[Is anything he says going to be enough? Historically, no, but he has to make the effort anyway.]
--I'm working for Byerly. Scribing, doing supplemental research for dealings with Riftwatch contacts.
[He tries to keep his back straight and his expression stiff, but the fear in him no doubt continues to be palpable. Perhaps just for insurance, he adds:]
Everything I do goes through him. There's a lot of it, but I'm glad to do it.
[He listens, the point of his attention driving spike narrow. Once he's finished, there is torturous pause in which Flint measures him for a moment more before--]
I'm going to say this once, so I advise you listen.
[He takes a step closer.]
I don't doubt that you want Corypheus to fail. And I know that as long as you have someone like the Scoutmaster or Rutyer standing within arm's reach, that you're perfectly capable of making the decision we'd prefer you to. But it's clear to me that when left to your own devices, you'd rather roll over than risk making any decision where you might own the consequences. That's why you're dangerous. That's why we don't trust you out of our sight.
If you can't even tell another member of Riftwatch that you'd rather she not run you through a gauntlet, then why the fuck should you ever be relied upon for anything more than fetching and carrying? You're not a child. Stop acting like one. Take some responsibility for yourself.
[Resisting the urge to step back, Benedict just slouches a bit instead-- he's very good at being tall and commanding attention when the time is right, but in moments like this, when all he wants to do is sink into the floor, it's hard not to allow a little bend in his spine and a stoop in his knees.]
I told her several times that I didn't want it, ser, [he says, taking care to speak up, but not too much.
It wasn't enough, and that much is clear; but if the lesson here is to not roll over every time he's confronted, despite how badly he wants to in this case, he's doing his best.]
I'm sure the next time you fall in with Venatori, they'll consider your protests similarly. [Is clipped right back - not loud or heated, but firm like a heavy stone. The absolute end of patience.] Figure out how to make yourself heard. This is the last hour I waste on you.
[It's enough to make one's stomach tie into knots. Certain that even if he tried to speak right now, nothing would come out, Benedict simply gives a tight nod, hoping it's not completely obvious how close he is to falling apart.]
[Whether it's obvious or not is irrelevant; their business is concluded. With a last razor sharp look and sway from the tails of that exceedingly dark coat, Flint cuts away - disappearing as suddenly as he'd arrived, leaving Benedict to do either as pleased or compelled.]
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[He grips the folio to himself like a shield.]
Corypheus.
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[Is anything he says going to be enough? Historically, no, but he has to make the effort anyway.]
--I'm working for Byerly. Scribing, doing supplemental research for dealings with Riftwatch contacts.
[He tries to keep his back straight and his expression stiff, but the fear in him no doubt continues to be palpable.
Perhaps just for insurance, he adds:]
Everything I do goes through him. There's a lot of it, but I'm glad to do it.
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I'm going to say this once, so I advise you listen.
[He takes a step closer.]
I don't doubt that you want Corypheus to fail. And I know that as long as you have someone like the Scoutmaster or Rutyer standing within arm's reach, that you're perfectly capable of making the decision we'd prefer you to. But it's clear to me that when left to your own devices, you'd rather roll over than risk making any decision where you might own the consequences. That's why you're dangerous. That's why we don't trust you out of our sight.
If you can't even tell another member of Riftwatch that you'd rather she not run you through a gauntlet, then why the fuck should you ever be relied upon for anything more than fetching and carrying? You're not a child. Stop acting like one. Take some responsibility for yourself.
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I told her several times that I didn't want it, ser, [he says, taking care to speak up, but not too much.
It wasn't enough, and that much is clear; but if the lesson here is to not roll over every time he's confronted, despite how badly he wants to in this case, he's doing his best.]
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