012 [Video]

[lifetothefullest]

[It's a nice, quiet day in Hadriel, at least as far as city-wide things go, but who knows how long that'll last. So Lance is taking advantage of it, both in terms of going out for a walk to get some fresh air and also making a post on the network; he has something important to talk about, after all.]

Hello everyone. I'd like to preface what I'm about to ask by saying that I understand some here may have concerns regarding speaking about this subject over the network, and so if you would prefer to talk in person I'm willing to meet with you.

[Another reason it being a nice day is helpful.]

I'm interested in hearing opinions on the issue of the Null that posted to the network a few weeks ago. In such a complicated situation it's difficult to consider all information and every possibility, and the people here have such vastly different experiences that can lead to unique conclusions and insights. The more ideas and reasons we all have to consider, the better informed our choices can be.

[Including, potentially, ideas of what to do about the situation other than the obvious two of 'kill it' or 'let it live happily ever after'.]

If you were not here for the last battle with the Null your opinion is just as important as those of the people who were present, as you're providing a viewpoint that, although lacking in specific experience, makes up for it with objectivity.

[In other words, they may not have a personal grudge against the Null that affects their opinions.]

I'd also like to note that this is all completely voluntary, and if you don't want to share your opinion that's fine; I'm just interested in hearing what people think and why, particularly due to experience and insight I may not have on a subject like this. Additionally, individuals who are still undecided in where they stand could benefit from hearing points and arguments they may not have had a chance to consider before.

Thank you.

[Considering this is such a serious topic, it can't hurt to be a little extra polite when asking people to do something potentially dangerous, right?]

Comments

[hot_mes]

[great minds think alike, Lance!]

Ugh. Yeah, that's a problem. The gods. They can't know, they'll exterminate with extreme prejudice.

[he's already no fan of Fear but any thought of trying to rationally ally with that one evaporated upon his response to Name]

That's a tough one. I'll think on it, if I can. [at which point he shoots Lance a direct look] You're asking around to find out who you can trust, aren't you?

[lifetothefullest]

Yeah. That and who knows what they're willing to do to members of the populace who they think are directly endangering them.

[Or just not doing what they're told, but that's more Lance's distrust talking; he doesn't think the gods are quite that petty, or they would've done something to people who defied them earlier. Still, if they consider someone an actual, active threat, then who knows?]

Thank you.

[And he hesitates at the question, but then finally nods; he believes what Law has been saying, so it should be okay to trust him on this.]

Yes. Both for the Null's sake and for the people involved in trying to help it.

[hot_mes]

[That is undoubtedly a concern, one more terrifying at its core than having dreams exposed or child selves. What would they do if they thought their present hosts were actively plotting against them? With their genocidal enemies, no less?

He sits forward with his tattooed fingers laced together, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly.]

We can't afford a civil war amongst ourselves. We all need to stick together against the two sides who have us caught between them. Whatever you do, keep that damn thing under wraps until the irrational anger and hatred can be mitigated.

[lifetothefullest]

[Lance would definitely agree, especially considering how they reacted when they were looking for who might've been a spy. There are so many potential ways for this to go really badly.

But he nods again, gaze shifted off to the side while he thinks, then looks back.]

You're right, and although I have no interest in letting the Null kill the gods out of some grudge, I'm also not interested in fighting their war for them. None of us asked to be a part of this at all.

[And so they need to be sticking together, as Law said, and don't owe the gods anything.]

I'm being as cautious as possible in who I work with in trying to find it, and that includes not letting the gods know anything more than absolutely necessary.

[Actually, that makes him think about something--]

Considering the gods can't seem to locate the Null reliably, or they would've already done so, I wonder if we might be able to convince them--and potentially others here--that it was destroyed.

[And avoid anyone even looking for it in the first place. It wouldn't work if Name continued to use the network, but otherwise... Maybe.

But it would be really, really dangerous, and he's not sure he wants to resort to that yet.]

[hot_mes]

...ah. Good point. I hadn't considered that, but that does bring up something interesting. [and has him wondering. Are the gods like him, able to sense living creatures but not those without any organic heart at all?]

You have to find it before they do. If what I read is true and it's pinned beneath rubble, I can always pull it out with my ability, but I can't locate it like I can living people. I can't sense where it is, particularly if it's just a hunk of damaged metal under stone.

[lifetothefullest]

[That's definitely good to know, both about being able to potentially move Name out of the rubble and about Law normally being able to locate living people.]

Okay. So if I, or someone else, either finds it or convinces it to give its location, are you willing to help move it somewhere else if you're contacted about it?

[He thinks he can trust Law on this, at least a lot more than some other people.]

[hot_mes]

Yeah. I'm fine with that.

[his indifference sets him apart from most. He isn't passionately for or against Name's survival, but he'll make himself useful. That's all that matters.]

If it comes to that, give me a call.

[lifetothefullest]

Alright.

[He takes a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves about this, but nods firmly.]

I'll call you and ask you about a demonstration of your powers, in case the gods are listening to network conversations.

[hot_mes]

[his eyes narrow in a cool smirk] Smart. That'll work.

[for his part, he'll have to make sure he's fully healed by then. Just in case, you know.]

[lifetothefullest]

[He smiles just a little a the casual compliment, and nods again.]

Alright, then it's a plan. I'll let you get back to work; thank you for talking to me about this.