. .. IC Contact | Duplicity .. .

[konstant]

                                                                 

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Comments

[konstant]

I hadn't noticed. I'm used to a much, much larger one.

[swornsword]

This place has two cities stacked on top of each other.

[konstant]

Yes.

[swornsword]

How many cities were stacked on top of yours.

[konstant]

I was an officer in Los Angeles.

It was one of six megapolises left on the planet at the time.

[swornsword]

Military?

[konstant]

Police department.

I was a blade runner. It's not a specialty anyone has heard of since I've come here.

[swornsword]

Swords?

[He's trying, okay.]

[konstant]

[It's a common misconception, so K is neither surprised nor bothered.]

No. My purpose is to locate and retire rogue replicants.

[And, anticipating the question:] Replicants are bioengineered humanoid androids.

I'm a replicant.

[swornsword]

So like a bounty hunter.

[konstant]

Kind of, yes.

Although I was commissioned specifically for the purpose, and I didn't receive bounties so much as bonuses for closing out cases, always less than what was paid to civilian blade runners.

[swornsword]

Sounds like a raw deal.

[konstant]

In some ways.

In others, I had a lot more freedom than most other replicants.

You're used to bounty hunters?

[swornsword]

I was one. I hunted pirates.

[konstant]

By choice?

[swornsword]

It was a means to an end.

[konstant]

Several ends, if you were any good.

Why, then?

[He's been attentive all along of course, but now there's a subtle... settling of focus.]

[swornsword]

Kept me sharp, kept me independent — things I thought I'd need to see my promises through.

[Zoro rarely offers more information about himself than absolutely necessary. It's not that he's unwilling to share, but K will need to delve a little deeper if he wants to unearth more personal details.]

[konstant]

[K is known, to those who know him at all, for his patience and calm.

Now is no different.]

Promises to whom?

[swornsword]

[The question hangs heavy in the air. Zoro lets out a slow breath, considering his response. Finally, he settles on the simple truth, his voice low:]

... Someone I lost a long time ago.

[konstant]

I'm sorry.

[Concise, but sincere. He considers asking more - the detective in him is always interested in knowing more - but lets the moment hang instead before he breaks the silence again.]

Were you able to keep your promises?

[swornsword]

[He inclines his head ever so slightly, a silent acknowledgement of the other man's condolences. There's little room for sentimentality in his work, but Zoro still appreciates a gesture of kindness in the hardened landscape of his life.

Quietly, he answers:]

Not in the way I envisioned. But my oaths haven't been broken, and I won't turn back.

[konstant]

[On his end K tips his head too, even though it's only so effective for keeping Zoro's eyes on his, keeping a full view of his face, his expression.

He considers what he's seeing for several long, thoughtful seconds, then nods.]

Adaptability is the earmark of survival.

Being here probably doesn't make that any easier.

[swornsword]

["Mastery comes from adapting," his sensei used to say. "Flow with the fight, don't get stuck in patterns. It's not weakness, Zoro, it's the mark of a true swordsman."

Zoro gives K a light shrug.]

Nothing lasts forever.

[His voice is steady and sure.]

I can take it.

[konstant]

I wouldn't claim to know you better than you do yourself.

[And he's not. Some people are much better suited to the particular challenge that is the LIES program than others.]

How did you meet Vrenille?