impure_tale

...obviously they kept the good stuff in my file. I can play nice, as long as we're on the barge. Ports, though. Harder sell, warden.

And you can judge away. I know what I'm in for. Nothing you can say's gonna insult me.

[His lips curl, a self-satisfied little smile]

Don't you think you got enough of that in life? If that was going to help you, then you wouldn't be here.

No offense, Marquis, but I don't expect to get much out of this. [He shrugs lithely, a catlike motion.

He's interested in this man-- who has his file but legitimately doesn't seem intimidated at all, despite the difference in physical capability. Interested, but that doesn't mean he's going to roll over and fetch.]

Do you have a job on the Barge?

[A headshake]

I'm good for whatever, but I can't say I'm dying for any particular one.

[He picks his battles. This isn't one he wants to fight. He'll play the nice trustee.]

How do you choose to occupy yourself on a normal day?

I use the gym. I get in the CES when I can. I watch people. [Another shrug, because much of his time is still taken up with mapping the halls, even though his hope of finding a vulnerability, a way to get to the bridge, is all but dead.]

I get bored enough, I hit the library.

The kitchens are almost always looking for new staff members. I would inquire there first. There, or the pub. I think it would behoove you to be around people, and while I hold out no illusions about transforming you into a social butterfly, my study of your file leads me to feel that where you lack is your willingness and ability to relate to other people.

I might have another project in mind -- perhaps one that better utilizes your particular talents, but I wish to see how you settle to an occupation that challenges you in other areas first.

I take Renate into the CES every morning before breakfast and every evening after dinner, if you would care to join me.

Kitchen's good. I like food. Not sure I like the pub manager.

[Arkady puts his hair on end. What hair there is. He's curious about that project, too.]

I like Renate, though. She's a bright dog.

My turn to ask questions yet?

As I recall, she likes you too.

[He raises an eyebrow]

Feel free.

What exactly are you after? What magic button do you want to push that'll turn me civilized?

You've got my file, you know as prisons I've been in go this place is a luxury cruise. I ain't in that much of a hurry to move. Not much waiting back there for me.

[Except Jack. Kyra. Always her, dead-eyed and waiting on the Necromonger ship. Always her; he never forgets.]

I can play nice. But making me nice? Good luck. What do you expect out of me?

I don't find you to be particularly uncivilized, just different. That does not mean that there are not morals that can be grasped within the scope of your own existence. You would not be here if you could not have done better. You and I will discover together what "better" might entail.

'Better.' That what my file says?

I'm surprised you ain't going for more security, frankly. You know I tend to leave a trail when I'm stuck in a prison.

A pattern which you have not followed here, because this is not a prison.

Further, your file does not determine the course you take here.

I just haven't found the exit yet.

What do you want called?

Most prefer to call me 'Marquis', and you are welcome to do the same.

The only exit is graduation.

[He's afraid of that. But he's not going to let this fucking place crack him.]

You work on that. I'll work on getting out my way.

[He leans back, his brief spate of questioning obviously done.]

Then I'll just have to keep you busy, won't I?

Good luck keeping up.

I won't have to.

Another of my rules -- I expect, if nothing else, that we should sit and talk at least once a week. The subjects may vary but there's rarely a quiet moment in this place. I'm certain we'll manage.

Fine by me. Feed me, I might even talk back.

[A chuckle] Very well. What do you prefer?

Well gosh, I really miss those protein waffles from Ursa Luna, but I guess I'll settle for whatever.

Don't be cute; I might not know what to do with you, then.

You must have developed a taste for something since coming here at least.

Honestly, I try not to get attached.

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