TLV 5 - Video

[bodilesswarrior]

[Barbara is twirling a pen round her fingers with careless dexterity as she leans back in her wheelchair, gaze distant.]

I was going to talk about being a Warden and the responsibilities it entails and the sort of things we need to commit to when we agree to come on board this ship.

[She shakes her head, as the pen spins faster.]

But the truth is I'm not sure if I even have a right to be here. I barely address my own issues, half the time. I know they're there, of course, but there's always something more important.

And when it comes to other people... [A low, bitter laugh.] I ended my engagement over the phone. Didn't even tell him why.

I've used the people I love most. I've manipulated them. I've made them face near certain death, horrific trauma, brutal violence. All because of the mission. The greater good.

[The pen snaps, and she lets the pieces fall.]

Sometimes I think I'm a better vigilante than I am a person, and that's not what the Barge needs.

Comments

[nospecialhurry]

You're wrong, my dear, that's exactly what the Barge wants. After all, it's why I'm here.

[bodilesswarrior]

I thought you were just a tailor.

Well, not really.

[nospecialhurry]

I am a tailor, it's true and if you'll forgive the boast, a very good one, too.

[He's just a bit more besides.]

But, no Cardassian lives by needle and thread alone. When we come of age, my people have mandatory military service and I, fool that I was, followed my commander.

[bodilesswarrior]

[A smile teases her lips.] I'll need to see evidence some day.

[And it fades as he goes on.]

It's not foolish, to follow someone you trust.

[nospecialhurry]

I must disagree with you there.

It's far wiser to follow one's own judgement rather than one's affection for or history with another.

[bodilesswarrior]

True, but considering another perspective can be wiser still.

And if you only have their intel to go on - though, really, you shouldn't be in that situation in the first place.

[nospecialhurry]

I believe that the relevant human idiom would be "damned if you do; damned if you don't".