made waves with some friends I know

[fightlikehell]

 

The season is a'changing, the weather is warmer. The forecast calls for high temperature, low humidity and a light breeze. A near perfect day. What better reason to gather the friends and have a good time with a bonfire? Grab a beer, have a seat. Cheery tunes fill the salty air. There's plenty of room and so much to eat.

Matt Murdock is actually dressed for the beach. Still likely more than usual. He burns so easily. There's no way he could have done this alone. Anyone who is anyone in Nexus knows that there is that distinct Verity Willis touch on everything. If the sounds and the sights don't get you, it is going to be whatever Clint has on the grill. That man is magic.

[ooc; Come on in, guys and gals! Hop threads, twist time for sooner, later and all things in between. It's a real party. Don't be shy!]

Comments

[poetwarrior]

He cocks his head to the side slightly. "Yes, of course."

Her second statement evokes little more than the K'da equivalent to a shrug. "We have been this way for as long as anyone recalls."

[onemorebounty]

That's what makes it interesting--whether there was some convergent development, an engineered uplift, or... well, I don't imagine you'd appreciate anyone speculating on your origins.

[poetwarrior]

His tail twitches from side to side. "Not at all. My people are not opposed to science, and the seeking of knowledge. Our historical records do not go back that far, however, and biological examination is inconclusive, when it is even possible."

[onemorebounty]

*She chuckles.*

My people aren't opposed to the pursuit of knowledge, either--in principle. In practice, having seen the results of every attempt by someone to profit from learning about my biology, I've taken a less generous stance. I wouldn't have blamed you for similar.

[poetwarrior]

"It is not easy to study a K'da who does not wish to be studied," Faris answers, drawing the corners of his draconic mouth up in a smile, or something close to it anyway. "All such studies have been by our own people, the K'da and Shontine."

[onemorebounty]

*She gives a slow, slight shake of her head.*

Don't phrase it like a challenge like that, or I'll be tempted to take it up, and that's not the sort of person I'd prefer to be. That said, it's good to hear your people haven't fallen under the wrong end of somebody's scalpel.

[poetwarrior]

"Another quirk of our biology," he says, and digs his forepaws into the warm sand, just for the feel of it. "Our bodies disappear upon death, no matter the cause."

[onemorebounty]

That must make for interesting funerary customs.

[poetwarrior]

"It is one reason why being a poet-warrior is so important to my people. We are remembered in song and legend, not physical monuments."

[onemorebounty]

I see how that would be important. My own people favor sculpture. Are there no poets in your culture who are not also warriors?

[poetwarrior]

"Perhaps. I do not know every K'da. It seems unlikely, however, as we are currently at war with a race who wishes to eradicate us. Whether we like it or not, we must all be prepared to fight to defend our lives."

[onemorebounty]

Ah. Everyone a warrior, with extinction the alternative. I have some understanding of war--who's the enemy?

[poetwarrior]

"They are called the Valaghua. I have never met them face to face, but we have encountered their ships on numerous occasions. They are intelligent and deadly."

[onemorebounty]

*She gives a thoughtful frown.*

I don't recognize the name. How did the conflict start?

[poetwarrior]

Faris doesn't answer for a long moment, kneading his claws into the sand like a cat would. "They are a vicious species, a conqueror race. They believe that the galaxy is theirs for the taking, and they have already destroyed an entire race in pursuit of that goal, as well as scattered two others to the far reaches of space. The Shontine and K'da committed no provocation, we only existed where they wished to dominate."

[onemorebounty]

*She tsks quietly, her expression growing disdainful.*

Well, I wish I could say that's not a familiar method.

[poetwarrior]

The K'da hisses a bit. "It grieves me to hear that they are not alone in their thoughts. My sympathies, if you have dealt with similar enemies."

[onemorebounty]

*She dips her head in an acknowledging nod.*

Your sympathy is appreciated. I've been known to take an occasional bounty outside my own Facet. If you find your way home and need a hand dealing with them, keep me in mind.

[poetwarrior]

His long ears flick a little at the word bounty. "You are a hunter of sorts?"

[onemorebounty]

*She gives a low, dangerous chuckle--the sound of a predator amused.*

Where I come from, I'm the definitive article.

[poetwarrior]

For his part, the K'da looks slightly amused also. He bows his head to her. "Then I am privileged to be in such... esteemed company."

[onemorebounty]

Privileged.

*She smirks.*

Yes. That's exactly how people usually feel in my presence.

[poetwarrior]

He doesn't quite get that she's being sarcastic. "If you are so iconic, it must be a great honor to be hunted by one such as you. If those you hunt have honor, that is."

[onemorebounty]

My prey would prefer a lesser distinction, I think.

*Still, the idea amuses her.*

The largest government in the galaxy where I operate offers bounties for the capture or elimination of criminals and enemies too elusive or too strong for their police and military to deal with.

*She offers that for a sense of scale. It's one thing to catch wayward criminals for an overtaxed police force, but taking down the groups that hold off militaries is another order of magnitude.*

[poetwarrior]

"And you do this... what is the word? Freelance?"