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

[bodilesswarrior]

Our prison system is - it's definitely not perfect, for a lot of reasons, but it's pretty good at keeping people incarcerated.

Most people. Unfortunately, Gotham got a lot of exceptions.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

This man. Do you think he can be redeemed?

[bodilesswarrior]

No. [Her answer is firm and immediate.] Most people can, I think - most people have some scrap of humanity left.

[A beat.] If you'll pardon the expression.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

Of course.

Then he is better off dead, for all your sakes. A prison is meant to contain, but only for those who it is believed will serve a purpose their death will not. There is nothing you have told me about this man that would suggest death would not be better suited for him than imprisonment.

[bodilesswarrior]

[A slight nod.] That's what the conclusion I came to here, yes. And... [She gestures to herself.] Still a Warden, so far.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

For now. Yes.

But I wish you luck on your elimination of this poison, Barbara. Your world will be safer without him.

[bodilesswarrior]

Thank you, Scorpius.

And I hope you figure out some way to - do what needs to be done, and still find peace with yourself.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

If I do what needs to be done, that alone will be enough to bring me peace.

[bodilesswarrior]

You'd think, but it doesn't always work out that way.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

I am not someone who seeks ever-higher, more unattainable goals. I know how to be content with what I have.

[bodilesswarrior]

But will you feel whole, without that purpose? Without your obsession?

[keeps_a_cool_head]

If the obsession has been rendered complete. Yes.

[bodilesswarrior]

What else do you have, right now?

[keeps_a_cool_head]

Wealth, power. Command of thousands of soldiers and a warship. A position I earned.

[bodilesswarrior]

Anyone who'll miss you when you're gone?

[keeps_a_cool_head]

I don't believe so.