shaft | hotel: jason

[ He crosses his arms, nodding. ]

Alright. So your argument is that you think it has value, just not enough to have enforced it with an iron first?

Something like that. The rest of you seem unfortunately compliant, so I don't think there really is going to be an issue. Everyone did it except, like, me, so if someone doesn't now, it's kind of a little fishy.

Maybe the iron fists should come out when other resources have been exhausted and we have to go back to the people who haven't yet. Or, you know, you could just talk to them reasonably first...

[ He just tilts his head, shrugging. ]

I'll admit they were a little morally superior about it. Pulling out a gun probably didn't help the possibility of conversation either.

Sheesh. I already told everyone: the gun only came out because a weird purple, horned guy tried to tackle me first.

[HE TRULY LOOKS LIKE A PETULANT, SCOLDED TEENAGER.]

Are you discriminating against Molly because he's purple and has horns?

What? No. He's weird because he was unnaturally delighted with the idea of jumping me, not because he's purple and has horns.

I'm sure you could've wrestled him.

I could've, but I was too worried about socking someone else who'd probably jump in the way. Also, I probably would've hurt him. Then people would've really hated me.

So you chose the quickest way to settle the situation? I guess it makes sense.

You're pretty kind hearted.

[His expression falls flat.]

It would have just been easier to shoot him is all.

[ He closes his eyes. ]

So kind. What a peaceful conversation.

[It's what Claude gets for trying to perceive.]

You started this conversation.

It has been relatively peaceful. We didn't even raise our voices.

[Peers flatly across to him.]

The bar is in the ground here.

That doesn't mean it has no significance...

[ trails off in a mumble ]

I feel like a father trying to convince his son their family isn't actually that dysfunctional.