he's choking. hyperbole. regardless, the tie he wears is suffocating, or maybe it's an approaching panic attack. he hasn't had one of those in years, but anything is possible, clearly. ( the video replays behind his eyelids in full 4k resolution, haunted ) he does what he does best. lies. plasters a smile and talks and talks and tries not to be bothered by how unbothered they are supposed to look, tries not to be unnerved by how easily everything rolls off veronica's shoulders. with every passing day, it becomes more clear that she's much better suited for this position than him. unsurprising, but he's shocked anyhow.
maxime is the picture of cordiality, hands clasped in front of him to stop the tremor. " collaboration, " he echoes, grins hollowly. he's grown accustomed to stalemates and concessions in the name of mercy's greater good, accepted that there are some lines that must be crossed and some that can be simply written over. he's exhausted, frustrated, seconds from playing whistleblower. cowardice reins him in.
voice lowers, if only to ensure that anyone listening wouldn't be able to make much out. " and what of the rumor being passed around ? are you planning on staging a cover-up ? releasing a statement ? my intentions are to conduct further research. it will be easier to do so with the department standing together, rather than apart. "
𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗋𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗍𝗎𝗌 closed, feat. maxime ( @greatpain ) 𝗍𝗂𝗆𝖾𝖿𝗋𝖺𝗆𝖾 + 𝗅𝗈𝖼𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇 evening, event one - governor's ball
elegance envelops the agent as she moves gracefully, natural poise exudes from her. amongst colleagues from various spheres of her career, veronica glides through the governor's ball with an air of prestige. despite the lingering weight of recent events that hung over her mind, she maintains an outward façade of composure, giving no indication of the turmoil beneath the surface. to all outward appearances, mercy was flourishing more than ever.
"it's good to see you being so cooperative," she purrs to her fellow head agent, her tone smooth, diplomatic. "if we can maintain this level of collaboration, we should be able to resolve the... desiccation error," she pauses briefly to clear her throat, masking any hint of uncertainty.
veronica smooths down a stray lock of hair at the nape of her neck, a subtle gesture of self-assurance. "i've reassured the board of the kronos lead. they'll be off our case soon enough."