Log 0004

[keeps_a_cool_head]

[In the time since he was released from Zero, Scorpius has been spending the majority of his days in the library. The availability of knowledge from other universes is too irresistable to ignore, and much of his time is spent cataloging facts and figures he feels may be useful to him in the coming time]

The enormous accessibility of resources even to known prisoners on this ship continues to amaze me. I wonder if I might entreat on a warden who would be able to provide a personal databank? It's far easier than writing notes by hand.

Additionally, I would be interested to learn if anyone has bothered to map out the Barge's destinations ahead of schedule, or started to plan for each flood and port we encounter. It seems to be on a rotating cycle.

And there are still concepts I come across every day whose meanings continue to elude me. I have seen...[He pauses to double-check the name he's written down] Abbott and Costello's 'Who's on First' three times and each subsequent viewing leaves me more perplexed.

John, if this data reel is any indication of your species' intelligence, I don't know whether to feel superior or afraid.

[Private to Catra]

Have you tracked Crichton's meal cycles yet?

Comments

[keeps_a_cool_head]

I am Scorpius.

I would like to thank you for the use of your facilities during my time of imprisonment. Being on this Barge is proving very educational.

[strangehistorian]

Of course! The library is open to everyone who doesn't abuse the privilege.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

Am I permitted to bring books back to my quarters?

[strangehistorian]

Of course! Just return them undamaged!

[keeps_a_cool_head]

I will.

I notice there are some rooms in which only a warden may enter. Are inmates forever barred, or are exceptions typically made?

[strangehistorian]

It depends on the room! Some only require a warden's presence or permission!

[keeps_a_cool_head]

And to the inmates who are unpaired? How would they seek permission?

[strangehistorian]

Any warden's will do.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

I see.

In your role as the librarian, Chromie, have you ever investigated interstellar travel, as it pertains to the Barge?

[strangehistorian]

I can't say that have. My world has one ship such as this, but its function is beyond what I'm able to understand.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

Can you tell me anything further about it?

[strangehistorian]

This ship, or the one from my home?

[keeps_a_cool_head]

Either. I'm interested in both.

[strangehistorian]

Well, I made a helpful pamphlet regarding the Barge! If you haven't seen that yet, I recommend checking it out!

[keeps_a_cool_head]

If it's in regards to warden and inmate duties as well as an explanation of floods and ports, I believe we're past that stage by now.

[strangehistorian]

That's it! I still find it a useful overview. The ship itself remains largely a mystery! We don't know who made it, or even how long it has been in service.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

Hmn. What methods have you taken to discovering the answers to these questions?

[strangehistorian]

Well, I am a time traveler, so I tried to visit the ship in its younger years. Unfortunately, it seems I can only go as far back as my arrival.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

A...time traveler.

[strangehistorian]

Yes. It's an ability inherent to my species!

[keeps_a_cool_head]

And can you do this locally? With a person, or with your environment?

[strangehistorian]

It depends! Why do you ask?

[keeps_a_cool_head]

There are certain things in my past - [Not his past: John Crichton's, but he'll lie for convenience] - that I would be curious about investigating further. You say you can travel through time. Can you also affect the outcome?

[strangehistorian]

Oh, certainly not. It is strictly regulated.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

But it is possible.