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

[maced_eggs]

Who the fuck cares about bears?

Bears are mean. Vicious things. I don't care about bears.

[impure_tale]

I believe that's what they are called, actually. "Care Bears."

[maced_eggs]

So...what are they? You've got your polar bears, your grizzly bears, your care bears...?

Are these bears exceptionally caring?

[impure_tale]

I haven't a clue, cherub. This is why I asked.

[maced_eggs]

Where'd you hear the term? Maybe there's context clues in th' reading. We can. I dunno. Surmise, or something.

[Perma-voice]

[a_favor_now]

[He's taken the knowledge of his mirror counterpart and put it to what use he can. He's nonplussed to shy the least about why he's here, and he's only responding because he knows he'll eventually find a way out of this place. Because he's that special inmate who will do the impossible, and no one has ever had this exact thought before ever.]

Who wants to know?

[impure_tale]

It's in this file. [He indicates it.]

[maced_eggs]

Well, come on. Let's see it. Read it out loud.

[Video] - Because he's stubborn

[impure_tale]

While I prefer to make introductions in person I understand that sometimes meetings over the network cannot be avoided.

[He gives a cordial little bow of the head to the screen.]

The Marquis de Sade, at your service. I've been assigned as your Warden.

[impure_tale]

I'm not broadcasting my Inmate's entire history in public -- yet. What do you take me for?

this is already going to be fantastic

[a_favor_now]

How unfortunate for you.

[impure_tale]

Oh, I don't know about that. We've apparently much to discuss -- my question being the least of what I need to know. If you'd like for it to happen over the network, I will respect your wishes, but you should know I very rarely employ private filters when engaging with my Inmates.

[maced_eggs]

Come on. Come on come on, show us the file. I want to know what fuckin' care bears are as much as you do.

[impure_tale]

Information I will relay once I actually have it.

[maced_eggs]

You are a cruel person. Withholding the mystery of caring bears.

What do bears care about? Honey? Is that something that's actually true or that I just read about it in a book?


...Are you wardening Winnie the Pooh?

[a_favor_now]

What make you think I'll participate in this... farce?

[impure_tale]

I'm afraid I do not understand the reference.

[maced_eggs]

You don't know Winnie the Pooh?

Deep in the hundred acre wood, where Christopher Robin plays?

Issa bear. Issa roly poly bear that likes honey an' cares about his friends.

[routemistress]

Oooh, oooh, I know this one. They're cute little pastel-coloured bears. I've got a friend a bit like 'em. Only 'e's more of a swear bear, but ...you get the picture.

[impure_tale]

This isn't a farce, dumpling. I've written farces. Far fewer plot twists and a lot less violence.

For all intents and purposes, I serve as your advocate, here. It is my job to know you as much as one possibly can so that I can advise you. All privileges that you desire you barter for through me. When you are in danger, it is my job to find the means to keep you safe and employ them. If you are attacked or wronged, I am to defend you, and in those instances where you do wrong, yourself, it falls to me to decide on the appropriate consequences.

The Barge can be a very lonely, unsafe place for an Inmate without a Warden.

[impure_tale]

...This only creates more questions.

[impure_tale]

It sounds like a children's story.

[maced_eggs]

It is a children's story.

[a_favor_now]

I'm not afraid of being alone or for my safety.

[It's rather laughable to him that the Marquis even brought such things up.]

And don't call me that.

[mightthinkthat]

[Francis, not having had children, but is still a representative of parents who had, has heard of care bears, but has no concept of the context, except to boggle slightly.] I didn't recall you there, but I should think I was rather restless.