Ryslig IC Inbox

[inseine]

WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, PasUnPolicier. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 246.01.094.30 *** PasUnPolicier has joined 246.01.094.30 <PasUnPolicier> This mail centre belongs to Javert. <PasUnPolicier> Be accurate and brief. <PasUnPolicier> I suggest you not test my patience with practical jokes and clowning around. <PasUnPolicier> I will return your notice shortly.

Comments

<0100000101001101>

[godofthemachine]

Oh, you think I would tell you? I don't want you abusing your warden privileges on him again.

<PasUnPolicier>

[inseine]

Abuse of privileges is a grave disorder. You had better have proof of such if you ever accuse me again.

<0100000101001101>

[godofthemachine]

And yet you even admitted yourself that it was a mistake.

I have the very picture framed on my wall. I'm so glad I get to see him in the flesh now.

<PasUnPolicier>

[inseine]

Yet it was no abuse, and I will remind you that I have committed no abuses with my position here.

He is an old man. Certainly that is not enough to captivate you.

<0100000101001101>

[godofthemachine]

I'm not captivated at all.

I just thought you would like to know that your precious Valjean is here in Ryslig.

<PasUnPolicier>

[inseine]

This is a poor method for a taunt. Get back to work, and I'll see to mine.

<0100000101001101>

[godofthemachine]

I'm not taunting you. I thought it would be a great courtesy to inform you that your obsession is in the same city as you.

<PasUnPolicier>

[inseine]

Leave off with the 'obsession.' There is nothing of the sort.

<0100000101001101>

[godofthemachine]

Isn't lying an offense under your silly laws now?

<PasUnPolicier>

[inseine]

It is a preoccupation, and rightly so. It is not an obsession.

<0100000101001101>

[godofthemachine]

Denial: A psychological defense mechanism involving a refusal to accept reality.

<PasUnPolicier>

[inseine]

It is no denial! And besides, you are late for the celebration. I knew he was here.

<0100000101001101>

[godofthemachine]

Oh good. I should have figured you would have sniffed him out the moment he arrived.

After all, that's what obsession is.

<PasUnPolicier>

[inseine]

Fuck off and get back to work.

<0100000101001101>

[godofthemachine]

I never thought you to be so crass.

But I have done both of these things today.

<PasUnPolicier>

[inseine]

I am plenty crass if I put my head to it. Off with you. I shall not humor this nonsense.

<0100000101001101>

[godofthemachine]

Oh I'm sure you are. And yet you played dumb when I first informed you of Valjean's presence, so obviously you are humoring my "nonsense."

ACTION

[inseine]

[There is no further answer from Javert.

Instead, he is bent over a case file regarding an unusual series of murders. These have been consuming his time lately, along with the poacher miscreants and an ex-convict-that-shall-not-be-named, among other personal affairs. Yet even though the file is spread open on his desk, with polaroids of the crime scene to go with his notes, he is instead staring blankly at a spot just in front of his nose. His lip is curved in a deeply unsettled, inverted U, and his capped pen twists uselessly between his claws.]

[godofthemachine]

[AM awaits a response from Javert, but of course it doesn't come. No surprise. After all, the man has more important things to do. And AM... would rather be at the labs right now. Having finished his paperwork and having no one to punish, he has nothing useful to do. So why not pester Javert?

After about twenty minutes, AM appears in Javert's office. As a vampire, he's far less imposing than he was as a nephilim, and frankly AM prefers it that way. But it doesn't matter; it's still the same person. The same man he frequently fantasizes about torturing.]

Well, well... What have we here?

[AM doesn't even try to be polite to Javert. Why should he when his hatred is so obvious?

He certainly notices the polaroids of the murders, at least, as he casually floats over to Javert's desk, leaning in.]

[inseine]

[Javert flips the folder shut with a sharp, sudden flick of his wrist. He does not raise his head. Only his intent red eyes swivel up to AM, thick with displeasure.]

Work. Something you ought to be doing, [he emphasizes haltingly, as if he were addressing a creature with the brain-equivalent of a tot.] Come for more?

[godofthemachine]

[Indeed, the vampire is preferable. Those red eyes do nothing to frighten AM as he comes right up to the desk.]

In case you didn't notice, Javert, I am always quite diligent with my work.

[With the folder of photos closed, AM can't make out any more of the details, so he reaches his rotting hand down to open it back up, fully expecting Javert to stop him.]

What's this? Surely it has nothing to do with how Amanda and Aunamee imprisoned us, does it?

[inseine]

[Javert snatches up AM by the wrist and shoves him away.]

No. You're not an investigator, you are a punitive director. It isn't your concern.

[He laces his hands atop the closed folder and regards AM full in the face, icy and calm.]

Well! There are a score of paper stacks in the cabinet and a man thrown into cell block five. Surely you do not require me to hold your hand through these tasks.

[godofthemachine]

[The funny thing is, AM is positive he could run circles around Javert's investigative skill if he wanted, but he has no need. Let him play the chase game if he wants. But nonetheless, Javert easily shoves AM's wrist away.

He's half tempted to just sit on the desk like some seductress and mess up Javert's organized work, but that would be a bit too obvious.]

No, Javert. I don't require anything from you except...

[He places his hands on the table, leaning in closer, as close as Javert will let him. (Thankfully, AM's phylactery is not on his possession at this moment.)]

...To tell me again why we're not pursuing Aunamee and Amanda.

[He had seen Javert's close relationship with Aunamee when he examined his mind in the dreams, though the details were limited. It was more that he saw almost a soft spot.]

[inseine]

I have refreshed that thick skull of yours a thousand times, [Javert says dismissively. He does not shrink away when AM moves into his personal space. Let him posture; he will take it in stride, impassive and cold.] There is no physical evidence to condemn them. It is a simple matter. I shall not break principle for them nor anyone else.

[godofthemachine]

[Exactly what he wanted to hear. If he could grin in his lich form, he would, but otherwise there is a distinct squint of his eyes as he backs off from the table.]

Good. I'm glad to hear it, Inspector.

[It's entirely possible Javert doesn't even remember the affair. Dreams are a strange thing, after all. But AM certainly does, and he will treasure it.]