A Subspace Emissary

[not_heavens_adam]

[He'd always been the type to keep his feet on the ground and his head in the clouds, but he'd never thought to keep his eyes on the stars. As far as he was concerned, the stars were there to watch over you, not to visit...but here he was, on a space station.

It actually wasn't too bad. A little strange in some parts, but fairly homey in others. He hadn't really gone around making acquaintances just yet, but that was part of why he was out and about now. It was the hour that most people wandered around the station, socializing, maybe he would find someone of interest.

If not, he got a decent walk out of it.]

Comments

[in_sects]

[There was only the warning of the voice of the person he'd been arguing with getting louder before her hand threw out a punch that he wasn't fast enough or experienced enough with fights to block. It had enough force behind it to push him backwards, and that apparently wasn't enough for her.]

I didn't mean to offend you.

[It wasn't strictly speaking true, he'd meant the words he'd said, but he hadn't expected her to take them to heart this much. It also wasn't stopping her from stepping towards where he'd gone, and he raised his hands, trying to convince her to stop.]

Please, stop this.

[not_heavens_adam]

[The ;ast thing he'd expected to find on a space station was a fight. But, maybe that was his own fault for being surprised, really, what had he been expecting? The people here were just that: people. People fought.

Johnny hadn't really caught what was going on, but what he saw was a rather strong woman beating on some guy who didn't seem all that able to protect himself.

In a flash the vampire stood between woman and man, arms stretched out on either side of himself to prove he was here to defend not pick up the fight.]

Hey now, let's not break the peace and quiet, hmm? Surely this can be settled like adults who use their words...?

[in_sects]

[It was true that Rhys wasn't able to protect himself, although it wasn't for the lack of physical ability. He had been a dancer, once, and he still had the strength and grace that that had leant. But he wouldn't hit back all the same, with a certainty that came with moral conviction, one that had in the past overrode even the importance of submitting to God and to his father.

He held up his hands in front of him, a clear surrender, while the woman huffed, and stepped back.

"Next time watch what you say," she muttered, as she turned to go.

Rhys focused all of his attention then on Johnny.]

You have my thanks.

[not_heavens_adam]

[Johnny watched the woman wander off but then turned to look at the very attractive man he'd just helped out.]

You're very welcome~ Are you alright?

[in_sects]

[Rhys rubbed his cheek for a moment, glanced at his rescuer]

Just fine.

[He knew he should probably go, but better to let the woman get a little further away first.]

[not_heavens_adam]

[He glanced in the direction the woman had gone.]

What did you say that got her so riled up?

[in_sects]

It does not matter.

[Not to a stranger, not really to Rhys either. He should regret it, for the reaction if nothing else, and didn't.]

[not_heavens_adam]

[He shrugged, it wasn't like it was all that important in the long run.]

Aaalright~ Well, work on the pissing off ladies thing, I'd hate to see something happen to that pretty face of yours~

[For added effect, he winked and turned to leave. He'd done his good deed for the day.]

[in_sects]

[Rhys was still for a moment, enough to let Johnny turn away, then shook his head.]

If something happens, it happens. I won't change who I am to have my face damaged.

[not_heavens_adam]

[He paused and turned back, slightly, to throw a slightly amused look Rhys' direction.]

So you'll be pugnacious and obstinate even if it means you'll get into trouble and pull attention to yourself?

[in_sects]

I'll favor my moral stability over anything physical like that. If I compromise simply to avoid conflict, how much of me will there be left at the end?

[not_heavens_adam]

Hmm....good point. Still, there's something to be said for adaptability. I mean...what's the point in your moral stability if you're not around to have it?

[in_sects]

[A glance back in the direction the woman had gone.]

I don't think she would have killed me.

[Because that was clearly the point.]

[not_heavens_adam]

[He shook his head in disbelief. Did this guy really not see the bigger picture?]

No, maybe not her, but not everyone in this world is so forgiving. The next person you piss off might not be happy with just a punch.

[in_sects]

[On this world? This place has been so much better than Umayma so far.]

I'm not going to sacrifice my principles if I don't have to.

[not_heavens_adam]

You need a keeper, kid.

[He was honestly torn between amused and unimpressed.]

Maybe you should try lying, then you don't have to sacrifice anything and it spares you from being punched.

[in_sects]

I can tell you're invested in me minding my tongue.

[Skeptical look.]

I'd rather not bite back on my personality just because it displeases some.