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[inthebiblicalsense]

[In a very serious, business tone, Abel's answering machine sounds after any attempted calls that aren't responded to right away.]

You've reached Abel. I am not available at the moment, but I'll get back to you as soon as I can. If this is urgent, leave the line open.

And if this is Fitz I hope you're having a good day.

Comments

[inthebiblicalsense]

Abel has the capacity to be embarrassed by the mental request, his head dipping just a little. Sometimes it's rather obvious that he's just barely hit twenty-five and has only had a handful of months outside of the service he'd been in since eighteen. Dick measuring was an artform in the Alliance and he's not quite broken the habit obviously.

"I have no intention of retaliating, Clint was doing his duty, as he should."

[anewlanguage]

He watches John, just listening. Cain is no longer incandescent but more simmering.

"I have every right to be angry about him damaging my ship. So I'm glad you won't go after Barton, but I'm going to need to know you understand why you're not going to touch the ship again."

[greatoldjohn]

"Can you make the same guarantee?" he asks pointedly, keeping his tone level. "If you can guarantee that your captain and your crew won't do anything to the Barge, our home, then we've got no reason to fuck with anything. So. Can you promise that you and yours won't touch our ship when we make contact to crossover?"

[inthebiblicalsense]

Abel takes an even breath, stepping forward, close enough to Cain that when he extends his hand it's within arms reach. It doesn't feel safe, but John is there, and he's hopeful that is enough.

"You have my word that me and mine, within my influence won't tamper with your ship if there is a smooth transfer back onto our own ship, and before we leave, I will make sure that my notes on anything that I did, in the off chance that something doesn't work right after repair are turned over to the right people in your crew. It was never my intention to cripple your ship, just prevent it from harming ours long enough for a smooth exit."

[anewlanguage]

"We don't want you here, you get that? You're using up our resources. We want you back on your own damn ship. So leave ours alone, go back to yours quietly, and there won't be a problem." He takes Abel's hand, grinning dark at him. "Deal?"

[greatoldjohn]

"Nothing in what you say assures us that you won't do something to our home. Just that you want us to be quiet while we're in yours."

There's no emotion to the words. But he is watching Cain since he has a hand on Abel. And if he decides on a parting shot, John is absolutely primed to block. He doesn't trust you, Cain. Not even a little bit. Especially because of that dark grin.

[inthebiblicalsense]

Abel doesn't grip his hand, doesn't move to shake it, in fact he pulls it back.

"I didn't ask to be here, and I'm glad to leave as soon as I'm able. You have my word that I won't fuck with your guns any more, if nothing happens to the Barge, but I'm not making any deals with you."

In fact he's rather done with him and his disturbing smile.

"We done here?"

[anewlanguage]

"Well now that depends on your bodyguard doesn't it?" Cain looks at John. "I can promise everyone in my circle just wants you gone. We're not here to fight."

[greatoldjohn]

John just shakes his head.

"I don't want to hurt anyone." And he looks up to Cain. "If we're done, we're done."

He tilts his head a little.

"As long as we're done."

[anewlanguage]

He holds his hands up, empty. "We're done."

[greatoldjohn]

He doesn't trust anything the man says. But he nods.

"Abel, how about you head out. I'll head out after you."

[inthebiblicalsense]

Abel glances between Cain and John before backing away and finally turning to leave.

He'd certainly like a quiet corner to breathe after this.