emet catchall

[outsidebones]

Comments

[outsidebones]

I don't think Clementine was asking.

[ktiseos]

No. But some in the Prism did.

[outsidebones]

Ah.

[she chews her lip, worrying it enough to draw a bit of blood.]

I do not feel good about this victory, but I seldom do; too often, I see only my own faults in such things. It is good that...there is clarity. It is right to recognize the value of it.

[ktiseos]

It may be so, but it is a small mercy in comparison.

[and, after a few moments:]

Nor shall it be any easier from here.

[outsidebones]

Perhaps some will come to recognize that...there is not always a satisfying conclusion.

[she wipes her lip.]

The notion of voting accurately is a fine security blanket for some.

[ktiseos]

If not for accuracy, then-- how would you most prefer to vote, personally.

[outsidebones]

[she drums her fingers against her upper arm, crossing her arms.]

...No, I mean to vote accurately. Perhaps not if - I could not have voted for her if she was defending herself, I think. For personal reasons, that would not have sat well with me. But...the guilty party ought to be selected in most cases.

I simply don't believe it absolves us of guilt or responsibility. It is still - sacrificing someone who did not necessarily have culpability in the manner I would define it. It is a trade we are making for the sake of our lives and our hostages and benefit to ourselves.

[ktiseos]

A calculation we must make, because to avoid it is, in most cases, to do worse-- to condemn one who did not act at all, or to risk our own hostages' lives. But it is still something we choose to do.

[he toys idly with the bracelet around his left wrist.]

What would you have done, if you believed she did act in self-defense?

[outsidebones]

Voted for Cloud. He would have been no more blameworthy, but...if she had failed to defend herself, Cloud is who would have been caught and killed.

[ktiseos]

Mm. I cannot fault the logic; in that situation, I may have done the same. Even though-

[... it seems as if it'd be rough on lup either way, is the thing. so.]

[outsidebones]

Even though?

[she doesn't really know what he means.]

[ktiseos]

Nothing of import.

[it's just the emotional constipation.]

[outsidebones]

Hmm. Well. I do believe I am letting my feelings about the matter get the better of me. Against my better judgment.

[ktiseos]

It is best to avoid it, yes. Easy as it is for emotions to be provoked... it is too easy for them to cloud one's judgment.

[outsidebones]

[oh yes. she nods sagely. just two cool brain geniuses agreeing that it's good that they repress all their feelings.]

I must confess it is a flaw of mine. But I am more than capable of pushing through.

[ktiseos]

A flaw for many, I should think, but some do compensate better than others.

[he says as if it is not also one of his.]

Do you believe it shall remain this way for long, with only shadows pushing people to act?

[outsidebones]

No. I'm frankly surprised no one acted on their own this week. Perhaps not enough people requested their contract.

[ktiseos]

I would assume so.

But I take it you have, then?

[outsidebones]

Of course. It is necessary to know what we face, is it not?

[ktiseos]

So it is.

What, then, do you make of it?

[outsidebones]

...Well, we are limited in our options. It would not be wise to attempt to break it. We don't have to kill, surviving until the end can be enough, but it's risky in that we may be killed ourselves or provide insufficient entertainment.

[ktiseos]

Few outcomes exist, by its terms. Kill by your own hand. Be forced to kill. Be killed by another. Or- opt not to act and hope you are lucky enough to avoid the rest.

[outsidebones]

There is the possibility...our hostages will be safe depending on our circumstances at check-out. But I would not wish to count on that.

[ktiseos]

Nor would most of us, I should think.

What is it you wish to do?