[Video]

[maddest]

In commemoration of my having spent a certain amount of time here- not sure how long, but some time indeed- I will now have Emily perform a dramatic reading of our latest collaborative poem.

[In an admirable display of ventriloquism, the little doll pipes up in her most irritating falsetto.]

Adstringendum, O, Adstringendum,
My inpronounceablest home!
You make people glum,
Can be a pain in the bum,
But I am pleased to call you my own.

The animus are our interesting friends,
Occasionally promising danger.
When they get bored the universe bends
But whatever that strange group sends
You know next time will be stranger!

...that's all Emily has so far. [Break continues, back in his own voice.] It needs an editing eye, but I think she shows real promise.

Comments

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

The idea of going under the knife, it would mean putting myself in a very vulnerable position. It would be easy for whoever was operating to take advantage, to perform experiments, poke about curiously.

[law-of-reason.livejournal.com]

Naturally. And that is what would happen, of course - why else would I be interested in you?

I still don't see what prevents you from cooperating.

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

Because that is unpleasant. Why would I go to you to get healed, with the downsides, when the Lady Unohana has promised me much the same, and without having to submit myself to experimentation?

[law-of-reason.livejournal.com]

Because I'm curious. That really is the important part.

As for your side... well, if Unohana-taichou can heal you, then I doubt I'll have much interest left in you. If she can't, what do you have to lose by submitting to more experimental procedures?

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

Pain, for one thing.

[law-of-reason.livejournal.com]

I said I'd offer anesthesia.

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

Why would I believe you?

[law-of-reason.livejournal.com]

If something as simple as that ensured your cooperation, I've no reason not to. Also, Unohana-taichou suggested that I should start offering that sort of thing.

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

It is a promise that you would have no obligation to keep once my cooperation and I myself were secured.

It hasn't escaped my notice that I barely made it out last time. Why should I believe you would let me go again?

[law-of-reason.livejournal.com]

True. Still, if you escaped a second time, you'd know not to trust me again. You'd just have to risk it.

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

The thing is, I don't have to risk it. I have other, less mad options.

And really, we're still missing the main point.

[law-of-reason.livejournal.com]

My options are entirely sane.

Which point?

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

I meant when I said I was going to kill you.

[law-of-reason.livejournal.com]

Ah yes, that. Any plans on when you're going to schedule it?

Additionally, if you do succeed, will you be more open to the idea of additional tests? It's not like you'd have a grudge anymore, right?

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

Oh, a few obstacles have arisen, but I shouldn't worry too much if I were you. You'll see it coming.

If I do it right, you won't be coming back.

[law-of-reason.livejournal.com]

What sort of obstacles? I hate being left to wait too long.

And oh... that's an interesting sort of ambition.

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

Don't ask me to spoil the surprise, Doctor.

[law-of-reason.livejournal.com]

As long as it's a good one, I suppose I can be patient.

[mister-hatter.livejournal.com]

You do that.