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[He looks unusally grave as he addresses the network.]

Remus Lupin here. I think most of you know me. Er-- if not, well, there's your introduction. I've been on the ship for a number of months, and I've been noticing a few things.

Well, it's just-- we have fantastic organization when it comes to security and the medical bay, but we don't actually have any laws. And while we've been fortunate enough to have a peaceful crew and not need any yet-- any against stealing or, thank god, killing-- well, who knows what the next Jump will bring?

[Right. He takes a deep breath and scratches his nose, thinking for a few seconds before continuing.]

It's not just that I like rules and order-- although, frankly, that's part of the reason. But listen: without any sort of law in place, we have no real authority if and when a crime is committed. If someone kills someone else, what are we going to do? We can't rely on mob rule and what people think should be done-- god, that's how things disintegrate.

[He grimaces.]

What happened to the remaining pirates-- that cannot be allowed. What sort of society are we? We can't simply murder people because they attacked us! Keep them in the brig, yes, and we can discuss what should happen next, if they ought to be brought into the crew eventually under supervision, or kept there for life-- but we can't just slaughter them because we felt vaguely threatened. And if someone does-- as just happened-- then we need to punish them.

So with that in mind-- well, here, look at what I've written up. It's attached, I think I did it right-- and tell me what you think.

[A text document is attached. There's basic laws written out: against killing, stealing, embezzling, and so on and so forth. The punishments consist of being locked in the brig for a number of weeks, with some options for a sort of community service rehabilitation for lesser crimes.]

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[He snorts, just as dismissive this time around as he was to the subtle approach.]

So you're asking me as a favour?

[He crosses his arms.]

I'm asking you because I think you'd be good at it. [And, confessing - ] And, yes, I'd like it to have a friend there, but - More to the point, because I think you'd be good.

Yeah.

[Sceptically, he raises his eyebrows.]

Only-- you do know my reputation, right. I'm not exactly good with authority.

[A quiet scoff.]

You know security's reputation, correct? There's not much authority to be found there.

[He snorts.]

Well, and isn't that a bitter and cynical thing to say. Now I really want to join the department that's made you so cheerful, it sounds like an absolute party.

[Though really it sort of does at that, because-- not much authority? Sure! But hang on--]

Only it's Tyke's department, innit?

Edited (wizards + HTML = DISASTER!!!) 2013-05-14 18:37 (UTC)

Hence the comment about little authority. Keeping discipline is not much of a priority for her.

[But he says that without much rancor - half out of the fact that she's driving him less insane nowadays and half from acknowledgment of Sirius' strange loyalty to her.]

[GOOD that's as it should be. It's still a dangerous line that Edgeworth is walking, but he's just dry enough that Sirius can sort the comment into the 'not offended' pile and move on.]

Yeah, well, that's 'cos she's got sense. How would you discipline the load of weirdoes you've got on security in a way that would do any good?

Well, I'd have very different people on Security; that would have to be my answer.

[He lifts his eyebrows slightly.]

Fewer people enthusiastic to fight. More people who are guided by a sense of right and wrong - even if they hide that underneath quips, sarcasm, and a devil-may-care attitude.

[He stares at Edgeworth with purposefully put-on dullness.]

Got anyone in mind there, do you? [A SIGH though; he rubs at his nose.] Ah, I dunno. Seriously, it's not really my thing.

[Edgeworth nods at once.]

If that's what you really and truly believe, then I'll accept that answer. I'll not harp on you joining, pressure you, anything of the sort. Especially since I am, in no small part, being selfish in asking: I'm asking because my life would be better with you there. [A small, quick smile: sorry.] But if you truly are not comfortable with the notion, then I'll accept that without question.

[A beat of surprised quiet--and then Sirius laughs, as he looks over at Edgeworth with new eyes.]

Oh, you prat-- you prat! You can't just say things like that and then pretend as if they're nothing-- ooh, I'm selfish, I want you along-- that's cheating practically, that's appealing to my-- you bastard!

[All right, whatever he was expecting it wasn't...that. He looks up, frowning in confusion, completely taken aback by this abrupt change in tune - ]

Appealing to your...what?

My sense of decency? My sense of friendship, and camaraderie? Phrasing it that way, making it seems as if you're going to be left in some sort of desert if I don't come along and keep you company--it's really not fair.

[He shakes his head with mock solemnity.]

Oh, I - [He clears his throat, unnerved by this.] Then I - Should I retract the statement? I want - I do not want to be manipulative.

No.

[With a huge sigh, Sirius flops backwards, apparently having expired of manipulation of his feelings.]

No, Merlin, it's too late for that. Far too late. You have already put thoughts in my head.

Right. Yes, I suppose that would be the case.

[He clears his throat again, and then says, tentatively, not certain whether this is appropriate or called-for:]

Sorry?

You should be.

[And he doesn't lift his head from the back of the sofa, but pronounces those words heavily. Doom itself. Because this does spell doom: Edgeworth has practically frog-marched him down to the security offices to sign on.]

D'you have prefects in your schools?

[Edgeworth watches Sirius closely for a moment longer than he should, answering a little bit too late - ]

Ah - I don't believe so, no. I was home-schooled, anyway.

[And then he goes back to searching his friend for real signs of displeasure. It's possible that Sirius is playacting, and it's possible he's being genuine; Edgeworth cannot for the life of him, even after all this time, read Sirius Black.]

[But how could anyone take this display seriously, because even now, Sirius heaves another sigh, huge, drawn out, and flops his arms onto the sofa as if they are just too heavy to lift, as if he'd like to make the effort, but can't be arsed--]

Right. Yeah. Home-schooled. But you know what prefects are, right, you've read books--well, this is going to feel a lot like being a prefect.

[And that just makes Edgeworth frown a little bit more, mentally reassuring himself that this truly is Sirius' choice, wholly...]

But - don't people strive to be prefects? Compete for the honor?

The honour.

[He repeats that, dryly, and the look he gives Edgeworth is sort of the look you'd give someone if they suggested you start showering in spider egg sacs instead of water.]

No. That's-- I can't tell you how-- no.

[Science says spider egg sacs get you cleaner than water, so it's only logical to use them to bathe.]

It's a position of responsibility and authority, isn't it?

[yes this is why wizards fear and mistrust science]

It's a position for twats. No offense to Remus, but it is. The minute you fasten that shiny badge to your chest, you're signing away all dignity and self-respect and freedom of choice.

[Edgeworth lifts an eyebrow; not hard to read that fine print.]

Because you are taking on a position of responsibility and authority, and responsibility means that you have to sometimes sacrifice your personal desires to fulfill your duties. Am I interpreting your position correctly?

And responsibility is for tits, and you generally can't trust authority, but, yeah, you've more or less got it, with those few minor extras.

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[action] They also have HTML, but for them it's Hypertext MAGIC Language

[action] I wish I had that, I bet it magically corrects itself

[action] Possibly...or maybe it rearranges itself and messes you up.

[action] that sounds significantly less fun

[action] Magic: never as cool as it sounds.

[action] it's true..... :c

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