Fired at the ones who run

Luc Bastien. 26. Gun in hand. Heart of gold. Consummate liar.

[lucbastien-blog]

Must you tread like a cat?

[dennisjordan]

[Dennis swallowed hard. Something in him desperately wanted Luc to stay for awhile; another part of him knew that he wanted to collapse in relief that Luc was leaving. The encounter was going to leave him shaking—was he so obvious as that? It had taken him and Alex weeks to admit the truth, but within three minutes this Luc had done the same. Dennis had no idea if that was normal or not, if this should be enough to give rise to suspicion.

Let him leave. Call it a day. Consider yourself lucky.]

Wait! Don’t go. [Merde. Didn’t think that one through.] I mean—I’ll go, you were here when I so rudely intruded.  

[lucbastien-blog]

[Oh interesting... didn't think he'd cave so soon. Remember, shield up. He mustn't know you're smiling.] My business is finished here, garçon. [Dennis Jordan. Deck E. Turkish bath attendant.] What is more, I have no reason to stay. Sometimes, in desperate times, we say indiscreetly hasty things hoping it will bring us what we want. We are wrong, then. I am a hedonist, remember? I will take pain only if it was pleasure to me, and there is nothing pleasing about a dead end.

[lucbastien-blog]

Must you tread like a cat?

[dennisjordan]

[Oh God. Oh God, why?] Erm…no, I wouldn’t call it “friction”, exactly. [He has to know what he sounds like, he has to know what he’s saying.] In fact, I’m unaware of any colloquialisms that describe the sensation of having your shoes polished. At any rate, I doubt I’d much like polishing your shoes, eye contact or no. I will fetch the First Class passengers towels and turn on taps for you all, but being forced to kneel at your feet is where I draw theline.

[Guarded, carefully:] You sound most fortunate in your selection of teammates. Is that why you’re traveling? Do you lot have a game in the States?

[Feign ignorance. He already considers you ignorant, it should not be too hard to convince him of it.] Sir, other than a description of the camaraderie of Racing Club, you have still offered me nothing.

[lucbastien-blog]

Oh. [Resist the urge to look wary. Show him you are resisting your own fear. Lift that shield just slightly higher, one step back. You're a man who's made a criminal mistake. Make him believe it or you'll be the dead one.] I should have realised. I must beg your leave, then. With a near-definite rejection on the horizon, it would not behoove me to elaborate. You must either know my meaning or else it would be... injudicious of me to elaborate. In either way, your answer seems to be the same. I would rather preserve my skin than play verbal games.

[Turn to leave. Pause. Just so.] If you will permit the foreigner one last risk, you would be handsome on your knees, but not if I forced you there.

[lucbastien-blog]

Incredible.

[estellebastien]

Exactly. Who are you to disagree? So, please, quit disagreeing with me.

You think that you could easily do my job? [ Who in the HELL do you think you are? If I wasn’t here- God, why do you do this to me? And why do I feel this way around… It is something I cannot understand and it worries me, especially since you cast me off so easily and take into your bed numerous women who could never mean anything to you. ] If you could do my job so well, then why am I the one attempting to clean up after you? Since it is you who have lost the message and you who should be retrieving it. I understand completely why Brandon would not be willing to do YOUR job.

[lucbastien-blog]

Very well then. [How easy it is to slip back into the persona, exchange the borrowed French for borrowed English.] I was not aware that I had entreated you or obligated you or perhaps even asked you to assist me in this endeavour. You are my fairweather friend, I absolve you of any necessity of lending me a helping hand. As I have said before, I will say again: fine. I will accomplish this on my own. I have been doing your job when you are not there, I have been doing your job when I am alone, when I am with someone else. I am not infallible, but I am damn near close to it. You talk, I sweep, do you remember? Sweeping is not as easy as smiling and flirting, and I will get this carried out as well. If dear Uncle Reynaud should ask, you are my sister and you are nothing more. Good night, mon sœur.

[lucbastien-blog]

Must you tread like a cat?

[dennisjordan]

I confess I am not new to labor at all: before this I was a valet, and before that, an employee at a restaurant. I have yet to shine someone’s shoes, though—perhaps that will be what breaks me and keeps my eyes glued to the floor. [Dennis laughed] Your friends from the locker room must be awful indeed if you see me as a gentleman in comparison. [His cheerfulness faded slowly as he processed what Luc was saying, and was gone completely when he could bear to tear his gaze from the floor. Do not trust him; you trusted Alexandre, and he betrayed you, he made you believe that he loved you, he abandoned you. Dennis’s pulse quickened, but from anger or fear he could not tell. He could not open his mouth to reply. Not when he did not know what would come out.

Fuck off was what Dennis wanted to say, but something in him made him stop, a traitorous thought calmed him: not everyone is Alexandre—deceiving, lying, manipulative. Dennis would be neither believing nor disbelieving, then. Perhaps it had been a lapse in translation on Luc’s part. Yes, that was it: he just did not know what he had said.] Indeed, you have not.

[lucbastien-blog]

I was wrong about you? That is a strike to the ego of a smart man. But I would regret to see you unable to look me in the eye. It is such a shame when there is no eye contact, the friction is more pleasant when you see what you do to each other... You must pardon me, I did not mean friction, unless that is how you describe the process of shoes being polished. The curse of a new language is that there are so many words they teach you from the textbooks, but there is so little opportunity to understand colloquialisms.

My locker room with Racing Club is not so unpleasant as that, I did not mean to make them sound like louts and boors. Young men in the prime of life, youth and vigour bursting at the seams, sweat and the urge to push - for victory. It is a heady atmosphere to be in. The love I bear my teammates is almost a drug: bad for the soul, borderline illicit with good it feels to see their faces after a game. The triumph of a win or the dirty failure of a loss, they are assuaged if there is a good man to help you absorb the blow.

[And smile. The famous smile: composed, brave, I-have-told-you-a-secret-if-you-can-read-between-the-lines. Practised to perfection.] How much clearer would you like me to be?

[lucbastien-blog]

Incredible.

[estellebastien]

I only appear transparent to you. [ Why must you continue to be so infuriating! I am every bit as useful as you! And you are the one that could not keep a damn crew member from intercepting a note! You had only this to accomplish until we located Matilda! ] I just do not feel like wasting the effort on you.

How kind of you to concern yourself with my morality. It is oddly misplaced, but I shall allow you to feel your superiority concerning the offing of any certain unnecessary ends. [ Let us not forget when you are not around and I am forced to smother a man before he takes my honored virtue away from me. ] Now then, I shall attempt to charm this loose end that you have created. I need a name.

[lucbastien-blog]

Very well, then. If that's what you want to tell yourself, who am I to disagree with my sweet, honeyed sister whom I love more than myself?

It's your not morality I care about. We've carried out our assigned roles for so long, I'm sure I could do your job with something like competence, but you couldn't do mine. We are the best at what we each do for a reason. You talk, I sweep. Let's keep it that way. And Holt says his name is Jordan. They're quartered together along with a few others on the E Deck, at the ship's rear. [Just in case I need to tie those bedsheets around his neck.] Holt was remarkably uncooperative when I suggested he finish the job for us.

[lucbastien-blog]

Must you tread like a cat?

[dennisjordan]

[Charming stranger? And star-eclipsingly bright smile? Dennis’s eyes grew cold. He had heard similar before and that had wrought nothing but misery. …Maybe it was a French thing, to flatter strangers to get what you wanted.]

If after such an outburst - which I beg your forgiveness for, I quite forgot myself - you still consider me charming, you must have quite the tolerance for the opposite. As for what I’m willing to give you—I work for you, at least on this ship; you have only to name it, and if it is within my power to accomplish, I will. [Dennis could not keep the blush from rising—rejection? He wasn’t sure if anyone was capable of rejecting Luc. Best not say that aloud.] For there to be a rejection, there must first have been an offer, and you offered nothing. I assure you, no blow to your esteem was meant, hideous is the last thing I would call y - [Shut. Up.] I apologize again, Sir.

[lucbastien-blog]

I find that you have charm because you are new. You must be new to this business of indentured labour: usually the men who shine my shoes have forgotten what uprising sounds like and their eyes are firmly glued to the floor. You must be on hard times, and I admire you for doing what needs to be done. [Don't gag. Don't overdo it; you might not have the softest hands but that wasn't from manual labour. You grew up spoiled and rich. Sound like it.] You have charm in abundance compared to others in your station. By God, you are a gentleman compared to my friends from the locker room. But are all you Englishmen so coy? Have I really offered nothing to you? [This is moment: this is when you know. Are my hands trembling? Best to clench those fists in an attempt to "hide" the naked emotion. God save the buggerers, they need the help. Look convincing. Look afraid but as if you're trying not be. Make him believe it or you really will have something to be afraid of.]

[eleanordanvers-deactivated20140]

I hope you aren’t referring to the likes of me when you talk of someone of education attempting to better you. I am in no way trying to better you. I simply think that in order to be defined properly as a Lady or Gentlemen, one must have had some sort of education. Without it, you merely can miss out on important morals and mannerisms needed to grow up. Education is vital for a child, learning his or her place in the world. 

[lucbastien-blog]

Tres bien, it is like being put in the room with my sister's governess again! Such an uncanny resemblance that the mind reels. But, to return to all seriousness, it was a lapse in my fluency with your language. The only woman who has seen the worst of my obstinacy was the governess. I do not dare to assume so much of a lady I am not acquainted with, to think that she has so little to do with her time that she will bother with a person such as me. After all, how can you better the best?

[lucbastien-blog]

Incredible.

[estellebastien]

I’m glad that I am the only source of pleasurable irritation. I should hate that I should be replaced by any certain blonde society women. And Reynaud is usually too drunk to realize the difference between personas. Miss Bastien is hardly worth that, Luc. [ She grasped at his lapels tightly before moving her face slightly toward his. ] Do not call me that. You know how I detest it.

How generous of you to fold to my wishes. He is not of any use to me dead or alive. Therefore once the letter is in your possession, I would not mind joining you in ending such a man’s life.

[lucbastien-blog]

[Temper, temper.] I'm afraid that your graceless older brother wouldn't be doing his part right if he didn't push all the right buttons. How do you pull the wool over anyone's eyes, if you're quite so transparent?

I have been told by plenty that my generosity is worth beatifying me for. I would not, however, like some rosbif's blood on your clean hands. It's not worth it. Our roles have always been separate. You charm them, I clean up after you. No need to break what isn't broken.

[lucbastien-blog]

Must you tread like a cat?

[dennisjordan]

Xenophobic? [Dennis turned to glare at whoever this was - this Luc - and had to remind himself that he was not merely another passenger, he worked here, and it would hardly be fitting to throw a towel in a valued customer’s face. …Or several towels. His hands clenched around the fabric in his hands.] You walk in here, completely starkers, I become uncomfortable, and that must mean I’m xenophobic? Or maybe - and this is just a thought - maybe you were right the first time and it was just a bit of a culture shock! I’m not - I am in no place to consider anyone a filthy foreigner, and you were the one calling me ignorant because I’m English, so whose the goddamned prejudiced one between the two of us? You don’t see me as anyone worth talking to, you’ve made that abundantly clear - I’m worth only what I can do for you. You have no interest in my existence, and you accuse me of ignoring yours?

[lucbastien-blog]

Firstly, I have only said your ignorance is of the society in my country, a fact that is mutual. I am at your mercy when navigating your customs, as well, am I not? Second of all, we have grievously misunderstood each other if you believe I see you only for what you can do for me. Charming stranger, I do not know you well enough to know what you are willing to give me in the first place – a prerequisite to wanting something of you. Is culture shock not something we can laugh off? I am comfortable in my body, it appears you are not so free. Or perhaps it is mine that you do not find gratifying. It is a crippling blow to my esteem to be rejected so swiftly, but I shall survive it. I simply hope that it was my hideous person... personality? Or is 'persona' the right word? - that was to blame, but not my foreignness. 

[eleanordanvers-deactivated20140]

Well she must have been somewhat successful because it sounds like you taught you something over her ventures. 

[lucbastien-blog]

With severe difficulty, I must confess, madam. I have always been especially obstinate when someone of education attempts to better me. We all have our vices: my own is a sense of self-preservation, and I suspect yours will be far more interesting.

[lucbastien-blog]

Must you tread like a cat?

[dennisjordan]

[Ce sera toujours comme ça, Dennis. Or have you forgotten?

Alexandre. Something in him burned, but then he blinked and the voice was gone. But this man was still here; still here, and talking to him, and God, why? Le Ciel dois te punir, Dennis. And before his helpless, trapped eyes met with this gentleman’s, he turned. May as well continue working while a random stranger tormented him; Dennis’s hands found the soft fabric of a towel, folded it, set it aside, repeated.]

I don’t know what you mean by your ignorance - I confess myself easily perturbed, [A poor excuse, given your profession - patting down bare-naked ladies all day long. A poor excuse, but not a lie.] and the fault for my shortcomings is by no means yours. [The phrase “too forward” was enough to make him stop short, not least because it was followed by the word “intentions”, and then “misguide you” and it was as though Dennis had been thrust rudely into his worst nightmare. Which also happened to look oddly like his worst memory.] Ah, well. Right. For starters, I’d keep a tighter grip on that bloody towel if I were you.

[lucbastien-blog]

[One step back. Eyes wide. Clench your grip. How does Estelle perform this kind of asinine charade all day long?] 

Of course. [First hint of frost in that voice. Luc Bastien is not used to rejection, especially when he stepped down from his pedestal to lay himself on the line. Luc Bastien is a sham, and this takes too fucking long compared to a bullet.] I should have realised. Our governments are political allies, but to you xenophobic English, men like me will simply remain the filthy foreigner. And although your lack of interest in my... existence, is that the word? - [Oh, nice touch, losing your grasp English in a heated moment. And now to turn the knife.] - is abundantly clear, I have been Luc. I am Luc.

[lucbastien-blog]

Incredible.

[estellebastien]

You are the only person that I could actually have a bit of fun with. Everyone else only is allowed to see such a boring side of me. That is the reality, Luc. Neither of us are genuinely real. And am I not worth being jealous over, darling brother?

Because then there is physical proof of you losing the letter and if we do so before we have the letter back, all the information is lost. Once we obtain the letter, feel free to do as your heart desires with the man. 

[lucbastien-blog]

And you, I. [Skinning a little too close to the truth, are you?] But Reynaud might be put out to hear you show him only your... boring side. I don't think you realise you could hardly have one of those. Even Estelle Bastien is worth pitching a jealous fit over... Miss Poirier.

Fine. As you wish. My capacity to deny you anything is limited, see what a terribly good brother I am? He lives long enough to talk. If only he knew why he sleeps safely tonight.

[lucbastien-blog]

Incredible.

[estellebastien]

Please do not belittle me by stating that I finally understood. If you hadn’t recalled, I too am clever as you. [ Perhaps more clever at times. ] I shall investigate and ensnare whomever we need and could perhaps be useful to us. If you do not like these persons, then perhaps I shall befriend them. Partially for information and partially to irritate you.

You have proven that you have in the past. Then we shall get the message back. There is no reason for Reynaud or anyone else to be aware of this misstep. And appearing to act civil is the only way to act if we don’t want this man dispatched, even if it would be much easier. [ I would enjoy getting rid of this problem if it would bring Luc’s focus back. Or perhaps dissuade him from all those pretty little blonde society girls, who hardly know what they’ve gotten themselves into. ]

[lucbastien-blog]

Irritate me?

Why, am I to be jealous of a doddering old man and a half-man? All they do is talk all day, I'd be most ill-suited for keeping my eyes open. There days I wonder how you're real, how you get it done.

And no, hopefully we can get the other matter taken care of before Reynaud finds out. Knowing him, his first instinct will only be to run to his darling Caspar. Ending the bath attendant's life would be a quiet affair, I don't see why you're opposed to it.

[eleanordanvers-deactivated20140]

[She flicks through a book and reads aloud to herself.] …From the sun-warmed lowland each night that betides, to the huts of the snow-land a horseman rides.

[lucbastien-blog]

Ah, something that begins with etcetera, qui étaient plus lumineux, is it not? My sister's governess tried extremely hard to bring my focus to the lessons, but poetry was never for me.

[lucbastien-blog]

Must you tread like a cat?

[dennisjordan]

[Dennis had to fight to stop himself from recoiling from the man’s touch, everything in him turning cold. As it was, he still moved away as quickly as tactfully possible, not even able to fake a smile. He caught a glimpse of himself in a mirror; his eyes were wide, face flushed. Neutral. Neutral expression, neutral voice. Act as though you’re not trembling and about to fall over.]

Now it is my turn to apologize, for I have never heard of this Racing Club. But I am rosbif, my ignorance is to be expected. [He offered a wry smile.] You want me to teach you how to curse? We are on a grand ship full of sailors and their notoriously filthy mouths, and you ask the bath attendant? [And he had to laugh at that.] Should I be offended?

[lucbastien-blog]

[Ça alors! You blind bat, you magnificent man, how did this escape your notice? Thank you, boy, for laying it out on the line for everyone to see. But wait, test the theory. Perhaps he's just a shrinking violet. Ha!

One step back. Tone entrenched in utterly uncharacteristic hesitancy. Stare just a little too long at your hand as if you think the fingers are leperous and everyone but you can see. Sell it. Make him believe it as if your life depends on it. Maybe it does.]

Garçon...? I am afraid that I have taken a misstep somewhere, navigating this labyrinth of ros - English etiquette. It is not your ignorance at fault - for a change, yes? - but entirely mine. You appear to be extremely uncomfortable, I have made you lose that star-eclipsingly bright smile. Wretched are the foreign, they do not know what to do to make right their wrongs. Have I been too forward, too open about my intentions? I did not mean to... misguide you. I would like to learn many things from you, and the best use of a filthy mouth is not first on my proverbial list. You could also tell me how not to be submerged under a tidal wave of your social customs.

[lucbastien-blog]

Incredible.

[estellebastien]

Isn’t that my talent? Looking harmless. There may not be a certain logical reason why an older woman would want guns. But let us consider maybe that is not all there is to the situation. We are perfect examples. There are plenty of passengers that are as one dimensional as they claim, but perhaps not others.

Of course, because you are always so focused. Then what are we going to do? Speaking with this… This man? I will not be able to smooth this over, so you will either have to act civil or kill him, Luc.

[lucbastien-blog]

Sweet sister, you finally grasp the point I'm making. I don't trust the old woman, I don't like the old woman. There's no earthly reason she should be making nice with the Kraut. They have nothing in common, and common sense says they can't have their intentions aligned in good conscience. I don't like him either. Maxmilian Heiden isn't above sending his son to act as his advance guard all the way from his sickbed.

God damn you, you know I am. [The job. The mission. The red right hand. I am nothing without it.] The time for acting civil is past if he's got the message. The good news is it might take him a while to decode it, then understand it, and if we act fast, that will be time enough to ensure he never opens his eyes again... Except. Darling, darling sister, act civil, you say? I believe there's a way out of this, after all.

[lucbastien-blog]

Incredible.

[estellebastien]

The old woman… Ah, I recall who she is. But I do not think I have had the pleasure of her company. Perhaps I will be able to set her at ease a bit more than you could. That is not quite the correct question to be asking… What would a woman such as myself want with guns?

At least you did not stake my life on you actually finding the note! You have allowed Caspar’s note to be intercepted… Luc! How could you be so tactless? What could have possibly detracted your attention from the objective when the stakes are so high!

[lucbastien-blog]

I don't doubt it, sweet sister. You look like harmless to be shredded apart in her harpy's talons; I'll enjoy the look on her face when she discovers otherwise. But you're being dim today. A woman like you won't want for guns while I'm around, but a woman like her - the old one - is a mystery. She's been around the Kraut, and I don't like it.

[Your life matters a great deal more than mine sometimes, that's all.] And for your information, I didn't allow anything. Nothing distracted me, damn it, you know me better than that. As it happens, the hiding place wasn't as impregnable as we'd hoped. That's all. [That's all? You're fucking dead.] That's all. There's still time to fix it.