[video; open]

[original_fine]

[Jim's propped up in a dingy hospital room, looking worse for wear but better than he has been. Not that anyone's seen him since the attack. (ooc: Yes, I'm handwaving that he threw himself into protecting others, and was injured.)]

My apologies to those I made arrangements with earlier and failed to follow through on. My special apologies to those hurt in the attack. I... underestimated their firepower.

[Yes, he's been out of commission since then, in a coma and healing.]

I'd like to know if we've learned anything else about why it happened. And I want to throw my efforts back into the plans to organize. Commander Shepard, Colonel Telford, I know you've been attempting this. Any progress? Any use for a man with leadership and combat experience? [He smiles wryly.] My recent performance notwithstanding.


[private to River Tam]

Miss Tam, your broadcast of several days ago concerns me. Are you there?

Comments

[video]

[original_fine]

Because I can feel regret for outcomes that I cannot be fully responsible for.

[video]

[sorcerous]

You did not give your condolences; you gave an apology. I think that, perhaps, there is a part of you that does feel responsible. Even when you shouldn't.

[ Thor did the same thing :| all the damn time. ]

[video]

[original_fine]

[Well, maybe he did. Jim's lips firm, not sure what Loki's driving at.]

And if I do?

[video]

[sorcerous]

Do you think your sorrow is worth anything to those who died?

[video]

[original_fine]

No. But it may be worth something to those who survive.

[video]

[sorcerous]

Ever-so-little.

[video]

[original_fine]

If it is worth nothing to you, sir, then the words were not meant for you. If I have wronged you in some other way, I'd appreciate knowing so that I can seek to repair that problem.

[video]

[sorcerous]

If I'd sought to hurt you, you would know it.

[video]

[original_fine]

You're not a very trusting soul, are you?

[video]

[sorcerous]

My brother fights like you, and regrets like you. It falls to me to check him, when he has gone too far.

[video]

[original_fine]

Ah, I see. Does that typically work?

[video]

[sorcerous]

...rarely.

[video]

[original_fine]

He sounds like an interesting person.

[video]

[sorcerous]

Loud as thunder, bright as lightning, and just as rash and quick to strike.

[video]

[original_fine]

[Jim's smiling a little.]

Let me rephrase that. He sounds extraordinary.

[video]

[sorcerous]

As extraordinary as a great, clumsy beast.

[ But there's something quiet and strong there. Loki loves Thor. ]

[video]

[original_fine]

[Jim can see that, and he feels a little warmer towards Loki than he did at the beginning of the conversation, when he thought the man was being merely confrontational.]

Well for my part, consider your message received. I will not feel responsible for the deaths which occurred, to the best of my ability.

[video]

[sorcerous]

Very well.