|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2015 8:01 pm
He was watching Rodney in a way that was perhaps too rapt, a little of the blank intensity which underpinned his every persona glimmering through the cracks. But he didn't care, if Rodney noticed he would explain that he was simply concerned and that was all. He was not concerned, instead (and potentially more dangerously) he was interested, Rodney seemed to feel everything so intensely, too intensely even for an act.
"It is very simple for some people to compartmentalise." he offered. "It is not a malicious act, it is how they cope with the world, just as the animals learn to cope with their world of steel and mashed food, people learn to cope with an existence fed by a greater machine they are no less powerless to stop than the chickens and cows they consume." He took another dainty forkful of his meal, chewed it with consideration and swallowed before continuing. "It should not be the way things are, and our line of work should teach a greater empathy and understanding of creatures who are not us, it should teach compassion and yet there are not enough voices loud enough to incline it that way." He smiled, as reassuring as he could manage. "No one thinks they are strong Rodney, some people are simply better at faking it than others. You seem very strong to me, more than most. You are unafraid to stand up for what is good and right, a rare trait where we find ourselves, and something I could support. I am tired of being consistently influenced and slandered by wicked, wicked people."
He did not seem ruffled of embarrassed by the contained emotion struggling in Rodney as some might have been, but calmly eyed the buildings around where they sat, admiring the architecture and the ancient laden stone which had a thousand stories to tell.
"It is admirable to take up a cause where one might have the greatest impact. Cowards fight their wars in safe places, the brave take their fight to the enemy. I would say that you brought it to a formidable enemy indeed. That is not the action of a weak man."
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2015 8:49 pm
He seemed almost surprised at how easily Lawr could follow his thoughts. "Yes," he agreed. "Machines. It's not as if I think...a deer is a kinder animal than a wolf. They have different diets because of their teeth and stomachs. That's all. We...have the luxury of choice. Not many animals do. But we choose...to be cruel. Some of us try not to. Some of us give up. I know...it's not malicious. S-sometimes."
Rodney smiled, a little self-depreciating.
"A man steps over an anthill. An aphid has a long journey."
Still, he had found it comforting.
"But, thanks."
"...I don't know what to do here. How to help. Without- it seems like all the choices here are evil. Less evil, to prevent great evil. But I..I can't."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2015 9:25 pm
"It sounds like you have good instincts. Good or evil for me are simply logical equations." He held out his good hand. "Evil is simply something which ends up in harm in some way to many people. Good." and he held out his left and missing arm, as if the hand was still there. "Is what benefits many people. It comes down to a balance, a difficult balance certainly, but a balance is all. Your instincts sound like a blessing, something many people simply do not have."
He smiled at Rodney, picking up his cup again and taking a sip before stating. "You can help those people. You might feel lost at the moment, but perhaps that is what people need, someone to say this particular thing feels evil. That it doesn't sit right, some uncorruptable force. Perhaps with that in place, the choices will become more good. You seem to have many skills to offer, I think that perhaps you have not quite understood the magnitude of what you have."
"Perhaps you are helping right now."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 1:41 pm
Rodney carefully watched Lawrence's demonstration.
"One person," Rodney corrected softly. "It...can just be one."
"I just wish I had better solutions. I thought finding the answers would help, but..."
For now, he tried to enjoy his coffee.
"You've worked for the organization. You must have seen...in your opinion, is it evil?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 2:49 pm
"Yes, of course. I simply mean if there are more people impacted the balance of the scale is more significantly balanced. You are correct though." he took another bite of his food and seemed to decide that was enough, setting his fork down. "Solutions sometimes come on their own if you let them, they find you rather than the other way around."
Regarding the status of Deus and its alignment, he was uncertain. "I would say that the concept of an entire organisation as good or evil is too simplistic a view to take, they are made up of individuals and it is what those individuals do towards the goal and how they interpret the aims of their superiors which would dictate whether they fell on that good or evil spectrum. The overarching aim of the organisation is to protect humanity from hostile outside forces. If one looks at it a certain way it is a potentially divine calling, given that some of the creatures we deal with are absolutely demons. The goal is noble, but many of the people working for Deus at present have strayed from the fold and lost their path. They are often selfish and afraid, but I do not think it is always malice. I think it is salvageable, in time."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
