RUFUS CATCH-ALL

[robopriest]

Comments

[soulus]

There's no one in the wilderness who can pay enough. Most bounty requests come from the city.

[robopriest]

[He's silent for a long moment.]

What if I paid you?

[soulus]

[In that time, he takes a few more bites out of the sandwich, finishing it.]

Do you have a job for me?

[robopriest]

Yeah, I sure do.

[And a light smile.]

Do you want to know what it is?

[soulus]

If you have something to say, please say it now.

[robopriest]

Your job will be...to leave your job, and find a new one.

[His voice is sincere, his gaze unwavering. He means what he says.]

If you do...I'll pay you so much that you won't dream of sitting in the dark ever again. That's my promise.

[soulus]

[Rufus holds Hansa's gaze with scrutiny.]

. . . How much is that? In case you've forgotten, I don't count myself as a mortal.

[robopriest]

[He smirks.]

A king's treasury. And if you need extra, I can always bully the Church for more.

[soulus]

. . . I'm afraid I must decline.

[robopriest]

And why is that?

[soulus]

I dislike relying on someone else's wealth.

[robopriest]

It's not really mine. It's not anyone's. Well, if you have no need of it, I'll just throw it all away.

[soulus]

I don't want to hear about money you have lying around that you can just throw away.

[robopriest]

Haha. Its a payment to me. I have yet to collect it. When I do...I'll give it to you.

I'm serious, Rufus.

[soulus]

What if I have no interest in changing jobs?

[robopriest]

That's no skin off my bones. I was just curious with my little offer, but its hardly a dealbreaker.

[soulus]

Are you saying that you have another job lined up?

[robopriest]

...

[He lets out a light laugh, looking away.]

Ah, Rufus, don't you get it? [...] Do you want a job that badly?

[soulus]

. . . I can't live without money.

[robopriest]

I know you can't. Which is why I want to give it to you.

[soulus]

If you want me to have it, you'll have to submit a request that's appropriate for the amount.

[robopriest]

Fine.

Guarantee that everyone gets out of this mess alive. The ones removed, and the ones still here. Everyone will be brought back.

If you can work towards making that happen...then I'll give you your reward.

[soulus]

. . . Are you that eager to get rid of the reward?

[robopriest]

Eager? I wouldn't use that word.

[soulus]

What would you call this, then?