[35] [Voice - Public]

[sharpememory]

Until I get further evidence, I have to assume that Tony Stark is arbitrarily being punished for a mixture of partying and being awesome.

[Added later.]

I was right. The wardens are officially the fun police.

[Private - Tony Stark]

Dude, what happened? Why are you in zero? Did you make a robot that went crazy or something?

Comments

Private

[buywithme]

Hey Comrade.

[HOW BEST TO COAX THIS CONVERSATION OUT INTO THE OPEN...]

So, I guess you're not feeling very trustful of Wardens right now?

Private

[sharpememory]

Yeah, I'm not. They did something to Tony, man. And they won't say what it is. Everyone just keeps telling me that I shouldn't talk about it.

Private

[buywithme]

Well, they aren't your wardens. You can talk about whatever you like.

But Comrade, it could be that the reason why they're not telling you is because Tony did something very private or embarrassing to be put into level zero. Or because he did something that they're concerned other inmates would attack him for, if it was public knowledge.

I don't know if it's right for them not to tell anyone, but don't worry too much until he's sobered up enough to give his side of it, Brother.

Private

[sharpememory]

I hadn't thought of that. I guess it could be why, but it would have been nice if they told me it was one of those things. Rather than being all: 'Hey, Barron, shut up. Did you forget that we're in charge and can lock you up when you feel like it? Oh, you're talking. Stop that.'

He sent me a message. He was either drunk or hurt, but still partying. That's Tony through and through.

Private

[buywithme]

They can't lock you up whenever they feel like it, and they're not in charge of you. They can tell you to stop talking, but you don't have to listen to them, and Comrade, unless I'm afraid that you're going to get yourself or someone else physically, I will never try to stop you from speaking out here.

They're just people, just like everyone else, and you don't have to listen to anything they say.

Do you want me to take you down to level zero to check on him? If there is something wrong here, then we can find out about it and there are things that we can do to stop this from happening again...

Private

[sharpememory]

For a guy that grew up in robot land, you're pretty liberal. I like it.

I reckon that would piss them off even more if I went, but I'd appreciate it if you could check if he was okay.

Private

[buywithme]

It's the consequence of realizing that robot land was a pretty bad place, Comrade.

I really don't care if we-- uh, if we make people even angrier. He's your friend, you're concerned about him, you should come with me.

Private

[sharpememory]

From what you've said, it sounds really bad.

I'd like to go with you. Just so I can check.