Log 0012

[keeps_a_cool_head]

[Infirmary Spam, pre-flood]

[Some time after Gard's unconscious, coma'd body is discovered and moved, Scorpius plants himself on the edge of the man's bed, casually running through his datapad to pass the time. There's no obvious reason to outsiders why he feels the need to watch over his warden in typical creeper fashion, but he does, and presumably will make difficult the lives of anyone attempting to get near to either without a solid reason]


[Public, post-flood]

In some ways, I feel as though a comatose warden is simply not holding up their end of the bargain. The game feels less interesting when one of the players is absent.

I wonder if Hiziki Gard thought to leave anyone in charge of my supervision in the event of his...disposal.


[Private to Horatio]

I believe I have something of yours, Horatio. If you wish to collect it, come to my cabin.

[Private to Crichton]

John. Yet another flood is happening. Be on your guard - I have yet to discover the logic of this one.

Comments

[Private]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

An agreement. I accept.

[Private]

[force_captain]

Yes, I'm attracted to him.

Now ask me the same question about you.

[Private]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

Are you attracted to me?

[Private]

[force_captain]

Yes, I am.

[Private]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

[A grim smile back. Even if he was never easily taken in by flattery, he can't deny Catra's primed talent]

Fortunate that I am not the jealous type.

[Private]

[force_captain]

Oh I think you are, just not in the traditional way.

[Private]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

In that I prefer possession of the mind over possession of the body?

[Private]

[force_captain]

And there you are, already a step ahead of me.

[Private]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

Bodies wither and decay over time. Some were never attractive to begin with.

But a mind stays sharp, and only grows more intricate with time and experience. And it is the only possession you may always bring with you.

But that does not mean it can't be ripped away, given the proper tools.

[Private]

[force_captain]

Preaching to the choir, dearie. Not that I mind.

[Private]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

Of course; my apologies.

If I may offer one last strain of advice? John is...a difficult conquest. If you feel determined to rein him in, you may find yourself needing to constantly adjust your tactics.

A considerable amount of effort to expend, when there are others far more attentive within reach.

[Private]

[force_captain]

You are the expert, I would be a fool not to take your advice. And I could certainly use some attending.

[Ah Catra, some days she's just as subtle as a sledgehammer.]

[Private]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

Do not take John's disinterest personally. His limited scope, while narrow, has served him well.

My attention is much more encompassing.

[Private]

[force_captain]

[Soothing her ego, that is so sweet, Scorpius.]

And what is it encompassing at the moment, hmm?

[Private]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

[someone did not climb his way to the top without being something of a playa]

Something extraordinarily rare. A talent worthy of it.

[Private]

[force_captain]

I think you've admired from a distance long enough, don't you?

[Private]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

That distinction I leave entirely up to you.

[Oh, but he is grinning]

[Private]

[force_captain]

[Games are lovely, but only so long as they serve a purpose. And she's quite done with the cat and mouse for the moment.

She lifts a hand and beckons him with a finger.]

Come. Herrre. Now.

[And then she hangs up. Can't get much clearer than that.]

[Private]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

[Welp. No need to tell him twice.

Scorpius stands, closing off his communicator. In an unhurried but still prompt pace, he heads from his cabin to Catra's. Besides the whole dead-and-a-prisoner bit, Scorpius seems to enjoy how well the Barge anticipates his needs.

Within moments he's at Catra's door, knocking politely and waiting to be granted entrance]

[Spam]

[force_captain]

[The door slides open to admit him. Her quarters are an eclectic mix of technological advancement and almost medieval looking decor. Such is the mish-mash of her universe. Science and sorcery are partners.

And the room looks like it's a proper boudoir. The bed is lush, there's a full vanity, and her wardrobe is rather enormous. There is also a privacy screen, from which her voice trails out from behind.]

Make yourself comfortable.

[Oh and on the bed, resting it's little head on a silky pillow, is one of the flood dolls. It probably looks suspiciously familiar.]

[Spam]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

[Scorpius enters, checking the door to make certain it's closed behind him. He stands at the threshold, taking in his surroundings. The room is far more plush and comfortable than he's clearly used to, being from a mainly utilitarian aesthetic. Such is life in the military.

Still, even Scorpius can admit the occasional allure of pampering, which is clearly what Catra is all about. He gives a smile at the privacy screen and walks forward towards the bed.

And halts.

By this time, he's already figured out what the dolls do, as well as lost his own doll and Horatio's. He had not even entertained the idea of finding John's own, due to the number of people on the barge and the unlikelihood of having access to anyone else's cabin.

But there it is. Sitting on the bed. Mocking him.

He nears it, his claws delicately sliding up its spine]

[Spam]

[force_captain]

[She comes around the screen and watches Scorpius as he lightly claws at her Crichton doll.

She strides toward him, barefoot and dressed in what looks like is nothing more than a long red silk robe, belted at the waist and artfully gaping to show long legs and hint at cleavage. Once she's beside him, she plucks up the little doll.]

Everyone keeps calling them disturbing, but I quite like mine.

[Spam]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

[Scorpius' attention is razor sharp, and it's only broken not when Catra comes around but when she pulls the doll into her arms. He turns to her then, glancing at her entire figure once before giving a fanged smile. With care, he wraps a hand around the wrist holding the doll, looking into her eyes]

Do you understand their purpose?

[Spam]

[force_captain]

[Her own lips curve, sly and knowing. She lets him keep the hold on her wrist without struggle.]

Of course, I do. I've been making John squirm since it appeared.

[Spam]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

[Scorpius' smile only grows wider at that, but it's difficult to tell whether he's pleased or angry. He turns Catra around so that she's caught between him and the bed, his hand inching up to reach for the doll]

Details.