(Eventually) OOM: bird song

[isaysimplewords]

Cal is at a table in the middle of Milliways, as per usual. He also has his usual mug of raktajino.

Slightly less usual is the small scarlet feather he's studying, twirling it contemplatively between his fingers.

Comments

[chandler-npc.livejournal.com]

"Cut the crap, Cal. What's going on here?"

Elaine has learned that sometimes, being blunt gets you results. It could also lead to danger, but the perception filter is still up. She need only step backwards to disappear again.

[isaysimplewords]

That's pretty much what he expected. Actually, no, it's a lot milder than what he expected. He lets the studiedly relaxed expression drop. (The wary and slightly sheepish one that takes its place is completely authentic.)

"I thought the bird was - weird. I wanted to get a closer look. Isabella's the one who knows how to pick locks. That's all."

More or less. For a given value of "all."

[not_lugosi]

"You have to admit, anyone with eyes would notice it's not quite right. What is it?"

[chandler-npc.livejournal.com]

"A bird, of course. An ill bird, but nothing more."

[isaysimplewords]

Cal glances at the bird. It's still holding the same position, head cocked, staring at them.

He shakes his own head and looks back at Elaine.

"That's not a bird," he says. "That's not even alive."

[chandler-npc.livejournal.com]

Elaine presses her lips together into a straight line. She still doesn't think Cal is a threat, but what if he's been caught up with UNIT? This Isabella seems the type to be an agent.

"What's it to you, Cal Chandler? Even if it's not what it seems, what's it to you?"

If this gets unpleasant, Elaine will be terribly sad.

[not_lugosi]

Bela takes this opportunity to get a closer look.

"It's a robot. Isn't it?"

Okay, that's pretty impressive.

[isaysimplewords]

Cal exhales, running a hand through his hair as he thinks about Bela's observation and how to frame his answer to Elaine.

"Things can get pretty strange on this planet sometimes, Elaine," he says. "You'd have to be blind not to see it. A robot bird . . . seems like the kind of thing that should be someone's business."

That's all he's got, when you get right down to it. It should be someone's business, in case it turns out to be something that becomes everyone's business.

[chandler-npc.livejournal.com]

"UNIT's business?"

[not_lugosi]

Bela gives Elaine a blank look and glances at Cal. What's UNIT?

[isaysimplewords]

Cal looks equally blank.

"UNIT?"

He tries to remember if Ianto's ever mentioned something (someone?) by that name, but if he has, it's not surfacing.

[chandler-npc.livejournal.com]

The blank looks seem genuine, and Elaine relaxes somewhat.

"Never mind. It's no one's business. There's nothing of interest here."

She steps back to open the door, hoping they'll take the hint and leave.

[isaysimplewords]

She's willing to let them go even though it's obvious she's only confirmed Cal's suspicions. That has to be a good sign.

But.

Cal takes a breath, and doesn't move.

"That doesn't mean I don't know other people who would be interested."

[chandler-npc.livejournal.com]

"Is that a threat?"

[not_lugosi]

"Does it need to be?"

Because Bela? Is fine with threats. More than fine.

[isaysimplewords]

Cal puts a hand on Bela's arm.

"It's a word of advice," he says mildly. "You don't seem like someone who's planning to destroy the world, so I don't see why we can't resolve this with a simple conversation. If you'd rather it just be between us, that's okay."

Sorry, Isabella.

[chandler-npc.livejournal.com]

"You're right. I'm not interested in destroying the world. I'm not sure what we need to resolve. There's nothing here that threatens you or your friend."

[not_lugosi]

"Seriously, is it a robot or what?"

[isaysimplewords]

"If it's nothing important," Cal says, "then you won't mind if it's taken and filed somewhere safe. Not with UNIT," he adds firmly. "You have my word on that."

[chandler-npc.livejournal.com]

Damnation.



"It's important to me, and I don't wish to be parted from it."

She nods at Bela. "It's a mechanical device. Not quite a robot."

[not_lugosi]

"There are aliens on this world, yeah? I mean, here."

Oops.

"Are you one of them? Or is the 'mechanical device' of alien origin?"

[isaysimplewords]

Cal glances at her, slightly exasperated. That was slightly more direct than he'd wanted to get.

(Even if it might be the more effective tactic at this point.)

[chandler-npc.livejournal.com]

"Are you?" Elaine's eyebrow is raised. "Neither of you strike me as being of this world."

[not_lugosi]

Bela shrugs. "I belong to this city, lady. I don't care about the world."

[isaysimplewords]

Cal, on the other hand, is thrown for something of a loop. He can understand Elaine's questioning Bela, they just met, but him? Really?

". . . Really?"