OTA

[quartermaster_q]

Ms. Ethel Vitties (Vit to her friends) was not the sort of person who usually made it onto Q's radar. She had no government ties, the most sophisticated bit of tech in her flat was her sky box (which she only owned because of a need to watch her stories), and she barely knew how to use that. She was no spy, no hacker, and at 83 with a bad hip, she posed no physical threat. ...She was just nice. They'd spoken a few dozen times, and on one occasion when he'd had to go out of town at the last minute, had agreed to let Titania and Oberon stay in her flat. No questions asked, she had simply overheard him in the hall failing to get through to the usual cat sitter or Eve, and had offered to take them.

She'd refused payment of any sort when he'd returned, and the cats had taken an instant liking to her. ...So when Q had learned just how much she was getting charged for her simple cable box and the internet she almost never used, he'd taken matters into his own hands. He'd spent the morning on the roof, rewiring the various cables and making slight improvements. Now he was parked across the street in a small cafe, tapping into Sky's customer data base to make some even more adjustments- Starting with a refund of an obscene service charge.

He was sporting his usual frumpy boffin chic look, but it was obvious he'd been busy this morning by the state of his elbows and knees, the fabric darkened and dirtied by the tar on the roof. His hair was wilder and fluffier than ever, and he was frowning at his monitor as he combed through Vit's billing history. The company really was shameless, it seemed.

When someone approached the table, he simply assumed it was a server and he covered his cup with one hand. "Actually, I'd like to switch to coffee now, if that's alright," he said, not considering the cafe might be full and the person approaching might be searching for a seat- Or, you know, a friend looking to say hello.

Comments

[just_hex]

"That's why I haven't asked him yet. It's a lot to consider," he agreed quietly. "But if I wait too long...might regret putting it off."

[quartermaster_q]

"I suppose all I can do is advise that you proceed with caution, Hex," Q said gently.

[just_hex]

"We'll see what happens," he replied. It was obvious enough he wasn't settled on anything. He kept going back and forth, should he or shouldn't he? He had yet to land on an answer.

"What were you doing when I walked up? You looked so serious," he asked, changing the subject.

[quartermaster_q]

"A woman in my building was having issues with her television service. ...I've corrected them," Q said, never revealing too much about what he was up to. "I'd offer my services to you as well, but a portion of it is quite hands on, and I've seen enough rooftops for one day."

He paused a beat, then seemed thoughtful. "Speaking of entertainment, have you started work on your videos again yet?" he asked.

[just_hex]

"I haven't. When Stanley vanished and I slipped up, I just haven't gotten back into making them. I've been working on me book, though. Trying to finish it. Bit at a time," he said.

[quartermaster_q]

"Mmm, odd business that, your manager's disappearance that is. ...Do hope you weren't involved," Q said, watching Hex closely for a moment.

[just_hex]

"No, not me. I haven't a clue what happened to him...though if I ever do see him again I can't guarantee I won't pop him in the mouth for what he did to Fin," he replied honestly.

[quartermaster_q]

"I have my doubts you'll ever get that chance," Q said honestly, his words revealing the fact that he'd looked into the man's disappearance at least a little.

[just_hex]

Hex arched a brow.

"You sound like you know more than I do," he said.

[quartermaster_q]

"Not much more, I imagine. I do know that wherever he vanished to, he didn't do so by any natural means. There's no evidence he ever left his flat, and yet... He very much isn't there," Q replied.

[just_hex]

"Supernatural, then?" he asked cautiously, thinking of Willy. The fae scared the bejesus out of him though he'd had relatively few dealings with him. It was just a feeling he got.

[quartermaster_q]

"That would be my guess, yes," Q nodded. "I'm hardly an expert though, and I can't say I feel much pity for a sexual predator. ...Certainly not anywhere near enough to dig deeper."

[just_hex]

"I bet I know who's behind it, then," Hex said. "Not that I have any pity, either."

[quartermaster_q]

Q hummed a little, nodding in understanding.

"I hear Mr. Flynn's left the country," he noted, still studying Hex with that mild look he so often hid behind.

[just_hex]

"He's in New York city, from the postcard I got," he confirmed. "I've got no idea when he'll be back...if ever."

[quartermaster_q]

"That must sting a bit," Q said gently, the mask of indifference dropping for just a moment.

[just_hex]

Hex nodded.

"A bit. I've tried to call him. No answer. I'm not sure what to think."

He did, sort of. Will looked different, and Fin had been gone a bit before this. He was sure something was going on, he just didn't know what.

[quartermaster_q]

"I can give you the number of where he's staying," Q offered, as if there was nothing wrong with or strange about that offer.

[just_hex]

"I think that would cross a boundary. I'd love it...thank you, but no," he replied, thinking it through as he spoke.

[quartermaster_q]

"Alright, well, if you change your mind, you only need ask," Q assured him.

[just_hex]

"I'm hoping he'll just need time," Hex said. "That's me hope, anyway. Who knows, though...maybe he'll decide he likes America better."

[quartermaster_q]

Q wrinkled his nose at that, then smiled.

"How is work?" he asked after a moment. "You know we still have an opening in medical..."

Well, one could be made anyway.

[just_hex]

Hex had been waffling on accepting Q's offer. It was generous beyond measure, but he worried what Danny would think if he went to work for Six. It would mean more money and better hours, and there would be the chance for a thrill or two, he was sure. But perhaps he ought to choose something more sedate. Duty nurse in labor and delivery, maybe.

But the money...and the opportunity...

"You should put me in," he finally decided. "If I pass the background and all, which I'm not sure I will, then...yeah."

[quartermaster_q]

"Consider it done," Q assured him- And that was as good as assuring him he had the job. Q wanted more people he trusted in the office. ...Needed it even.

[just_hex]

"You know when I would start?" he asked. "I can give notice today if you have some idea. If it's long, well, might be nice to have a bit of a holiday."