doctor_j_crane | [60]

For reasons totally unrelated to the recent flood, I've recently turned my mind to the issue of barge romantic relationships. [Crane sounds awkward just saying it.] Frankly, I'm confused as to why anyone could ever think that it ever would work out. Ignoring numerous public examples of messy arguments between wardens and inmates alike, I've never in my experience heard of a prison being described as a good dating environment. While the inmates do obviously suffer a certain lack of options, it's the wardens that persist in romantic liaisons that surprise me.

How can your supposed relationships have real meaning if they have an expiration date date? Or would you be willing to give up your family, friends and universe for one person who seemed like a good option while you were in a prison? You can believe me when I say that it isn't only unrealistic, it's unhealthy. It's no more valuable than a relationship forged in a war zone, done by the same messy necessity and a certain need to settle for what is available, no matter how substandard. It's disturbing how easily you all seem to give in to the delusion that it means something. It doesn't. It just has that sliver more meaning than the rest of your pointless existence on the barge. Furthermore, it's a disservice to your inmates and not to mention a failure in your duties as wardens. You're not here to find meaningful relationships with each other. You're supposed to be helping us.

[Pause. Crane sounds slightly more amused.] I hadn't done this in a while. It's highly therapeutic for me to tell you all the ways that you're wrong. I recommend it highly to other inmates.

[Private- Edward Nygma]

It could be slightly related to the flood. [The longest pause.] I'm not sure that I want to talk about it. I do apologize though.

[OOC: Whoops, going to do that post and run thing. Will be back in eight hours, after sleep. <3]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

From:

kingfor-aday.livejournal.com

I think you have to approach it with a lack of illusions in the matter. Perhaps it is just a matter of having someone you can rely on, and someone you can count on, no matter what. I have said quite a bit of this before, I imagine, but I think sometimes... I'd never have any relationship here that I wouldn't at home.

But you're also right that the parameters are different. You can't really con yourself that this is home, or a normal world, or a particularly nice one where relationships work, and work in a usual, functional manner. I don't think it means it's substandard, I think you're just working with what you can and making the best of it.

I have no doubt in saying that anyone I did have a relationship here with is... someone I'd have done the same with in the real world. But, I'd never expect them to choose me, and here, over the real world. That's treating this place like a home - and it isn't. It's too transient, too unstable, and too dangerous to do that. That doesn't quite stand in the way of serious, real emotions, though.

So I don't think I agree with you, but you're not entirely wrong, either.

From:

doctor-j-crane.livejournal.com

The first challenger appears. We'll keep this public, I think. No offense intended, Sergeant, I just don't want to explain myself too many times.

The key difference is that I'm not talking about simple friendships. I'm talking about deeply emotional relationships, that if anything, increases the chances of violence on the barge. Two wardens are in a relationship and one gets attacked. Their partner accordingly murders the inmate who performed the attack. The warden populous naturally does nothing. Thus, the institution of warden romantic relationships is a threat to inmates well being and the justice system of the barge.

The inherent problem regarding the second part of your argument is that the transient, unstable nature of these relationships means that by rights, anyone taking part in such a relationship should remain at a distance. But do they? Somehow I doubt that they would. Wardens don't seem to think that far ahead.

[60] - [Voice]