Like the fella once said, ain't that a kick in the head?

[tigers]

CHARACTERS: Sebastian Moran, Jim Moriarty, Brendan Frye, Sherlock Holmes (AU), John Watson, the other Sherlock Holmes
LOCATION: Various parts of the ship, then to the medbay.
WARNINGS: Violence
SUMMARY: Moran is out of the brig and ERRYONE WANTS TO PUNCH HIM, followed immediately by a trip to the medbay.
NOTES: Running the gauntlet of punches here. He does deserve it.

This is a catch-all log post for several things, and given that this is catch-all log, you'll have to find your place in the sun in the comments.

Comments

[spider]

[ He's upset.

He's legitimately upset and there's no fun in that. He tends to have those moments that sends him off in chain of bad decisions. Perhaps he will rid of the problem, forgotten one spine-tingling way or another. Done and gone. The headache releases it's pressure and life goes on.

He's upset and there isn't much he can do about it. Not here, anyways.

It's at this moment Jim Moriarty recalls his vulnerability. He could do without Sebastian Moran, god, he did just fine without him. But it's better to keep the ammunition even if it hiccups at times—okay, a lot. There have been many conversations much like this, rambly one-sided conversations soaring way over his head, the kind that pleads and expects Jim to bat his eyes and coo "it's fine, my dear. I forgive you." You can guess how often that actually works.

But it's very odd to hear that question: "I don't suppose there's any way I can redeem myself in your eyes?"

( Especially from a poor sod like Sebastian Moran. This version, anyways. )

The annoyance barely settles from his expression, but he finally looks back. There isn't any opening for redemption in his eyes, but he says: ]

You don't. [ He simply makes his way to the closet and the rifle is placed into his hands moments later. It was very close to becoming a shove. ] Any other mistakes will make it difficult for showing off in the future, Colonel. You would be dead before I give you your first shot.

[ A beat. ] Your first shot other than a kitten's shoulder, at least that.

[tigers]

[ There are several possible and perfectly reasonable responses floating around in Sebastian's mind. 'I was watching her, like you asked', 'she was asking for it', 'at least you understand that I haven't been bluffing about my shot now', 'you might have done the same if you weren't the Irish offshoot of such a bitter old sausage'.

But he doesn't reach for any of them. Finally, he's beginning to realize that he's grossly underestimated Jim. He's seen hints of it before, but never enough to change his thinking entirely, but now it's really seeping in. Deep under the Irish accent and bizarrely flamboyant personality, he is the Professor. And he has that same ability to drain all the warmth from the room with one threat. Now Moran knows how it has to be. It's back to editing his behavior purely for the sake of continuing to have a use--and to continue breathing. Fun, fun, fun.

He holds his tongue. No shot at redemption, then, but Jim returns the gun anyway and...seemingly offers one unspoken last chance? Moran quickly inspects the gun when it's all but shoved into his hands, and he's almost surprised to find it unharmed, still loaded with the remaining ammunition from his round on the shooting range. He fully expected some harm to have come to it while he was in the brig. ]

Thank you.

[ He hardly means it. He just wants this conversation to end so he can high tail it out of the room. ]

Anything more?

[ God, don't let there be anything more. He already feels like a child being lectured like this. ]

[spider]

[ He could easily bark back 'there's a difference between watching and befriending, but you put yourself in that situation,' 'that doesn't mean you go right for it,' 'you wouldn't be here if I thought you were bluffing,' 'what does me being Irish have to do with anything? Dimwit.'

Instead, he simply watches the rifle inspection without much of a change in expression. Still pissy as before, almost a hiss every time he chooses to speak: ]

Welcome. [ He's holding back another smack. ]

Yes, have you ever had to use a cane, Moran? [ It's back to 'Moran' for now. ]

[tigers]

[ Moran gnashes his teeth together, fully expecting that second smack. He's genuinely surprised when it doesn't come, and he's presented with a question instead. He grows suspicious in an instant, unsure as to if he's being threatened or not, and makes a mental note not to go walking near any swimming pools. ]

Not as a walking stick, but back in London, the firm has what we call basement cases. Client can't pay, we take 'em down to the basement and they get a nice wallop for their troubles. [ He's particularly fond of basement cases. ]

[spider]

Interesting, quite a story there.

[ W o w. ]

Not what I was looking for, but I realized in some time using that rifle of yours won't be the easiest. This place being more cramped than it seems, you need to blend in. Job or not.

And that's where I am. Planning out a new toy for you, can you deal with that? Might do nicely with your... hat.

[tigers]

Ain't it just?

[ He can sense that sarcasm, man. So you get sarcasm in return. Until more suspicion hits him at full force and he has to back down again. You'll never take his guns from him, pal. No comment on the hat comment. ]

The other Colonel Moran had a piece of kit like what you're talking.

[ He can't say he was envious. ]

I can deal, but may I make a request?

[spider]

[ God, he's just asking for it.

... And yet, he continues with his contribution to the conversation, putting on a face of thoughtfulness. Somewhat. Not really. He's already 99.9% done with this. ] And what would that be?

[tigers]

[ Don't worry. He's been done since you slapped him. He just has the inherent need to put this request in for the sake of his own future enjoyment. ]

I'm not terribly fond of silencers on firearms. Would asking for a lack of one be an issue?

ONE OF THE SHORTEST TAGS OF MY LIFE

[spider]

Yes, so no.

[spider]

[ Space cricket chirps... ]

[tigers]

[ ...s i g h. ]

Can't be choosy. Thank you for the consideration. [ EVEN THO YOU DIDN'T CONSIDER IT AT ALL!!! ]