outsidebones | emet catchall

I would not be surprised if it is similar for her. By the same token-- it is odd, for others to know me who are near strangers to me in turn.

It is an obstacle. How much ought one to rely on old impressions.

So I should think.

I do not know what my other self would have thought, in your case, but at the least -- I have found you to be a more reasonable individual than most. I've no objections to you. And in her case--

The things she knows, I would never have shared lightly.

Mm. So long as you never harm anyone dear to me, we will have no quarrel, I think.

[she nods her head.]

So we understand one another.

I've no intention to harm another here. Not of my own volition.

[not if it can be helped, anyway.]

Ah. That is good to know, to the extent you're being forthright. The other version of you was a bit...well, I know it is gauche to tell you things about him.

His disposition in general was somewhat in favor of murder given the circumstances we found ourselves in.

...so I have heard. But my home did not have murder-- it is unknown in my world, in my own time. In his time, I-- am given to understand much has changed, of both my home and myself.

I can tell you this, however. The only time I contemplated it in the Prism, it was an individual I knew to be refracted who had escaped being caught at trial. We had been told death in execution was a necessity for their condition, and did not discover the capacity to cure them until later in this same week. I and another person I knew considered the possibility it might be necessary to kill him to stop him from acting again.

Ultimately-- we were cautioned against doing so and I turned him into a frog instead, just before we all slept at curfew.

And your hostage? Their fate does not trouble you? Or are you simply determined to find non-violent means to secure their release?

Of course it troubles me.

[it's immediate, sharper.]

There is not a day where it does not. He-

...He is dear to me, but he would not wish to be saved through the blood of another. I do not wish to do what my future self would-- I do not want to become him.

Neither do I wish to leave my hostage's fate to chance alone, when it comes to my own survival, but I do not know if killing another would truly be the best option, especially knowing I may well be caught and killed in the process. I've my duty, as well as his life, to worry for.

[her mouth turns down, not unsympathetic.]

I understand. It is a kindness that you would protect your own life, too. I'm sure the one you care for would not wish you to come to harm either.

He would not. But I expect this is part of the point of all this-- weighing how far one is willing to go, when the risks are what they are.

[and knowing that trying to preserve both their lives could just mean they're both lost, in the end.]

And whether we shall find ourselves more willing to act, the longer this goes on.

Yes. I suspect so as well. Though I wonder whether there will be consequences if we all as a collective continue to refuse.

I would not be surprised, if so. Either consequences, or more of a push in the form of further motivation.

Ugh. Well, we shall see. They do like to escalate things.

Naught to do for it but wait, and be prepared for things to escalate in such a manner. If they do, we at least shall not be surprised.

We won't be surprised, but whether that will be enough to avoid trouble...

...unlikely. Not all of it, at the least.

[but that's another thing they'll likely have to wait and see. he exhales a sigh, shakes his head slightly.]

Ah- I did wish to ask something else, however. Have you spoken much with Estelle?

Yes, to some degree. Why do you ask?

Curiosity, more than anything.

[he waves one hand, dismissive.]

But if you already do, then do not worry about it.

...No. Now I'm curious.

It is not relevant to the matter at hand.

[staring at him with open irritation.]

[he stares down at her in turn, good arm folded over his chest.

this looks kind of stupid with the other one still in a sling.]

Ugh! So cryptic! I'll just ask Estelle what you mean, then.

She would not know either-!

[help

he huffs out a little breath.]

Fine. I will discuss it with both of you in the library later, if you do not mind.

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outsidebones - 2022-06-27 00:26 (UTC) - Expand