222 [Before the Start of the Flood]

[impure_tale]

[He's a little beaten up, as you might be able to tell on the video.]

Disappointing news I'm afraid, my dears. Auditions will be a matter addressed after the port at the end of the month. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'll certainly feel more comfortable running lines with people after this place has gone back to normal.

I'm sure you're heartbroken, the lot of you.

The changes to the facilities don't especially agree with me, or Renate for that matter. [a bark in the background.] It leaves me feeling especially optimistic about what's to come.

Comments

[with_my_teacup]

You didn't go in the CES alone, did you?

[0 to WHAT DO I HAVE TO KILL TO PROTECT MY PEEPS in six seconds flat.]

[impure_tale]

Of course I did. [He blinks.] I figured that it would be worth a look if we're preparing.

[with_my_teacup]

It's hostile in there and you don't fight-!

[impure_tale]

It's hostile almost everywhere when you don't fight, dumpling. It's a small sprain at its worst.

[with_my_teacup]

You shoulda taken someone who was armed up.

[impure_tale]

It's only the CES.

[with_my_teacup]

The CES with its cuffs off. Did you not get the memo?

[impure_tale]

Richard, look at me. I'm alive and safe.

[with_my_teacup]

You're hurt. From the fucking CES.

Admiral's not playing around and you need to keep safe.

[impure_tale]

Such fussing!

[with_my_teacup]

[His mouth twists down.]

Yeah. And? Gonna do something about it?

[impure_tale]

Actually I wondered if you planned to.

[with_my_teacup]

Come down there, first aid you, yell at you about it?

[impure_tale]

You're already yelling, dearheart. The first aid has been taken care of.

[with_my_teacup]

Still coming over.

[impure_tale]

[He does his very best to look put upon]

Oh very well.

Spam or assume?

[with_my_teacup]

[Knock fucking knock, you worried the mass murderer.]

Spam

[impure_tale]

[Amid happy yips]

You may enter!

[He can find the Marquis settled on the sofa rather than his favorite chair, his ankle propped up.]

Spam

[with_my_teacup]

[Riddick strolls in, looms just inside the door with his arms crossed for a second. When he does actually come into the room fully, it's to fuss over Renate and ignore the Marquis pointedly.]

Aw, poor lady, your leg.

Spam

[impure_tale]

[Renate whines and sniffs affectionately at his hands, ears laid back as she sits down in front of him.]

What, you will not lecture her as well?

Spam

[with_my_teacup]

No, baby, I'm not going to lecture you, it wasn't your idea to stroll into a dangerous environment. Not like other people we know, huh?

[It's nearly a coo, but as sacharine as his voice is, his gentle check-over of her, looking for tender spots on her neck, carefully examining her leg, is anything but a put on.]

Spam

[impure_tale]

[She patiently offers her paw when he begins to examine it and seems to understand he'll do no harm but there are still little 'please be nice to me' kisses on his hand along the way.]

Spam

[with_my_teacup]

I know. I know that doesn't feel good, honey.

[A soothing croon, and when he's checked her over to his satisfaction he tucks his chin briefly over her head and kisses between her ears.

He doesn't get up from his crouch, just sits there on his haunches and looks over at the Marquis, his face still unhappy.]

Spam

[impure_tale]

[His back is mostly to him, given the setting of his 'living room' but one can practically hear him smiling.]

Spam

[with_my_teacup]

I really don't enjoy seeing you bruised up.