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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[ Curufin nods. But he, too, knows very well that things don't always go according to plan. ]

Yes, different personalities, different reactions. And they don't always agree with each other. But definitely give it some thought. I think you might want to discuss with the others what you will do if the gods find out and demand that you turn the lost Null over to them. Are you going to do it? Or just keep insisting you haven't seen it, and you haven't the foggiest idea of where it could be?

[ Curufin somehow keeps seeing the abandoned Null as a child, because it sounded rather like one in its communication. But for all he knows, it might be the size of a fire truck and have fifteen deadly whip-like arms. Still, its mind seems very young. Maybe that's the effect of having suddenly to deal with emotions, and no idea how. ]

Edited 2018-04-16 08:32 (UTC)

I don't know yet.

[It's both the truth, and a way of dodging the questions; he's starting to feel defensive and a little agitated, both because the whole situation is stressful and because he's not sure what Curufin's motives are. He doesn't necessarily believe Curufin's going to do something purposefully harmful to anyone trying to help Name, but considering he changed stances so suddenly from wanting to destroy it to now not planning to do so, Lance doesn't trust he won't change his mind again.]

[ Curufin is concerned about the lack of prior planning with respect to the gods intervening, but he can understand it. Of course Lance doesn't know what they would do if the gods discovered or suspected the Save Name Squad's activities. Who would want to think about that? Sometimes it's better to just launch a project and hope it will have no lethal effects, rather than freeze oneself with doubts and uncertainties.

But Curufin is picking up on Lance's uneasiness. And especially after having worked to gain Lance's trust in the first place, he doesn't want to jeopardize any chance to work with him in the future. This is a matter of friendship, and has nothing to do with the Null. Furthermore, Lance would have no way of knowing how swiftly Curufin can change his mind and commit to a new course of action. Six hundred years of war taught him that. ]

All right. You don't know, and maybe you don't need to know right now. Sorry.

Edited 2018-04-22 22:23 (UTC)

It's alright. I'm working on it.

[He appreciates the response, and it does calm him a bit, but the entire situation is already a mess and it's all still hypothetical. Who knows how quickly things might go downhill when--or if--they do find Name.

But he thinks they've covered the main point they'd wanted to talk about, and he's not sure he's going to get a better sense of what Curufin is thinking at the moment, so--]

Thank you for speaking with me, and I'll let you get back to what you were doing.

[ Curufin nods. The whole situation is certainly a mess. That's Hadriel for you. He too is worried about things going downhill, but he's willing to remain calm and collected, and to pitch in to help. His word on that is good. ]

You're welcome. Thank you for hearing my opinions, and I hope this conversation has been somewhat useful to you. If you want to talk further, you know how to reach me.

[ He stands up and slings his shotgun at his back again, gives Lance a smile and a salute, and heads off to resume his Guard patrol. ]