[video]

[he_is_wild]

[The NV is propped up on a table. Joker slides into view as if he were skidding out on to a stage and makes a sweeping bow, all smiles. Once again, he's in the purple suit and fedora.]

Dear old Uncle Jokie is back. After all, my public needs me!

[The area behind him is dimly lit by candlelight. A hyena pads by one of the candles and drops to the

Comments

[voice]

[mentis_reae]

I heard the news. You'll be back there soon enough.

[voice]

[he_is_wild]

I was free for months. Not gonna lie, sonny, got a taste for it. I think I'll stay out and about for a while.

[voice]

[mentis_reae]

You think wrong. This is not a matter of what you want.

[voice]

[he_is_wild]

Sure it is. I can be a slippery sort when I want to be.

It was a good joke that you pulled on me, though, I'll give ya that. Well done.

[voice]

[mentis_reae]

None of it was a joke.

[voice]

[he_is_wild]

Being cuckoo and calling me sane? I already told you, I love it. Quite hilarious.

You have a real knack for comedy, cutie.

[voice]

[mentis_reae]

I am not crazy, and you're not sane. We've been over this.

[voice]

[he_is_wild]

I AGREE THAT I'M NOT SANE!

[voice]

[mentis_reae]

[A half-muttered curse:]

You are sane. You knew what I meant.

[voice]

[he_is_wild]

Only someone who's completely mad could possibly think that!

[voice]

[mentis_reae]

So a number of experts are "completely mad"?

[voice]

[he_is_wild]

I have a line of therapists that could wrap twice around this island that would beg to disagree with you, counselor.

[voice]

[mentis_reae]

If only those were the ones I'd called at the trial.

[voice]

[he_is_wild]

What trial!?

That was a kangaroo court and you know it.

[voice]

[mentis_reae]

I would advise you try to understand what a kangaroo court is.

[voice]

[he_is_wild]

A fallacy! You people knew your answer before we even started!