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Post by skybright on Mar 18, 2009 22:31:54 GMT -5
"I'd say pure hardheaded determination, if I had to guess." Daws murmured fondly.
She shrugged one shoulder. "Anyway, we've got those other options to go through first. If we get that far without anything working, we'll be at the point where desperate measures are what we'll need to take anyway."
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Post by Jordanna on Mar 18, 2009 22:41:24 GMT -5
"I guess so." Vance grinned humorlessly. "And I guess it's better not to even think about having that discussion with the Padre or Cole or anybody else until we have to."
He glanced briefly over his shoulder toward the back seat, where faint snores were emanating from the dozing Handy. The faintest of fond smiles crossed the Major's lips.
"I probably shoulda left Sleeping Beauty here with Nate--but I don't like not having at least one of them nearby at all times."
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Post by skybright on Mar 18, 2009 22:52:35 GMT -5
"Softie." Daws rested her hand affectionately on Vance's shoulder. "Well, I suppose someone has to at least try and keep an eye on you when I'm not around."
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Post by Jordanna on Mar 18, 2009 22:57:52 GMT -5
"For all I complain, Handy's an old pro at that." Vance's crooked grin became slightly warmer. "When it comes to Nate, I'm the one worried about keeping an eye on him--but he won't stand for that, of course."
His smile faded. "Just having him in all this is killing me more than anything."
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Post by skybright on Mar 18, 2009 23:12:56 GMT -5
"I can tell." Daws said quietly.
"Nate's a good man -- and a good soldier." She gave his shoulder a faint squeeze. "He's like you in that. He'll be okay."
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Post by Jordanna on Mar 18, 2009 23:24:02 GMT -5
"Maybe... if he ever gets that power of his completely under control." Vance uttered a chuckle that was only slightly forced, but he began to relax again. "His specter isn't exactly the most graceful... thing I've ever seen. It's been a little embarrassing, having to child-proof our home base."
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Post by skybright on Mar 18, 2009 23:31:24 GMT -5
Daws laughed. "Now there's a mental image. The question is, is it worse or better than having an actual kid around the place would be?"
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Post by Jordanna on Mar 18, 2009 23:36:34 GMT -5
"The specter's a little more dense than even your typical kidlet," Vance retorted. "Either that, or Nate's still got a problem getting ideas through its head--or the subconscious part of his head that controls it, if you believe Ollivard. I don't mind telling you, it still gives me the almighty creeps."
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Post by skybright on Mar 18, 2009 23:48:01 GMT -5
"I don't guess I can blame you there." Daws said, "There is something sorta vaguely old-horror-movie about the specter."
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Post by Jordanna on Mar 19, 2009 22:19:55 GMT -5
"At least it's useful in a fight," Vance murmured grimly.
They were now a block away from Daws' apartment, and Vance pulled over to the curb, giving her a wan smile. "I'd offer to walk you to your door, but we never know where the Bat's hired eyes are at."
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Post by skybright on Mar 19, 2009 22:28:33 GMT -5
"I learned that one the hard way." Daws smiled thinly and gave Vance's shoulder a squeeze. "Be careful out there, huh?"
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Post by Jordanna on Mar 20, 2009 21:59:09 GMT -5
"You too." Vance put his hand over Daws' and squeezed it gently. "Caddy and Jai would probably call you first--so let me know the minute you get a word. I'll do the same if I get anything first."
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Post by skybright on Mar 20, 2009 22:23:42 GMT -5
"Sure thing." Daws kissed him lightly on the cheek and slid out of the car, taking an instinctive look to see if she was being watched before turning for home.
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Post by Jordanna on Mar 20, 2009 22:29:35 GMT -5
Vance sat watching Daws until she was out of sight--just for security reasons, he told himself, without the slightest conviction. Then he glanced at the rear-view mirror, and grinned crookedly but gently at the snoozing Handy.
"People I care about," the Major repeated softly to himself, and started the car.
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