Bad News (open)

[Derik R. Locke]

At least they were not treating him like a kid now. He straightened his back and turned around blowing a gum bubble before speaking again.

“Making good points... you can play chess, know what all the pieces do and know the rules but professional players go further and even develop strategies, theories, and even go so far as develop what is called unreal games. It’s one thing to play chess... it’s another to understand it.” His noir movie voice was gruffer and monotone compared to the voice he had used prior. “I can use Qi but I’ve barely scratched the surface to understand it. Therefore knowing the instances of these... let’s say hell hounds, appearing are similar but different makes me wonder if maybe multiple worlds are breaching into this one. Which could lead a cataclysmic collision on this very plain that becomes bigger than it should be. Might cause yet another Big Bang, a new dawn of time.”

[Claire Weiss]

Claire would listen in amusement, mostly due to the voice change.

"Hmm. That's quite an imagination you have." she'd say, apparently not that shaken by his theory.

"My world has already been changed twice. I think it's the start of progress for us. This is a sign. We have to become more than we are and what happened to that other world will not happen to ours."

[Troy Wilde]

"Did he just become another person?"

Troy points at the young man while looking at Claire.

"He really is a robot. Straight out of a movie."

He glances at towards Derik.

"Don't worry. This world's safe. I guarantee it."

[Derik R. Locke]

“We can agree on that much then. But I’m certainly not a robot, getting into character helps me think like some of the great detectives I’ve read over.” He turned to face the two his voice returned to normal. “Though how can you guarantee we are safe? I’m not one for placing bets on hopes we have yet to achieve, that’s an easy way to get in over ones head.”

[Claire Weiss]

Claire would give Troy a look and shake her head. See? He was just playing make-believe. He was a child once! He's not exactly exempt from odd behaviour in adulthood, himself.

"How indeed?" Claire would chuckle, leaving the answer to that to the person who made the claim.

[Troy Wilde]

Troy thumbs to himself.

"I make things safe. That's my job."

[Derik R. Locke]

Derik stared at them a moment blowing a bubble. “My name’s Derik Locke, what might yours be?”

[Claire Weiss]

Claire giggles a bit at the reaction. It spoke...volumes.

"Claire Weiss." she says with a polite nod of her head.

[Troy Wilde]

"Troy Wilde."

He says, squinting at the kid.

[Derik R. Locke]

“Sirnames that mean wise and leader.” Derik nodded thinking it went well with their personalities that he has seen so far... kind of. “Are you two like bodyguard and charge or... boyfriend and girlfriend?”

[Claire Weiss]

Before she could correct him on the meaning of her name, she found herself caught off-guard by the next question. She'd glance at Troy before laughing to herself.

"He's my co-worker, though I suppose he's also something of a bodyguard."

[Troy Wilde]

"Boyf-"

Oh. Nevermind.

"Yes. This lowly foot soldier who has ascended to a higher form is but a bodyguard and co-worker. We work at the hospital together."

[Derik R. Locke]

A slight and smug grin grew catching Troy’s original thought and staring at him through. Like a kid he found a good secret and while he hadn’t had any intention to use it against the man it was still the little mischief in his mind that was enough.

“What might you do at the hospital which would require a full on bodyguard gig?” He’d ask. It didn’t add up, security maybe but personal guard?

[Claire Weiss]

Claire would give a knowing smile at the...slip up. She didn’t seem to mind it, though. Instead she gave some thought to the question before settling with:

“Nothing whatsoever would require a bodyguard.”

A beat.

“At the hospital anyway.”

[Troy Wilde]

Troy squints at the young man.

He knows.

"Claire is a very important person who requires protection at all times."