keeps_a_cool_head | Log 0020

I think if a creature took a bite out of you, Derek, they'd be in for a significant surprise.

Why do you think I never worry about insulting Hannibal Lecter?

One of the very few benefits to my current physiology; anything that decides to kill and eat me, is probably getting killed right on back.

Like a poisonous cobra. An ingenious evolutionary trait, if there were more than one of you.

Yes. Good old evolutionary favoritism. Sadly, this will not be a trait getting passed along to the next generation. What a pity.

[Because even if he were up to having another go at parenting - which, ha ha, no - all that radiation he took in in the first place assured that's never happening.]

[Scorpius, too, will never have children. He never gave much thought to ever wanting any, having fought for so long for his own survival. He considers the only way he would know how to parent would be creating a near-clone of himself.]

Given what you know now of your son, would you have chosen never to have had him in the first place?

[He fights the urge to sigh, at them somehow once more coming back around to this. The reasoning behind Scorpius' marked interest in his family remains unknown, because it's unasked after, but by now he's certainly noticed.]

You know, that's a harder question to answer than it probably should be.

[He's fascinated by family. It's a sticking point with Scorpius, who never knew either of his parents and had longed for some connection for most of his childhood.

He stands, with a nod]

I won't trouble you further with meaningless, pointless discussion.

[This is always how it goes, doesn't it? Every time, Scorpius only asks a question or two before he draws the line and says "no more".

Maybe if he tries it differently now, lets him in just a little further...there will be less and less to ask in the future. This won't have to keep coming up.

He thinks that might somehow be less aggravating, in the long run.]

I think the problem is that I've never been one in my nature to want a do-over on my past. Dwelling on mistakes too hard never solves anything; just makes you weaker and weaker as you lean on that regret like a crutch.

My son exists. For better or worse...I would not want to unmake him.

...Good.

[It's the best answer he could have hoped for. He likes getting into the heads of his friends, his enemies...everyone.]

How are you spending your time in port, Derek?

Not enjoyably. Yourself?

[Flippant is usually a good way to go, for diversions.]

In the company of the natives. As I said, they're hospitable.

You've recovered from your death toll?

Yes. Close enough to it, anyway, that my warden saw fit to drag me out.

...Have a new injury, though. A broken set of fingers.

Do you. And how did you acquire that?

[And now this is getting locked. He belatedly wonders why it didn't occur to him to do that while they were on the subject of Paxton.]

First day out of the infirmary, a new warden got in my face. Then just as we were starting to go at it, another inmate stepped in. Between the two of them, I wound up with the broken knuckles.

It's on my dominant side, too. What a pain.

Were you threatened?

Much as it's tempting to paint myself the victim, "threatened" would be a stretch. More that I was having a bad mood spell and clearly wanted to be left alone -- said new warden instead thought it was a good time to have a go at me. He was looking for a fight. And he got it.

Fortunate you weren't caught and punished. There is a distinct streak of favoritism that's difficult to combat, looking as you do.

I don't know entirely know about 'fortunate'. But, there was a witness. And I know my warden knows about it now, at least. My best guess is making me come out on this little expedition is my punishment.

Is this port really such a trial for you, Derek?

A trial? No. But it is an annoyance. A nuisance.

I take no pleasure from this type of environment, and, not to overstate a point. But I haven't exactly been feeling very social lately.

Are you being forced into social situations? I hear the woods are quite isolated.

They are, and yet.

Let's just say you would be surprised.

Surprise me.

Well I've already run into about four different people, out here. And not a one of them was looking for me on purpose.

You do tend to stand out in a crowd.

[Says the alien bondage master that radiates heat.]

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