242

[impure_tale]

[The Marquis has never looked so reserved.]

That wasn't quite like the "comas" I have had before, though I will not lie and say I am not grateful it took me this time. I think...I rather think that my other self is dead. Moreso than usual, I mean.

Perhaps they finally tired of him. It would have to happen sooner or later, oui? 

[He shakes his head and changes the subject. It's clear this has left him a little melancholy at the very least.]

...But best not to linger on such things. I'm sure many are in recovery, and others are new and likely very confused besides. What a poor first impression that place would have made!

It would also appear that the Admiral has wasted no time in sending me back to work. [He brings his new file to bear.]

Who, here, is Dark Heart, and can you do me the kindness of explaining to me what, exactly, a Care Bear is?

[ADDED LATER]

Admiral, as per usual, please deliver a copy of my file to Dark Heart's cabin.

Comments

[Spam]

[a_favor_now]

More than you realize, I bet.

[More dogs. This ship was more like a kennel. He flicks his forked tongue at the dog tauntingly. Slithering in, he looks around nosily.]

[Spam]

[impure_tale]

[The Wardens' chambers are quite expansive compared to most Inmates' spaces, but then that's because they get to choose what's there. The front room is spacious but not drafty, the sitting area is comfortably furnished, settled around a large, roaring stone fireplace. Renate lies on the rug in front of it. There are bookshelves about and then an archway leads off to a bedchamber and his bath. The shadow of his curtained four-poster can be seen just beyond the light in the room.]

[Spam]

[a_favor_now]

[Dark Heart doesn't much, mostly he's trying to be intrusive. After a few moments, he works his way up into a chair, coils up, and looks as bored as a cobra can manage.]

Are we going to do this, or not?

[Spam]

[impure_tale]

[The Marquis settles in another chair. Normally he would be offering him wine, but that hardly matters since he's a snake right now.]

Ready when you are.

[Spam]

[a_favor_now]

Sorry, I forgot the question you asked.

[No he's not, and no he didn't.]

[Spam]

[impure_tale]

For what reason do you think your other self was brought to that Barge?

[Spam]

[a_favor_now]

He chose to be there.

[Spam]

[impure_tale]

I suppose that makes sense. If you were unrestricted that would augment you considerably, wouldn't it?

[He glances up.]

Merely musing, not a question, that.

[Spam]

[a_favor_now]

[The red snake tilts it's head, consideringly.]

I suppose I can let it pass this once.

[Spam]

[impure_tale]

Your turn to ask a question.

[Spam]

[a_favor_now]

What scares you?

[Spam]

[impure_tale]

[Smirk -- baby that's not a can of worms you want to open]

Government.

[Spam]

[a_favor_now]

[Try him.]

Uh-huh. I see.

[He wants more than that, but it can wait until his next turn.]

[Spam]

[impure_tale]

All right -- nothing prying. I've just got several people who are equally as curious as I am and several others who seem to know but are being deliberately vague.

Again: What the Hell is a Care Bear?

[Spam]

[a_favor_now]

[At this question, the cobra puffs up, hood flaring, and hisses. Even his red eyes glow a little brighter.]

The Care Bears and their Cousins are a nuisance! A disgusting blight of kindness and affection.

[He says "kindness" and "affection" like the words taste foul.]

[Spam]

[impure_tale]

[The eyebrows go up.] So you're going to be equally as vague, I see.

[Spam]

[a_favor_now]

If it's good enough for you.

[He's irritated enough that he starts swaying, much like a real snake might when it's thinking about striking.]

Why does "government" scare you?

[Spam]

[impure_tale]

Too easily corrupted, too many people that take charge for personal gain, too many people that have to die for it.

[Spam]

[a_favor_now]

How inconvenient for you. It's not like you can avoid such things.

[Spam]

[impure_tale]

You've read my file. Need that even be said?

[He shakes his head.]

Do you have a true form? Or one you prefer over all others?

[Spam]

[a_favor_now]

I do. I'd show you, but I seem to be unable to access it.

[And he's clearly not happy about it.]

[Spam]

[impure_tale]

And how came you to be in such a form? To clarify: Were you born that way? Are there others like you that also look like that?

[Spam]

[a_favor_now]

I don't know.

[Simple and to the point. It doesn't even bother him.]

[Spam]

[impure_tale]

No, I don't imagine you put much time to the mystery of your being.

Your question, dear.

[Spam]

[a_favor_now]

Actually, you asked me two questions. And don't call me that.