216

[impure_tale]

It would appear that Monsieur Saxon was only with us long enough to remind us of his existence. Anyone who has spent some measure of time about this ship that added up to more than a year might consider that cause for celebration. Perhaps some part of me stands to feel relieved at his departure, as well, but it won't be.

To my knowledge, the Master has been an off and on denizen of this ship, as an Inmate, since before even I came here. And because I do have some modicum of faith in what this ship can do for people, it is...concerning, at best, that so much time has gone with no anchor to keep him here, nor sign of progress -- time that is perhaps infinitesimal in the scheme of things to a man of his race, that is in itself so very long lived.

Thinking aloud had its benefits, and I will not pretend that I mark this passing for wholly sympathetic intentions. Since I have known this Inmate since I myself was one, and I am coming upon that part of my novel, I have come to realize that while I see his actions as his own to answer for, there are likely several things that I myself have done for which I have never apologized.

Comments

[megamind]

So what? If you meant them, and you still do-- don't apologize. I'm pretty sure people do things for reasons that make them not need to apologize, even if it upsets someone else. Doesn't make it nice, or fun, but-- means that person has conviction.

Even if it's the conviction to be a jerk. But the world needs jerks, okay?

[impure_tale]

Dearheart, much as I would like to argue that my perfection is a constant, at some point one who knows me must acknowledge that in many ways I am a very different man from the one I was when I first came here. I have every respect for conviction, but also integrity. There are things that I have done that I have not thought of in years, that I do regret.

[megamind]

Are any of the people you have wronged here? Can you apologize, ever, for that? No?

Then live with it and move on. [ Sometimes the flippancy of a villain was the easiest thing in the world. ] Seriously. If somenoe's here you can make it better for, do it. If you can't -- then that's the high price of being good and having regrets.

Some things you can't fix.

[ Someone is still thinking about their lady friend, and what is and isn't fixable, and the past -- so sadly, there may be some bleed over of personal issues here. ]

[impure_tale]

I suppose I shall someday, when he inevitably returns again. Provided he even remembers.

[megamind]

Oh? You want to apologize to this "Saxon" person?

[impure_tale]

Yes. It is a not a matter of wanting such a thing accepted, and it would be disrespectful to wait until such a time when I think he would accept one. Such things are given because they should be, not for what one receives in return.

[megamind]

I try not to apologize for anything. Goes counter to my purpose, really. "I'm sorry I robbed your bank to pay for my doomsday device" is just lame.

[impure_tale]

You will rob a bank to fund a "doomsday device" rather than steal the parts necessary? You're committing an act of evil so that you can be a good customer?

[megamind]

Some things are easier to order from overseas than they are to steal locally. [ Just sayin'. ] I mean, if the parts are ethere, sure, I'll take those instead! But taking money has wide applications; not just investment in devices and schemes directly, but I also fund a small shell company to do patent trolling to also boost my income.

I imagine you don't know what 'patent trolling'. It's where I call a company, claim I have a vague patent on some tiny process they're using in everything, and threaten to sue them over my patent, which is so vague as to be ridiculous. Then, I take their money when they settle out of court because it's cheaper. It's great!

[impure_tale]

And there are no trackable records for these purchases?

[megamind]

Oh, no! We cover our tracks too well for that!

[with_my_teacup]

Knowing you, this almost has to be good.

[impure_tale]

Oh don't tease, you wicked thing. You've read my file.

[with_my_teacup]

[Slight smile]

Be more convincing when you tell me not to tease you.

I've read your file. I'm curious which parts you regret, though.

[impure_tale]

That is a matter best left for private conversation, out of respect for the other persons involved.

[with_my_teacup]

[Nod]

On a walk sometime?

[truth_is_cold]

I'm starting to think that Time Lords need a person of less longevity to dedicate themselves to. I don't know if he ever found that.

[Being that person for at least one Time Lord means he knows how difficult it is to drag them back to sanity.]

I don't expect anyone to accept my regrets. I don't believe they would.

[useless comment]

[timesbureaucrat]

[Narvin thinks of the Doctor and his companions, Iris and her companions, Braxiatel and his companions, Romana and Leela, himself and Kay...

Huh.

Maybe if the CIA had handed the Master an actual human all those centuries ago, history would have turned out quite differently.]

[impure_tale]

That makes a good deal of sense.

[truth_is_cold]

Perhaps somewhere other than the Barge would be an appropriate place for such a relationship. I know I tire of losing people from here, and I only have a lifespan of a couple of centuries.

[Only. Different perspectives on longevity lead to odd statements.]

[impure_tale]

I like to imagine there are other vessels.

[text]

[ifightfor]

[Oh. This touches on something Rinzler's been chewing over.]

Query: Which other Inmates still present on the Barge have similar longevity?

[text]

[impure_tale]

None with a track record quite so long. The next closest in terms of time spent here would likely be Arthas. Doctor Lewis and Rassilon after that.

[text]

[ifightfor]

Understood.

Further query: What prevents their graduation? Personal or systemic errors?