hadriel | 012 [Video]

[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?]

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And I wouldn't blame them for that.

「They had been snatched from their homes and put in an impossible position. Who wants that?」

I don't blame them for being afraid of the consequences of another Null attack.

[But he can't exactly say he doesn't blame those who are so concerned with protecting themselves that they don't mind potentially killing something that means them no harm.]

And you, Lance? Are you ready for either of those?

「It's clear that Lance is thinking of doing something after all, can't say if he really wants to.」

The Null are going to attack us again anyway, if--or, more likely, when--they find us, with or without the help of this one particular Null. And if they don't, then the gods are just going to keep us here, since they've made it clear they have no intention of letting us leave while the Null are still a threat.

[Which means--]

So I don't see how continuing to run, without taking the opportunity provided to us to actually learn something that might help us, is going to be a better choice than taking the risk. The worst case scenario is the one that's going to happen anyway, with only a change in timing.

[He pauses for a moment, because that's the logical argument, but it isn't the only one.]

And this isn't our fight. We were dragged into it by beings that are using us as an army for their war, against an enemy that sees us as entirely expendable because of it. We don't owe them anything, and I'm not interested in allowing either side--or the situation in general--to force me into becoming a murderer.

[And murder is what it is when you deliberately kill something that doesn't pose an immediate threat, especially for the reason that it 'might' be a danger later. Lance has lost enough in his life, and in being in Hadriel, but he can at least choose not to willingly do something so against what he believes to be right.]

「Oh, look at that, Lance has words.」

Glad someone else sees it that way.

「And surely some others did. He's honestly not going to ask, that's what Lance is doing anyway.」

[He does have words--sometimes too many words--but he has to get started, and sometimes that's difficult. Especially here, where it's hard to try people even on surface level, let alone about something serious.

But that response from Atem is encouraging, even if it's not particularly wordy itself.]

All of it, or some part in particular?

「He's not sure at this point if Lance is asking because he wants to know for his own validation or to gauge more about who might be trusty or not, or just, to know what the hell is in Atem's mind. He supposes he can elaborate a little further. Lance should probably know enough by now that if Atem doesn't make it a huge speech out of something, it might be for some reason.」

All of it. 「A bit of a sigh.」 The Null are not only going to attack, Lance, we are in complete disadvantage against them, no matter what others might say. There is no reason for us not to take this opportunity to learn more about our enemy, and... survive. They already know too much about each one of us, they are not going to hold back, and neither should we.

But don't take me wrong, I don't think the so-called gods deserve our trust either. 「It's not quite easy to utter the words, he likes them, he likes Rage, feels pity for her friend, even, and he likes Hope and Love, Tranquility is a cool dude, Fear is a prick, not unlike certain dude he knows, but... They dragged them into this, even after all this time, they keep pulling the strings on them..」 It is not for them who I will fight for. It's my people who has my trust, not them. If something can be done to help them... I will do what I can, otherwise...

「Sacrifices must be made. That's the thing about wars.」

We need to protect that Null, it might be our only hope now.

[It's a little of all those reasons; it's easier for him to tell how genuine someone is being if they're answering in more detail, but he also just wants to know what Atem is thinking and why.

The elaboration is helpful in all of that, and Lance takes a deep breath and nods in agreement.]

It seems like we're on the same page. I don't want the Null to win and wipe out the gods--they don't deserve to be killed just for existing--but we don't owe them loyalty either, especially not when destroying this Null would be doing exactly the same thing the Null are trying to do to them. Right now, both the logical and moral things to do are aligned.

[And all of that said--]

The Null--Name--actually asked me if some of the people offering to help it were genuine. You're one of those people.

「That's more than a little unexpected, and of course, conflicting. It's not like he doesn't want to, but what is there that he can do? Words to not reach the gods nor the Null.」

I'm sure you'll find someone better suited for that job.

[He's quiet a few moments, studying Atem at that response, but his own words are soft and gentle.]

It's understandable if you don't want to be a part of this, even if you agree with what actions should be taken; I'm not going to drag you into anything. I just want to know where you stand on this.

「Atem frowns a little, not at Lance, however, but at the situation, maybe, or at himself. Is that the impression he's giving?」

It's not that, Lance... I want to help, but I don't wanna get in the way. Fear already knows where I stand, I guess I made that more than clear the last time we spoke. I probably overdid it too...

「Now, that's an understatement.」

The truth is, I don't a way to support what I said, I don't wish to make promises I cannot keep.

Edited 2018-04-23 17:28 (UTC)

[Ah, right, the thing with Fear. Lance had observed those conversations, but he hasn't thought too much about them lately since he's been dealing with other issues; that definitely explains some of Atem's hesitation, though.]

That makes sense, especially with Fear knowing very clearly where you stand. I'm concerned they know how I do as well, but they're also used to me wanting to take the moral option so I'm hoping they'll write off some of the conversations I've had as that.

[With any luck, anyway.]

So I get it.

They probably do, but at least you are more subtle.

「He gives way to a small pause, then he lets out a bit of a sigh, as if he had been considering things.」

What I told Fear still stands, Lance; I will not let the anyone harm Name. I don't know how, but I will... try, somehow...

「Surely, there would be a way.」

( ooc; don't have a way* ~~sigh, sorry~~ )

Maybe.

[And/or the gods aren't that observant. He nods at Atem's next words, sensing he means them.]

I know you will. But right now it might be best for you to stay as under the radar as possible, and I can contact you if there's something specific you can do to help, if that sounds alright with you.

「Staying under the radar is just something he wasn't quite born to do, just look at the hair but, he nods.」

Sure. I would like that.

Okay. Then I'll do that, and if you change your mind--either way--in the future, just let me know.

[And if there's nothing else new Atem wants to bring up, he'll give him a small wave of farewell and head off to his next meeting.]

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