maskormenace | [video]

[Joaquin is standing up very straight, arms crossed, a serious look on his face. Under his mustache his mouth is drawn in a thin line, not really frowning but not happy either. Uh oh.]

As a soldier I've often found myself defending others in the name of what is lawful and just. That's the true nature of my work, back home and here as a hero. However, there are times when even a soldier is at odds with the law they have sworn to uphold. This, unfortunately, is one of those times.

[The stiffness melts away as he takes on a more huffy tone.]

I mean, seriously, you have to be twenty-one to drink? What kind of arbitrary age is that? You can buy smokes when you're eighteen but those are [he does the air quotes] bad for you. People will gripe at you at any time for just having a cigarette but making drunken posts over the communicators? Completely above reproach. [~~Sorry not sorry about using you as an example, Newton~~.]

Look, all I'm saying is, it's terrible that people are so judge-y when it comes to certain vices and not others. And those of us who could drink back at home should be allowed to drink here! It's only fair!

[Yeah, that's his real complaint here. Just had to get that off his chest.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I feel I should apologize for Newton.. But if it's any consolation, he was certainly feeling the effects of his drinking this morning. I can agree that 21 is a rather ridiculous age restriction, but such is American law unfortunately.

It's fine. He was upset so. I probably shouldn't have used that as my example.

I am glad you agree with me, Doctor! It's unfortunate we can't go out drinking together.

If we ever find ourselves in another country, we'll be certain to remedy that.

Sure think, Doctor! That sounds right up my alley!

Hey, maybe on our birthdays we can all get together and have a party?

Perhaps.

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Newton doesn't mean to be rude about your smoking. Or rather, I suspect he does to a degree, but he's really just attempting to look out for me. My health is not the best, you see, and he's a biologist that's very well aware of that, so try not to take it too personally.

Edited 2015-11-12 03:09 (UTC)

It would be fun! And it's in the same month, so why not make it a party? You, me, Newt, and my buddy, Manolo!

[private]

I understand. He screamed at me about it enough before today for me to get the picture. I've said it before but you have a good friend.

June's rather far off, so I wouldn't endeavour to make any plans just yet. If we're all still around then however, and nothing drastic happens, then certainly.

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Yes.. sorry about that. But thank you for.. enlightening him about his conduct. Though that likely shouldn't have fallen to you.

Plans make being here feel more real. Besides, while I know you have stuff to do back home, I kinda hope you stick around and do all that other research you talked about getting around to here. I'm interested in hearing about what you find out.

[private]

No need to apologize. He was just looking out for you. Oh, he told you about that? I hope I didn't offend you by stepping in, but I

[The message is incomplete. There's that little messenger icon that shows a reply is still being worked on, but after several minutes it disappears.]

[Aw Joaquin, you're legitimately actually interested in his research? How are you real?]

I'm under contract for production rather than research at the moment, but we will see. In any case, we'll make tentative plans for mid-month then.

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No, it's a difficult subject even I still have trouble with. He has been very considerate since arriving here, I'd rather not have made him second guess himself or my appreciation for that.

[More like Joaquin enjoys hearing Hermann talk about things that make him light up. He is drawn towards passionate people.]

Excellent!

[private]

I see. Still, I don't want to step in where I'm not wanted. Don't hesitate to tell me if someone is wrong. Particularly if we are text messaging and I mess up, I can't really read the atmosphere over these things.

It's rather difficult to offend me through text unless you're making rather pointed remarks. And I know you're too much of a gentleman for that.

Well, I do try my best!

Since we're talking about being gentlemen and all... I know it wasn't long since our last date but if you ever have some free time to spend this month I'm generally available.

You are a delight, Mr. Mondragon. Where on Earth did Newton find you?

On the August page of next year's top-selling calendar.

[Well, sorta. That was the best way to put it anyway.]

I don't mind sending you a copy of my best photographs from the session. If you'd like them.

Oh God, you can't be serious.

[But a few keystrokes later, he is serious. Not sure whether to laugh or feel horribly embarrassed]

I feel like that would be highly inappropriate, so no, but thank you.

I'm always serious. Well, most of the time.

You're missing out! But I gotcha!

If you happen to get the calendar, feel free to ask me to autograph it. I don't mind.

[Well that decides him on amusement]

How generous. If such a thing ever winds up in my possession, I will surely do so.

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