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[impure_tale]

To my fellow Inmates, a short broadcast for the time being:

I would be remiss in my role here if I were not to acknowledge that this ship is on the precipice of change, and for better or worse we know not what lies in store for us. Whatever its outcome, we must continue to entertain the notion that we will remain as we are, and this may gladden the hearts of very few.

It is my sad station that words are all that I can offer you and I continue to hope they bring some comfort. Keep home in your hearts, thoughts of skies, of pleasant smells and tastes, of warm feelings and kinder faces. You left them as heroes and every day that you resist, you continue to be heroes.

Behind this iron door, across the air and the barriers between us I reach out my hand to you.

I honor you.

I love you.

(ooc: Some things of note -- the Marquis is still an Inmate and has been for a long time. Presently unsorted, his door is unlocked, but much in the way he was when he first came to the real Barge, he can't comprehend that it's unlocked even though people can come and go pretty much freely. I'd like to presume that in times like this, when a Warden isn't assigned to bring him food, he patiently waits for someone he's friendly with to do it. Volunteers welcome.)

Comments

[surfaceshine]

You're never just gonna throw in the towel, are you?

[Gruff but not discouraging; he doesn't agree but that doesn't mean he's going to tell the Marquis to stop whatever makes him feel better. It's not hurting anyone.

Dean is one of the ones that, when he has time, when he's physically capable, when he remembers, he checks for what the man he's figured is agoraphobic or xenophobic or somethingphobic needs.]

[impure_tale]

No towels to throw, I'm afraid.

[surfaceshine]

It's a figure of speech.

You got good memories you keep hidden in there?

[impure_tale]

Better to share them than hide them, when I may.

[surfaceshine]

Go on, then.

[Private]

[forsaken_queen]

Lovely words, as always.

[The Marquis is one of the few that can get a smile out of her. And she does so now. It's good to hear someone talk of hope. ]

Have you eaten today?

[Private]

[impure_tale]

Oh, just a nibble or two, dearheart, here and there. [Anything that keeps well, like bread, he tends to ration and save for in between meals, just in case.]

[Private]

[forsaken_queen]

So does that translate to you've eaten well enough and you don't want to make me feel bad, or you haven't eaten enough and you're afraid I'll steal you something?

[Because she will. She's done it before.]

[Private]

[impure_tale]

I'm well stocked for the day. Please, with shortages you ought to think of yourself, or any Inmates whose Wardens are feeling especially fickle.

A short visit to my door would not go amiss, however.

[Private--->Spam?]

[forsaken_queen]

[She gives him a half smile, not arguing with him. He said the same thing everyone else did: take care of yourself. But it was pointless to do that. So she just took care of anyone and everyone else she could.]

I could do with a visit. I'll be there soon.

[She's there in only a few minutes. And though she knows his door is unlocked, she knocks anyway. Wardens tend to not extend courtesy to the Inmates, so she was adamant about doing so herself.]

[Spam]

[impure_tale]

[The Marquis is alone after a short visit with the Warden Riddick. He's expecting her, and she's one of the very few who knocks without finding a way in. This last month or two has been...good for him. Of course he raises the ire of many a Warden from time to time, but with no Warden of his own, more people come. He is less lonely. He's something approaching normal.]

Hello, Cheri.

[He does not approach the door.]

[Spam]

[forsaken_queen]

[She doesn't bat an eye that he doesn't come to the door. She asked once and only once why he never left his room, even though the door wasn't locked. In the end, she felt that he was usually safer in his cabin than out among the rest of them.]

Hello, elsiamore.

[She enters, and though her steps are strong, there's still a constant tension, a stiffness, about her. It comes from being in pain nearly all the time. But her freshest wounds were tended, and there's nothing else to be done about it. So she, as usual, pretends they aren't there.]

(ooc: Elsiamore means "Charmer" or "One Who Is Charming". I figured he'd know this by now.)

Spam

[with_my_teacup]

Hey, angel.

[Riddick knuckle-raps on the door before coming in with a bowl of stew. With supplies low and of worrying quality, they've been stretching food. It's as good food as anyone else gets.

Except for the strawberry, fresh and bright, concealed in a napkin. The kitchen warden saves the best for his favorites.]

Ever think it's symbolic, how you stay trapped behind an unlocked door?

Spam

[impure_tale]

Hello, devil.

[A little smile as he turns from his desk. Always of good manners, he rises from his chair, however.]

I know not what you mean. A jailer always has a key.

Spam

[with_my_teacup]

[His eyes crinkle unseen at the pet name; his mouth quirks up.]

On this boat, you have the key.

I love and honour the beautiful animal in you. Someday you'll become what you could be.

For now, have some lunch.

Spam

[impure_tale]

I'm always a beautiful animal, pet, no matter how loathsome my appearance.

[He quirks an eyebrow.]

And what price might I pay for such a banquet?

Re: Spam

[with_my_teacup]

No price. Just because I graduated doesn't mean I don't still care about your well being.

You'll be happier unleashed, angel. I wish you weren't trapped inside your own morality. But that doesn't mean I don't still care.

[He approaches, his body language gentle and unintrusive for such a large man.]

Spam

[impure_tale]

I've never been one to surrender. Giving in for your own survival is easier given your nature, but it is not so for mine.

[He holds out his hand for the bowl.]

Spam

[with_my_teacup]

[Riddick transfers the bowl, and tucks the piece of fruit into his grip to. He leans in--he is affectionate, physical, but never more than he is invited-- that's not a tool he's ever needed to use. It strikes him as ... tacky.]

[tentacruelest]

To my illustrious and eloquent friend,

There is no better change on this ship, only worse. I'd have thought in your years and experience here, you would know that no heavenly light sheds upon this forsaken deck and the equally forsaken souls she carries.

[impure_tale]

I speak not of heaven, mon ami, because I do not believe in one. There is no God, no heaven, no hell -- none that men do not invent themselves, at any rate.

We are not forsaken, merely stolen.

[tentacruelest]

There is Hell. I have seen it for myself.

And there will be no rescue except through pain, so we are indeed forsaken.

[impure_tale]

As have I, and I've still no doubt that man was its engineer.

[tentacruelest]

Aye. I could imagine my warden creating such a hell in his days off.

They feed yeh still? When the food runs scarce, it may be that only those with the strength to take it for themselves will find their bellies full.

[impure_tale]

I eat when it is expected of me.