Made up fic title: No Death is Allowed
“That’s an… interesting sign, Kesh,” Ryder remarks, peering over Kesh’s desk. The sign is large, carelessly homemade, and reads “No Death Is Allowed” in bold orange letters.
“Do you like it? Thanks,” Kesh says, with satisfaction that hints to a larger context.
“Did anybody…..die recently?” Ryder asks.
“What? Oh, no, no,” Kesh says cheerily. “I just thought it would be… a useful guideline!”
“…Okay,” Ryder says. There definitely seems to be a larger context, but Kesh doesn’t seem to want to explain why the sign’s there.
Just then, Director Tann comes in, following a nervous aide. He takes one look at the sign and gives a little shriek of anger. “KESH!” he barks. “A sign like this will scare people! You must take it down immediately! What were you thinking!!“
“Really?” Kesh asks, catching Ryder’s eye ever so briefly. “When you introduced the new budget cuts, this was the only new policy I could think of that might protect us from the inky blackness of space. I was just trying to be “creative with my resources;” just like you told us to be! Do you have a better idea?”
Tann looks at Ryder, as if she’s committed a heinous crime simply by observing this exchange. Ryder meets his gaze with mild, emotionless curiosity. First of all, they’re not friends, and second; does he have a better idea?
“You are to come to my office in twenty minutes,” Tann tells Kesh, with furious calm. “You are to bring descriptions of essential functions, and estimates of the budget you need to keep them in operation. We will discuss these, and I will show you why the new budget is reasonable. Agreed?”
“It’s always a pleasure,” Kesh agrees pleasantly, already sorting through a drawer in her desk. She doesn’t seem particularly prepared to be proven wrong. Her claws flick through papers with the satisfaction of victory.
Ryder laughs nervously and Tann glares at her; at both of them.
“AND TAKE! DOWN! THAT! SIGN!”