235 [Video]

[impure_tale]

Well, that was rather unexpected.

My apologies for my sudden absence, especially so close on the heels of the last. [An uncomfortable clearing of his throat.] So tell me, dear neighbors: What excitements have I gone and missed? 

[Something off-camera catches his eye and he perks up.]

Other than a new assignment, apparently!

[He picks up the file, and upon reading a couple lines looks positively tickled.]

Loki Laufeyson. It appears we need to have a little chat soon, and you have my deepest apologies for my initial absence. We shall have to begin in earnest to rectify this. In the meantime, however!

Admiral, please see to it that a fully updated copy of my file be delivered to Monsieur Laufeyson as soon as possible.

As for everyone else, my dearest friends and loves, I'll be out and about soon to greet you in person. I feel we must all have a visit lest I pop out of existence again and miss the opportunity.

Comments

[coldlies]

[He's used to not getting apologized to or respect on things like that and it throws him off. ]

...Yes. Evidently, more than once.

[impure_tale]

Yes, there was a Loki with us for some years, but he was in no way shape or form the same man that you are. Graduated, served as a Warden through one or two Inmates, and then moved on. There have also been other Lokis who were very much the same man that you are. It is all rather confusing, but without having their files I could not say whether they were you, and that you have forgotten, or if they were you, only from different planes of existence, alternate timelines, et cetera.

This place has a way of keeping one on their toes.

[coldlies]

Yes, it does.

[The wheels are turning. He's suspicious.]

Why did you send me your file?

[impure_tale]

Disclosure, Highness. I find it only fair that you know just as much about me as I do about you.

[He holds up Loki's file.]

The information contained herein does not grant me power over you unless you allow it to. It is the same for me. Having spent two years on this ship an Inmate before I ever became a Warden I consider it a fairness that ought to be required of every man and woman that works here.

Once the Admiral gives you the file you may do with it as you wish. If he takes too long, let me know, as I keep my own copy and would be glad to lend it.

[coldlies]

[It makes sense but Loki still tries to find a trick or a lie in it.]

You understand my suspicion?

[impure_tale]

Of course I do. You're not here of your own free will; it's only natural.

You're free to doubt the contents of the file I already possess, but what the Admiral gives you is precisely what a Warden assigned to me would be given -- updated to include my years aboard this vessel.

It's unfortunately the only solace I can offer you if you're the sort to take issue with a new acquaintance being given knowledge of your history, with no omissions, because right to privacy or not, I have to be armed sufficiently to help you and to understand your motivations. Otherwise, I fear you might be treated unfairly as a result of my own ignorance.

[coldlies]

[a short laugh, because he really can't believe this. He must be trying to play him, he must be.]

Well, it would seem I have no choice. Of course, you know I have no intention of changing.

[impure_tale]

[He smiles.]

Nor would I expect you to. I've met only a few Lokis, Highness, but I've liked each that I've had a chance to know. I promise whatever happens you'll still be you by the time you leave.

Take it from a veteran.

(ooc: And the Admiral approved the request so his file should be appearing now.)

[coldlies]

[His eyes narrow.]

Forgive me if I remain skeptical.

[It's slight, but his eyebrows go up when the file appears. He doesn't show it on screen but he does pull it over to look at. Trying to look as uninterested as possible.]

Well, then, this would be the part where you tell me to behave or I shall be punished in some creative manner?

[impure_tale]

There are ground rules that I tend to lay down for my Inmates -- the least that I expect you to do in order to maintain the level of freedom you have now, barring any recent punishments I'm unaware of. That generally involves keeping the mayhem to a minimum. Don't kill people -- self defense being another matter. Don't torture people -- there is never an excuse. Understand there are certain things I don't consider criminal, but other Wardens, if they or their Inmates are affected, may disagree, in which case I may be compelled to act. As always I remain your advocate, however, not theirs.

I have a general policy of honesty. Given the rather unique issue that is you being who you are, I can see where that might be a smidge troublesome for you. I fault you not for your cunning or your cleverness, save for when it's being used to harm others, including yourself. For the time being the most I will impose in this regard is that we meet and converse regularly, at least once a week, and there will be no mendacity, from either of us. All things shared are to be done so in confidence. From this I may suggest certain courses of action, but unless the situation is dire they will only be suggestions.

If you would like certain favors or special privileges, such as regular access to the CES or the CTS, certain objects from home you wish to have, your abilities that have been taken away or reduced, et cetera -- we'll negotiate.

Do you have any questions or objections, Highness?

[coldlies]

[As he talks, Loki is surreptitiously reading his file. He gives the general impression of boredom and half listening. He is listening though, he's listening very closely. He shall be a different sort of challenge than his last warden.]

My only objection is my presence here and since it's very clear that's beyond your power; I have no objections.

[he waves a hand in a vague gesture to mean he accepts the terms.]

This shall prove interesting, at the very least.

[impure_tale]

I'm delighted to hear that. Should you have any questions or requests, feel free to contact me here on the network or in person. My cabin is on Level 3, in room 004.