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

Not exactly. [He's been finding the conversation interesting, as sad as it is in a lot of ways. There are too many people out there like this, and it isn't fair to them to be made to feel like their suffering doesn't matter because their methods and life goals could do with some tweaking.

And although he's deeply relieved to her that in a lot of ways - Alex has had a bad habit of winding up in the wrong place at the wrong time recently - the information is still largely unnecessary.] As glad as I am to hear that, I wasn't especially concerned that you did. You've presented yourself as a fairly intelligent individual, and going after him would be exceptionally stupid. But thank you for the reassurance.

[Scorpius nods, both acknowledging the thanks and also that, yes, going after Alex wasn't his smartest of plans lately]

I hoped that would be the case.

[Most Peacekeepers in Scorpius' world - and most humans here, unfortunately - are usually unable to see past his grotesque exterior to the keen mind underneath. He's fondly appreciative of those who are, even if they seek to work against him]

I must admit a certain petty revenge tied into my decision to assault him. It will not happen again.

I have been speaking with John as well, concerning him. John feels it best if I apologize to Alex, but only if I convey appropriate sincerity.

[He says no more about this, curious as to what Charles believes. The idea of apologizing sounds ridiculous to his ears: the very nature of it would appear insincere and likely would be looked upon as rubbing salt in the wound.]

[It's an interesting thing to inquire about, and he does consider it rather than just blurting out the first thing that comes to mind.]

I don't think it would hurt, assuming it comes from a place of sincerity rather than obligation, or coercion. [But really, Scorpius has already attacked Alex and threatened someone he cares for. The inmate can't necessarily get lower on Alex's list of favorite people.]

That being said, Alex tends to be quite stubborn, and regardless of how personal your intent was, I think it's fairly safe to say he is and will be quite upset with you for some time regardless of apology.

Given our recent history, I doubt I could do much at all to convince him of my sincerity.

[Or convince himself, more like]

Of course. It's understandable if he should never forgive me. My actions were reprehensible.

You know, your self awareness is decidedly refreshing.

Thank you. In part, it's how I've survived all these cycles.

[He pauses, considering where they are, what he is now]

Until now, of course.

And there is no change - no graduation - without a good deal of self-reflection, I imagine.

There isn't. And the more you try to fight it, the less likely you are to achieve much of anything.

Then I had best learn to allow the Barge entrance into my mind.

Log 0007

spam!

spam!

spam!

spam!

spam!

spam!

spam!

spam!