[He steps forward then. It's not lethargic, just deliberate - narrow space made narrower. Hands don't grip to hold, they're just firm there across Byerly's collarbone and at his wrist. And though he nearly a span shorter than the other man, moving slow from the drug and the ache in his chest, there is no question of his certainty. Maybe that's the poppy too - the unearned sense of security, the strange confidence that if he has let things go, Byerly has been made to pay something for them. Regardless, he sounds very low and sure:]
To be clear, Messr Rutyer. If at any point you turn your attention from ending this war to the dissection of my part in it, if you find yourself inclined to threaten me, if you attempt anything like this again or if I find you asking too many questions whose answers are none of your concern, then I will be forced to assume that my trust has become disposable to you. Do you understand me?
[And the bottle, left there on the desk. And Byerly's glass, practically full still.
It takes effort to make his way across the room to the door and bolt it. When he returns to the desk, it's to fetch up the abandoned glass. The wine's drinkable.]
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Oh, dear Captain, that sort of thing is a reward for me, not a punishment.
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To be clear, Messr Rutyer. If at any point you turn your attention from ending this war to the dissection of my part in it, if you find yourself inclined to threaten me, if you attempt anything like this again or if I find you asking too many questions whose answers are none of your concern, then I will be forced to assume that my trust has become disposable to you. Do you understand me?
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[ But - message received. He drops the crystal into Flint's pocket. ]
There's no malice in it.
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[You fuck.
He unhands Byerly.]
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[ He steps back, then, and straightens his lapels. And, cheerily - ]
I could give you a dose. If you'd like. To loosen someone's tongue someday. Or a poison? I'm honestly quite well-supplied, if you have any desires.
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Get the fuck out, Rutyer.
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Nothing for your side? What I can supply is a bit better than what you'll find amongst the basic infirmary kits.
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Give your best to my wife.
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It takes effort to make his way across the room to the door and bolt it. When he returns to the desk, it's to fetch up the abandoned glass. The wine's drinkable.]