Negotiations with have_no_mercy.

[darkseidofmoon]

Darkseid has been busy. So many pieces of the puzzle are starting to come together, yet so many remain to be discovered. Still, much has been accomplished. Said pieces are moving to their proper places. All he really has to do now is give them a little guidance

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[have_no_mercy]

The location of this particular office wasn't all that difficult for Tess to find, not that this surprised her. She knows she's expected, unspoken as the invitation may have been. That didn't make the flight to Gotham any faster, nor the car ride to Blüdhaven any more enjoyable. She may never have been here before but from the looks of things, she's not going to be all that eager to return.

Once she arrives at the address Tess sends the driver on his way and enters the building on her own, taking note of any visible security measures. Then she takes the elevator to the appropriate floor

[darkseidofmoon]

She may be more expected than she realizes, as a second drink is already being poured by the time the elevator stops. And once it's filled to the same level as his own, he sets it down on the other side of the desk, where it will sit in wait ever so patiently.

[have_no_mercy]

Tess will take her time, though there isn't much to be had. When she reaches the office, however, the second glass will only merit a raised eyebrow. Which may be more than the occupant of said office receives.

"I was in the neighbourhood." They both know it's a lie, but it's how they do things, isn't it? "I thought I'd stop by to say hello."

[darkseidofmoon]

He looks up and puts down his glass as she enters, and she'll be greeted with a small smile. "Right."

He motions to the chair on the other side of the desk. "Please, sit."

[have_no_mercy]

Tess raises an eyebrow. "Supposedly all I'd need is a rolled up newspaper. Possibly I should have tried that before."

[darkseidofmoon]

"That certainly would have simplified things." He shrugs. "But you did have him very tamed, didn't you. You just needed a little assistance. Shame it didn't last, regardless."

[have_no_mercy]

"Well, it could," she replies slowly, "if you gave him back. I think I can improve him."

[darkseidofmoon]

"He's dead, Tess. Or was I so vague and mysterious that you didn't fully comprehend the situation?" He sips his drink, keeping his eyes on her thoughtfully. "But if you're really that intent on finding a new pet, I might be able to help."

[have_no_mercy]

"Call it closure. I'm sure you're aware of what I went through to bring him here in the first place." Tess tilts her head at him, expecting it's a story he'll already know.

[darkseidofmoon]

"I'm aware," he tells her with a nod. "But it's not very like you to go to such lengths for the sake of nostalgia, is it. You're far too efficient to be sentimental."

[have_no_mercy]

He'll get another eyebrow rise for that. "Who said this had anything to do with sentimentality? Regardless, this is my destiny we're talking about. I take that very seriously."

[darkseidofmoon]

"A destiny that Major Zod is no longer a part of." And that would be the first time he's given the Major the courtesy of using his actual name. "He never did anything for you in life, and he can do nothing for you in death."

[have_no_mercy]

"I've always been able to do that. Usually." She shakes her head slightly and looks away. "Well, it's nothing you'd understand."

[darkseidofmoon]

He watches her with mild amusement before pouring himself another drink. "I understand a great deal."

[have_no_mercy]

"I'm sure you do. But not everything." Tess sighs and pushes herself out of the chair. "And this is just more time I'm wasting. A habit I should rid myself of."

[darkseidofmoon]

"That sounds like an excellent goal to me," he agrees, standing with her ever so politely. "I knew you'd get there."

[have_no_mercy]

Tess studies him briefly, and curiously. "Have my interests ever really been a concern of yours?"

[darkseidofmoon]

He studies her right back. "I stand by what I've always told you. Your interests and my own are very much connected, or I wouldn't have sought you out in the first place. As are our destinies, though you clearly don't want me in yours."

[have_no_mercy]

That garners a humourless smile. "Well, if our destinies are so entwined, as you keep saying, then it doesn't matter what I want, does it?"

[darkseidofmoon]

"That hasn't exactly stopped you in the recent past," he points out, mimicking her smile. "Though if you told me what you wanted, my untimely demise aside, perhaps I could be more accommodating."