008 [Video]

[lifetothefullest]

[So the fighting may be over, but that doesn't mean everything is going to be immediately fine. Finally having the time to really think about everything that's happened, and for everything to sink in, is going to make the next few days and weeks just as much of a challenge for some here as the last have been, if not more so.

But that is, hopefully, something he can help with, if at least a little. And there are new arrivals as well, who not only had to deal with the end of the invasion but also everything that goes along with suddenly finding themselves in an entirely new world, not to mention the sudden setting change too.

So he's trying to look as composed and calm as possible, which is a bit of a struggle since--like pretty much everyone else--he's exhausted and didn't get out of the whole ordeal with the Null entirely unscathed. Compared to some people he definitely fared better, but there's still a pretty obvious bruise across his cheekbone and around his eye; it's not too serious, but the main problem is that it's also not very helpful in looking as professional and put together as he's trying to appear.

Still, he's doing his best, and he lifts his chin a little and takes a deep breath before speaking.]

If anyone is injured, or just in need of somewhere safe to rest, the hot springs and the fire station are both serving as temporary locations for the clinic. Additionally, considering the seriousness and extent of everything that's happened in the last few weeks as well as the arrival of new people, it's worth reiterating that I'm a psychologist and so if anyone wants to talk, whether about recent events or otherwise, I'm available to meet.

[A short pause.]

I'm... Not exactly sure where, since my office doesn't exist anymore, and I probably should've thought about this before making this announcement...

[That would've been good planning, if he weren't so tired and scattered, but okay, refocus--]

But that can be decided on an individual basis. Additionally, if you'd like to respond privately, you can do so.

[And he includes a brief explanation of how to make a conversation private. With all of that out of the way, he'll put a filter on the post himself and add another message.]

[Private to friends and coworkers]

I hope you're all okay, and... If anyone who wants to let me know for sure that they are, that would be great.

[He's worried about everyone. :c]


[[ooc: Anyone on the Clinic staff list or who has positive CR will be included in this filter; feel free to assume your character's included if they and Lance know each other and are on good terms!]]

Comments

[lifetothefullest]

Right.

[In regard to the first part, anyway. He's once again glad that Michael seems to take that okay, although his next questions are definitely not easy to answer.]

Were this not a situation where they could truly be an outside influence, rather than your own emotions or desires, then I would say yes. But what you're dealing with is more complicated, and so I can't give you an answer either way.

[It's clear in his tone that he wishes he could, but he can't. The outside influence of the other being, as well as the potential of additional effects caused by Hope messing up the resurrection, takes this more into the realm of an external influence such as would happen during an event, and Lance doesn't consider it fair to expect people to resist them.

However, that said--]

For now, though, it might be best not to separate the issues; resisting a compulsion or urge from an external source is different from resisting your own desires in terms of personal responsibility and culpability, but the mechanism for doing so is pretty much the same. So if you go into it with the attitude that you can think about and remember the reasons why you don't want to act on your anger, you have the best chance of successfully controlling it whatever the cause.

[And unfortunately, it's pretty much the only option right now.]

Remembering the reasons you have for not acting, and trying to keep those in mind as being more important to you than the immediate but temporary satisfaction you would gain from giving into anger, is the best strategy to try first.

[aroundthecoroner]

[Lance is using pretty clear logic, and he isn't calling Michael's experiences into question, so the advice is pretty easy to swallow so far. But there's a part of what he says just now that sticks in Michael's throat just a little.]

Wait. I get what you're saying about remembering the reasons and all that. [Especially the part about the immediate but temporary satisfaction.] But back up a step.

What do you mean it's different in terms of responsibility and culpability? If I give in to it, isn't that still my fault? Even if it's not me who wants to do it, even if it's an outside influence, it's not like I'm just a passive vessel here. I have the final say. So that's on me, right?

[He is... only slightly still talking about the current situation.]

[lifetothefullest]

[It isn't a particularly odd point to focus on, but the way that Michael does so makes Lance a little suspicious about the reason for it. But he focuses just on answering for the moment, watching Michael's reaction carefully as he does so.]

It's complicated, at best, to give an answer to that, especially since many of the situations here don't exist in my world.

[So there's no generally agreed upon way to deal with them and such.]

But generally, it seems unfair to hold an individual responsible for things done under duress by an outside cause. Mundanely, without magic or anything of that sort, an example would be if someone were forced to commit a crime by someone threatening them or their family. Technically, they could've said no and chosen not to do so, but if they don't is it really their fault?

[It's a weird grey area, but one in which the answer is generally a no. So similarly considering magic, the effects of the gods, and those sorts of things, Lance can't consider it reasonable to blame someone for their actions in those situations.]

[aroundthecoroner]

[Under duress by an outside cause. Yeah, that much is true. But it feels like Lance still doesn't grasp the situation, and that's frustrating, even if a good deal of the reason is that Michael hasn't exactly explained it.

His tone turns suddenly sharp.]

No one's threatening me or my family. Nobody has a fucking gun to my head. It's not some kind of ransom, it's just me taking the easy way out. And say somebody does kill someone because they're being threatened or something, they still did it, that doesn't change anything.

[Michael stops and takes a breath. God, what were they just talking about?]

[lifetothefullest]

[The tone causes Lance to go tense and still, though more out of wariness than actual fear this time, carefully watching Michael's reaction in case things go further than just some snappishness. He can deal with snappishness.

He decides not to argue the last point, even though he disagrees; that's a fight for a different time. For now, instead, he focuses on the first part, cautiously challenging.]

If it were just a matter of taking the easy way out, then you wouldn't be so worried about being unable to control it.

[Lance doesn't quite realize that Michael is potentially talking about two different subjects at this point, even if his erratic behavior is indicating some disconnect.]

[aroundthecoroner]

[Thankfully Michael doesn't take it any further. Practice, or whatever. He does seem clearly agitated still; where earlier he was simply tapping at his knee, now he's sort of clawing at it.]

I'm worried about controlling me, not it. I keep telling you people I'm not possessed.

[Ugh, he's gotten way off topic. But it's still bothering him, and he can't let it go.]

This isn't- I'm not necessarily talking about the anger thing right now. I'm just saying that if someone does something, even if they were pushed to by something else, then they still did it, and it's still their fault.

[lifetothefullest]

I don't think this is necessarily the best time to discuss that.

[Especially if it's not directly related to the reason Michael came here, although mostly because Lance doesn't agree but doesn't have the desire to argue about it right now. He neither has the mental energy for it nor wants to press his luck with Michael's anger issues.]

But if it's truly about controlling yourself, then you have everything you need to do so. It's a matter of remembering why you want to resist acting on your emotions, and then deciding not to do so.

[aroundthecoroner]

[Michael is used to people arguing this point into the fucking ground with him, so Lance's sudden stop catches him off guard. The momentum of his anger falters, and for a second, he's not sure what to do.

In the end he winds up feeling a little bit chastised. Which he rightfully should, he guesses.]

Right. [He doesn't apologize, though.] Guess that's the best we can do for now.

[He feels like he's forgetting something. Oh yeah.]

Thanks. For the advice, and for putting up with this.

[lifetothefullest]

[On a better day Lance would definitely engage in the arguing, but right now he has to choose his battles and is glad that it turns out to be for the best in this situation.]

You're welcome; I just hope it helps. And if you find yourself angry at someone or something and want to vent about it instead of doing anything you might regret, you can always send me a message or call.

[Because listening to some complaining is a very easy way to--hopefully--help.]

[aroundthecoroner]

[The offer is unexpected, even if it shouldn't be. Lance has listened to him so far, despite his outbursts, why wouldn't he listen some other time? Michael knows he isn't likely to use it. He doesn't think he should put that shit on other people's shoulders, and Lance probably has his own problems.

... But it's nice to know the option exists.]

I, um. I appreciate it.

[He shifts awkwardly, and then abruptly stands.]

Probably shouldn't monopolize your time. I'm sure you have other people to deal with, given the general mental state of this place right now.

[lifetothefullest]

[Lance stands up as well, shaking his head carefully.]

You aren't monopolizing my time, so if there's anything further you'd like to talk about don't hesitate to bring it up. But if not, it is probably best for you to take some time to yourself to think things over.

[Especially since this has been a somewhat tense conversation at times, which surely doesn't help the particular issue Michael is having. Some time to relax is important.]

[aroundthecoroner]

[Michael hesitates. There are a few things he thinks he probably should talk to someone about at some point. But he got himself pretty worked up over the thing he came here for- he doesn't want to chance it with an even more touchy subject. Not today.]

This is probably enough for now. I'll just... check in with you another time.

[He heads for the door.]

Thanks. Again.