It wasn’t a definitive answer to Roland’s worries, but it was a start. It was enough that they weren’t branded the same as outright fugitives…though their inaction on the matter was questionable regardless. With enough time, the ministry could always prove him wrong of course, though the mention of Inigo’s encounter with them draws upon a lifetime of experience in a way even Roland did not expect.
So much so that his expression returns more lighthearted, finding humor in where his mind travels.
“Welcome to politics.” Not that Tidus needed an introduction to that mess, knowing what Roland does about him. But Roland loves playing upon a good irony, oh yes. “They were probably ordered to keep to themselves and stick to the script. “ He chuckles. “We probably won’t solve these mysteries right away, but I feel almost glad that the ministry is showing us these things. It’s weirdly familiar to me. Putting order in the chaotic void? Speaking vaguely, giving no promises? Not answering questions, then thanking us for compliance?”
The scoff he gives is a curious mix of nostalgia and disdain.
“I know the smell of red tape and bureaucracy anywhere. Calling them that is right on the money.” Whether or not this is a reassurance of knowing how to act around those types, or conversely, how to get them riled up, Roland leaves to the imagination. Even if it’s counterintuitive for someone who used to be in a position like his to say such things; then again, he had to fight to get answers and be taken seriously too.
Or perhaps it was all coping mechanism for fears he can’t voice? It’s easy to assume an image he knows by heart than to be victim to the great and vast unknown. The answer to that eludes Roland despite his sarcasm.
“Anyway-“ He digresses, turning back to Tidus. “I think you’ve just given me an interesting idea to explore, one of these days. In the meantime, should I just try my best to convince the train to tell us more about the ministry that we haven't asked already?” A pause. “Maybe this time I’ll say pretty please.”
no subject
So much so that his expression returns more lighthearted, finding humor in where his mind travels.
“Welcome to politics.” Not that Tidus needed an introduction to that mess, knowing what Roland does about him. But Roland loves playing upon a good irony, oh yes. “They were probably ordered to keep to themselves and stick to the script. “ He chuckles. “We probably won’t solve these mysteries right away, but I feel almost glad that the ministry is showing us these things. It’s weirdly familiar to me. Putting order in the chaotic void? Speaking vaguely, giving no promises? Not answering questions, then thanking us for compliance?”
The scoff he gives is a curious mix of nostalgia and disdain.
“I know the smell of red tape and bureaucracy anywhere. Calling them that is right on the money.” Whether or not this is a reassurance of knowing how to act around those types, or conversely, how to get them riled up, Roland leaves to the imagination. Even if it’s counterintuitive for someone who used to be in a position like his to say such things; then again, he had to fight to get answers and be taken seriously too.
Or perhaps it was all coping mechanism for fears he can’t voice? It’s easy to assume an image he knows by heart than to be victim to the great and vast unknown. The answer to that eludes Roland despite his sarcasm.
“Anyway-“ He digresses, turning back to Tidus. “I think you’ve just given me an interesting idea to explore, one of these days. In the meantime, should I just try my best to convince the train to tell us more about the ministry that we haven't asked already?” A pause. “Maybe this time I’ll say pretty please.”