The message comes by carrier pigeon actually, which is a pretty weird way to deliver a message but of course, it's thematic. A very pretty looking brown pigeon swoops down out of the sky to wherever Hannibal just so happens to be that afternoon and holds out its leg. The message is short and simple:
Got a job for you. Meet me in front of the sheriff station at dusk. No show, no job. Keep it a secret, rewarded very well.
- Hal
P.S. Burn this.
And that's it. Of course, if Hannibal chooses to listen to the message, he will find the Sheriff in front of the station at dusk. He'll be greeted with a tip of his hat and one word:
"Deputy."
And then he holds out a small notebook. Looks like Hannibal's been chosen for one of those roles that were mentioned. Good luck.
[ After that though, the Sheriff will just beckon Hannibal to follow him around the back of the station. Naturally, Ao and Tiara aren't meant to see who the Sheriff is talking to, so they have to use the other entrance.
The other entrance that is actually, uh, hidden in the wall. The back of the station is all wood paneling, not much of a difference in any of them -- but the Sheriff just approaches one of the panels and shifts it to lift upwards. This reveals a handle that the Sheriff can use to push open a door into the backroom of the station.
The backroom will contain this: a staircase leading to, probably, the Sheriff's apparent apartment. A very large weapons locker, only kept shut with a lock and chain. The locker includes rifles, pistols, knives, a bow with some arrows, other Western themed weapons and hilariously enough, a very large axe. Other than that is a fairly plush couch, a rug, a desk, and a small round table with three chairs. ]
Anyway, make yourself at home. Take a read of the notebook. I'll answer any questions ya got.
[ Some people might have concerns about going to meet their mysterious host in the middle of the night, but not Hannibal. He's delighted as soon as he gets a message by pigeon, since it's very fitting with the decor, but it's also charmingly quaint. He approaches the station with a light, curious smile, but it's not until he's addressed that it reaches to his eyes. ]
An interesting choice.
[ He doesn't say more than that, because he doesn't know how much the sheriff knows about just who he is, but he takes the notebook without hesitating at all. As soon as those additional roles had been mentioned, he had been quietly hoping he may be given one. While he would be content to simply watch as chaos unfolded, in another respect, it would be a shame to not be a participant. He'd decided for himself that if he weren't given one, he would simply create intrigue on his own.
It's not until they head into the backroom that Hannibal actually opens the notebook, however. He looks around, takes stock of the weapons first, but then starts to read with all the casual air as if he were in his own study. He reads the book with a smile, but as he looks over what he's being asked to do, he also speaks. He does have a question that's technically unrelated to any of this, but it does help him know where he stands. ]
I do have a simple one to start. What do you know of all of us?
[ Though of course, he won't ask so directly that it would potentially reveal his hobbies. But still. He just wants to figure out how subtle (or not) he needs to be here. ]
[ The Sheriff meanwhile is just going to go over the table, dropping into one of the chairs with a slight oof. He crosses his arms over his chest and watches Hannibal, an eyebrow raising at the question. ]
Most anything one can know about a person, I reckon. I know what you eat, sir. Ain't no fool about that. Might actually help us, which is why I picked ya.
[ Well. That's a bit more direct than Hannibal expected, and he pauses in his reading to look to the Sheriff with a look of surpised, but there's a clearly visible twinge of amusement. He's a bit disappointed, since he prefers more of a reaction, but the matter of fact way the Sheriff accepts it is a passable substitute. ]
That does get to the point of what I wanted to know.
[ He still doesn't return to reading, because even if that firmly lays out just what this mysterious man knows, naturally the fact that it qualifies him for anything catches Hannibal's attention. ]
I can imagine a few cases where it may, but I'd rather not make assumptions. How do you think it would be helpful?
[ This isn't the first time the Sheriff has dealt with cannibalism (un)fortunately, so his reaction to this, like most things, is indifference. Still, he isn't very surprised about Hannibal's line of question and just shrugs, giving a yawn as he explains. ]
Sheriff maintains the game. Means I clean up most of what happens here, bodies and all that. Usually I just throw 'em in a bonfire, middle of town, freak everyone out a little. Thought you might be more help with that, since you've got experience. I mean, might still do the bonfire but we can do -- [ Just waving his hand a bit, trying to decide what to say. ] Other stuff? Dunno.
Point is, pal, I gotta keep 'em scared and worried and stuff. Otherwise they won't participate. That's why we bring in a few kids who don't adapt too well, domino effect and all that. Then I get someone like you, help me out with other stuff. Last guy I had, had some sort of Jekyll and Hyde thing going on. Didn't remember any of the shit he did for me, found out later and killed himself. Hilarious, actually, but that's besides the point. Point is, you'll be a good fit. Make this round, uh, funnier or whatever. More interesting.
[ Then he raises an eyebrow at Hannibal. ]
Unless you're like, what, morally opposed or something? Doubt it. Figured you the right kinda freak for this.
[ The surprises keep on coming, but Hannibal's response is nothing more than a bit more of a smile. He can't say he's ever had someone come to him for professional consultation for gruesome murders. Admirers, yes, but this is a bit beyond that. At this point, he returns to reading through his book, though he continues the conversation smoothly. ]
I've had people asking me for assistance with disposing of corpses before, but having a request for them to be desecrated as well is new. It's surprisingly direct.
[ He seems to consider it, but there's no real consideration at all. He's more pausing for effect and because the Sheriff called him a freak, which is rude. He's not a freak, okay, he just has eccentric hobbies. He takes the time to finish reading, and when he's done he closes the book and looks back to the Sheriff. He won't need to read it again, so he'll burn it later, but for now, he understands the rules well enough. They're quite simple. So instead, he his acceptance is implicit in the question he asks. ]
Would it be safe to keep anything I ask of you here? I'll need quite a few more tools than you have here. [ He nods his head lightly ] Sharper knives, for example.
I only do direct, not in me to do otherwise. [ Like, literally. ] Logically, you're the best choice for my aims so I pick you to help. You don't disagree, do you?
[ Still, Hannibal's pause doesn't disturb him and the Sheriff just sits there and waits. He doesn't really think much of calling Hannibal a freak either. So, you know, there's that.
At the question though, he lifts a hand to scratch his beard and considers. ]
Hmm. Safe enough to keep things here for now, sure, but I'd rather you not use this room for any, er, dismembering or whatever. Usually I use the mortician's for that. People'll eventually break in, s'why I keep the weapons locker in here. Few weeks from now, they break in, go all "oh no, look at these dangerous weapons!!" Someone gets axed the next week. Usually the axe. Once was the bow.
Anyway, once they get the clinic open, they probably won't worry much about the mortician. Doctor and gunsmith usually take priority, then the places without any names, sometimes the Post Office once they figure out what it's for.
[ He at least gives that answer easily, since Hannibal is in no way going to pass up this opportunity. It'd truly be a waste, so far as he's concerned, and he doesn't find that he has anything really to lose in this scenario anyways.
His brow quirks lightly at the explanation, but he's really not bothered at all by it. Honestly, Hannibal probably understands the point of view of the Sheriff's bosses more than the people here. It sounds fairly amusing to him, and so his response is fairly simple and little more than a nod. ]
Then I'll perform my duties where it's a bit easier to clean up after myself. Once they break in, they're welcome to use my tools for themselves, naturally. I'd prefer they didn't, as the knives and butchering tools I prefer are high quality. But I won't complain.
[ Too much. If someone uses his hand-sharpened knives for something distinctly unfunny, he'll be very disappointed, that said. Though that matter is easily settled to him, so he asks a straightforward question in return. ]
[ The Sheriff just nods at that. Seems fair enough to him. ]
If they get it early and you're not dead yet, I'll find you another place. [ He waves a hand then a little, vague gesturing for the next part. ] There's... more. Other places. Easier to keep it to the town though.
[ And then he's digging through his pocket before pulling out a key, identical to Hannibal's room key down to the name tag. He tosses it in his direction for Hannibal to catch. ]
Talk to the dead. Ain't any dead yet, so no reason in having it open. Anyway, there's your key. It unlocks upstairs too but it'd be very nice of you not to go up there all willy nilly. S'where I rest and take my meals and such. Not really hiding anything up there. Just -- Just had a deputy sort of hide there for the last few weeks once. Thought it was funny, kept it open for the possibility.
[ Hannibal opens his mouth to respond, but pauses briefly to catch the key instead. He catches it easily, since his reflexes are sharp, but as he listens to the rest, he looks at the key. He smiles as he realizes that it's identical, since there's no need for him to compare. He remembers. Hannibal doesn't forget much of anything. ]
That's quite accommodating, though I'm hardly complaining. We can cross that bridge when we come to it. For the time being, I can work with this without complaint.
[ He tucks the key he's been given into his coat pocket, but takes out the other and sets it aside. He'll dispose of it later, but until he can think of something suitable, he'll leave it here. ]
Communicating with the dead? Surprises never stop. [ He doesn't sound all that surprised, though. In fact, he jumps into a question he's been wondering since he awoke, and yet hasn't been all that important to him. It's really just to satisfy his curiosity on the matter. ] Is that because we too are dead?
[ At the mention of the Sheriff being accommodating, all he does is shrug and look rather tired again. ]
Just doing what I have to. People will roles get more privileges than those without, y'know.
[ And then Hannibal asks The Big Question and the Sheriff's reply is to just snort like it's the most hilarious thing he's heard. ]
Oh no, of course not. What's any use of you if you're dead? You're just -- plucked. You were in the middle of a moment, maybe an important one or maybe not. But you were in the middle of a moment and then we took y'all from the moment and now you're here. Either you die here and never go back to your moment or you return. It's all done in the space of a breath.
[ He doesn't give the roles or their privileges any more attention, since that concern is addressed well enough. No need to make the Sheriff more tired, or in this case, there's no reason for Hannibal to do so. Instead, his attention focuses on the other answer. He breathes out a laugh that's soft, but genuinely quite amused. ]
And so we are forever falling.
[ There's amusement in his tone, and it's better just not to ask on that one. Luckily, the Sheriff doesn't care, so he's saved from Hannibal's pretentious references. At least Hannibal isn't bothered, and instead seems to find the idea almost charming. ]
Then I won't concern myself with "how." I suppose it doesn't quite matter. So. To more practical matters, when will I begin?
[ The idea of caring about a literary reference is so far on the bottom of the Sheriff's to-do list that it won't be discovered for another century.
The question though, is easy enough to answer and the Sheriff just counts it off on his fingers. ]
Next week. This week, settling in week. This weekend, easy trial for everyone to figure out how to do it. Next week, roles start and we get us a mighty fine murder Thursday night. With all the bells and whistles.
[ Hannibal half-laughs, since the more he learns about this town, the more he likes it because of how funny he finds it. It's the most quaint, orderly way to conduct murder that he's ever heard of. ]
Then I look forward to next week and all its flair. Were this weekend's participants chosen? Or simply volatile and unlucky?
[ He gives a shake of his head and thumbs back to the wall behind them, the one separating them and the jail cells. ]
Girls in there. Both got their reasons. Give 'em no choice, someone will take the plunge. People feel sympathetic 'cause they're sweet. They are sweet, did nothing wrong to be here or anything like that. Just got a better use for 'em is all.
[ Hannibal makes a noise that's thoughtful, though it's the sort of neutral that would be chilling to almost anyone else. He doesn't seem bothered at all by their fates or their unluckiness, and there's not even a twinge of empathy as he looks at the wall that the Sheriff gestures to. ]
I was wondering if that was the case. How unfortunate that they may be the spark that lights the tinder.
[ Not that he sounds bothered at all by that, of course. ]
Then I only have one more question and I'm done. What you told all of us about why this is occurring—Was that true? Is this simply a festival?
[ The Sheriff just responds with a shrug of sorts and gives his agreement with -- ]
Always gotta start with something.
[ What assholes. The question though, it does seem to make him happier since it's not one that anyone's asked yet. ]
Sort of. Festival's a word for it. Ritual's another. Harvest, too. Essentially, it has to happen and blood has to spill or things won't be so great later on. Like I said before, it is what it is. Ain't a way around it.
[ That surprises him, but unlike the Sheriff, it doesn't seem like as thrilling of an answer to Hannibal. Murders for something like ritual never quite appealed to him, but he doesn't contest or argue it. He can at least leave that difference as a matter of taste. ]
Interesting. What do you mean by "won't be so great"? What would be the consequences of a refusal to participate?
[ The Sheriff considers this for a moment, tries to figure out how to explain before ah, he understands now. ]
Y'know how some people, have these tiny little villages, just a handful of folk helping each other. Usually farm for their food, keep things going, etcera. End of the season, have all this food to harvest so they do and prepare it to store away over winter. Sometimes in these villages, folk get together to celebrate their harvest, put the food together and share it around before they pack it all away for the winter. If it was a good harvest, the celebration will be joyful and merry. If it wasn't, well. Ain't a lot of people have much to celebrate then.
So, this is sort of like that festival. My employers are about to turn in for their "winter". The more this festival is full of life, the more they have to sustain them during "winter". The less... enthusiastic the festival is, the less they have anything to sustain them, you see? If they don't have their festival, bit of a bad omen for the winter. Maybe won't survive it. Maybe won't have anything to keep them whole these upcoming months. And for beings such as my employers, ain't a very good thing. Could cause something bad, like, metaphysically. I mean, I know I'd certainly die but you could too. All different versions of you, across all the different universes. I guess you might call it a sort of universal implosion.
[ Considering how the Sheriff seemed to prefer brief answers, Hannibal is inclines his head in curiosity when he starts into a longer one. He tucks his hands into his pockets idly, since this is a longer explanation than he expected, but also... A very odd one. Hannibal liked to think abstractly, but this was a bit outside of that. His ideas of abstract tended to be limited to metaphor and memory palaces, and it's why his first response is fairly simple. He looks surprised, even incredulous, but not quite disbelieving. ]
That sounds quite unbelievable, I hope you realize.
[ He makes a thoughtful noise and looks away, but after a moment's thought, Hannibal shakes his head. He decides that he believes it, at least in the sense that there's no real harm to play along. But he does laugh, because much more importantly: ]
[ Look. Look. At Hannibal's incredulity, the Sheriff just sighs and looks aptly pained before pinching the bridge of his nose. ]
Because it's dumb. Every time I gotta explain this crap, it's dumb. Y'got some beings, stuck at the center of some universal knot and having to pick them apart to get their fill. So, what do they do? Throw a game or whatever for their survivin'. I like the game, think the reason for the game is dumb. S'why I don't tell people the whole truth here 'cept the Deputy.
[ Sighs! ]
Ain't poetic, sir. Honest. Just nonsense, don't pay any attention to it really.
[ Well. He was trying to be polite about it, but Hannibal smiles like he's holding back a laugh. If even the Sheriff finds it ridiculous, Hannibal feels slightly better in barely understanding it. He's essentially just fine with the prospect because the work required to that end amuses him. ]
If you insist. I won't pay it any mind at all.
[ he's gonna have a good time regardless, so ]
Though, out of curiosity, will other people learn the whole truth?
I can only imagine. It's why I ask, since the explanation would surely be unsatisfactory.
[ To say the least, because Hannibal finds it pretty unsatisfactory, and he barely even gives a shit. But he nods agreeably, since otherwise, this works for him. ]
But that is all, I believe. Thank you for answering my questions. [ He pauses, then adds wryly: ] By the tone of this conversation, I almost feel tempted to say "it will be a pleasure working with you."
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sheriffexe) wrote2017-01-13 11:05 am
WEEK ONE
no subject
The other entrance that is actually, uh, hidden in the wall. The back of the station is all wood paneling, not much of a difference in any of them -- but the Sheriff just approaches one of the panels and shifts it to lift upwards. This reveals a handle that the Sheriff can use to push open a door into the backroom of the station.
The backroom will contain this: a staircase leading to, probably, the Sheriff's apparent apartment. A very large weapons locker, only kept shut with a lock and chain. The locker includes rifles, pistols, knives, a bow with some arrows, other Western themed weapons and hilariously enough, a very large axe. Other than that is a fairly plush couch, a rug, a desk, and a small round table with three chairs. ]
Anyway, make yourself at home. Take a read of the notebook. I'll answer any questions ya got.
no subject
An interesting choice.
[ He doesn't say more than that, because he doesn't know how much the sheriff knows about just who he is, but he takes the notebook without hesitating at all. As soon as those additional roles had been mentioned, he had been quietly hoping he may be given one. While he would be content to simply watch as chaos unfolded, in another respect, it would be a shame to not be a participant. He'd decided for himself that if he weren't given one, he would simply create intrigue on his own.
It's not until they head into the backroom that Hannibal actually opens the notebook, however. He looks around, takes stock of the weapons first, but then starts to read with all the casual air as if he were in his own study. He reads the book with a smile, but as he looks over what he's being asked to do, he also speaks. He does have a question that's technically unrelated to any of this, but it does help him know where he stands. ]
I do have a simple one to start. What do you know of all of us?
[ Though of course, he won't ask so directly that it would potentially reveal his hobbies. But still. He just wants to figure out how subtle (or not) he needs to be here. ]
no subject
Most anything one can know about a person, I reckon. I know what you eat, sir. Ain't no fool about that. Might actually help us, which is why I picked ya.
no subject
That does get to the point of what I wanted to know.
[ He still doesn't return to reading, because even if that firmly lays out just what this mysterious man knows, naturally the fact that it qualifies him for anything catches Hannibal's attention. ]
I can imagine a few cases where it may, but I'd rather not make assumptions. How do you think it would be helpful?
no subject
Sheriff maintains the game. Means I clean up most of what happens here, bodies and all that. Usually I just throw 'em in a bonfire, middle of town, freak everyone out a little. Thought you might be more help with that, since you've got experience. I mean, might still do the bonfire but we can do -- [ Just waving his hand a bit, trying to decide what to say. ] Other stuff? Dunno.
Point is, pal, I gotta keep 'em scared and worried and stuff. Otherwise they won't participate. That's why we bring in a few kids who don't adapt too well, domino effect and all that. Then I get someone like you, help me out with other stuff. Last guy I had, had some sort of Jekyll and Hyde thing going on. Didn't remember any of the shit he did for me, found out later and killed himself. Hilarious, actually, but that's besides the point. Point is, you'll be a good fit. Make this round, uh, funnier or whatever. More interesting.
[ Then he raises an eyebrow at Hannibal. ]
Unless you're like, what, morally opposed or something? Doubt it. Figured you the right kinda freak for this.
no subject
I've had people asking me for assistance with disposing of corpses before, but having a request for them to be desecrated as well is new. It's surprisingly direct.
[ He seems to consider it, but there's no real consideration at all. He's more pausing for effect and because the Sheriff called him a freak, which is rude. He's not a freak, okay, he just has eccentric hobbies. He takes the time to finish reading, and when he's done he closes the book and looks back to the Sheriff. He won't need to read it again, so he'll burn it later, but for now, he understands the rules well enough. They're quite simple. So instead, he his acceptance is implicit in the question he asks. ]
Would it be safe to keep anything I ask of you here? I'll need quite a few more tools than you have here. [ He nods his head lightly ] Sharper knives, for example.
no subject
[ Still, Hannibal's pause doesn't disturb him and the Sheriff just sits there and waits. He doesn't really think much of calling Hannibal a freak either. So, you know, there's that.
At the question though, he lifts a hand to scratch his beard and considers. ]
Hmm. Safe enough to keep things here for now, sure, but I'd rather you not use this room for any, er, dismembering or whatever. Usually I use the mortician's for that. People'll eventually break in, s'why I keep the weapons locker in here. Few weeks from now, they break in, go all "oh no, look at these dangerous weapons!!" Someone gets axed the next week. Usually the axe. Once was the bow.
Anyway, once they get the clinic open, they probably won't worry much about the mortician. Doctor and gunsmith usually take priority, then the places without any names, sometimes the Post Office once they figure out what it's for.
no subject
[ He at least gives that answer easily, since Hannibal is in no way going to pass up this opportunity. It'd truly be a waste, so far as he's concerned, and he doesn't find that he has anything really to lose in this scenario anyways.
His brow quirks lightly at the explanation, but he's really not bothered at all by it. Honestly, Hannibal probably understands the point of view of the Sheriff's bosses more than the people here. It sounds fairly amusing to him, and so his response is fairly simple and little more than a nod. ]
Then I'll perform my duties where it's a bit easier to clean up after myself. Once they break in, they're welcome to use my tools for themselves, naturally. I'd prefer they didn't, as the knives and butchering tools I prefer are high quality. But I won't complain.
[ Too much. If someone uses his hand-sharpened knives for something distinctly unfunny, he'll be very disappointed, that said. Though that matter is easily settled to him, so he asks a straightforward question in return. ]
What is the Post Office for?
no subject
If they get it early and you're not dead yet, I'll find you another place. [ He waves a hand then a little, vague gesturing for the next part. ] There's... more. Other places. Easier to keep it to the town though.
[ And then he's digging through his pocket before pulling out a key, identical to Hannibal's room key down to the name tag. He tosses it in his direction for Hannibal to catch. ]
Talk to the dead. Ain't any dead yet, so no reason in having it open. Anyway, there's your key. It unlocks upstairs too but it'd be very nice of you not to go up there all willy nilly. S'where I rest and take my meals and such. Not really hiding anything up there. Just -- Just had a deputy sort of hide there for the last few weeks once. Thought it was funny, kept it open for the possibility.
no subject
That's quite accommodating, though I'm hardly complaining. We can cross that bridge when we come to it. For the time being, I can work with this without complaint.
[ He tucks the key he's been given into his coat pocket, but takes out the other and sets it aside. He'll dispose of it later, but until he can think of something suitable, he'll leave it here. ]
Communicating with the dead? Surprises never stop. [ He doesn't sound all that surprised, though. In fact, he jumps into a question he's been wondering since he awoke, and yet hasn't been all that important to him. It's really just to satisfy his curiosity on the matter. ] Is that because we too are dead?
no subject
Just doing what I have to. People will roles get more privileges than those without, y'know.
[ And then Hannibal asks The Big Question and the Sheriff's reply is to just snort like it's the most hilarious thing he's heard. ]
Oh no, of course not. What's any use of you if you're dead? You're just -- plucked. You were in the middle of a moment, maybe an important one or maybe not. But you were in the middle of a moment and then we took y'all from the moment and now you're here. Either you die here and never go back to your moment or you return. It's all done in the space of a breath.
no subject
And so we are forever falling.
[ There's amusement in his tone, and it's better just not to ask on that one. Luckily, the Sheriff doesn't care, so he's saved from Hannibal's pretentious references. At least Hannibal isn't bothered, and instead seems to find the idea almost charming. ]
Then I won't concern myself with "how." I suppose it doesn't quite matter. So. To more practical matters, when will I begin?
no subject
The question though, is easy enough to answer and the Sheriff just counts it off on his fingers. ]
Next week. This week, settling in week. This weekend, easy trial for everyone to figure out how to do it. Next week, roles start and we get us a mighty fine murder Thursday night. With all the bells and whistles.
no subject
[ Hannibal half-laughs, since the more he learns about this town, the more he likes it because of how funny he finds it. It's the most quaint, orderly way to conduct murder that he's ever heard of. ]
Then I look forward to next week and all its flair. Were this weekend's participants chosen? Or simply volatile and unlucky?
no subject
Girls in there. Both got their reasons. Give 'em no choice, someone will take the plunge. People feel sympathetic 'cause they're sweet. They are sweet, did nothing wrong to be here or anything like that. Just got a better use for 'em is all.
no subject
I was wondering if that was the case. How unfortunate that they may be the spark that lights the tinder.
[ Not that he sounds bothered at all by that, of course. ]
Then I only have one more question and I'm done. What you told all of us about why this is occurring—Was that true? Is this simply a festival?
no subject
Always gotta start with something.
[ What assholes. The question though, it does seem to make him happier since it's not one that anyone's asked yet. ]
Sort of. Festival's a word for it. Ritual's another. Harvest, too. Essentially, it has to happen and blood has to spill or things won't be so great later on. Like I said before, it is what it is. Ain't a way around it.
no subject
Interesting. What do you mean by "won't be so great"? What would be the consequences of a refusal to participate?
no subject
Y'know how some people, have these tiny little villages, just a handful of folk helping each other. Usually farm for their food, keep things going, etcera. End of the season, have all this food to harvest so they do and prepare it to store away over winter. Sometimes in these villages, folk get together to celebrate their harvest, put the food together and share it around before they pack it all away for the winter. If it was a good harvest, the celebration will be joyful and merry. If it wasn't, well. Ain't a lot of people have much to celebrate then.
So, this is sort of like that festival. My employers are about to turn in for their "winter". The more this festival is full of life, the more they have to sustain them during "winter". The less... enthusiastic the festival is, the less they have anything to sustain them, you see? If they don't have their festival, bit of a bad omen for the winter. Maybe won't survive it. Maybe won't have anything to keep them whole these upcoming months. And for beings such as my employers, ain't a very good thing. Could cause something bad, like, metaphysically. I mean, I know I'd certainly die but you could too. All different versions of you, across all the different universes. I guess you might call it a sort of universal implosion.
no subject
That sounds quite unbelievable, I hope you realize.
[ He makes a thoughtful noise and looks away, but after a moment's thought, Hannibal shakes his head. He decides that he believes it, at least in the sense that there's no real harm to play along. But he does laugh, because much more importantly: ]
Death saving the universe. That's quite poetic.
no subject
Because it's dumb. Every time I gotta explain this crap, it's dumb. Y'got some beings, stuck at the center of some universal knot and having to pick them apart to get their fill. So, what do they do? Throw a game or whatever for their survivin'. I like the game, think the reason for the game is dumb. S'why I don't tell people the whole truth here 'cept the Deputy.
[ Sighs! ]
Ain't poetic, sir. Honest. Just nonsense, don't pay any attention to it really.
no subject
If you insist. I won't pay it any mind at all.
[ he's gonna have a good time regardless, so ]
Though, out of curiosity, will other people learn the whole truth?
no subject
Shoot, I hope not. Imagine how tedious that'd be to explain? Hate when they learn it as a group, it's just a whole mess there.
no subject
[ To say the least, because Hannibal finds it pretty unsatisfactory, and he barely even gives a shit. But he nods agreeably, since otherwise, this works for him. ]
But that is all, I believe. Thank you for answering my questions. [ He pauses, then adds wryly: ] By the tone of this conversation, I almost feel tempted to say "it will be a pleasure working with you."
(no subject)