[thirty seven] [Private to Master Lord Thom]

[goodgrasshopper]

You've been quiet, but I'm assuming you weren't pitched overboard at the last port.  ...Actually, I'm hoping you weren't subjected to it at all.  You'd probably have hated it, too.

I'm not sure if you remember me.  I'm Molly Carpenter, and I'm your new warden.  We should talk.

Comments

[goodgrasshopper]

Something the two of you have in common?

[giftedtwin]

Mm, yes, I suppose so.

[goodgrasshopper]

Well, while I have you, we do have a little business we need to take care of. Generally, inmates take on jobs around the Barge. Kitchen, library, infirmary, et cetera. What kind of job would you be interested in?

[giftedtwin]

A job? Aren't there servants? [Class bias, Thom has it. But then he pauses and thinks about how the people he's seen working in the infirmary are the same people that post on the network.] ...what do these jobs entail?

[goodgrasshopper]

Sorry--no servants. Everyone works, in some capacity or another. [Your class bias is adorable.]

It depends on the job. Inmates who work in the kitchen help prepare and clean up after meals. Maintenance repairs things that break down. I'm sure that, as a former student, you have some idea of what working in a Library entails. The Infirmary staff are doctors and healers. Anything sound appealing yet?

[giftedtwin]

... The libary, if I must. I've spent a little time there already and, as you say, I do have some experience.

[goodgrasshopper]

I think I can arrange that. I should have things set up by tomorrow, if that's amenable.

[giftedtwin]

That's acceptable.

[goodgrasshopper]

Good.

How do you feel about board games?

[giftedtwin]

I... enjoy chess, I suppose. [HE NEVER HAD THAT MANY PEOPLE WILLING TO PLAY WITH HIM.]

[goodgrasshopper]

I'm not very good at chess--I never really learned beyond the basics. But I'll play chess with you, if you'll play Candyland with me.

[giftedtwin]

Candyland?

[goodgrasshopper]

Don't knock it 'til you've tried it. Have you ever played Candyland? [DOUBTFUL.]

[giftedtwin]

I've never even heard of Candyland. [Pause.] It sounds ridiculous.

[goodgrasshopper]

It's completely ridiculous. Trust me. You should try it anyway. Maybe next time, it can be Chutes and Ladders.

[giftedtwin]

[YOU'RE A STRANGE PERSON, WARDEN. SIGH.] ...I suppose it couldn't hurt to try it.

[goodgrasshopper]

[THIS IS TRUE.] I promise, there will be no actual pain involved.

[giftedtwin]

Then I... will play Candyland with you. [Pause.] Is that all for now?

[goodgrasshopper]

Yes--for now. Let me know if you need anything, though, all right?

[giftedtwin]

Mm. [That sounded a little skeptical. The next is probably a lie.] You'll be the first to know if I need something.

[goodgrasshopper]

Uh huh. [She's so sure.] I'll be in touch about our chess-Candyland date.

[giftedtwin]

As you wish.