[ Having it her way, as Lorca had put it, was fun while it lasted. But as much as it felt like victory to shut him down in the moment, she was clinging by her fingernails to the illusion of agency. That becomes inconveniently yet undeniably clear as she nears the looming deadline to sign.
If pressed to explain, she would claim that she took her time to explore every option. The reality is that any exploration inevitably led Michael to the same conclusion: her ongoing cooperation is unsustainable and anyone she signs with will have to answer for her actions, sooner or later. There is only one person she wouldn't feel obligated to shield from the consequences of contracting with her.
This time, turning down Lorca's suggestion to meet is a luxury beyond her reach. Rather than sending a response, she turns up at Victrix within the hour, certain that his staff will pass on news of her arrival in less time than it takes for her to find a seat at the bar.
Initially, Michael was on the fence about whether drinking would make this go smoother or just make things worse, but when the bartender approaches, she orders two drinks. A glass of the bourbon she remembers Lorca drinking sits beside her as she sips from her own. ]
no subject
If pressed to explain, she would claim that she took her time to explore every option. The reality is that any exploration inevitably led Michael to the same conclusion: her ongoing cooperation is unsustainable and anyone she signs with will have to answer for her actions, sooner or later. There is only one person she wouldn't feel obligated to shield from the consequences of contracting with her.
This time, turning down Lorca's suggestion to meet is a luxury beyond her reach. Rather than sending a response, she turns up at Victrix within the hour, certain that his staff will pass on news of her arrival in less time than it takes for her to find a seat at the bar.
Initially, Michael was on the fence about whether drinking would make this go smoother or just make things worse, but when the bartender approaches, she orders two drinks. A glass of the bourbon she remembers Lorca drinking sits beside her as she sips from her own. ]