Log 0018 - [Video]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

[Someone is in an angry sort of mood, given post-flood shenanigans. Scorpius is keeping himself relatively calm by usual standards, but he's tense and bristling when he makes his post]

I should like the permission of a warden to work in the lab today.

[All day. Because hell if he's going to deal with emotions.]



[Private to Horatio]

I believe I owe you an apology. The responsibility of my flooded self lies with me.

[Private to Stephanie]

Thank you for keeping the situation under manageable control.

Comments

[keeps_a_cool_head]

[Scorpius likely wouldn't mind the emotion - it is the human way, after all - but he appreciates Horatio's stoicism for what it is. Oddly, it reminds him of his lieutenant's behavior. Braca was discrete, honest, and loyal: he could only hope Horatio was much the same way.]

When I was twelve. After a significantly long childhood of torture and tests.

Precisely. What they did to those dozens of Sebaceans, they will do to everyone they encounter. They are relentless.

And they must be stopped.

[sssiiiiirrrrr]

[Horatio says nothing for a moment. He feels a sudden, acute relief at not being Scorpius's warden. He doesn't know how well he could argue against the morality of acts of war against a race that did such things.]

I see. And the actions you took in endeavoring to stop them are what brought you here.

For what little it is worth... I know that justice, duty, and ruthlessness are a triumvirate of necessities in times of war. Whether we will be thought of as heroes or villains for what we do is unknowable to any man who serves in it.

[keeps_a_cool_head]

[Scorpius nods, acknowledging the sincerity of Horatio's words and being grateful for it. Too often he feels he doesn't get proper recognition and he loves to feel validated. It strengthens his resolve]

I believe the reason for my being on this ship was not that my cause was unjust: only the manner with which I went about procuring it.

But had I gone through more merciful channels, I would have been dead much, much sooner. Those I've allied myself with are infamous for their lack of mercy as well.

So it is a precarious position to be in. An intricate balancing act, to which I've grown accustomed.

[sssiiiiirrrrr]

It's a lot easier to be a paragon of unqualified goodness when you don't need to seek out the least of any evils.

[He frowns, thinking hard for the first time about what, exactly awaits Scorpius when he graduates.]

Do you believe that a better way to fight them could exist? One where you can afford not to harm those who stumble blindly into your path?

[keeps_a_cool_head]

An insightful observation. Unfortunately, I am not so creative as to find the least evil path: only the quickest. In war, this may be essential.

[He allows time to think over the question, the same idea behind it clearly having bothered him for some while]

...Perhaps, given unlimited resources. The trouble is working within the frame I have been given.

[sssiiiiirrrrr]

Perhaps that's why you were brought here, then? To... broaden the frame for you. To give you the time, and perhaps the tools to find a better path?

[Because as a punishment, it doesn't seem entirely right, to him. Not for doing your duty.]

[keeps_a_cool_head]

It's an encouraging thought, but..no. I am far too ruthless and ambitious to be allowed to live. That is the long and short of it.

[sssiiiiirrrrr]

If that was true, S-- Scorpius, what do you believe you have been brought here for?

[keeps_a_cool_head]

Allowing the ends to justify the means.

[sssiiiiirrrrr]

No, I mean... what end have you been brought here to fulfill? What outcome do you think The Admiral is pursuing in you, if you are too ruthless and dangerous to ever live again?

[keeps_a_cool_head]

I haven't the faintest idea. I believe the Admiral's will may be truly unknowable, but I have my doubts that he does these things out of a perceived kindness. Perhaps he sought fit to remove and remake me into someone less bloodthirsty, thus ensuring a doom for my galaxy. Or perhaps he did it on a whim, out of boredom. I doubt he has any allegiance except to himself.

In that, we may be..quite similar.

[sssiiiiirrrrr]

Perhaps. Then, I suppose all that remains is for me to ask what you intend to do about it?

Of course, you can't give up if you see your only choices as remaining the same, or permitting such creatures control of the universe?

[keeps_a_cool_head]

Not at all.

I suppose I'll learn about the Barge, while I'm here. I'm curious to know how it travels through time and space at will; whether it's on a whim, or whether there is purpose to the journey and direction.