Serious Topics with have_no_mercy.

[kneel_majorzod]

When Tess told him that she would appreciate his opinion on something, Zod's curiosity was naturally aroused. What this thing might be, exactly, he really has no idea, but he's going to exercise a bit of patience and make his appearance later in the day. It's not as if he doesn't have other, more important things to think about, no matter how

Comments

[have_no_mercy]

"Major." Tess looks up at him not quite in surprise, but then realization seems to dawn and her expression becomes somewhat apologetic.

"I thought I had let you know not to bother coming after all. I guess I forgot to do that."

[kneel_majorzod]

Zod tilts his head to one side slightly and regards her in silence for a moment. "Oh? You've changed your mind, then?"

[have_no_mercy]

She frowns, but nods. "I think so, yes. I'm sorry you came all this way for nothing."

[kneel_majorzod]

He takes a few seconds to study her before giving a small shrug.

"It's no trouble," he mutters, stepping closer to her desk. "I'm glad you were able to make whatever decision you thought you needed my opinion on."

[have_no_mercy]

Tess almost manages a half-smile. Almost.

"You are about the only parent I know."

[kneel_majorzod]

Zod raises his eyebrows slightly at that. "Am I? No one has been able to tell you at all what to expect, then?"

[have_no_mercy]

"It's not generally a topic of any conversation I have other than with my doctor, and he thinks it would do me good to join a mothers-to-be 'sharing group' or something else equally unfortunately named." Zod can probably figure out what Tess thinks of that idea.

[kneel_majorzod]

The corners of Zod's mouth twitch slightly, mostly due to the image of Tess in a "sharing group." Right.

"I doubt your fellow mothers-to-be will have much wisdom to share, besides their own worries and concerns. And I'm guessing you don't need anymore of those as it is."

[have_no_mercy]

"A few vague ones. More for a girl," she admits. Then a small smile appears. "Why, do you have some suggestions?"

[kneel_majorzod]

His lips twitch into a small smile of his own, and he cocks an eyebrow at her. "As I'm guessing you have no desire to give your child a Kryptonian name, perhaps it's best that I keep my suggestions to myself."

[have_no_mercy]

Tess shrugs. "It really depends on the name, to be honest, not the origin. It's not as if I have any grand family traditions to adhere to."

[kneel_majorzod]

"Somehow I don't think your child would ever forgive you for giving him or her a name from my planet, Tess," Zod says with amusement. "At least not later in life. It is a shame, though. Kryptonian is a fair tongue."

[have_no_mercy]

"Well, don't pin all your hopes on it, Major," she advises. "You never can tell how things will work out."

[kneel_majorzod]

"That's not what I meant, but yes, you're right," he replies slowly. "If it doesn't work out, there are always other options. Other approaches to take."

[have_no_mercy]

"Of course," Tess agrees with a slight smile, though not quite as genuine as before. "One should always have a back up plan or two."

[kneel_majorzod]

"Indeed," the Major answers, nodding a little. "Speaking of which, have your people managed to come up with anything substantial as to the nature of my trip? If I remember correctly, you were going to have them do a bit of research on the topic, and at this point, any information you have would be appreciated."

[have_no_mercy]

"And time is of the essence," she agrees. "Some things we're simply not meant to do by ourselves."

[kneel_majorzod]

He nods again, this time sighing softly as he does so. "Right. Let's hope that is the case."

[have_no_mercy]

"You wouldn't be here if it wasn't."

Tess sighs as well. "Now, I should let you get back to your work and me back to mine."

[kneel_majorzod]

Zod blinks at her, having lost track of time, and straightens. "Yes, of course. Thank you, Tess."