❛ — “I’m getting contradicting orders here so I guess I’ll just let you two fight it out." | @reaverxrichard / This Meme From Forever Ago — ❜
“Well, put the little mongrel down then. If it can’t learn to accept orders, then we’ve other —”
❝ —Richard, belay that order. ❞
Tense silence seemed to hang in the air for a few heartbeats too long, the moment drug out and uncomfortable. As though everything had been set to ‘Pause' — southern cruelty meeting toxic science, in a disagreement that nobody else knew how to respond to.
And then that — ( manipulative ) — friendly voice started again, smooth and calm, as though the entire situation hadn’t just gotten messy.
"Is there a problem, Donald? It isn’t as though we need that one, and it’s been nothing but disobedient for weeks.”
❝ Yeah, there’s a problem. We ain’t throwin’ away good science just 'cause you’ve gone n’ lost ya damn temper over it. ❞
“I have not lost my temper. You, however, are being needlessly stubborn about it. Parker, go —”
❝ No. Richard, stand down. ❞
You likely could’ve heard a pin drop on the facility floors in that moment. Another sharp moment of nothing, blue eyes locked with each other’s in some wordless argument, and in the end of it? Neither side won out.
( This wasn’t a matter of who had the authority, or even a matter of who was right — all that really mattered was who Richie listened to right now, and they both damn well knew it. )
❝ —— Richard, put the fuckin’ gun away or so help me — ❞
Finally, that sweet voice cut through the chaos of the facility hallway, briefly silencing Pierce and their employer alike.
“I’m getting contradicting orders here, so I guess I’ll just let you two fight it out.”
God bless Richard Parker.
Donald offered little pause, time given only to take a deep breath, to steady that cruel drawl back into something faux-pleasant. A twitch of that hateful smile, all warmth currently dissolved from the expression, fingers snapping in the other Reaver’s direction.
❝ Darlin’ idea, Rich. Meet me in m’ office — Dr. Rice n’ I need ta’ have a chat. ❞
Just like that, everyone was back to their usual masks.
“To my office then, Donald?”
( A day in the life at Transigen. Everyone had their own reality, their own manipulative personas, to keep in check — and everyone else? Was better off when those Chess pieces were in their respective places. )
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