He adjusts his stance, keeping it casual to the untrained eye. He's not going to give her any advantage, especially if he's expected to fight his way out.
"That's too bad, isn't it?"
494 puts his hand on one of the other chairs, like he's going to sit down.
She's seated at a table, an empty bowl in front of her.
She's also looking right at 494, nostrils flared and body strung wire-tight.
But she's not moving yet.
He does not smell right, and he moves like he's dangerous. Better to be careful.
Reply
She's giving him that Manticore gimlet eye, too. Looks like he knows who to come to for corroboration.
"Is there a timer?" he says, flashing a smile. "Do I get a prize, or do I have to do the secret handshake first?"
Reply
Beat.
She shifts in her seat, moving to give herself a better avenue of attack if she needs to.
"I do not know you."
Reply
"That's too bad, isn't it?"
494 puts his hand on one of the other chairs, like he's going to sit down.
Reply
"You are not human."
Not with that scent, he's not. But he does not look like a cat . . .
Reply
He certainly lowers himself into the seat with all the fluidity of one.
"Come on, it's okay, I'm X5, you can be straight with me."
Reply
"I am X-23."
She is also confused.
Reply
"Wait, hang on, tell me I didn't just hear you right. 23?"
Reply
"Yes. That is my designation."
Reply
If he wasn't watching her closely already, you better believe he's on her like a hawk now.
Reply
"I do not understand."
Reply
If she is, what the hell is she?
He watches her face.
"You're not my contact."
Reply
Beat.
"I am a mutant."
Reply
494 considers his options. He's been trained to escape and evade, and hopefully eliminate, in this situation.
He's always been stubborn and curious, though. Which make for bad soldiering but great special ops.
Reply
Her nostrils flare again, and she tilts her head slightly.
"You do not smell like a mutant."
Reply
He may be a little smug on this point.
Reply
Leave a comment