conflictresolution

They're all I have.

[she states, voice cracking just a touch as she finishes the last bit of her doodling.]

— You've heard what everyone said. That I might be no better than the Council, the AI, or... whoever is doing all of this crap, I've lost track.

[setting the pencil down, his daughter straightens her spine but not without wrapping her arms around her front — her fingers curling tightly on the material of the coat.]

All I want is for you, me, Vi, and everyone else I give a rat's ass about to have independence. We should be living how we want to without this stupid sentencing stuff that doesn't do anything but give all of us a migraine. And all of these, I dunno, weird happenings are only making us... lose trust in each other. And ruin relationships.

Everyone wants it to stop, but no one is doing anything about it. — And if I'm going to be here, and this is going to be my home for good, then I'm going to shape it the way it's better for me, and for all of us. ... If I got to start a war again just so we can have peace, then... I'll do it here, too.

[a pause.]

I promised Ekko I wouldn't do that, but... maybe I can pull it off without anyone getting hurt. So I got to do this, and doing this alone might send a better message. I think.

They are not all you have. They are a function of our prison.

[Silco snorted softly, taking another sip from his tumbler. He had been called similar over his many years of trying to formulate a movement, to drag the Undercity from repressed stupor to a rebellious violent mob. Most didn't believe he could do it or that he was the right person to do it. He'd learned a long time ago that the negative opinions of others were usually based in fear of change, fear of the unknown, or fear of violence against them.

He could understand how action could change opinion, and in some cases, it would. People would naturally want to be in on the action if they say momentum growing or had faith that something interesting and possibly better could emerge from it. Until then, most would wait on the sidelines and see how the chips fell. He expected it was worst with the natives of this place.]

And how will helping a sick native provide you the power to push for independence? I have no doubt that you can prove your worth without having to run across the entire surface of this place.

[However, he knew that every leader had their own manner of building their confidence. If this was what she needed to do, he supposed that he wouldn't stop her. Still, a trip like that could be a week or two, and while that wasn't the longest she had lost herself in a project, he had means of physically checking on her to assure himself everything was still in order.]

Perhaps. Have you explored medicinal options in town for this person? Ethlyn is a healer of note.

[as her father questions her (and it's a legitimately good question), jinx rolls up her blueprint of the map, then fishes for her hair tie in ekko's coat — sealing it tight.]

It'll show I'm good for it, and I'm not thinking only about myself. [a beat.] That's how Ange sees me right now, and who knows how many else believe the same thing.

[she sighs and tosses herself onto the couch while setting the document by her feet for now.]

Normally, I wouldn't care, but!! — I gotta care a little for this to work. Helping the nobodies will show I will help everyone, not just... us. No one is too big or too small for Jinx unless you're an Enforcer. And I have no idea who this Ethlyn person is.

Edited 2024-11-03 23:19 (UTC)

[He made a noise in his throat, not quite believing that such a step was necessary. If a leader needed everyone's adoration, nothing would get done in a day. No, it was best to gather those that would support and put the boot to the throat of everyone else to bring them in line. Respect came in many forms, and he had shown his capacity to force respect through fear.]

And who cares much for their opinions? They will either respect you for who you are, or they will never bring themselves around. Do as you do and never ask for forgiveness to obtain your goals.

[He stepped over to the couch and eased himself down next to his daughter, swirling his drink. He inclined his head slightly towards her, accepting that she had decided that this was the path that would be worthwhile for her. He was skeptical.]

A healer. She taught first aid courses awhile back and I partook. A gifted healer apparently, though I've never had need for her services personally.

[his daughter puckers her lips together, and shifts in her position to lounge more onto the couch, with her legs propping over her father's lap once he's settled. she tosses her head back dramatically over the arm rest before lifting an arm up — her fingers forming into a shape of a gun, with her index and middle aiming to their ceiling.]

Alriiiiiight, alright, I get the picture. You think all of this dumb and a waste of my time. — So how about we make a deal, huh?

[to be a little obnoxious, she hoists her foot high enough to be in his vision then wiggles her toes lightheartedly.]

[His way of leadership was a rather no-nonsense way of doing things, and it had worked out well for him over the years. He knew it wasn't the only way, but Zaun forged hardened people who did whatever was necessary to survive and meet their goals. He considered much of the leadership in this place to be soft and jelly-spined, people wandering about thinking that friendship would solve issues greater than what they faced. For him, he considered it naïve.

He watched her, swirling his glass and shrugged his shoulders. She was at an age where speeches would have little effect, and he wasn't going to try to convince her to follow him down the same path. He would like it if she did, assuring him of his own ascent, but each person should do as they felt they needed to.]

I didn't say that. I simply don't want you to feel like that's your own option.

[He raised his eyebrow at her, considering what kind of deal would come about from this.]

Depends on the terms.

[she lowers her foot back down onto his lap, and she resumes to shoot imaginary targets on their ceiling.]

I'll meet up with whatever her name is, and see if she can help. If she can't and I don't find her, then I'm going back to my plan A.

[for theatrical effect, his daughter swings her gunfire arm to point out the window, mouthing out "pew" before she reopens this "bargain" of hers.]

And! — I'll bring someone with me for the ride. How's that? Am I great or what?

[He dropped a hand to rest on her ankle, nodding his head. He was satisfied that she would consider multiple options for her venture to helping this sickly native.]

As you see fit. It would be worthwhile to explore your options, that's all.

[He lifted his tumbler to his lips and took a sip of his whiskey.]

I would appreciate you not traveling alone if you must go. You have friends or at least allies after all. Take one of them with you if nothing else.

Okey-dokey, I'll bring along a nincompoop.

[and with that, she folds her arms behind her head to use as her personal pillow, then screws her eyes shut to relax just for a little while longer.]

I'm leaving first thing in the morning, so you have me all to yourself tonight. Talk about lucky, huh?

Good. Check in when you can as well.

[It was different in Zaun when he had sees and ears everywhere and could personally check on her. He still wasn't convinced everything was back to normal after the reset either. However he couldn't or wouldn't dand his daughter stay around for his own peace of mind. She had handled herself in terrible situations many times. This would be no different.]

Do I? I suppose we will have to make plans for the night then. Have you eaten dinner?

Nope, I haven't had a bite to eat since breakfast. [which she knows isn't necessarily ideal, and she is avoiding her father's eye (if he's looking at her) just to hide that fact.] — I've, uh, been swamped and I just... sorta forgot about lunch.

[between checking on her café, cleaning the treehouse, ekko's former apartment, and conversing with her INX at the docks, time definitely got away from her somehow. her load could definitely be less on her shoulders if she would just confront quentin, and hand him over the keys to the treehouse. but... that's a part of her life she isn't fully ready to face yet.]

Hmmm, well, you should eat before you sleep tonight then. [No doubt there was something that they could make, or he could have one of his staff drop food off from one of the establishments that he owned.] Are you hungry? And I hope you have food stuff supplies gathered for the trip.

[While he didn't say it, he was more than willing to hand off the keys and take care of some of her items. He knew that she was managing, but there were certain distasteful aspects that she still carried for the time being.]

I'll do that in the morning, but I could eat!

[her response is more telling if anyone can read between the lines. she hadn't eaten since breakfast, which means, any normal person would be starving by this hour. but the fact she stated she could eat indicates the lack of appetite. and despite being in aldrip for over a year, jinx had always displayed enthusiasm over food. his daughter is still expressing it now, but there's something missing in her joyful statement. concealed stress? concerns? sadness? anger?

nevertheless, the bluenette swings her legs off her father's lap and bounces to her feet, her arms stretching outward over her head to pull any hidden tight tissues.]

[Silco watched her, and he had already decided that he would be the doting father in the case and make certain that she had food ready to go for her when it was time to leave. That much he could provide, even if he couldn't leave the city due to his other workplace obligations. He took a sip from his tumbler and rose to his feet after Jinx had vacated the couch first.

He stepped away from it as well, setting his tumbler on the coffee table and heading towards the kitchen to investigate the contents of the fridge.]

It seems you have much on your mind if you still are only at the point of being able to eat. [Of course, he couldn't throw much in the way of stones. One meal or half a meal a day was all too common in his day-to-day life.]

What would you consider eating, hmm?

A genius' work is never done, and they never rest! The juices pump, and pump, and pump.

[jinx paces behind him and wastes no time at all to take her usual seat at the table. it's then she remembers her abandon mug in the other room, but she mentally shrugs it off. the tea will get cold and old, but it's not too much of a major problem. besides, she is craving for something that contains way more sugar than tea.]

I don't care, just whatever we got is good enough for me, Pops. Show me what ya got!

Depends on your project. I've given a few to you that have bored you to sleep.

[He had previously brought home some left overs from the Seafood Shack, and he decided that should be good enough as a meal for tonight. He set about beginning to warm the fish and chips up. As that was happening, he regarded his daughter from the kitchen as he pulled out plates and cutlery.]

Do you wish something to drink with dinner?

Okay, you got me. Some of my projects in the past I've abandoned, because the inspiration just wasn't there. Defused before it got off the ground. Poor Mister Ticks, he gave it his best shot.

[she swings her legs underneath the table, and watched his father stir around their kitchen with innocent curiosity.]

Yeah, but hold the alcohol. I gotta stay sharp in the morning. What about you? You're eating too, right?

There is no shame in it. Some projects aren't worthwhile enough to come to fruition. That's why some plans fail before they ever move passed consideration.

[He returned to the fridge and poured his daughter a glass of juice. He set it on the table in front of her and then moved to retrieve his tumbler from the coffee table to set it in front of where he planned on sitting for a small meal.]

I'll eat a small amount. My appetite hasn't been large. [Almost never was.]

[she lets out an overly dramatic sigh, which can easily pass off as her not being entirely serious of what she is about to say next. or maybe there is a bit of truth, but it's being fluffed up with humor.]

Sheesh, is there any way I can fatten you up? I've tried literally EVERYTHING there is, and you're just not budging.

[jinx stretches over for the juice to casually take a sip, humming sweetly over the taste and the coolness trickling down her throat. she had realized until now just how parched she was.]

[He hummed at her theatrics, shaking his head slightly as he moved back to the kitchen to check on their warming food. It was done enough for his preference, and he expected it would satisfy his daughter as well. He set the main dish out in the middle of the table and passed Jinx a plate and utensils to use.]

Not literally everything. I'm thankful you haven't tried force-feeding me.

[He pulled out his chair and eased into it, waiting until Jinx had taken her desired amount of the food. While she did so, he pulled out his communication device and put in an order for food stuffs to be prepared to take on her journey with her.]

Yet.

[with everything now properly set, his daughter helps herself by digging in first — taking a decent amount onto her dish, but to make sure to leave some for her father, too. she tosses the chip into her mouth, chewing while speaking, as per usual.]

Mm! Met anyone new lately? That beautiful eye of yours watching any dummies?

Hmmm, no surprise.

[He took a sip from his tumbler as Jinx served herself. Since Richard and Jinx had had their little 'disagreement', things had not been particularly steady after smoothing it over. That was par for the course, and it was something that he was used to. However, he kept his private affairs private, even more so now.

Once she was done, he took a small amount of food for his plate and then added the extra onto Jinx's. She was going on a journey so she would need the energy.]

A few young girls who may or may not cause trouble. Otherwise, everyone seems to fall on either side of the fence here.

Uh-huh.

[ she hunches forward, her arm on the counter, with a playful smirk swirling along her face. jinx looks as if she is holding a secret that nobody knows about (and that could be true), and his daughter teeths over her lower lip in a way to keep her composure and to not just blab it out due to the excitement.]

Aaaannnd which side does the traitor fall in?

Edited 2024-11-08 16:18 (UTC)

[Silco paused mid-lift of his drink at the question, eyeing his daughter over the rim of the glass as he considered the number of people that could fit that description. He could tell that Jinx was dying to tell him something, but she was skirting for the dramatics for the moment.

He shrugged his shoulders, deciding to play the middle road until he had more information.]

Depends on which traitor you're referring two. There are two from our world and a few that exist in Aldrip.

Oooh, ya knoooow!

[she starts off saying, reaching to grab a chip to nonchalantly sway around to emphasize her point. the grin stays on her face, if not tightening just a little with its devious edge bleeding through.]

The one who is a Zaunite, but then decided to become a filthy Piltie because he thought he was too good for us. That's who I'm referring to...!

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