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It's part of it. Remember what I said about you needing to understand your own actions, first?

People aren't rational. People lash out when they're hurt and afraid. People do things they shouldn't do, hurt others when they shouldn't, make innocent parties suffer when they don't know how to go after their real target.

That doesn't make it okay. That doesn't. But when your own hurtful actions are what caused them to lash out in the first place. . .

. . . don't you think you need to take a little responsibility for what happened, too?

[it might sound brutal and cold but it's honest]

I am aware that the means I utilized the achieve my ends were not necessarily the right ones, yes.

And if you had used the right ones, then perhaps they wouldn't have lashed out against her and the AIs.

[ She stares at him quietly, impassively. ]

[ Get to the point!! ]

[TAKE RESPONSIBILITY IS THE POINT]

Do you understand what I'm saying?

I do, and I would appreciate it if you would proceed to answer my question.

"What would I propose you do?"

[light, breathy laugh]

I'd propose you try to make amends. Apologize for your actions, and they mah try to make amends and apologize for theirs, too.

I don't think you should follow their lead.

That would be insincere. I do not regret running the heart games.

I'm not talking about the heart games.

I'm talking about the forcible implantation of the AIs, which you said you realized was the incorrect action to take.

Oh.

I do not particularly feel like apologizing for that right now. Perhaps I will consider it when I am feeling less inclined to commit murder.

[I-Iota. . .]

You don't have to do it now. Never said you did. You're hurt, too. And that's no less important than their hurt.

Then I may consider it, depending on other relevant factors.

What other relevant factors?

People.

People?

[repeating the word to ask for clarification]

Human factors, Kaito.

. . . you need to be a li'l more specific about what you mean. What do you mean by "human factors?"

No.

[ There's a hint of impatience now. ]

I allowed you here to answer a question for me.

And I would be an idiot to not take the opportunity to try'n figure out how to help mediate this conflict and end it peacefully. For you, and for the people of Kyriakos.

[the reply comes without hesitation]

And that means asking what you want from them, too. Other than-- uh. Murder, 'cause you can't have that.

Yes, I can. It would be very easy for me to "have that."

[ ignoring the first thing he said? ignoring the first thing he said. ]

I would like to know why I should not. You are not doing a very good job of explaining it.

No.

[saying that firmly, even though he very well knows he couldn't do fuck all to stop her if she really did want to kill everyone]

I already told you why you shouldn't: because meeting violence with more violence simply perpetuates a circle of pain and suffering. Violence as a method of retribution is never right. And if you hurt people again, then they'll come after you over and over and over. Do you really think that's what's best for you, her, and your AIs? Constantly living your lives in fear that the people of Kyriakos might kill you one day?

[because he knows they have the ability to do just that]

. . . but right now, you have the choice to stop the cycle. You have the choice to be a better person than the people who lashed out at you are. To prove to them that you aren't on their level. To make the right choice that would protect yourself and the people and programs you care about.

My life would not be spent living in fear. Nobody here is capable of killing me, for a number of reasons.

[ It helps that she doesn't have to let anybody into her realm that she doesn't want. It helps that she has almost full control of what happens in her realm. The vacuum of space makes a very good deterrent when it comes to fending off attacks. ]

Why should I allow them to hurt us?

Humans have a way of achieving the impossible if they're determined enough.

[he says with a small snort]

. . . after all, we thought Nyssa was invincible, too.

And then she let her guard down.

You are comparing me to Nyssa?

No. You're not like her. You've always shown regret when you've hurt people before. This is the first time you haven't been apologetic, and I'm still not convinced it isn't because something bad happened to you.

[deep breath]

But I am using her as an example in hopes that you'll make the right choice, here. The choice that doesn't lead to more pain, more suffering.

Re: DAY 220

ascintilla - 2016-05-07 13:51 (UTC) - Expand

Re: DAY 220

carptricks - 2016-05-07 14:17 (UTC) - Expand