32 - Video - Backdated to 3rd

[bodilesswarrior]

[She's never felt so small.

It's the sort of thing she would hide, usually, but not today. Her shoulders are slumped, and her expression is worn, and her voice is dull.]

Everyone I know - I'd just like you to check in.

[Iris, of course, has been at her side since they got back. It's helped - it always has, holding her close - but it can't overcome everything else.

She made a promise.]

[Emperor]

You, especially.

[A strained, bitter smile.]

You can say "I told you so" if you want.

[Spam! Open to All]

[She needed to get out. Out of her tower, out of her head.

She's dressed in an old black tank, hair pulled back in a short, low ponytail. Her hands are wrapped in frayed strips of cloth.

As soon as she gets to the gym, she picks a punching bag and starts wailing on it. It's not about precision, or stamina; she'll pummel the leather until her hands bleed.]

Comments

[private]

[shakenandlimp]

Ma'am. I'm in health, ma'am.

[Miserable, but able.]

[private]

[bodilesswarrior]

[Barbara smiles, genuinely relieved.] I'm glad, Captain.

[It fades, as she considers. Hesitates.]

[Private]

Have you talked to the Emperor, since he got back?

[private]

[shakenandlimp]

I have not.

Is it-- was he harmed, there? Horatio is badly injured-- he is trying to keep me from looking in on him, so I know that it is bad.

[private]

[bodilesswarrior]

No, not as far as I know. [She'd like to think he'd tell her, but - ] But he's - he's upset.

He'll need you.

[private]

[shakenandlimp]

...thank you.

Is there anything I should know, but that he is low? [If that is all the intelligence, he will make it enough.]

[private]

[bodilesswarrior]

He hasn't given me many details, so far. [She doesn't want to push too hard, not right now.] But he's - bitter. Angry.

[A wry, aching smile.] Seems like neither of us achieved what we wanted to.