Log 0007

[keeps_a_cool_head]

[In Zero, Scorpius does what he does best: he plans. Giving him space and time to think through what he wants and how to get it is one of the unintended gifts of his cell space, and he appreciates every moment of it.

After several days, he addresses the Barge]

A question to my fellow shipmates;

When an inmate commits a grievous crime, who is to blame for it? Obviously the inmate must share some, but what percentage is attributed to them and what percentage is attributed to their warden, who may be unfit to command them? A warden may fail just as easily by not admitting to something that could be most assuredly out of their control.

And what of inmates who aren't paired and no one has taken the time to explain to them the rules?

My apologies to Alex Summers. While it was certainly my intent to hurt him, he had done nothing to harm me and was simply in the correct place at the correct time.



[Private to Crichton]

Of course, John, we all know that you are the one fully to blame.

More like Alex will follow. You cannot hope to save them all.

In a few days' time they will be forced to release me. What has changed between the time of my entering this cell and the time of my leaving it? As a deterrent towards behavior, Zero leaves much to be desired.

I am willing to entertain ideas of a deal between us.

Comments

[his_drededfate]

[N. O. P. E.]

Then perhaps you should reconsider your priorities.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

I'm often told that these days.

[Usually by people who want him to stop harassing Crichton]

[his_drededfate]

Then perhaps it is advice you should heed.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

I've taken it under advisement. But my experience has taught me that the only advice I should be following is that which my own logic has decided is sound. Too many others have...tried to lead me astray, in the past.

[his_drededfate]

And harming others is sound logic? Perhaps at home in times of war, but that will not be effective here. It will only harm your chances of leaving further.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

Harming a select few, for very specific reasons, is sound logic.

As I told you, my chances of leaving come secondary to other things I deem important.

[his_drededfate]

[Huff puff. He is so disappointed with you.]

So I can see.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

[Look how much he cares, Mordred. Look at it. So much caring]

I can sense your unhappiness.

[his_drededfate]

There is no joy in witnessing someone harm themselves through others.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

How considerate of you to look after my well-being.

[his_drededfate]

Do not be mistaken. Without a paired warden it is just as much my duty as any other warden's.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

And once I am paired?

[soliterraneous]

I am surprised there is even room for minute trust at all.

[ But maybe not. This is John they're talking about. ]

No. Not in person. I suspect you don't count.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

As am I. But I don't plan to abuse it.


I don't. But had you ever met one, I would suspect there would be far less questioning of my motivation.

[soliterraneous]

Not blatantly, I'm sure.

It is unlikely here.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

Not at all.

Unlikely, yes. There is nothing redeemable about a Scarran.

[soliterraneous]

Does that mean that you are, in part, irredeemable?

[keeps_a_cool_head]

That all depends on what you think I need to redeem. But I don't believe so.

[soliterraneous]

I don't know you well enough to even begin to imagine what you need to redeem.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

Fortunately, we have all the time in the world to better learn about each other, Officer Sun.

I know John Crichton. And in the past I have mistakenly passed you off as another insignificant, carbon-copy of a Peacekeeper who fell out of rank.

What is it about you that so fascinates him?

[soliterraneous]

[ The amount of mental cursing that just happened. ]

I am not an officer anymore, Scorpius. You, more than anyone else, are aware of that.

You know him. Shouldn't that answer your question? Besides which, it is a better question for him than for me.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

Forgive me. I thought that was your preferred method of address.

You don't have the slightest idea? Not a hint, or a glimpse into the way his mind works?

[Private]

Or perhaps it no longer matters to you.

I'd like to make an arrangement with you, Aeryn.

You, I, and John come from three separate chapters in our collective story. You owe him no loyalty you can remember.

Do as your instincts dictate and leave him. If you separate and disavow any future relationship, I will not include you in my plans for him.

[soliterraneous]

Really? How odd; I don't introduce myself in that manner.

I have ideas. I do not wish to share them at this time.

[Private]

I do not see how this arrangement is in anyone's favor but your own, Scorpius. You will do what you will, no matter my position. Why does it matter to you now?

[ She keeps her tone level; never has she wanted to scream so much at someone. ]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

Of course. From now on, do you prefer I call you Aeryn?

[Private]

You hold influence over John, whether you know it or not. And through your continued association, you put yourself and your warden at risk.

[soliterraneous]

I prefer you not call me Officer Sun. Beyond that, my preference ends.

[Private]

Influence.

So you are, in essence, threatening them both and asking me to chose. Correct?