Heart and soul

[jianai]

[1]
[In order to get better as a pilot and not wreck a mobile suit each time they're piloting, Ren is doing some good old fashioned physical exercise.]

And one, and two...

[Running laps around Alhambra Base - with a lack of haste that'd cause any drill sergeant worth their salt to pop a vein or a dozen. But what's this - 15, 20, 30 laps around the base done, and Ren isn't even sweaty yet.

Comment? Or maybe join in, if you dare?]

[2]
[Some time after the exercise, but directed at whomever seems willing to listen.]

Do you believe in the afterlife?

Comments

[jianai]

That's what I mean. You seem really convinced that this is the truth. Perhaps you know something that most people do not?

You can't blame people for not knowing something Graveyard decided to keep a secret. If anything, it is a compliment to your security's effectiveness.

[keep_your_dignity]

I KNOW A LOT OF THINGS. VERY FEW OF THEM ARE ANY BUSINESS OF YOURS.

AND I DON'T BLAME ANYONE FOR BELIEVING WHATEVER. I HAVE NO INTEREST IN BEING THOUGHT POLICE. LONG AS THEY PERFORM, WHATEVER GIVES THEM THE GUTS TO GRAB THEIR RIFLE AND GO OUT THERE TO KILL SOME MOTHERFUCKERS AND SAVE THE WORLD WORKS.

[jianai]

That's reasonable. And don't worry, I have no intent of looking at secrets, organisational or private. Unless you'd ever feel like sharing them with me, that is.

Allow me to ask a question then. Major Kagura, do you have a soul?

[keep_your_dignity]

[As a note, in all this Kagura still yet has to look up from her paperwork and at Ren.]

YES.

[jianai]

Ah, that's good. I'm actually relieved!

[Good, that means Kagura doesn't notice how broad and possibly very annoying Ren's smile is right now.]

I didn't know that artificially created machines could even have souls. But I admit, I'm really ignorant as far as the Executors' inner workings and technology are concerned.

[keep_your_dignity]

AND YOU'RE GOING TO CONTINUE THAT WAY IF I HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY ABOUT THAT.

[jianai]

Of course, of course.

Major Kagura... though, may I call you just "Kagura"? No? Just checking. Anyway...

I am really happy for you.

[keep_your_dignity]

YOU MAY ADDRESS ME AS EITHER MAJOR KAGURA OR MAJOR. CALL ME JUST KAGURA AND I'LL SHOVE THOSE HORNS DOWN YOUR THROAT.

[At the second bit, though, all she says is]

OH GEE. SUCH JOY.

[And for once, Kagura's flat monotone actually helps with the sarcasm]

[jianai]

If you say so, Major Kagura.

[Smile smile.]

You are free to call me just "Ren", though. Anyway, I should leave you to your work now, shouldn't I?

[keep_your_dignity]

YOU'RE UBUNTU UNTIL I DECIDE TO CALL YOU SOMETHING ELSE. LIKE MAYBE MAGGOT.

AND YES. YOU SHOULD HAVE DONE THAT SOME TIME AGO, BUT BETTER NOTICING LATE THAN NEVER. BYE.

[jianai]

There is no need to be rude. I am sure we can all be good friends.

Well then, let us talk later. Have a good day!

[Ren waves before leaving.]