Harper
Harper arrives on time, which is a miracle unto itself given how Jude had refused to sleep the night before, colicky and wailing. His eyes are bruised but the set of his shoulders is hard and determined. He may be exhausted, but Harper is firm in his determination to succeed at this. At being a new, single father. At being a councilman. A friend. A follower of Safrin. They are all heavy burdens to bear, but he is strong enough to weather them all. He has to be.
But he doesn’t have to do it alone. As he arrives, Jude in his omnipresent sling across Harper’s chest, the man ascends the stairs to Maeve without a second thought. Handing over the babe and pressing a tired kiss to the Queen’s cheek before descending them once more to Ray’s side, where he presses their shoulders companionably close. These people are his family, his confidants, and he is here to support them the same way they do in turn.
“Offensive is my vote. We can shore up defenses physically, this should be our last resort and our most powerful ace.” And he’d rather have this first and pursue defenses as a secondary regional quest. “I think the coast is more stable, and close enough to be utilized in an emergency. The triggering mechanism should have a fail safe - like Ray said, keyed to individuals would be good but then we have to ensure those individuals are kept relatively secret so they aren’t taken off the field or rendered unable to move to the mechanism.” Even clearly weary, his tone is militaristic and focused, undeniably experienced at all this. “A two stage activation would be best, and all the more reason to keep it in Haulani - the further we place it, the longer it will take for those individuals to join the fight, same with the constellation.” And those seconds are precious in war time.
But he doesn’t have to do it alone. As he arrives, Jude in his omnipresent sling across Harper’s chest, the man ascends the stairs to Maeve without a second thought. Handing over the babe and pressing a tired kiss to the Queen’s cheek before descending them once more to Ray’s side, where he presses their shoulders companionably close. These people are his family, his confidants, and he is here to support them the same way they do in turn.
“Offensive is my vote. We can shore up defenses physically, this should be our last resort and our most powerful ace.” And he’d rather have this first and pursue defenses as a secondary regional quest. “I think the coast is more stable, and close enough to be utilized in an emergency. The triggering mechanism should have a fail safe - like Ray said, keyed to individuals would be good but then we have to ensure those individuals are kept relatively secret so they aren’t taken off the field or rendered unable to move to the mechanism.” Even clearly weary, his tone is militaristic and focused, undeniably experienced at all this. “A two stage activation would be best, and all the more reason to keep it in Haulani - the further we place it, the longer it will take for those individuals to join the fight, same with the constellation.” And those seconds are precious in war time.
I am water - soft enough to offer life
tough enough to drown it away
tough enough to drown it away
