[ Sebastian lets the silence linger, just dutifully continuing his work as Ciel thinks through what he's said. It's definitely the more pressing of the two issues, so by the time Ciel speaks up again, it definitely feels decreased in importance. Still, Sebastian explains smoothly, and it's accompanied by the soft sizzle of the chicken frying as he sets it in oil. ]
It may mean nothing, but I thought I may as well mention it so that I keep you informed and give you ideas to consider. Mr. Vakarian told me a bit of the enemies they faced on Ajna, but there was one in particular that was of concern. He called it an as well "invisible enemy," which I assumed to be literal, but what it did caught my interest. It rained body parts down upon our comrades, but they apparently belonged to other recruits.
[Oh, well, isn't that fucking nice. THANKS A LOT, SEBASTIAN.
Again, Ciel is quiet, and he stares across the room distantly, eye only blinking a few times before it closes. How was it invisible? (He'd understand this a little more perhaps once Chidori trances on him later and rattles off the chemical theory for camouflage and hidden light sources.) Did it just consume the recruits and then spit what was left down on the rest of them?
His mind flashes to a dark atrium lit by candles and covered in blood and bodies. It's as clear as day, as clear as he remembers. His bare foot steps in lukewarm blood, sticky and thick. There's a heavy energy that thrums through him, a fear that is muffled by numbness. Everything smells coppery.
Hastily, he snaps his eye open before he suffocates from holding his breath. It takes a second for him to exhale, quick and deep.] Is that suppose to scare me? [Nevermind the flashback he just had.]
I'm not worried. Part of your job is to make sure pieces of me don't rain down on other recruits.
[ He glances over at Ciel as he hears that exhale, but he says nothing to it, turning his attention back to the food he's working on preparing just as quickly. He knows what Ciel had been imagining, because for him, who knew more of Ciel than anyone else, it was as plainly apparent as if Ciel had told him what he had been thinking. Though as such, he also knows he doesn't need to comment. Sebastian only digs his claws into Ciel's sorest spots when he has to, so he shakes his head. ]
No, it is nothing like that, young master. I am always the knight for you to sacrifice as you choose.
[ But he knows Ciel wouldn't actually do it. It's the concern that had been reflected in his eyes when Ferdinand's scythe had swung down upon him. The black knight was the most valuable piece on Ciel's board, so sacrificing that was an almost certain checkmate. ]
Rather, that is an art of warfare that speaks to a different brand of intelligence. That is a psychological torment, because a beast would have dropped such a thing anywhere without care... It is merely something to consider. We should not underestimate the species we exterminate.
[Ciel tuts, then turns his head around to the other side so he can see and watch Sebastian. The look on his face isn't anything in particular except maybe tired. Mentally tired.] Mr. Wurstel said the creatures on Ajna were mindless, and he likened them to locust, a pestilence. [There's the barest hints of a wry smile.] Apparently, Mr. Wurstel didn't get to meet the ones that dropped the body parts of comrades on others.
Which is also why I warned you about the rumors you receive from people here.
[His eye flicks down as if in thought, and he's quiet for a few seconds.] Princess Mineva said it may be best to go meet the natives, but I think it's a useless endeavor. We will only be hand-patting them until their planet is destroyed. We don't know if they're aggressive, so it's dangerous.
And if they are pacifistic, primitive creatures, I know more than half the people here will get attached. They'll feel sorry for them. That could lead to similar trouble like the other ship you mentioned. They would kill us along with this planet.
[ It's all he says to the first part, but the tone he carries in that word makes it clear enough that he doesn't think it's just rumor, but also it's clearly not something he finds important enough to argue. Without more information, it may be a misunderstanding on his part, but if nothing else, he found Garrus's word extremely trustworthy, and certainly more than November's.
But as the topic shifts to Macha, Sebastian carefully flips the chicken over, letting the other side cook thoroughly. He certainly does wish he had a better kitchen to work with, but ah, well... ]
I agree completely, of course. Once the soft-hearted amongst us perceive sentience, their ability to act will be severely diminished, if not, ah, compromised. [ There's a note of amusement on that word, but he continues. ] There is little I can say to help assuage such people, since I have been finding my footing with those who are indifferent to my existence and opposition with those who hold an opinion, generally speaking. But if it becomes too much of a problem, we can discuss our options. It is a possibility that the unit leads are quite aware of, at least. I doubt they will simply let such a concern go unaddressed if it gets too out of hand.
[ He leans over to check the rice, but then glances back towards Ciel as he finishes. ]
It would be easier if we did not also have to move through this command structure, admittedly. But it at least provides an interesting puzzle to work through.
It's not so different than home. [Obviously, he looks pretty amused that Sebastian would have the same problems with the command structure here as he did, yet the manor and their duty to the Queen is set up in a similar fashion.] I am head of household who gives orders to you, the head butler, then you disperse those orders accordingly.
However, [a pause] setting up a line of command such as that requires prompt and precise orders. I don't much care for how they do things here, to be honest. I haven't seen any of the officers aside from one, I'm assuming, who had been standing outside. The tall one with a lot of weapons. [He stares at Sebastian for some time, thinking, idly watching the cooking while he does.]
But they're not going to hold our hand, I know. [Carefully, he stretches, then drops his arms by his head.] They are trying to weed out the weak, so they give us less instructions. Maybe they don't even know this planet themselves, and that would be sloppy on their part.
Ah, but the rules at home do have more leeway, ultimately...
[ Either because they're cheaters, or because Sebastian is massively overpowered in comparison to everyone else, but. He turns his attention back to his dish, since he wants to make sure the chicken's skin doesn't burn even a little. Even here, he's a perfectionist, at least. ]
Though I would be inclined to agree, yes. Our instructors are rather mysterious in that way. The tall one you mentioned is the leader of my unit, but I am waiting to approach him, since I have nothing to speak to him about other than idle chatter. I would prefer my first impression be better than that.
[ He hums thoughtfully, as something comes to mind, but he can consider that later, he decides. With mapping tomorrow, he likely couldn't do much towards his idea of making their camp more fortified anyways. ]
In any case, we will manage. Do you have any plans for while I am away, speaking of? We are given three days, but I would like to come back sooner, naturally.
[Whatever Ciel is thinking, he doesn't voice. His eye lingers up over his head, searching the ceiling and the other bunk though it flits to and fro as if he's reading the page of a book. Really he's only pondering.
He glance back over at Sebastian only when the demon speaks to him again.] Not really. [He turns in a way to obscure his face from Sebastian's view. His voice is low, but not unwavering when he adds:] I may go visit the natives anyway. [(sweats about mineva)] Or at least watch them from afar.
I may also explore more of the area. Princess Mineva said her group was followed at a distance by the natives. I don't like that we are gathered in one area that they have seen, but then we're split up later. A divided force means a better opportunity for them to attack and win.
[ Sebastian starts to take the chicken off the pan, since it's thoroughly cooked by now, but he doesn't respond right away to what Ciel says. It could be because he's concentrating on the task, but more likely, he's not pleased by what he hears. ]
...I would advise against the former, young master.
[ Eventually, he responds, though it's definitely carefully. ]
Let me at least say that if you go, you are going with the full knowledge that I may not be able to make it to you in time if things go badly, even if you call upon me. There is only so fast that even I can travel.
[ Which is unsurprising when you remember the scale of the map, since going 600 miles in one go would be difficult for anyone... ]
I have no place to stop you, but I wish to at least make that clear.
[Oh, of course Sebastian would warn him against getting into trouble. Afraid your little crock-pot meal is going to be ruined by the twisted hands of plant people?
Ciel hides the dark smile on his lips by keeping his head turned away and burying his mouth in the back of his hand. He does quite enjoy making Sebastian work for it, he thinks, for his soul. It comes at the price of pain, sure, but if it makes Sebastian suffer, well...] I'll consider it.
[Which is to say, he will be out meeting the natives and exploring the coastline with Tsuna. Godspeed.] Perhaps you should just get better at traveling long distances.
I can't control what happens on this planet. [The smile is gone when he turns his head to look back at Sebastian.] I told you to always protect me, so if you don't even do that here.... [What kind of Phantomhive butler are you?]
[ He's set the chicken aside to cool before he packages it up, and for once, he doesn't try and hide the displeasure on his face. It's the sort of upset that makes it clear that Ciel is pushing against Sebastian in a way he disapproves of, which may be satisfying, but there's also the danger of him snapping back in the face of it. ]
Nor can I, young master.
[ His voice is cool and controlled, but he cants his head lightly as he looks at Ciel. ]
But I need not remind you what I will do to prevent your demise. You may find those means distasteful, however, so I hope I should not have to displease you so.
[The look on his face is horrifyingly blank, but the look in his eye is what could eat the rust right off a piece of metal. With how his jaw is set, it's obvious that his teeth are gritted behind his lips.
If there's two things he doesn't want to hear, one is that Sebastian may not be able to get to him in time; the second is that Sebastian is willing to do something utterly ludicrous to ensure his survival.
As usual, he's the first to give up the game. It's not that he doesn't have anything to say, but rather, he doesn't want to hear what Sebastian has to say once he's said it.
So he jerks his head away, then rolls himself across the bed until he's on his side and his back is given to the demon.]
[ Sebastian relaxes, though this time he at least doesn't gloat, which is surely a small blessing. He stares at Ciel's back for a moment, but then turns back to his work, starting another set of chicken on frying lightly. His voice is cool and respectful when he speaks again, all of that hard edge completely out of his voice by now. ]
Would you like for me to stay until you fall asleep, young master?
No. [Because he can act like a complete tittybaby when he's scorned.
Not that Sebastian probably minds be relieved from such a duty. Ciel is just stubborn, and he will suffer in silence behind the noise-canceling curtain since he would rather do so than ever ask Sebastian to stay with him after that.
It's just times like these Ciel realizes Sebastian is truly a demon and not a caretaker... not that Ciel ever forgets.] Leave when you're finished.
Understood. I am nearly finished, so I will pack everything up and store it for you.
[ He sighs a little, since he knows Ciel is buttmad, but at least he's used to that, for one, and two, he also knows it's his fault. He can't exactly object because of that. ]
I will likely be gone before you wake, so... Do take care, young master. And sleep well.
[Look, so long as they aren't discussing heavy ethics, and so long as Sebastian isn't being a passive-aggressive piece of trash, Ciel can... probably go to sleep before the demon finishes up.
It turns out he can.
While he's not use to hearing the noise of a kitchen when he sleeps, he is use to hearing Sebastian tinkering in the morning with the cart, or tinkering in general somewhere nearby. The cooking does little to phase him and, if anything, it gives him some focus aside from his thoughts, and Rover 10 uses Sleep! It's super effective!
He is gone without having even gotten under the covers or pulled the curtain closed. Look how much care he is taking already, Sebastian.]
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no subject
It may mean nothing, but I thought I may as well mention it so that I keep you informed and give you ideas to consider. Mr. Vakarian told me a bit of the enemies they faced on Ajna, but there was one in particular that was of concern. He called it an as well "invisible enemy," which I assumed to be literal, but what it did caught my interest. It rained body parts down upon our comrades, but they apparently belonged to other recruits.
no subject
Again, Ciel is quiet, and he stares across the room distantly, eye only blinking a few times before it closes. How was it invisible? (He'd understand this a little more perhaps once Chidori trances on him later and rattles off the chemical theory for camouflage and hidden light sources.) Did it just consume the recruits and then spit what was left down on the rest of them?
His mind flashes to a dark atrium lit by candles and covered in blood and bodies. It's as clear as day, as clear as he remembers. His bare foot steps in lukewarm blood, sticky and thick. There's a heavy energy that thrums through him, a fear that is muffled by numbness. Everything smells coppery.
Hastily, he snaps his eye open before he suffocates from holding his breath. It takes a second for him to exhale, quick and deep.] Is that suppose to scare me? [Nevermind the flashback he just had.]
I'm not worried. Part of your job is to make sure pieces of me don't rain down on other recruits.
no subject
No, it is nothing like that, young master. I am always the knight for you to sacrifice as you choose.
[ But he knows Ciel wouldn't actually do it. It's the concern that had been reflected in his eyes when Ferdinand's scythe had swung down upon him. The black knight was the most valuable piece on Ciel's board, so sacrificing that was an almost certain checkmate. ]
Rather, that is an art of warfare that speaks to a different brand of intelligence. That is a psychological torment, because a beast would have dropped such a thing anywhere without care... It is merely something to consider. We should not underestimate the species we exterminate.
no subject
Which is also why I warned you about the rumors you receive from people here.
[His eye flicks down as if in thought, and he's quiet for a few seconds.] Princess Mineva said it may be best to go meet the natives, but I think it's a useless endeavor. We will only be hand-patting them until their planet is destroyed. We don't know if they're aggressive, so it's dangerous.
And if they are pacifistic, primitive creatures, I know more than half the people here will get attached. They'll feel sorry for them. That could lead to similar trouble like the other ship you mentioned. They would kill us along with this planet.
no subject
[ It's all he says to the first part, but the tone he carries in that word makes it clear enough that he doesn't think it's just rumor, but also it's clearly not something he finds important enough to argue. Without more information, it may be a misunderstanding on his part, but if nothing else, he found Garrus's word extremely trustworthy, and certainly more than November's.
But as the topic shifts to Macha, Sebastian carefully flips the chicken over, letting the other side cook thoroughly. He certainly does wish he had a better kitchen to work with, but ah, well... ]
I agree completely, of course. Once the soft-hearted amongst us perceive sentience, their ability to act will be severely diminished, if not, ah, compromised. [ There's a note of amusement on that word, but he continues. ] There is little I can say to help assuage such people, since I have been finding my footing with those who are indifferent to my existence and opposition with those who hold an opinion, generally speaking. But if it becomes too much of a problem, we can discuss our options. It is a possibility that the unit leads are quite aware of, at least. I doubt they will simply let such a concern go unaddressed if it gets too out of hand.
[ He leans over to check the rice, but then glances back towards Ciel as he finishes. ]
It would be easier if we did not also have to move through this command structure, admittedly. But it at least provides an interesting puzzle to work through.
no subject
However, [a pause] setting up a line of command such as that requires prompt and precise orders. I don't much care for how they do things here, to be honest. I haven't seen any of the officers aside from one, I'm assuming, who had been standing outside. The tall one with a lot of weapons. [He stares at Sebastian for some time, thinking, idly watching the cooking while he does.]
But they're not going to hold our hand, I know. [Carefully, he stretches, then drops his arms by his head.] They are trying to weed out the weak, so they give us less instructions. Maybe they don't even know this planet themselves, and that would be sloppy on their part.
no subject
[ Either because they're cheaters, or because Sebastian is massively overpowered in comparison to everyone else, but. He turns his attention back to his dish, since he wants to make sure the chicken's skin doesn't burn even a little. Even here, he's a perfectionist, at least. ]
Though I would be inclined to agree, yes. Our instructors are rather mysterious in that way. The tall one you mentioned is the leader of my unit, but I am waiting to approach him, since I have nothing to speak to him about other than idle chatter. I would prefer my first impression be better than that.
[ He hums thoughtfully, as something comes to mind, but he can consider that later, he decides. With mapping tomorrow, he likely couldn't do much towards his idea of making their camp more fortified anyways. ]
In any case, we will manage. Do you have any plans for while I am away, speaking of? We are given three days, but I would like to come back sooner, naturally.
no subject
He glance back over at Sebastian only when the demon speaks to him again.] Not really. [He turns in a way to obscure his face from Sebastian's view. His voice is low, but not unwavering when he adds:] I may go visit the natives anyway. [(sweats about mineva)] Or at least watch them from afar.
I may also explore more of the area. Princess Mineva said her group was followed at a distance by the natives. I don't like that we are gathered in one area that they have seen, but then we're split up later. A divided force means a better opportunity for them to attack and win.
no subject
...I would advise against the former, young master.
[ Eventually, he responds, though it's definitely carefully. ]
Let me at least say that if you go, you are going with the full knowledge that I may not be able to make it to you in time if things go badly, even if you call upon me. There is only so fast that even I can travel.
[ Which is unsurprising when you remember the scale of the map, since going 600 miles in one go would be difficult for anyone... ]
I have no place to stop you, but I wish to at least make that clear.
no subject
Ciel hides the dark smile on his lips by keeping his head turned away and burying his mouth in the back of his hand. He does quite enjoy making Sebastian work for it, he thinks, for his soul. It comes at the price of pain, sure, but if it makes Sebastian suffer, well...] I'll consider it.
[Which is to say, he will be out meeting the natives and exploring the coastline with Tsuna. Godspeed.] Perhaps you should just get better at traveling long distances.
I can't control what happens on this planet. [The smile is gone when he turns his head to look back at Sebastian.] I told you to always protect me, so if you don't even do that here.... [What kind of Phantomhive butler are you?]
no subject
[ He's set the chicken aside to cool before he packages it up, and for once, he doesn't try and hide the displeasure on his face. It's the sort of upset that makes it clear that Ciel is pushing against Sebastian in a way he disapproves of, which may be satisfying, but there's also the danger of him snapping back in the face of it. ]
Nor can I, young master.
[ His voice is cool and controlled, but he cants his head lightly as he looks at Ciel. ]
But I need not remind you what I will do to prevent your demise. You may find those means distasteful, however, so I hope I should not have to displease you so.
no subject
If there's two things he doesn't want to hear, one is that Sebastian may not be able to get to him in time; the second is that Sebastian is willing to do something utterly ludicrous to ensure his survival.
As usual, he's the first to give up the game. It's not that he doesn't have anything to say, but rather, he doesn't want to hear what Sebastian has to say once he's said it.
So he jerks his head away, then rolls himself across the bed until he's on his side and his back is given to the demon.]
no subject
Would you like for me to stay until you fall asleep, young master?
no subject
Not that Sebastian probably minds be relieved from such a duty. Ciel is just stubborn, and he will suffer in silence behind the noise-canceling curtain since he would rather do so than ever ask Sebastian to stay with him after that.
It's just times like these Ciel realizes Sebastian is truly a demon and not a caretaker... not that Ciel ever forgets.] Leave when you're finished.
[MaybehecangotosleepbeforeSebastianleavesifhetriesrightnow.]
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[ He sighs a little, since he knows Ciel is buttmad, but at least he's used to that, for one, and two, he also knows it's his fault. He can't exactly object because of that. ]
I will likely be gone before you wake, so... Do take care, young master. And sleep well.
no subject
It turns out he can.
While he's not use to hearing the noise of a kitchen when he sleeps, he is use to hearing Sebastian tinkering in the morning with the cart, or tinkering in general somewhere nearby. The cooking does little to phase him and, if anything, it gives him some focus aside from his thoughts, and Rover 10 uses Sleep! It's super effective!
He is gone without having even gotten under the covers or pulled the curtain closed. Look how much care he is taking already, Sebastian.]