I'll save you the trouble; I don't talk to pigs or screws, I don't care if it's court fucking appointed or not. I didn't sign up for this, I wasn't on any trial that I remember, so fuck you very much.
[Will headed to the bar after Richie's last message. Off to a good start already. At least John had been- No. He can't compare. That wouldn't help anything at all. Suggesting the bar had been a complete gamble on his part. But, typically, guys who used slang like 'pigs' and 'screws' drank booze like it was going out of style. If nothing else was accomplished, at least one of them would get half-drunk. Casually dressed for the occasion, he waited by the bar's entrance for Richie.]
[A week into his stay (give or take) and it was much less difficult to find his way around than it had been. Even so, Richie showed up exactly 12 minutes after the last message, dressed as per his usual. He gave Will a nod of acknowledgment, but that was about as far as he was willing to go in the way of greeting, and it was fairly evident in stance and demeanor that he wanted to be just about anywhere that wasn't here.]
[The wait was expected, as well as the non-greeting. He nodded in reply, then entered the pub, and therein selecting a table at random. He waited until Richie was sitting down before he spoke.] You were right before. There wasn't a trial. In a way, that's not fair. [There was a second where he looked like he wanted to say more, then paused.] What's your drink?
[He dropped into the chair heavily and proceeded to watch Will blankly if intently, clearly waiting for him to make the first move. When he did get around to speaking, his tone was quiet but the sentiment behind them was nothing less than hostile.]
It's more than not fair. It's bullshit. You can't just pick me up and stick me here for no reason without telling me why.
[One of those odd wait staff came by. Will ordered something mild for himself, and let Richie order a beer. Just one for now. Maybe it was a cheap tactic, but it seemed to be working. That done, he continued.]
The 'why' is a second chance. You've done something, or a lot of somethings, before coming here and the Admiral thinks you're better than that. [He set the file on the corner of the desk closest to himself. On top of it he set his hand flatly.] Right here? I'll find out that 'something'. Honestly, I'd prefer if you told me.
[Richie eyed the file, and it was obvious by the way he was eyeballing it that he wanted to ask about it, and that he had a pretty good idea of what was in there. But whatever he was going to say, he stopped himself.]
A file could spend forever here collecting dust. I'm guessing, and maybe I'm wrong, but you would be different. [Their drinks arrived, and he paused long enough to have a little.] Besides, what this is, aside from free beer, is a 'get to know you' thing. I'd much rather hear from you than read a report.
[No, he just drinks free beer on their buck. Apparently. As evidenced by the fact that the comment didn't stop him from opening the beer and taking a swig, watching Will the whole time.]
Clearly. [Glancing meaningfully at that bottle, yes. Two can play the 'stare intently' game. After a moment or two of this, he appears to relax.] So how did you die?
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[Oh look, you've gotten his attention.]
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...Fine. But I'm not fucking talking.
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It's more than not fair. It's bullshit. You can't just pick me up and stick me here for no reason without telling me why.
[A pause for consideration]
Beer's fine. [Final. He's done talking.]
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The 'why' is a second chance. You've done something, or a lot of somethings, before coming here and the Admiral thinks you're better than that. [He set the file on the corner of the desk closest to himself. On top of it he set his hand flatly.] Right here? I'll find out that 'something'. Honestly, I'd prefer if you told me.
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Why? If it's all in there you don't need me here.
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[No, he just drinks free beer on their buck. Apparently. As evidenced by the fact that the comment didn't stop him from opening the beer and taking a swig, watching Will the whole time.]
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