Nightshift 29, Patient Library

[mister_radio]

There was music playing in the library.

The door was closed and shut, but music filtered out anyway.  Inside, the room was lit with battery operated lanterns set on tables.  The tables themselves had been moved and arranged into a U formation, one table horizontal in the center of the room with two tables parallel to one another set against its ends

Comments

[mister_radio]

"A knife it is." Jack reached down into the darkness below his chair and pulled out a knife. A real knife, not something taken from the kitchen. He set it on the table. "And as for your questions... oh, for fuck's sake, it's a brand new candy bar. I bought it at Callahan's today, it's fine. If I wanted to do something to you, I'd use a lot more flair than a doped piece of chocolate."

Suspicion he understood, but this guy? This guy took the cake.

"Your questions. I can answer the second one. Now, this is just me making a guess, but I'd say it's because he assumes he's got the higher ground and he wants an audience for his verbal victories and my eventual demise. Feeds his ego." Jack shrugged. "Martin needs validation. Needs to know people understand how very, very big and strong and powerful he is. But you already knew that, I'm sure. He probably wet the bed when he was little, wouldn't you agree?"

[ditched_again]

The Star Dragon Sword’s eyes narrowed in suspicion as they reached down and pulled out a rather impressive knife. He almost expected the weapon to be thrown in their direction, but even when the knife was placed down on the table, the Night Rune didn’t relax. Glancing between the knife and Jack, the sword remained where he stood as the others spoke. There didn’t appear to be any danger, but humans were a sly race.

He may be trapped within this pile of flesh and bones, but he was still who he was. Holding himself up high, the sword moved towards the desk before reaching up to take the knife from the table. Was it this simple?

[mister_radio]

"The past isn't up for discussion. Unless of course... you're willing to make a little trade." Jack grinned. He made no move when the knife was taken, as though he'd already forgotten it existed.

No, now he was interested in just how much this weird little guy wanted his questions answered.

[ditched_again]

Pulling the knife into his possession, he glanced up towards Mr Radio - watching every movement intently on the odd chance something might happen. He wasn’t sure if he should be relieved or not when nothing did, and made his way back over to Ryuga as he held the blade close to his chest.

All thoughts on the motive behind the weapon halted, however, at the mention of a trade between Ryuga and Jack. It appeared that the stakes in this little game just rose, and he waited quietly for the other shoe to drop.

[mister_radio]

"Nothing wrong with macaroni necklaces," Jack said, nodding some. "But that wouldn't be a fair trade. You want to know about Martin's past, my past, this place's past. You want origin stories. What's worth that? What price to ask for something so sacred, something so holy? Folklore for folklore, my friend. I'll give you my legends if you give me yours."

It was a very simple request, really. An equal exchange. Perfectly fair.

If L understood what was being asked of him.

[ditched_again]

The trade suggestion that was made was something the Star Dragon Sword felt an eyebrow rise up at. It seemed far simpler than what he had thought, but one thing did bother him. He wasn’t certain about Ryuga, but this Radio Man had already shown knowledge behind his origin. That told the sword that Jack here had seen or read something about where he was from. It was probably the same situation in regards to his companion - considering Ryuga had been given that chocolate bar. If this man was already aware of or had access to such intimate knowledge, then what would they be want with tales and legends?

It was a thought that disturbed the Night Rune immensely.

[mister_radio]

Hmmmm.

Jack leaned back, finger tapping at his lips as he thought. What else did he expect, really? Nothing less. So far, so good. Honestly, better than good. He'd expected a flat out 'no'.

"I make trades of equal value in my eyes," Jack said, finally. "Your secrets are worth the same as my secrets are to me. Because you're like me. You hide behind equipment and false names and watch and you pull strings and you live your life different than normal man, bound by different rules, different laws, and you answer only to the truth and to justice. We're not that different, you and I, when you strip away the frivolities of personality and personal interest." He rolled his shoulders and put his hands behind his head, leaning further back in his chair to look at the ceiling

[ditched_again]

He got a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach as the conversation wore on, and as the conditions from Ryuga began to sound off, the sensation only got worse. Amber eyes narrowed as he was addressed with that apologetic expression, and the Star Dragon Sword already knew what was going to be said before Ryuga spoke. While he did respect Ryuga’s privacy on such matters, he couldn’t help but feel the deep seeded anger - first planted by that oaf Viktor - at being tossed aside like yesterday’s garbage.

Folding his arms over his chest, the sword’s typical scowling expression deepened when it appeared that Jack wanted to give him something to rob him of his hearing. To say he was displeased was an understatement. This human seemed to believe that he had any right to govern his actions in such a way. He was not somebody’s tool to do with as they pleased. He was the Great Star Dragon Sword, the incantation of the Night Rune, and he didn’t have to remain here to be belittled like a common servant to those unworthy - He’d rather put up

[mister_radio]

"Three questions," Jack said, holding his fingers up to mark the number. He didn't care that the other man left. He had his prize, after all.

"I ask three, you ask three. No more. Three's a magic number, and numbers and blood and spit all have power here. And so do riddles. But I assume you want me to lay riddles aside - that I can do, much as it pains me." He smiled some, but then turned serious.

"And if I can't answer a question you ask, I'll tell you something else, something you don't know. I always deliver my goods, no matter what. Deal?"

[mister_radio]

"Let's just see how this all plays out, my friend." Jack smiled and spread his hands and the cat growled and moved down the table, away from the man's moving hands.

"Well then, the boundaries are set and the flags are flown. Let us begin the games!"