Scorpius

It may be difficult; someone else would need to operate the controls.

But I can go first, if you wish me to test it properly.

From:

I should think you would know better than to underestimate his intellect.

[Harvey has watched many creatures make that fatal mistake.]

I find him complex. He is like a naive child, yet he is dangerous, unpredictable.

From:

It was not an underestimation: more of a misinterpretation of his motives. I try not to underestimate John whenever possible.

Precisely.

But he has the capacity to grow into much more than an infant.

From:

Not something you're used to finding very much out there, is it?

Sadly, no, on both counts. Maybe if I had taken him more seriously I would have held out for a better offer. [Trying to practice that 'learned skill' of obfuscation right now, are we?]

From:

Not among the circles I frequent, no. So far, John is the closest example I have left.

Your loss, I'm afraid. Perhaps next time, with the next warden.

From:

I don't know that I...think so highly of Crichton, as do you. But then, you've known him far longer than I. Might be something important that I'm missing.

As if you would ever be careless enough to say anything to me that I could repeat to another that would carry any value, anyway.

From:

It's a mistake others often make when dealing with him, and part of his surprising arsenal. Rest assured, he's decidedly more than he appears at first glance.

I should hope not.

From:

Is it a mistake you've made in the past? Before you got to know him better, I mean.

Well I do hope I haven't gone and made you paranoid about me, now.

From:

Perhaps I am not without my usefulness. I could, in the future, clear up more...misinterpretations.

[He smiles, and there's a gleam that resembles something like pride in his eyes.]

He will continue to adapt, he will grow, and become more dangerous. The question is only: 'He will become more dangerous...to whom?'

From:

Occasionally. I am not perfect. And my misinterpretation of his motives led to my premature death.

I don't blame him, of course. My shortsightedness is what ultimately brought it about. But he is a...dangerous instrument.

Not at all. My paranoia of you remains at precisely the same degree.

From:

You have that insight into his mind.

[Yeah, not just a little bit jealous of that. He could argue that whatever Harvey knows, Scorpius could find out in time, but it's never a guarantee. Harvey knows this, being him. So why not skip the whole pretense and go right to the meat of the conversation?]

To everyone, I imagine. To anyone who isn't him. Even his allies are at risk, through no fault of his own.

He will need to learn direction. And I should need someone to steer him in the appropriate one.

From:

Well, good on you for taking it so pragmatically and not holding a grudge. But we both know those are areas where I'm still a little rusty, I suppose.

Same here. Always enjoyable to know you're on exactly the same page with someone in matters like these.

From:

Yet you're becoming more adept in your meditation. It will take time, but I have...confidence you will succeed.

From:

[He smiles knowingly. To the chase, as he would expect no less of himself. wise, given Crichton will not stay suppressed for much longer. Still, it is a shame he cannot drag this out longer. Opportunities to converse this way come all too rarely.]

And no less dangerous to himself.

[He considers Scorpius silently for a moment.]

I cannot steer him where he would not naturally go. He would detect my influence. That is not to say he cannot be manipulated, as you know. I could be persuaded to assist you in that. My insight and other talents can be of great use to you.

From:

No. He would refuse all guidance.

I don't wish to control him. Placing him in containment would only facilitate his escape faster.

[Like an explosion of a pressurized container]

I need John here to graduate. I need his knowledge in our world.

Are you searching for a life outside his mind, or the sustainability of your current situation? I can provide both.

From:

I normally succeed at most things I set my will and determination towards. But I've had a few setbacks of late. Normally I would say my self-confidence is unshakable, but...

[One thing he has genuinely come to realize in his short time here: evidently it isn't. It's a disheartening realization.]

From:

[There's a slow blink, as Harvey works to mask the sudden flare of excitement from this suggestion.]

I intended to drive John from this Barge to preserve myself, but I would sooner remain if there is the possibility I may obtain freedom from this mind without fearing my own destruction.

From:

[No frelling way is Scorpius paving the way for his replacement with John's euphemisms. He'd like to drive the two apart rather than risk them ganging up on him, or end his clone's existence before it gets even more out of control. Maybe John would let him devise an inhibitor of some sort...but that's a plan for another day. For now, he's happy to let Harvey keep thinking Scorpius would ever allow him his freedom]

Then let us keep John here for the time being. I will watch Catra to ensure she never graduates. You will procure the knowledge I need without driving John to such lengths that he wishes to leave the Barge, and in return I will create autonomy for you.

Edited Date: 2014-06-04 07:10 pm (UTC)

From:

Setbacks are how we learn. We arise stronger from out mistakes.

From: