240

[impure_tale]

These floods are always so perplexing; it is hard to tell when you are affected when you make a point of answering every question posed to you anyway.

I am going to ask that my Inmate excuse my absence for the time being, because not knowing whether or not he is affected, I am not the sort to draw answers out that should be offered in confidence. I extend the same courtesy to all others as well.

You are free to ask me questions if you wish, however. Just bear in mind that I will return the favor.

Comments

[mightthinkthat]

Presumably you wouldn't want to let someone else's secret loose.

[impure_tale]

That is the way of it. People are free to speak to me on private filters if they wish a little discretion. For people that are consenting to the act it can be quite liberating.

[mightthinkthat]

Ah, but there we have the rub. Consent isn't necessarily given in some cases.

You're free to ask me anything, if you wish.

[impure_tale]

And that's what I want from people before I question them.

[mightthinkthat]

I'm certain.

[Private]

[impure_tale]

While I enjoy your company well enough, dear, I find you characteristically aloof. [This is English people to him, pretty much; he's had to learn to get on with them.] What is your opinion of me?

[Private]

[mightthinkthat]

I think you're an interesting eccentric, if only because you choose to remain here instead of moving on. It's not in my nature to be content, so I'm reasonably curious as to how others manage it without boredom.

[Private]

[impure_tale]

"Eccentric" is so much kinder than "madman." Merci. Much in the same way one normally lives life.

Where do you imagine I would go, if I were not to remain here?

[Private]

[mightthinkthat]

I don't think 'madman' applies to people with rational thought.

Well, there are any number of possibilities. Somewhere with good wine, lots of company and... a good view. [He smiles. What the good view is, he doesn't quite know, but interesting.]

[Private]

[impure_tale]

So...here, essentially. [His point is made.]

[Private]

[mightthinkthat]

[He shakes his head.] Here you're safe. There's no risk for you here.

[Private]

[impure_tale]

Do you truly believe I've never suffered here?

[Private]

[mightthinkthat]

Suffered? Oh, certainly. That is the underlying purpose of this place. Or one of them, at any rate.

But this isn't about suffering. It's about stretching your own limits until you run out of them. Suffering is one way, but it's only one way.

[Private]

[impure_tale]

You're still implying I don't take risks.

[Private]

[mightthinkthat]

No, I'm saying you take the same risks and not new ones.

[Private]

[impure_tale]

And what risks would you suggest I take?

[Private]

[mightthinkthat]

Risks that scare you. In new ways and not simply wait for the Admiral to hand them to you.

[Private]

[impure_tale]

[Don't bluff during a truth flood, Marquis.]

You say that as though I'm a man easily frightened.

[Private]

[mightthinkthat]

Do I? I think you play it safe, at a level that might be impressive to others, even me, most likely, but is not so impressive to yourself.

[Private]

[impure_tale]

You insist you think I am "playing it safe" but are purposefully avoiding specifics or evidence.

[Private]

[mightthinkthat]

Specifics and evidence are that you're still here. You're in a position of power and relative comfort here, so here you stay. You know how this place operates, the kind of people that end up here, how to warden and more or less what to expect from flood, ports and suffering that could result.

Apart from the odd flood or breach that might possibly blind side you, you have nothing to fear here. You're static.

Which I suppose is entirely your business and if this were not a truth flood, I likely wouldn't have brought it up, let alone give my honest opinion, but it isn't how I would like to live.

[Private]

[impure_tale]

You are right, of course, and I ought not to have asked if I did not wish for your honest opinion.

How would you like to live, then?

[Private]

[mightthinkthat]

Filled with challenges, free of flashbacks and my wife by my side.

[Private]

[impure_tale]

[He does falter a little at that, because that gets him thinking of his own.]

Very close, were you?

[Private]

[mightthinkthat]

My wife and I? Oh, yes. [He's quiet, aching.] She was my strength.

[Private]

[impure_tale]

Don't take this the wrong way, dumpling, but I took you for a divorcee or a bachelor when I first met you.

[Private]

[mightthinkthat]

[He shrugs slightly. He doesn't obviously fit into the doting husband stereotype. And stereotypes are funny things.]

Well, we'll have to renew our vows when we next meet.

[Private]

[impure_tale]

Do you suppose you'll make an event of it?

[Private]

[mightthinkthat]

[He smiles softly, imagining it. Their reunion and the possibilities that will be there for them.]

I'd like to.

[Private]

[impure_tale]

Then I'll hope in your favor, mon ami.

[Private]

[mightthinkthat]

Most kind.