It's not unusual for Tess to be entertaining a guest. It's really not unusual for that guest to be Zod. What isn't the norm is that he's not the only person she's expecting
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There have been far too many nuisances of late, far too many thinly veiled dangers for Zod's liking. Therefore, after months of uncertainty and worry, actually being able to take action against one of said nuisances is, in his mind, something of an improvement. It's certainly preferable to waiting for harm to befall his people or anyone else involved.
That said, their plan isn't without its risks. Even with the Major keeping an extremely close watch, he's a bit on edge about the situation, to say the least. And waiting for their guest to show up is not an enjoyable experience.
So he'll just sit, thinking through each precaution being taken. He knows that everything is in place, but mentally double checking himself is about the only thing he has to keep himself occupied at the moment.
Tess is very good at appearing unconcerned even when she is. Especially when she is, in fact. So she's lounging in her new chaise, drinking a glass of water and letting the Major contemplate whatever he pleases. Besides, she's the one who's going to be doing all the acting and first on the order of business in that regard is being relaxed, otherwise she'll give it all away.
She is curious about one thing, however. "Have you decided where you'll be spying from yet?"
Though he is very deep in thought, Zod doesn't appear exceedingly agitated himself. He's also good at masking such anxiety, as he's obviously had quite a bit of practice.
When she speaks, however, his thoughts will be momentarily interrupted, and he'll shoot her a thoughtful glance. "Where will he not look?"
Oh, the answers she could give to that. Rather, she'll behave herself and half shrug.
"He's been here before, so I don't expect he'll be overly interested in the scenery." Then she decides to actually be helpful and gestures toward a far corner. "There's a hallway back there. I doubt he'll have reason to snoop in that particular area."
In fact, Darkseid is at this moment heading toward the main entrance of the mansion, his manner just as nonchalant as always. It's really the same as any other visit, after all, save for one minor detail. This time he's actually invited. And expected, which has really only happened once before.
Still, it's not surprising that security stops him upon entry and takes the time to notify Tess of his presence.
The time it takes for Tess to pick up and then put down her cell phone is roughly five and a half seconds.
"He's here," is all she says to Zod, assuming he'll proceed to his shadowy hallway immediately. Tess is going to take what time she has to slip off her shoes and make her way over to the bar to pour herself another glass of water.
Once the guards let him pass, Darkseid walks the length of the hallway fairly quickly, swinging the doors open when he reaches Tess' study. Once he does, he smiles particularly knowingly just for her and nods in greeting.
Tess smiles in return, taking her glass over to her new favourite chair and setting it on the table beside. She then pats the cushion of the chair as a gesture for him to sit.
"It seems I did. But then, after our last encounter, how could I not?"
Darkseid regards her with amusement. "Perhaps it was my plan all along to keep showing up unannounced until you started calling. All part of your training, as it were."
"Now why would you want me to start calling you?" She wonders aloud, leaning in a little herself. "Is that all part of the plan, our entwined destiny?"
"The last time you got me a beverage on the pretense of being hospitable, I took two sips, and it was quickly forgotten." His tone remains rather light, though it becomes a bit lowered as she moves closer.
If Darkseid is in any way surprised by the sudden metallic contact of the blade against his skin, he doesn't show it. In fact, he appears altogether unmoved by its presence, granting it only a brief downward glance. And if anything, his knowing smile actually widens ever so slightly as he does so.
"If I weren't part of your destiny, I wouldn't be here." He glances up at her out of the corner of his eye, amusement now plain to see on his face. "And you really shouldn't rely on your pets for weaponry."
Tess does catch his eye, can see the amusement and lack of concern and frankly, she doesn't care. She's here to do a job and at this point, that's all there is left to do. So the blade is pressed further against him, starting to draw blood and then she starts to pull it back, hopefully in one swift motion.
His eyes drift closed as he feels a single drop of red blood make its way down his skin. Its touch, so seldom felt, is almost soothing. Its scarcely halfway down his neck, however, when his eyes fly open again, and the blade's progress stops the instant he does so.
His expression becomes somewhat more serious as he regards Tess then, the metal, still clutched in her hand, being pulled away just enough for him to turn his head and look at her.
"You would do well not to heed your Kryptonian pet's advice," he tsks quietly. "He really doesn't know what he's doing, you know."
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That said, their plan isn't without its risks. Even with the Major keeping an extremely close watch, he's a bit on edge about the situation, to say the least. And waiting for their guest to show up is not an enjoyable experience.
So he'll just sit, thinking through each precaution being taken. He knows that everything is in place, but mentally double checking himself is about the only thing he has to keep himself occupied at the moment.
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She is curious about one thing, however. "Have you decided where you'll be spying from yet?"
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When she speaks, however, his thoughts will be momentarily interrupted, and he'll shoot her a thoughtful glance. "Where will he not look?"
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"He's been here before, so I don't expect he'll be overly interested in the scenery." Then she decides to actually be helpful and gestures toward a far corner. "There's a hallway back there. I doubt he'll have reason to snoop in that particular area."
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Still, it's not surprising that security stops him upon entry and takes the time to notify Tess of his presence.
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"He's here," is all she says to Zod, assuming he'll proceed to his shadowy hallway immediately. Tess is going to take what time she has to slip off her shoes and make her way over to the bar to pour herself another glass of water.
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"Got lonely rather quickly this time, did you."
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"It seems I did. But then, after our last encounter, how could I not?"
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"If I weren't part of your destiny, I wouldn't be here." He glances up at her out of the corner of his eye, amusement now plain to see on his face. "And you really shouldn't rely on your pets for weaponry."
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His expression becomes somewhat more serious as he regards Tess then, the metal, still clutched in her hand, being pulled away just enough for him to turn his head and look at her.
"You would do well not to heed your Kryptonian pet's advice," he tsks quietly. "He really doesn't know what he's doing, you know."
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She won't let it go, however, does take a step away from him. "Who says I'm taking advice from anyone?"
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