[S] Grumman: Troll [CLOSED]

[generaltroll]

Characters: Eustace Grumman generaltroll and Franziska von Karma its_karma_fool
Content: A power struggle over tea
Setting: Grumman's office
Time: Right after Franziska returns
Warnings: There will be passive-aggressiveness. And/or just straight aggressiveness. It's gonna be vicious.

Comments

[its_karma_fool]

Franziska was used to a certain amount of struggle. Weather it was because of her gender, her stature, her age, or her family name, she was more than accustomed to other people trying to impede her path to success.

As such, she had expected the power grabbing that came after Bradley's disappearance. While she had lately reconsidered her decision to head the crash investigation, she did not regret it - even with Grumman's usurping, a von Karma never looked back or regretted. Her father had taught her that time and time again.

She knew what Grumman's 'invitation' was - a poorly disguised attempt to intimidate her into old habits and wrest power away from her once and for all. But Franziska was no longer 5, and this was rightfully her ship. Annoyingly fond memories aside, she would see to it that Grumman did not have an easy time with his game.

Shoulders already habitually squared, Franziska knocked on his door and steeled herself for a battle of wills.

[generaltroll]

Grumman looked up as he heard the knock on his door. Here already! She must have run half the ship!

"Come in, Franziska!"

He set the tea tray down on the small table in his office. "You're just in time, I was just taking the kettle off. By all means, come in and make yourself at home."

[its_karma_fool]

"General," she said with a curt nod. Grumman may be cheerful, but Franziska wasn't about to let her guard down now - not that she ever did.

She conceded to Grumman's suggestion and took a seat, hands crossed over her chest.

[generaltroll]

Grumman poured the tea and then placed the pot down. He offered up a plate of little scones. Everything seemed very civil - friendly even. But he was really just trying to provoking her.

[its_karma_fool]

Franziska eyed the scones warily - not because she thought they were poisoned (no, Grumman wasn't that foolish), but because she didn't want him to think she was giving in in any way.

Ultimately though, she took a scone. Grumman could pour the tea. "Your claim it outrageous, General." Best to start plainly. Franziska was not one to dance around a point she could simply say outright.

[generaltroll]

"Oh, I wouldn't go that far," Grumman said, and then took a quick sip of the tea. He took a scone in his hand and bit into it. "You don't seem to have a problem with the scones. Perhaps you don't particularly like them, but 'outrageous'? Hardly."

He knew that little Franziska was bad at keeping her head int he face of deliberate foolishness, and was exploiting that for all it was worth.

[its_karma_fool]

And indeed, Franziska's veneer of control was rather thin when it came to deliberate needling. She uncrossed her arms and death-gripped the chair, leaning forward noticeably. "This isn't about the foolish scones, General!" Franziska snarled, "This is about your foolish and misguided attempts to take control of my ship."

[generaltroll]

"Oh, well, that's another matter altogether!" Grumman said, taking another scone from the tray. "Not a lot 'outrageous' about that either, I'm afraid. This is an emergency situation and I am far and away the highest-ranking officer in the area...well, I trust I need not have to cite the relevant regulations are you, Franny?"

[its_karma_fool]

"The relevant regulations are only applicable in an emergency, mutinous, or anarchy situation." Franziska hissed, crushing the poor scone in her hand. "As I appointed a commanding officer during my and the Captain's absence, your foolish attempt at a power grab was unwarranted and unnecessary!"

[generaltroll]

Grumman tsk at the lost scone, and handed her a tissue to clean the mess with. "If you think I've acted improperly, you're free to file a complaint," he said cheerfully. "I'm sure Central Command will get back to you in a month or two."