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"The likes of you stand to benefit from the likes of me."

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[A nod back; he's nearly got it, but the pronunciation is extremely difficult for non-Chiss people]

Well met, Enver Gortash. You may call me Thrawn.

[not quite a nickname, but it's far easier for people to pronounce. And anyway, even Thrawn's species usually only greet each other using their full names once, and then defer to their shorter, Core names]

I have to admit some disappointment in our two custodial wardens. Richter appears determined to misinterpret even the slightest criticism.

Very well. Gortash then, if you please.

[ He still doesn't know what to make of people that immediately defaulted to his given name without permission. ]

It may be strange to hear it, but I found it rather refreshing. These people seem very determined to sell this image of harmonious trust and sharing, and I would rather see the cracks sooner as opposed to later. It's a lofty ideal, in a real setting that is all it is.

Edited Date: 2024-08-09 01:33 pm (UTC)

Of course, Gortash.

[He's happy himself to be calling people by their family name instead, as it denotes respect. Given names are reserved for family and friends only]

Indeed. Perhaps I have been naive in my expectations of those who undertake a responsibility here.

To answer your question you initially posed to Richter, I believe neither he nor any other warden truly knows how long an inmate is meant to do a job they did not realize they were assigned to. As you may have suspected through both our discussions, there is no set standard.

[which is frustrating, due to there now being a punishment for those not doing a job to which there is no set standard]

If pressure continues to be applied, they might actually learn something. There is only so long that one can continue to act a fool in the face of sense.

[ One would think. Does Gortash plan to continue to behave as though he is in charge of every aspect of this place he has to deal with? Yes. ]

My point remains: I will commit to labor, gladly, just as soon as I have my Warden. Anything induced from me before then...they are just going to have to find a way to pay for.

I do not believe he was expecting such push-back.

[which is ridiculous because when you're telling people to 'do a job or smell bad', then when the people start to question your methods, say 'do it or leave', it can lead to confused, frustrated, irritated people. Richter seems very young to Thrawn's eyes]

You may be overestimating the capacity for foolish behavior.

I prefer to view it as establishing a standard early on.

[ If one MUST be here, then it is better to take as much control as possible of how you are treated. ]

I am patient. I suppose one must be in a place such as this.

[ It is not lost on him that this is likely easier to say early on. ]

Indeed.

Indulge me a moment: If you were placed in charge of fifteen inmates and told to keep the hallways clean and clear, how would you attempt it?

I would find someone better suited to coordinate such a thing. Custodial is outside my realm of experience and I would rather defer to someone else or learn my role better.

What is your realm of experience?

In higher places: governance. Therefore knowing when to delegate to people with a greater breadth of experience than I when I am lacking. Needed when dealing with larger bodies. In lower: Weapons development.

Then it is fortunate we happened to meet.

I have no aptitude for governing: quite the opposite. I find it..difficult to relate to others.

But I was a first weapons officer for a number of years, which required regular procurement, development, maintenance and testing. And I supervised a project on the redevelopment of a single-craft starship from the ground up.

[ He finds no fault in simply removing oneself from the running in certain circles: there were plenty who led that had no business or desire to do so but would out of expectations or sometimes an unrealistic view of their own abilities. Confidence that such aptitudes would come to them when called. ]

I suspect our worlds differ greatly in terms of what counts for mechanics, telecommunication and such. That said, I would be very interested to hear more. Thanks to the library, this place offers many such opportunities, and it is quickly becoming a favorite part of it.

Indeed.

Perhaps we should compare notes some time. I find many people here come from 'magic' worlds, and I would be interested to learn more.

I am one of those such persons. Only recently been introduced to the notion of nuclear power. Fascinating, really.

I would welcome future collaboration.

Excellent.

Have you had opportunity to visit the Enclosure yet?

I have only heard it mentioned in passing, I'm afraid. That is one of the areas that requires a Warden to access, yes?

Yes. However, I have not had issues either convincing a warden to allow me entrance, or hijacking one of their devices.

[ This could just as easily be taken as a slightly more helpful list of suggestions on what one might try. However: ] If you are inviting, I would be more than glad to provide company.

I am. I am permanently paired now, I believe my warden would be inclined to give us full range of the facilities.

When would you like to meet?

Are you available this afternoon?

I am. Barring, of course, a sudden instance of Richter Belmont growing a brainstem and sending along a schedule for my work detail.

[it's said so dryly that it may take a second to recognize that Thrawn is telling jokes]

Well. I will have to know either way. [ Only good humor. ]

This afternoon, then.

A matter entirely separate from our proposal - or perhaps not - I would like to ask your help with a one-day experiment. It may embarrass our mutual acquaintance Richter.