Poulette - Rheopexy +++ [This is what happens when motivation and force of will intersect. All concrit gratefully received, as usual. :/] +++ The carefully folded copy of Le Monde was all of a week old by the time it reached his hands, but was no less precious for being a window into the recent past. Spy turned the pages leisurely, carefully keeping the creases razor-straight as he luxuriated in once more being immersed in his native language. Those cosseted students are rioting again. And over mixed-gender dorms, of all things. It will be over in another week or so; de Gaulle will never stand for it- A knocking at the door. Assertive, and barely short of being a hammered demand. No chance they were likely to go away. Sighing inwardly, the Spy closed his paper and went to the door, which opened just as he reached it, revealing the grizzled face of the Sniper. “Well, Sniper? What compelling reason do you ‘ave for disturbing me at this time? It is late, and we all have to get some sleep if we are to fight tomorrow.†“Yeah, I know. Was wonderin’ if we could have a word or two with ya, if y’ don’t mind.†Sniper’s expression was even more shuttered than usual. “But of course, if it is so important that you could not wait. Come in.†Spy swung the door further open, to see the looming shape of the Heavy in the corridor outside. Curious. They entered, the Russian as always moving more quickly and silently than his build would suggest, and stood awkwardly between the wardrobe and the bed. The Spy sat back down on his chair, slouching carelessly. “Gentlemen. What is it you want to discuss?†Sniper rubbed the end of his nose pensively. “We need to do something about our girl. She’s not in a good way.†“How so? Last time I visited La Princesse Perdue, she seemed fine. More than fine, in fact. “ Spy allowed the corner of his mouth to lift in lascivious nostalgia. “If she is ill, it is a simple matter to bring her to ze attention of ze Medic. “ “No. Is much worse than just sick. “ Heavy interjected deliberately, brow furrowed with worry. “I saw lying in own blood and vomit. I use Medigun. She has no Respawn.†Heavy said little off the field, as a rule, and eyes widened around the room at this uncharacteristically long speech; it was as if the wardrobe behind him had spoken. “Your concern is touching, ‘sieurs.†Spy’s tone was coolly sardonic as he leaned back in the chair. “Zis is not ze first flawed project of the Medic’s. Doubtless she will not be ze last either. If compassion truly is a factor, it would be a simple thing to cleanly put La Poulette out of ‘er mise-“ Spy suddenly found himself tipped to near horizontal in his chair, the tendons in his thighs screaming. The edge of a kukri materialised at his throat and a pair of slitted hazel eyes behind amber lenses glared into his own. “Her. Name. Is. Carol. And she is not your little princess whore,†hissed Sniper from between gritted teeth. “She should never have been brought back to base. “ Spy felt the warmth as the skin of his neck parted slightly. Breathlessly, he choked out, “And whose fault is it zat she came here at all, mon ami..?†The kukri vanished as swiftly as it had appeared, the Spy thudding back down to verticality with a jarring clatter as the Sniper turned away abruptly. “There really is no need for zese theatrics, Jarman. If you feel so strongly about ‘ow I name La Fille, you only had to mention it, “ Spy murmured blandly, hiding his annoyance as he rubbed at his neck, examining the smear of red on his fingers. Sniper spun back round, eyes suspiciously bright. “Aw, shut the fuck up about the name thing, Spook. Look, I know it’s my fault, orright? I brought her here. But she wouldn’t be here now if you hadn’t lied like a bastard. Did you bloody deliver her to that butcher with a bow around her neck?!†He spat and waved a hand in the vague direction of the medlab, voice cracking at the last. Stung, Spy exploded out of the chair to prod Sniper hard with a finger to the chest. “Do not seek to blame me for zis, Bushman! I knew as little as you did about ze Medic’s plans for her. I thought also that she would be given amnesiacs and taken to town. I can only guess what demon whispers zese warped ideas into ‘is ear, to pervert God’s creation so!†Sniper slapped away the prodding hand before Spy could do it again. His lips thinned and twisted in self loathing. “So you’re tryin’ ta dodge the blame for this one too. How fuckin’ typical-“ A huge hand landed on both Spy and Sniper’s shoulders and prised them apart with irresistable yet gentle strength. They were reduced to grimacing at each other from opposite sides of the tiny room like petulant children , past the watchful bulk of Heavy. “Enough. “ The rumbled word fell like a boulder into a pond. “Medic did bad thing to leetle devushka. Medic will fix.†His jaw set like granite. “Has gone on too long. No more fighting like babies.†“And how are you planning to get him to ‘make it all better’, Gospodin?†shot Spy mockingly, still resentful at all the manhandling. “Are you planning to send him a fruit basket?†“No. “Heavy’s fists clenched, the glove leather creaking ominously. Sniper smiled viciously at Spy’s sudden shiver and at the implacable set of Heavy’s shoulders. “Doktor will not say no. I am sure of this. “ +++ Rheopexy – Materials science terminology used to describe strain, flow and viscosity behaviour. Denotes a fluid that increases in viscosity when subjected to shear forces. This can result in a liquid momentarily behaving like a brittle, friable solid. Examples include latex or cornstarch slurries. Gospodin (Russian) – Respectful form of address to adult males, more formal than the English “Misterâ€. Considered archaic.