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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I find our conversations to be much more cathartic and productive than any outside discussion with a professional stranger could ever be.

...'Friends', you said.

[He puts both hands to his face, and Scorpius can likely hear muffled through his fingers:] This is not happening right now. This is not happening. Tell me this is NOT happening.

[He needs a moment.]

[It's okay, John. Scorpius is perfectly willing to sit and wait for you to get your act together]

Had I known that such a simple concept would upset you, I would have chosen my words more carefully.

[He's just shaking his head, and laughing sardonically.]

What upsets me, Scorpius, is that you think I'd want to have a warm fuzzy conversation with you about your feelings after you beat one of my friends bloody and left him on my doorstep!

No, John. What upsets you more than your friend's situation is that you're coming to realize that the universe is not split evenly between good people and bad people.

Edited 2014-03-03 12:59 (UTC)

Don't flatter yourself; I've known that for a long time. People got more shades of grey than the first 5 minutes of the Wizard of Oz. Don't think it took until just now talking to you for me to realize that. You aren't that inspiring.

Regardless, John; unless you wish to continue in much the same path as our first two months together have been, I suggest we research an alternate path that would be more satisfying to the both of us.

Fine. For once we agree on something. I'd like this crap to end.

But I just bet I know what you're going to suggest.

Of course.

But you have a failsafe, John. If you let me extract what I need, I still need to get off this ship. No inmate has properly escaped the Barge. I can only leave by graduating.

In the meantime, you'll have secured safety for your friends and allies. And I will cease ever bothering you again.

[He rubs tiredly at his temple. The temptation to just throw his hands up and surrender has never been greater. And, that's the point, isn't it? After all this crap he's supposed to break and just give it up.]

You are still not listening. I can't give you what I don't have.

You don't have it consciously. But if you would permit me time and access to your mind, I could help us unlock its secrets.

Yeah, I still remember how well that worked out for me last time.

[Why the hell he needed to be strapped upside-down to some freaking sculpture? He's still not sure.]

This time is not like last time. I have no urge to damage you and will in fact treat your health as my primary concern.

Like you did Alex's?

[It sounds so good. He's playing all the right notes, pushing all the right buttons. This offer sounds so very sweet. But a couple months isn't enough to change a guy like Scorpius.]

Sorry Scorp. I'm done making deals with the Devil. And you're the devil I do know. One confession isn't going to soften me up after all the crap you've put me and my friends through.

...I suppose, given our history, I could not expect a different answer so soon.

But the offer will remain open. Your friends will be safe, as a testament to good faith.

[And meanwhile he'll start breaking down your mind even further. Sorry, John]

You ever break that show of good faith and you'll blow your only chance of convincing me. Just remember that.

[Wonder why he doesn't trust you?]

[Come on John it's not like he's been sabotaging your sleep schedule and planting bombs in the communicators of your friends.

wait shit]

I understand.

Thank you, John.

[Uh huh. See. This is why.]

Don't thank me Scorpius. If you're really gonna change your tune, just do it.

Of course.

[He'll be on his best behavior. Just you wait.]

Great.

[Seeing is believing.]

You can start by making a sincere apology to Alex. I don't just mean making it look sincere. If you can't, then don't try. Just leave him the hell alone.

When I'm released from Zero, I will make that my priority task.

Good answer.

Now, I'm going to go continue to clean up the mess you made, so you just enjoy your little vacation in Zero.

[He gives a nod, managing to actually look subdued and contrite for once in his life]

As you say.

[He lets out a disgusted snort at the look on Scorpius' face, and hangs up.]

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