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

There are numerous at least's on the tip of my tongue. I'll share them for your peace of mind:

At least there was no forced reciprocation.

At least we didn't fornicate.

At least I wasn't a woman/cat/alien.

At least there was no toxin involved.

At least we can move on.

Feeling better? Good, because this is the one and only time it will come up in conversation.

[He waits a beat.]

I do agree with your emotional outburst, however. Relationships are perilous at the best of times. At the worst-- and we're currently residing in the worst-- they're teetering on the edge of irresponsible. I wouldn't advise it unless you're prepared to dismiss that individual as a fling if they disappear.

I don't ever want to talk about it again. But yes. Thankfully nothing on that list occurred.

I suppose the same argument is equally valid in terms of friendship. But frankly, this seems more likely to draw wardens into an argument where they're clearly wrong.

Friendships can be fleeting without lasting emotional consequences. Burning bridges is a guaranteed expense of advancing in life, but I presume the relationship between a man and woman is much less tenuous. There's more to lose with someone you enjoy enough to spend the remained of your life with.

[He might sound a little bit forlorn.]

That being the opinion of a neutral perspective. I don't much care for soul-mate searching on an intergalactic spacecraft.

Edited 2011-06-30 14:24 (UTC)

That's what I'm most concerned about. It can only serve to make the wardens even more unstable than they already are. Not to mention that they'll be sensitive about it as well. [Thus, a good place to troll.]

Are you soul-mate searching in general? [Part trolling, part curious.]

Why must you ask questions with obvious answers.

I'll assume that's a no, then.

Correct. For someone in my position, both here and in Gotham, a permanent relationship would only serve to jeopardize my job.

Just another person for the Batman to threaten. I alluded to harming his family the other day. He didn't take the suggestion well.

Did you, now. What compelled you to threaten his family?

I didn't intend to follow through. Curiosity, maybe. I don't know if he'd realized that they were something that could be used against him on the barge.

[60] - [Voice]

Private;

Private;

Private;

Private;

Private;

Private;

Private;

Private;

Private;

Private;