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]

Immensely.

[bodilesswarrior]

Why? What did they do?

[keeps_a_cool_head]

Innumerable hostile take-overs of planets far too many to count, to begin. And all the misfortunes wrapped up in what bloody war is made of.

[bodilesswarrior]

[Her brow furrows, as she considered. Genocide is, generally, the ultimate evil - but it's also beyond a general human's comprehension. How can they decide if it's just to kill millions to save billions?]

What kind of people are they? If we were talking humans, I'd say go for the world leaders, the people making the decisions, but... [She knows how different things can be. If the species is a hivemind, for example - well, it's the classic hydra problem.]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

They are a race called Scarrans. And they do not like negotiations as a rule. I lived among them for twelve cycles.

[bodilesswarrior]

But you weren't like them, or you're choosing not to be. Are you sure you're the only one?

[keeps_a_cool_head]

I am half-Scarran. I was never one of them.

And I'm absolutely certain I am the only one.

[bodilesswarrior]

I'm guessing that wasn't pleasant. [There's a wry, worn sympathy in the words.] Are you sure you're being absolutely objective, here?

[keeps_a_cool_head]

Objectivity is impossible, given my long history with them.

But simply because I am wildly biased does not mean they aren't a tremendous threat to my galaxy.

[bodilesswarrior]

True. But maybe your methodology isn't as necessary as you think.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

They will never make peace. You do not bargain with Scarrans. It would be to your bloody, swift downfall.

[bodilesswarrior]

And genocide and diplomacy are the only options?

[keeps_a_cool_head]

Generally. And even diplomacy is debatable, as they seem to break every treaty and backstab their allies at every convenient opportunity.

[bodilesswarrior]

How about revolution?

[keeps_a_cool_head]

Not possible, I'm afraid. For various reasons.

[bodilesswarrior]

Have you considered that you've got an opportunity to change that?

[keeps_a_cool_head]

I am considering every possibility afforded to me.

[bodilesswarrior]

Good. I'd hate to think of you wasting any through tunnel-vision.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

I may be blatantly obsessed, Barbara - although I dislike using that word - but that does not make me a moron who cannot consider other alternatives.

[bodilesswarrior]

I don't know, hurting Alex was kind of moronic.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

Only if you apply it to terms of my own graduation.

But then, I'm not seeking graduation as a primary motivator. Which you know.

By all means, continue to belittle my intelligence, if it will make you feel superior.

[bodilesswarrior]

That's not what I'm trying to do, Scorpius. And anyway, I have better ways to feel superior.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

I'm sure you do.

[bodilesswarrior]

Don't even have to try, really.

[Her expression shifts, then, turns more serious.]

I know you're smart, Scorpius. [This is the first time they've spoken; it's not the first time she's studied him.] But I think you get in the way of yourself.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

You're welcome to draw your own conclusions.