuntary, irrational rage. There was violence.
[She narrows her eyes.]
Sato took advantage. Thankfully we managed to get messages out, telling people to isolate themselves, and it event was not as destructive as it could have been.
I'm not certain if Sato was impacted. His actions didn't seem personal or targeted at an individual member of the Guard. More likely he took advantage of the chaos.
[Maketh nods slowly.]
Several of the Guard were. I was one of them. But we were careful. Once out of the target's range, reason returned.
[She lifts her chin.]
My target was a boy named Adam. We have since--made peace with it. A woman named Nick attempted to kill me. It caused significant injury. She is no longer here. You may speak to Adam if you wish.
That seems like an important thing to have mentioned.
[Just pointing that out; he doesn't really appreciate that it was left out, or the underlying meaning to what she said about having made peace with someone named Adam, but he can't really hold that part against her if it was god-influenced.]
But he would've had to have had the plan in mind previously in order to put it into action at the opportune moment, so it's indeed unlikely he was acting only on anger whether induced or otherwise. He also stated to me that he had no particular grudges against individuals, although I'm not sure how true that is.
Had you read the reports I offered you, the incident would have been detailed in full.
[Stars, she doesn't like this man. He's picking at things that shouldn't matter, and like Will he sees too much. Too much of Maketh just wants to turn around and bolt, be done with it. But she gave her word. She gave her word and now she has to keep it.]
Correct. Have you viewed the announcement he made prior?
Oh, I'm sorry, somewhere between the 'low standards' comment and vague threats I didn't feel much like wasting the time necessary to go to the Guard headquarters and then try to read papers while making sure you're not about to stab me.
[And okay, maybe that came out slightly sassier than intended and with a bit more eyerolling than necessary, but that comment just particularly annoyed him; he'll get to answering her question in a moment.]
[She doesn't mean it to come out as loud as it does and clenches her hands into fists, forcing herself to hold perfectly still. Only that isn't right, either. Don't allow yourself to be a threat. Relax your hands, soldier, stand at attention. Keep your back perfectly straight, shoulders even, and do not move to strike. You cannot strike a civilian or a superior officer. It is dishonorable, it is weak, it is not done.
Focus. You have a job to do and you will do it well.]
What further information do you require, Doctor Sweets?
[He doesn't flinch, mostly because he was expecting her to have some sort of negative reaction, but that's... A different negative reaction than he was predicting. What a strange part of what he said to focus on, though, at least in that manner.
But he can easily read the tension from her, his attention sharply focused to look for any sign of her making a move, even as he answers her question.]
About Sato? Motivation.
[It's simple and short, because he's spending most of his concentration on still watching her so closely.]
I do not know his motivations. Only what he has claimed.
[She remembers being a cadet and standing at attention before her instructors, reciting her failures, and that helps a little. The familiarity of it. Stand tall, stand proud, don't make eye contract. Look beyond their eyes, hold perfectly still, and take whatever punishment is assigned to you like a good soldier. Endure. Then get back up and do better.]
Perhaps whoever you have watching him could find out more, if they know to be looking for it.
[He's still watching her, although there's something really strange going on here that's making him feel vaguely unsettled. He can't tell if it's warning bells for danger--although his are usually pretty clear, so probably not--or something else, let alone what exactly it is and her question doesn't help.]
[Maketh trusts Rey almost as much as she trusts Henry. There's no question. No hesitation at all. If there is information to be had, then Rey will find it and pass it on. And, if needed, she'll engage Sato on other fronts in order to protect the civilians.
She keeps her eyes straight ahead, back stiff, hands flat at her sides. Perfectly still.]
You require more resources in order to gather your information. List them.
[It's perfectly logical, exactly as protocol dictates. You cannot questions orders, but asking for clarification - so long as it is done properly - is allowed.]
[He's not particularly confident in that first statement, but he won't push it any further for now because it's not the most pressing matter.
People tend to go that stiff and still either because they're angry or afraid, and he'd thought it was the former, but now he's not so sure unless this is some sort of elaborate baiting trap with no right answer. He has absolutely zero interest in getting caught in that trap if it is the case, and even if it isn't he still doesn't know exactly what she's asking.
[It shouldn't be difficult. He's making it difficult. This is protocol. Each step followed and performed as scripted. It shouldn't be difficult. And if she does it just right, then he won't see her as a threat and then Maketh can ask the question she's been dreading.]
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timeasmymeasure
[Action]
Date: 2017-05-12 12:54 am (UTC)He's almost feeling guilty, actually, by the time he does get there, dressed just as casually as he had been last time, but her comment--and the fact that she brought her gun again--kind of kills the guilt pretty quickly.]
I didn't give a time.
[Just pointing that out
even though it's somewhat petty.]no subject
Date: 2017-05-12 01:00 am (UTC)What have you learned?
[There. That's neutral. That's not yelling at him like an errant storm trooper until he learns respect.]
no subject
Date: 2017-05-12 01:16 am (UTC)He does stay closer to the exit than she is, though, just in case.]
Although I'm still hesitant to make any conclusive diagnosis regarding Sato, there are a few clear patterns and predictions that can be made. The first, though, I don't have to do any extrapolating on; he made it very clear he was planning something else.
[Which is the most important thing, and sure, it's probably easy enough to guess and therefore likely not new information, but he can't in good conscience not warn her anyway.]
no subject
Date: 2017-05-12 01:21 am (UTC)[A man like that doesn't simply give up when faced with resistance. No, he regroups and plans for a counterattack. It was only a matter of time.
Maketh thins her mouth. She would dearly like just to kill Sato and be done with it, but that's not an option.]
Continue.
no subject
Date: 2017-05-12 01:35 am (UTC)He's clearly manipulative, and seems to be used to being successful in talking his way into and out of things. He avoided most of the direct questions I asked, and answered in ways that sounded good but were purposefully vague.
[Which is something Lance is good at, and finds really annoying when it's turned on him.]
He's also likely used to getting his way, and has a great deal of confidence; if what you said about being immortal even in his world is true, that's a good reason for such confidence. Judging from what I heard of the attack, from you and the others I spoke to, it was well thought-out which indicates he'd either been planning it or he's done something similar in the future. Being out-maneuvered this time means a likely escalation next time, both in method and in planning.
[What else...]
I'm still unclear on his exact motive, which is important for finding an effective way to more permanently deter him, but I doubt at this point that any sort of show of force in opposition to him will do anything but encourage him.
[Not that he's suggesting they don't fight back, just that it's like double-daring Sato to find a way to outdo them in return.]
A more subtle method might end up being more effective, if anything can be discovered about what he cares about; even those that care about no one else case about something of meaning to themselves.
[And whatever that is might give them leverage, depending on what it is. A compromise could be made, or an agreement reached, or something that doesn't involve an ego contest.
...Also ow, that's a lot of talking to do at once for him with six broken ribs and a broken hyoid, so although he purposefully doesn't show much outwardly--he's not interested in a lecture from Maketh, or letting her know anything more than she already does--his posture and expression might be a little more tense than they were.]
no subject
Date: 2017-05-12 01:44 am (UTC)The next attack will be much more devastating.
Maketh considers Sweets for a moment. He doesn't need to know about Rey just yet, or the deal she made with Shadow.]
I'm having him watched. If he does anything big, we'll know. But he's clearly had some training. That will make things difficult. Do you require painkillers, Doctor Sweets?
[The last part is asked rather abruptly.]
no subject
Date: 2017-05-12 01:50 am (UTC)The preparation is what you should be most concerned about; I doubt he'll make his actual attack any sort of surprise. It's about showing off what he can do without being stopped.
[Also, damnit.]
No. Are painkillers even a thing where you're from?
[Considering they'd be 'showing weakness' or whatever, and please just ignore the less than subtle attempt to turn the conversation back on her instead of him.]
no subject
Date: 2017-05-12 01:56 am (UTC)[Several of them have been moved into place. Doctor Sweets doesn't need to know the details.
Maketh frowns at him.]
Don't be ridiculous. We have sedatives and opiates like any planet. Our medical technology is far more advanced than anything here and we have neither the equipment nor the supplies to make it work. Thus we make do. Do you require painkillers or not?
no subject
Date: 2017-05-12 02:06 am (UTC)Also blah blah blah on the advanced technology thing.]
I said no.
[And another attempt at regaining control of the conversation--]
Sato said there was an event going on during the time he last attacked the Guard; is that true?
no subject
Date: 2017-05-12 02:13 am (UTC)That's correct. One of Rage's designs. She was hungry.
no subject
Date: 2017-05-12 02:16 am (UTC)And what did this event entail, exactly?
no subject
Date: 2017-05-12 02:20 am (UTC)[She narrows her eyes.]
Sato took advantage. Thankfully we managed to get messages out, telling people to isolate themselves, and it event was not as destructive as it could have been.
no subject
Date: 2017-05-12 02:23 am (UTC)Was he not afflicted as well? Or any of you at the Guard?
[Because outside influence like that will alter his interpretation of what happened.]
no subject
Date: 2017-05-12 02:27 am (UTC)[Maketh nods slowly.]
Several of the Guard were. I was one of them. But we were careful. Once out of the target's range, reason returned.
[She lifts her chin.]
My target was a boy named Adam. We have since--made peace with it. A woman named Nick attempted to kill me. It caused significant injury. She is no longer here. You may speak to Adam if you wish.
no subject
Date: 2017-05-12 02:33 am (UTC)[Just pointing that out; he doesn't really appreciate that it was left out, or the underlying meaning to what she said about having made peace with someone named Adam, but he can't really hold that part against her if it was god-influenced.]
But he would've had to have had the plan in mind previously in order to put it into action at the opportune moment, so it's indeed unlikely he was acting only on anger whether induced or otherwise. He also stated to me that he had no particular grudges against individuals, although I'm not sure how true that is.
no subject
Date: 2017-05-12 02:37 am (UTC)[Stars, she doesn't like this man. He's picking at things that shouldn't matter, and like Will he sees too much. Too much of Maketh just wants to turn around and bolt, be done with it. But she gave her word. She gave her word and now she has to keep it.]
Correct. Have you viewed the announcement he made prior?
[Maketh grimaces.]
It was not subtle.
no subject
Date: 2017-05-12 02:46 am (UTC)[And okay, maybe that came out slightly sassier than intended and with a bit more eyerolling than necessary, but that comment just particularly annoyed him; he'll get to answering her question in a moment.]
no subject
Date: 2017-05-12 02:51 am (UTC)[She doesn't mean it to come out as loud as it does and clenches her hands into fists, forcing herself to hold perfectly still. Only that isn't right, either. Don't allow yourself to be a threat. Relax your hands, soldier, stand at attention. Keep your back perfectly straight, shoulders even, and do not move to strike. You cannot strike a civilian or a superior officer. It is dishonorable, it is weak, it is not done.
Focus. You have a job to do and you will do it well.]
What further information do you require, Doctor Sweets?
no subject
Date: 2017-05-12 02:57 am (UTC)But he can easily read the tension from her, his attention sharply focused to look for any sign of her making a move, even as he answers her question.]
About Sato? Motivation.
[It's simple and short, because he's spending most of his concentration on still watching her so closely.]
no subject
Date: 2017-05-12 03:00 am (UTC)[She remembers being a cadet and standing at attention before her instructors, reciting her failures, and that helps a little. The familiarity of it. Stand tall, stand proud, don't make eye contract. Look beyond their eyes, hold perfectly still, and take whatever punishment is assigned to you like a good soldier. Endure. Then get back up and do better.]
What do you require from me, Doctor Sweets?
no subject
Date: 2017-05-12 03:11 am (UTC)[He's still watching her, although there's something really strange going on here that's making him feel vaguely unsettled. He can't tell if it's warning bells for danger--although his are usually pretty clear, so probably not--or something else, let alone what exactly it is and her question doesn't help.]
What do you mean?
no subject
Date: 2017-05-12 03:18 am (UTC)[Maketh trusts Rey almost as much as she trusts Henry. There's no question. No hesitation at all. If there is information to be had, then Rey will find it and pass it on. And, if needed, she'll engage Sato on other fronts in order to protect the civilians.
She keeps her eyes straight ahead, back stiff, hands flat at her sides. Perfectly still.]
You require more resources in order to gather your information. List them.
[It's perfectly logical, exactly as protocol dictates. You cannot questions orders, but asking for clarification - so long as it is done properly - is allowed.]
no subject
Date: 2017-05-12 03:28 am (UTC)People tend to go that stiff and still either because they're angry or afraid, and he'd thought it was the former, but now he's not so sure unless this is some sort of elaborate baiting trap with no right answer. He has absolutely zero interest in getting caught in that trap if it is the case, and even if it isn't he still doesn't know exactly what she's asking.
So he tries a completely different approach.]
You seem upset.
no subject
Date: 2017-05-12 03:32 am (UTC)[It shouldn't be difficult. He's making it difficult. This is protocol. Each step followed and performed as scripted. It shouldn't be difficult. And if she does it just right, then he won't see her as a threat and then Maketh can ask the question she's been dreading.]
no subject
Date: 2017-05-12 03:34 am (UTC)[Which is making him more suspicious, not less, especially since it directly followed his comment about not wanting to be stabbed.]
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