173 [Warden Filter]

[impure_tale]

I need a volunteer. Given recent events and the reason for which my Inmate is interred in level Zero, I am finding myself in need of time to recover and meditate. An interim Warden will be required. While Iago remains below levels for the next week, your services will not be needed. For two to three weeks following, however, they will be. If I find that I am unable to come to some...middle ground regarding what has occurred, then I will request that the Admiral find a permanent replacement.

If nothing else, I require a mediator, and perhaps some sound advice.

Comments

[Private]

[paradoxlol]

Do the words "conflict of interest" mean anything to you? I'm not going to stand by and let you have control over somebody I had to talk you out of killing just a couple days ago.

[Private]

[aforger]

Leave it, Arthur. I won't do anything stupid or which poses any risk to you and I'd appreciate if you didn't interfere.

[Private]

[paradoxlol]

Yeah, your refusal to talk about your plans really lends a lot of credibility right now.

This isn't about me. This is about the fact that it's fucked up to stick an inmate with somebody who's got a clear conflict of interest.

[Private]

[aforger]

Not all of us need bloody plans.

I'm certain he'll think the same as you. You needn't speak up to that end.

[Private]

[paradoxlol]

You're acting suspicious, and you're dodging the point. I'm speaking up-- for you, your inmate, and for him. Pursuing this is in no one's best interest.

[Private]

[aforger]

What point is it that I'm dodging?

[Private]

[paradoxlol]

The fact that this is a conflict of interest.

Between that and the way you're being evasive about your intentions? When you can only assure me that you won't be "stupid" and won't affect me? It's suspicious. And it's not a guarantee that you're not going to fuck with some guy who pissed you off. This could escalate into a shitstorm.

[Private]

[aforger]

Then offer your services.

I want to see to it that he's punished. Nothing more. That doesn't mean killing him or starving him or the like, but a week in Zero is nothing but a vacation for his sort. Use some imagination. Find something better.

[Private]

[paradoxlol]

I already did.

"Nothing more"? You wanted to become his warden so you could get revenge for your inmate. Do you seriously not see what's messed up about that?

[Private]

[aforger]

Good.

Don't presume to know me simply because we've worked together. I wanted revenge at the time, certainly, but I've calmed since then. I can be as rational as the next warden and I meant what I said about only wanting to see him punished. Did you miss the bit where I said I had no intention of doing anything stupid? You should understand what that means.

I'd not have succeeded as I have in our line of work if I was bent on revenge at every opportunity. Punishment is revenge enough, if the punishment suits him and isn't another one of those carbon copy jobs most inmates get because their wardens can't be bothered to think up anything.

I understand what you're saying, so hear me: I'll take a conflict of interest if I feel it's the way to get the job done any day while you sit back and drink away your frustrations with the incompetence of the others.

[Private]

[paradoxlol]

I don't know if you've noticed that the definition of "stupid" is wildly subjective, and if this is any indication? The way you were acting suspicious from the get-go, the way you've resorted to insulting my way of dealing with things because I had the goddamn nerve to call you out? Your definition of the word is different from mine.

So let me lay it out in plainly: you're too involved. Back away.

[And he's done here.]