Snippet #2455512

By the gods of war you'd think the woman seen right through me...That or I've got something on my face. Richard thought with perhaps the slightest hint of smug amusement at the slack jawed surprise written large upon his charge's face. The moment dragged onto a somewhat awkward pause before with a visible effort the princess gathered herself together. Eyes they always give you away. Though I'd give a week's pay to know what worries the girl so. It can't bode will for either her or the rest of us.

Though he didn't fear anything the princess was capable of, this unknown was enough to warrant attention. After all for all intents and purposes she was basically Richard's problem. And the private always attacked a problem from every conceivable angle


Whatever his plans for the moment were the red head was forced to abandon them for the tone of Seraphine's reply reminded Richard of exactly the things he hated. True upon reflection the soldier would no doubt realize his own words brought out the coloring of her reply. But the private was hardly in the mood for reflection.

Instead he dug around the left chest pocket of his uniform, it's freshly starched nature cracking audibly. Pulling out what obviously a old photo he looked down at it. Upon it's surface was captured one of his few truly happy moments. A tall red headed couple, Richard's parents, held a very young Richard between them. Clad in swimsuits the happy family stood in front of a sun drenched white sand beach. The father laughing with open joy, the mother with a impish grin, while Richard himself was halfway between a jump and a shout.

He remembered that day well for it was the last time true joy was his. Before his mother died, before his father became a ghost, and before the real weight of what it meant to be a Point truly meant.

Still the photo was able to remind him of the feeling of happiness. And so it served as a focus for his emotional control and the perfection he demand of himself.

Tucking the picture back within it's pocket Richard looked once more at Seraphine, the princess in chains as it were." Merely existing entitles one to nothing your highness. That being said Vladimir said to keep you lot alive. If you are hungry we can get a meal at the mess hall or I can simply bring you one." Here the soldier paused to flex his wrists, the motion seemingly unconscious. " Also if you wish we can hit the gym, or perhaps the station's library given your rather delicate physique. Furthermore if so should desire I can see if our other guests are free." He asked wirh a flat tone doing his level best to disregard Seraphine's scathing reply.