(Untitled)

[try_corsets]

Elizabeth hasn't been back since that night. Quite simply, she wished to avoid spending another evening in that fashion, interesting conversation with Bela aside

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[cutting_edgex23]

X catches Elizabeth's captured attention, and she slips closer.

Carefully.

The scent might have something to do with it, too.

And --

"You are okay?"

[try_corsets]

Stiffening, Elizabeth turns a flat look on the girl. She's not so much startled as vaguely annoyed at the stealth with which the newcomer approached.

"I am perfectly well," she announces.

To exhibit this, she takes a sip of lukewarm tea.

[cutting_edgex23]

X tilts her head slightly, flicking a glance between Elizabeth and the poster.

"Okay."

Dubious X is dubious.

"You have met him? The one who was killed."

She had, after all, been standing in front of the noticeboard for a very long time.

[try_corsets]

"I've met lots of people," Elizabeth says, mildly, "but not him, I don't believe. I would have recalled the name."

One eyebrow arches.

"Who was he?"

She doesn't seem overly bothered by the fact that this West fellow died in the woods.

[cutting_edgex23]

"He was very annoying," X says, matter-of-factly.

And then she pulls a photograph from her pocket, turning it so Elizabeth can see. (Thank you, Claire.)

"I do not know if he always told people his name."

[try_corsets]

Having only limited experience with the wonders of photography, Elizabeth blinks at X for a moment before flicking a glance at the lifelike image of a young man.

Her mouth opens, but no sound comes out.

So she had met West Rosen.

That... complicates matters.

"Oh." Then, as if feeling this is an inadequate response: "I see."

[cutting_edgex23]

X's attention sharpens. Fractionally.

"You did know him."

Beat.

"When did you see him last?"

[try_corsets]

A nod.

"I'm not sure," Elizabeth says, slowly, still studying the photograph. "Time can be tricky."

Abruptly, she looks X in the eye.

"He was annoying. He lied. He said his name was... Darwin Suresh."

And that was before she threatened to kill him.

[cutting_edgex23]

"You can try to answer. I will make sure people know it is an estimate."

Beat.

"Darwin Suresh. That does not make sense. You do not know why he lied?"

[try_corsets]

She could, yes.

She doesn't.

"People lie for all sorts of reasons. I can't possibly say what motivated him to do so. Perhaps his reputation preceded him and he was taking the necessary precautions."

Her upper lip curls as if she smells something unpleasant.

[cutting_edgex23]

X absorbs that.

And repeats --

"When did you see him?"

[try_corsets]

Elizabeth is not easily cowed.

"Who are you?"

She could look for a security badge, but that would mean breaking eye contact.

[cutting_edgex23]

"I am X-23."

Beat.

"I made the initial scene report. And was a witness for the autopsy."

This pause is longer.

"I am on Security."

She does, indeed, have a badge pinned to her belt -- under the fall of her tank top.

[try_corsets]

Security. Elizabeth had suspected as much, though she hoped otherwise. She has no fondness for bar security, mostly due to her feud with Alanna.

"I am Captain Elizabeth Turner, of the Empress," she reveals in turn. "How was he killed?"

[cutting_edgex23]

X considers Elizabeth's question.

"When did you see him last?"

[try_corsets]

Dark eyes narrow slightly.

"Three or four weeks ago."

Beat.

"How was he killed?"