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[impure_tale]

I suppose if my wrists ache too much to write at the pace to which I am accustomed, I should perhaps look for other diversions to fill my time. As it is, I might benefit from a few books from the library, if anyone would be so kind as to fetch them for me.

[Spam for Riddick]

[Most of the Marquis' time has been spent in his own bed resting. He has been seen, usually around lunch time and dinner time, fetching a meal for himself and Renate in the dining hall. At these times his cane has returned to regular use, and he has not stayed long, not even to chat. Now he is once again resting, with a small pile of books at his bedside that have been read and reread many a time and now therefore lack their old luster. Renate has gone to the main deck on walks with Riddick but beyond that has, with much concern, remained faithfully at her Master's side, often sleeping with him on the bed to share her warmth with him. She is settled with him, facing the foot and the rest of his apartments beyond, including the door leading out, her ears flicking back and forth while he turns the final pages of yet another book he has read at least three times in the years he has been here. His journal sits beside him, open and awaiting further comments. He looks tired, as though he may only need a few more pages before he is able to drift off into a short nap.]

Comments

[sharpsuitfluffytail]

[...]

Might need to narrow that down a bit. It's not a... type I'm too familiar with.

[The Marquis copes strangely]

[impure_tale]

Suspense, horror. Whatever you can dredge up.

[This is the Barge. 'Strange' hardly exists.]

[sharpsuitfluffytail]

[He's already on his way to the library.] Sounds good. What's your cabin number, Marquis?

[impure_tale]

Level three. Room four. You will have to let yourself in.

[Spam]

[sharpsuitfluffytail]

[Close to an hour later he's knocking at the door, a polite courtesy, before entering the room, book tucked between his arm and side. It's like entering into a different century, and he's just curious enough to look around a moment after closing the door behind him. The smells alone, stronger now in the cabin than outside of it, are certainly distracting. Oh, right, he had a purpose. He clears his throat and calls out.] Marquis? It's Dr. Kozak.

Re: [Spam]

[impure_tale]

[There's an alert 'yip' from the far end of the room, and the jingle of the charm on Renate's collar as she jumps down to go and meet him. The Marquis doesn't sit up from bed, but his hand can be seen, waving.]

You may enter, Doctor.

[Spam]

[sharpsuitfluffytail]

Thank you. [He kneels to greet the other dog, his own tail wagging, and he lets her get used to his scent before scratching her behind the ears. Then back to standing, which takes a moment, with his left arm is still in a cast. He holds out the book he brought, American Psycho, to him.] I honestly only read the description but it seemed worthwhile for what you wanted, even if the title is a bit plain.

[Spam]

[impure_tale]

You have my thanks. [The door opens in on a sitting area with a fireplace, and the bedroom is on the far end of that, the Marquis' four-poster bed quite visible, the bed curtains pulled to let in light. The Marquis eyes his tail with interest.] You need not trouble yourself further. I will fetch it when I am up and about again.

[Spam]

[sharpsuitfluffytail]

[The finery once more catches his attention, along with the size of the room. His own is maybe half of this if he's being generous, a fourth if honest.] You're welcome. It's no trouble, really. [The book is set at the nearest desk. He looks back to Marquis, about to ask if there's anything else, when he notices the interest in the tail. Which is still swaying because, hey, attention.] Oh, go on, then. Ask away. Only fair.

[Spam]

[impure_tale]

[A chuckle] Quite fashionable, that. From one gentleman to another, how does one go about acquiring one? [He's joking, of course, but it seems more clever than asking what he is.]

[Spam]

[sharpsuitfluffytail]

[The indirect approach helps. He half-shrugs.] A bite and a transfer of fluids is my best guess. I will say you're the first to call it 'fashionable'.

[Spam]

[impure_tale]

Sounds tempting. [Was that a wink? Maybe.] Then you are surrounded by the blind, clearly.

[Spam]

[sharpsuitfluffytail]

[Flirting was still odd, but he'll always appreciate compliments.] No, no, it's really... um. Not as fun as it sounds. [And here he thought he was talking science.] And I'm surrounded by more than that, but blind seems a good starting point.

[Spam]

[impure_tale]

By the sound of it, I have some idea the nature of your...well, you. I haven't known those like you to keep their tails.

[Spam]

[sharpsuitfluffytail]

[Vague handwave.] Well, you know, lucky me, right? It's a mutation from a new... uh, species to begin with. Complications are to be expected. [Tail still a little, becomes tense. He clears throat.] How are you feeling after that crazy port, by the way? Seems like a lot are still recuperating.

[Spam]

[impure_tale]

I've been better, certainly, but in a few days' time I should be up and about again with greater frequency.

[Spam]

[sharpsuitfluffytail]

[He sits down at one of the nearby chairs, just on the edge. Might as well be comfortable.] Magic jail spaceship with amazing technology and we still have to deal with a natural healing process. Fun times. [As in, not really. He indicates his own cast as a prime example.]

[Spam]

[impure_tale]

Only if you don't die. [Said with sourness] I could probably heal faster if I addressed the infirmary, but I've enjoyed the quiet. [He also...just hasn't wanted to absorb everyone else's trauma.]

[Spam]

[sharpsuitfluffytail]

[Just an amused smile here.] The second warden I've met to refuse treatment. At least you have a better reason. [And didn't smell of blood.]

[Spam]

[impure_tale]

I know of no others, but then I have not been the most social since returning.

[Spam]

[sharpsuitfluffytail]

My own warden was one. Ended up treating him myself. [Shrug as if to say 'Well what are ya gonna do. He's an idiot but he's my idiot'.] And why be social anyway with a room like this? Better than most of what's out there.

[Spam]

[impure_tale]

Graduation perks. [He settles back into his pillows, watching him with half a smile as Renate alights to the bed, back to his side.] My cell was considerably smaller when I was an inmate.

[Spam]

[sharpsuitfluffytail]

Something I'll have to look forward to, then. [He's being optimistic.]

[Spam]

[impure_tale]

So how does one such as yourself pass the time aboard our humble ship?

[Spam]

[sharpsuitfluffytail]

The barge, humble? I doubt the Admiral knows the meaning of the word. [He smiles, relaxes more into the seat.] And really, what else is there to do here besides read? Watching the stars can only have any kind of appeal for five, maybe six times. What about you? Anything besides books?