05 | Audio + Encrypted Audio

[implying]

It… seems to me that the lot of us have returned to ourselves, yes? No more five year olds wandering about, thank gods.

[ He clears his throat a little awkwardly. ]

I used to be somewhat… ah, forthright, I suppose, which is the age I've lately been entertaining. My apologies to anyone I've been untoward to.

[ To Equius: ] I'd like to see you, my dear, if you don't mind. As soon as you have the time.

[ To Collette: ] Are you available? I, ah, believe I'd left something with you.

[ To Aileen: ] You've… survived the trip back to your proper age, I hope? [ There's a weak smile in this. ] How are you doing?

[ To "Hadrian": ] I hope you know I meant none of it, yes? That was only — well, I didn't know you at the time, you see. [ A beat. ] I'm sorry.

[ To Stephanie: ] This is somewhat awkward, but— well, I do apologize for the excessive attention. Somewhat out of line, I feel.

[ To Bucky: ] You are, of course, welcome to take your belongings back. …Sorry about that.

[ To Calhoun: ] I believe I owe you an apology, yes? And a dinner too, I think.

[ To Nananea: ] My dear, are you free tonight? I wouldn't at all object to some company.

[ To Sharpe: ] [ Just a pause, then a sigh. ] I'll teach you about condoms now, if you like.

Comments

[implying]

[ ugh dammit no, wrong answer. dryly: ] Do pretend that weren't an issue, yes? Pretend it were in a more reasonable and civilized place, like this one.

[sharpe]

That's just it, sir. [ A little frustrated. ] I ain't seeing how ta allow men ta sleep wi' men is more 'reasonable' or 'civilised'. Next you'd be telling me you don't hang thieves and murderers in yer world.

[implying]

[ a beat ]

Are you honestly comparing an act of love to acts of greed and violence?

[sharpe]

[ Sloooooow blink. ]

It all ends up with you dead, far as I know of it. [ Pause. ] No, it's worse ta be a sodomite. You can't escape into the army fer that.

[implying]

Only because your world is just backwards enough to care to punish it. [ soundin pretty annoyed here, maybe he isn't really the best of teachers ] What does anyone care what lovers do behind closed doors? Do they similarly police a man and his wife? The positions they choose may prove illegal, perhaps?

[sharpe]

[ He barks a laugh about that. ]

Oh, they'd like ta, that's fer sure!

[implying]

Your world seems a terribly dark place.

[sharpe]

"I'd say it's the wars that makes it terrible instead of what we're allowed ta do in bed. [ Wry. ]

[implying]

All worlds have war, I suppose it's to be expected. It's a particularly awful civilization that punishes love.

[sharpe]

I'd be real surprised if yer world don't punish love in one way or another, sir. [ Dryly. ]

[implying]

Well. Certainly not with hanging.

[sharpe]

Aye? What'd they do ta you, then?

[implying]

Oh, nothing past whispers and dark looks, here and there. I suppose I had it rather lightly, being the man I am — but nonetheless, it isn't punishable by death anywhere in Wyander, that I know of!

[sharpe]

Aye, but it ain't just the law that can punish. I know that well 'nough.

[implying]

No, it isn't, but you've certainly made it well and official with the use of the law in it, haven't you?

[sharpe]

I ain't a lawmaker, Vanadi.