Progress with have_no_mercy

[kneel_majorzod]

Finally, after several weeks of tiresome planning, they're making progress. The plans will be finalized soon, and then the towers will go up. And anyone who tries to stop that from happening will be taken care of.

That is, in fact, the reason for Tess' visit. To help Zod plan for security measures to keep unwelcome guests away from their precious

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[have_no_mercy]

Tess has already had the pleasure of being the 'guest' of Zod and his soldiers for several weeks upon their arrival. And she hasn't forgotten what that was like, the fact that she did so voluntarily notwithstanding. There's little, she thinks, that could shock her about them now.

Not much later, Tess and her primitive form of transportation arrive at the location. She can't say it surprises her, either, even if it's her first actual visit. She waits for the driver to open her door and then she steps out.

"Major," she nods in greeting.

[kneel_majorzod]

That was a long time ago, and although it may not shock her, Tess may find that his soldiers are a bit more bitter towards her now. They're really not very happy about the fact that the Major would partner himself with a human. And despite the fact that they've learned not to question his judgment about such things, they would most certainly not make her feel welcome.

"Tess," he mutters, nodding back. "I'm going to spare you the tour of my humble abode, if you don't mind. We have more important places to be today."

[have_no_mercy]

It's a good thing she doesn't expect them to, then.

"Not at all," she replies, good-naturedly enough. Curious as she may be about their accommodations, it's not really important. "Shall I follow in my car?"

[kneel_majorzod]

At that, a slight smile curls at his lips. "And I'll lead the way in my Kryptonian space ship, shall I?" His smile lessens slightly, and he adds, "I think it makes most sense for your driver to transport us both, if that's alright. He does know the way, doesn't he?"

[have_no_mercy]

"Oh, good. I'd hate for you to think this is the only business I have to deal with." And there's the sarcasm he's been missing. Supposedly.

And here's some more. "Yes, one the benefits of my association is that I know how to read."

[kneel_majorzod]

There she is.

"Of course not. It's not as if saving the world needs to be your top priority." And there's some sarcasm of his own.

"Glad to hear it. Your inability to read would be a bit of an inconvenience, I think."

[have_no_mercy]

"And what makes you think my other business isn't connected?" Tess counters. "Just because you're not involved?"

[kneel_majorzod]

He raises his eyebrows and only pauses for a moment before replying. "If I'm not involved, I don't see why I need to know what it's connected to. And there really shouldn't be reason for me to care. Should there?"

[have_no_mercy]

There's little else Tess can do but take his word for it at this point, so she'll leave that point be.

"I would think so, yes. We both seem to like to keep an eye on our projects."

[kneel_majorzod]

"Yes, we do. And in this particular project, I plan to be personally involved." He gives her another glance. "After all, I'm not about to sit in a dusty room and brood while the rest of my people break their backs trying to make this happen. I'm not that sort of leader."

[have_no_mercy]

"Hire a maid," Tess suggests, stepping further away from the car.

"I'm not really expecting anything less from you on this, Major. I've heard the speech."

[kneel_majorzod]

The Major doesn't really understand her first comment, but he ignores it, assuming it's not overly important.

"I wasn't aware I was giving a speech. I certainly would have made more of an effort to make it interesting. My passion would have been truly moving."

[have_no_mercy]

She glances at him, half confused at the comment. "I don't recall ever saying there wasn't."

[kneel_majorzod]

"No, I don't suppose you did," he says, looking past Tess' head thoughtfully. "But that would mean you're interested in something not completely business-related. And you've made it quite clear that you no longer care about us beyond the business we conduct with you."

He doesn't say this accusingly or bitterly at all. In fact, his voice is quite faint.

[have_no_mercy]

"Major, I can't help but be curious about your people and your culture and customs, or simply what Krypton itself was like when it was alive," Tess seems confused at his apparent confusion.

"But none of that is going to help us achieve our goals, so I don't really see why any of it is all that important for our current project." She sighs softly. "It would be nice to learn, yes, but we simply don't have time."

[kneel_majorzod]

He nods with a soft sigh of his own. "Right. Of course. There is something to think about, though." His eyes focus back on Tess' face as he speaks. "I've already told you that I have no intention of severing our equal partnership after I get my powers. That would defeat the purpose." He leans forward slightly, and, although he is unaware of it, he continues in a softer voice. "But my soldiers? They will not see the point. Unless you make some effort to earn their trust."