-19-

[happinessboys]

[Spoken like he's reading a grocery list:]

Your nose and ears never stop growing.

Jupiter is bigger than all the other planets combined.

Hot water is heavier than cold.

No piece of normal-size paper can be folded in half more than 7 times.

Natural pearls melt in vinegar.

[Back to normal speech. He's calm. Civil. But oh so very patronizing

Comments

[leadsthestars]

I work in the library. Are you Beatty?

[leadsthestars]

Yes, I am an inmate.

[happinessboys]

Then how do you control the library?

[leadsthestars]

I am a good worker.

[happinessboys]

Do you read what you protect?

[leadsthestars]

Yes. I do. Many, many things.

[happinessboys]

Hm. And have they helped you in any way?

[leadsthestars]

They help me understand you. All of you. The Barge.

[happinessboys]

And what do you...understand?

[leadsthestars]

Why some hate me more than others. Why some fear me.

[happinessboys]

You are feared?

[leadsthestars]

Yes.

[happinessboys]

Why?

[leadsthestars]

It is no fun if I just tell you.

[happinessboys]

Does it have to do with ripping out people's hearts?

[leadsthestars]

More than just that.