𝐹𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑁𝑎𝑚𝑒: 4201 || 𝑇𝑦𝑝𝑒; t_AF
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[ Start Recording - Scene; Private Dining Hall, charity event. Untitled location, Gotham City. Dr. Hugo Strange, Warden Dr. Joshua Arkham, Dr. Jeremiah Arkham (heir of Amadeus), Adah Arkham (daughter of Jeremiah). Context; Dr. Joshua Arkham introduces his nephew Jeremiah Arkham while they discuss politics, projects, and the future of Arkham Asylum. ]
H.S: (humored) “—Yes, we’ve been introduced before.”
J.A: “Ah, my mind must’ve slipped me. But anyway, I want to make sure you two were well acquainted. I mean, you with all you’ve done for the asylum, you’ve been a wonderful asset for betterment and you know when the time comes—”
J.A: (Hesitant shuffling, feigning slight humor) “You speak as if this will be soon.”
J.A: (exasperated humor) “Well, hopefully not- but you know nothings guaranteed, and it's not like I'm going to be warden for the rest of my life- we're going to pray it's retirement that gets me before an inmate!”
[H.S and J.A chuckle amongst themselves, J.A eventually joining in to not be the odd one out. ]
J.A: “Really, though. You’ve been much of a help to us as ever. Dangerously reliable, eh?”
H.S: “I’m Flattered. Though, you mustn’t credit me too much. You have done a great deal of work yourself... Though, must I ask, with the upcoming elections, do you have any doubts with retirement?”
J.A: (Dismissive) “Plenty. But, then again, I am secure in my decisions.”
H.S: “Truly? I’m sure you must’ve heard of the campaigns being launched under each. How about Hamilton Hill? Gaining followers with the promise of removing Police Commissioner James Gordon and bringing in Peter Pauling.”
J.A: (He ponders, but ultimately is dismissive again) “It sounds damned idiotic, but I’m certain Pauling will be just as good.”
J.A: “Pauling was a supporter of Loeb’s campaign while he was commissioner, I’m certain you remember this Joshua. When they were defunding the asylum and taking those funds to Blackgate after they began to house Victor Fries.”
J.A: (He sours in recognition, now slightly irritated) “I’m certain. A good portion of Gotham praise Gordon beyond his performance’s worth, it’s more than probable Hill won’t be elected— Would you pass me that bottle?”
J.A: (increasingly heated) “Most of the candidates were either
supporters of Loeb or are taking very authoritarian measures to defund our programs for strict albeit failing attempts of policies in the police force-”
J.A: “Now, let's not default them as authoritarian, Jeremiah. Their policies for the police force has no correspondence to us- we have our own funds.”
J.A: “Well, I am sorry I'm pulling out bigger words but I simply can't see how the defunding of mental health services for the very issue they are facing will help them in the future if they truly aren't authoritarian- it merely seems like they are feeding into these criminal cycles.”
H.S: (pause) “If I may-”
J.A: “And another thing. There is absolutely a correspondence between us and the police force- we are an asylum for the Criminally Insane, unless your self-destroying programs fail to remind you... You may feel as if the defunding will be of no effect but you fail to remember- yet again- that most of our funds come from your pocket and most of Gotham City are not billionaires.”
[ Though interrupted, H.S rather takes note of all that is said. It is almost perfected as he would've explained. Though, of course like any heated conversation about politics with your uncle, the silence that took stage was uncomfortable and tedious. Too tedious for the things H.S had in mind. ]
J.A: “Hrm, well there was no need for all that.”
H.S: “He does make quite fair points, Dr. Arkham. Whether we admit it or not, the coming future may not be as certain as it has been these past few years. Especially with a new warden, there needs to be a firm ground to keep up with the programs in place.”
J.A: “And I’ll wager I will not be dead when the time comes. People will stand for what they support, and I’m sure the people of Gotham will see how vital of an institution we are.”
[ H.S looks to J.A first, as to gander a response. He has made his arguments and now J.A will not listen anymore past what he had said, this meaning: no more intriguingly witty counterpoints from the man ]
H.S: “...Times are increasingly changing, Dr. Arkham. We can’t stand on uncertain ideals such as the tenacity of Gotham’s voters. (Aside) Especially with an increased funding of the police force...”
J.A: “Changing times— changing times!— all you hear about these days. Not much really does change, there will always be a resurgence and demand for better ways. And we’ve gotten damn near close with my run as Warden.”
[ This confirms many things (see; regarding Arkham Asylum). ]
H.S: “Then, if I be so bold, do you have an idea for the Warden?”
J.A: “Pardon?”
H.S: “You’re pardoned. I simply want to know if you’ve decided to keep the next Warden in the family bloodline or not. We both know how it went when there were... ‘family friends’ running the asylum.”
J.A: “Ah. Yes. Well, I do believe it should remain within the Arkham's. In fact, it is why I wanted you to meet Jeremiah.”
[A moment of realization. It appears J.A had not known of this either, and... he seems to be less than savory about such ]
H.S: “...I see.”
J.A: “Now, what’s with the look? I’ve told you before—”
J.A: “You have not.”
J.A: “I’m certain I have, the last time we were in Europe—”
J.A: (seething) “Seven years ago? If you did, I would assume you were simply joking.”
J.A: “God, it’s like there’s nothing in the world you can be pleased with! We’ll talk about it some other time.”
J.A: “Another time— right then, it was good to speak to you again, Professor Strange. I believe it’s about time Adah and I venture back home.”
J.A: “Jer—”
H.S: “The pleasure is mine. Take care.”
[ It was against his nature, but nothing was more satisfying than the distress of J.A as J.A and Adah left. He noticed the limping gait Adah struggled with— not like a broken bone, it was built from a discomfort H.S didn’t have to time to investigate further into (See: Regarding Adah Arkham). The rest of the conversation would consist of J.A complaining about how insatiable J.A was, interesting case files he should investigate, and other pleasantries of a socialite. - End Recording ]
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Signed - Dr. H. E. Strange
END. Access files; locked.