That episode

[master_of_the_game]

You know, sometimes life is really strange. She gives to you with one hand, and she takes with the other. Maybe there IS such a thing as karma.

On the one hand, it really is nice to be working with a competent, reliable partner again. Since Paula, I haven't really worked with many people on a regular basis.

But on the other hand, I get the disgrace of both my daughters in relationships with lapsed heros. Well, at least Jade chose one that didn't up and quit fighting, altogether. The speedster was never much of a fighter to begin with.

Lian Harper. Who knows, maybe this is another chance? If the first two daughters were failures, maybe the grand-daughter's the charm...

Comments

Cut spoilers plz?

[leftthenest]

[Just. Staring.]

Is it your thing to hate other people's happiness or something?

[master_of_the_game]

I just think it's a shame when people don't live up to their potential.

[leftthenest]

Except your idea of people "living up to their potential" is them doing exactly what you want them to do.

[master_of_the_game]

I can't help it if I know what's best, kid. It's called experience.

[leftthenest]

I almost feel sorry for you-- that arrogance has to be such a big burden.

I feel much worse for everyone who has to live with the results of your arrogant actions. You have no right to call anyone a disappointment when they've thrived in spite of you.

[master_of_the_game]

The Crock lineage has done things this way for generations. Stay out of it.

Why yes, I couldn't agree with you more. After all, I must surely be a horrible person. Taking kids and relentlessly training them to be strong and agile. Naturally, only an insane person would do such a thing.

What kind of monster would send young people out to put their lives in danger? Perish the thought!

Oh wait, I forgot. It's only bad when criminals do that, not adults in funny pajamas, with misguided ideals.

[leftthenest]

Wow. I think your arrogance just increased twentyfold.

I'm not even going to justify that with a reply. We both know that you're nothing like the man who's dedicated his life to protect others.

[master_of_the_game]

That seems suspiciously like a deflection.

[leftthenest]

And that seems suspiciously like a comment someone who's totally missing the point would say.

[master_of_the_game]

This far in conversation and you're not making up words. You really have matured, kid.

Though I think your martian is a bit farther along than all of you. At least SHE knows how to get results.

[leftthenest]

At least one of us has stopped acting like a child.

[Completely ignoring the Miss Martian comment, though is eyes narrow.]

[master_of_the_game]

Maybe one day you'll grow up enough to realize we'd make less trouble if your lot had the gumption to end things.

[crockblocking]

I don't think you have any room to call anyone a disgrace.

[Did that kick to the face not teach you anything, Dad?]

[master_of_the_game]

[Obviously not, since I'm STILL a badass.]

Do you even train at all, anymore? Is a life of mediocrity THAT appealing?

[crockblocking]

[That remains to be seen.]

Wow. Didn't realize trying to do something good with my life counted as mediocrity.

[master_of_the_game]

I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised. After all, you and your sister are natural quitters. I always assumed you'd give up the game and join this side. It was nice to be at least half right.

[crockblocking]

The only thing I quit [OTHER THAN HEROING, APPARENTLY...] was listening to you. Turned out for the best.

[Her feelings are hurt. Except they're really not. Try not to break your hip or throw your back out while doing your evil deeds.]

[master_of_the_game]

Personally, I wouldn't call that "best".

[crockblocking]

Of course you wouldn't think so, but I really don't care. It's my life.

[likethecheshire]

I let you live once old man!

Come near my child and see what I do to you.

[master_of_the_game]

Good, maybe you'll grow enough spine to try and finish the job.

[likethecheshire]

I should have finished the job while I had the chance.

[master_of_the_game]

Maybe you should have, instead of disgracing the Crock name further by giving birth to clone-spawn.

[likethecheshire]

What can I say?

He has superb genetics.

[master_of_the_game]

Please. Any greatness that child accomplishes clearly comes from your side of the family.

[likethecheshire]

Any greatness of hers will come from me.

As for anything before me? That was cut off a long time ago.

[master_of_the_game]

You can't change your genetic code, Jade. You can replace all the blood in your body, but you'll still be a part of Paula and I, like it or not. Speaking of which, you really should introduce them. I'm sure she'd love to know about her grand-daughter.

[likethecheshire]

Who knows? Maybe she'll grow up to be an archer.

Are you still trying to preach the values of our family?

[master_of_the_game]

Nothing wrong with that. Your mother was a top class archer.

[likethecheshire]

I would rather that than let your nature take over.

[master_of_the_game]

And what is my "nature", Jade?

[likethecheshire]

Abusive. Manipulating. Selfish.

The list could go on, daddy dearest.

[master_of_the_game]

You're hardly any better. You knew my faults and still had them, yourself.