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

[keeps_a_cool_head]

It isn't John's responsibility to create a weapon from what he knows. That task falls to me.

May I ask where this line of questioning is coming from, Officer Sun? John and I have already established the grounds for our future interactions. Or are you attempting to branch off of him and make yourself an independent agent?

[soliterraneous]

But it will affect him. Whatever you do with that information. Not to mention your method of extracting it in the first place.

It's coming from my curiosity, Scorpius. I won't be rid of you. I refuse to ignore that you exist in a complicated manner with John.

He and I are already independent of one another. Did you not realize that?

[keeps_a_cool_head]

Of course. But so will not extracting it. Therefore he and I must come to a compromise.

I realize that you and he come from different points in our timeline. As, I suspect, I do as well.

That must make for enlightening conversations between the two of you.

[soliterraneous]

Not extracting it will only affect him if you ensure it does.

[ Her eyes narrow. ]

What have you done?

[keeps_a_cool_head]

It no longer matters. We are all trapped here, and my latest attempt before I died was unsuccessful.

[soliterraneous]

You're lying.

[ It is that simple. ]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

I suspect John would not want me to tell you the truth.

But either way, the extraction process will need to be updated in consideration for the tools I have on hand and how much cooperation he is willing to give me.

[soliterraneous]

I suspect you're saying that to find out what I do know. Consideration for John's wishes has not seemed to be high in your esteem.

[ Aeryn shakes her head. ]

All this to destroy the Scarrans? It seems like a very little and quite a lot all at once.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

You're wrong, Aeryn. I respect John's privacy, as he respects mine. If I were to go around telling his secrets, he would do me the same discourtesy and our minute trust in one another would diminish even further.

All this to destroy the Scarrans. Yes.

Have you ever met a Scarran?

[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?

[keeps_a_cool_head]

Understood.

[Private]

Put crudely, but yes. In essence.

[soliterraneous]

[Private]

I see.

[ And Aeryn hangs up. ]

[Private]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

[Aeryn that is not a choice]