the fake insomniacs.

[nonbelligerent]

Comments

[tothemaxwell]

That would require omniscience of some degree.

Some people are not even aware of their own failings or yearnings.

[omegathree]

It's not something they tend to dwell on. I doubt most could answer what their darkness was if they were asked.

[nonbelligerent]

It would require quite a bit of self-awareness.

[tothemaxwell]

I have another question, of a similar nature.

[She walks out from behind the shelf, hand on the side of it.]

If you were aware that you harbored the corruption inside of yourself, and were able to, would you take your own life to avoid its spread?

[omegathree]

[There's a pause as he considers this question. It's a heavy one, all things considered. Some certain people at home would despise the answer to this.

He puts the books down to look at Milla.]

I don't know exactly what would happen if I were infected with that darkness, but I'd like to say yes.

[nonbelligerent]

I believe you already know my answer to that question, Milla.

[tothemaxwell]

[She nods to Shess.] Self-preservation.

[And to Val:] I feel similarly.

Valvatorez, I'm concerned about your fate. But I must also admit to my own curiosity as to what, exactly, will happen to the three of you. We've yet to have an example of such.

[omegathree]

[He can't blame Shess for that. He's sure a lot of his comrades would also pick survival.

That's how it is between the three of them. It's interesting to know their similarities and their differences.]

Whatever happens, you'll be able to learn a bit more about how it works. We've only been here for two weeks... perhaps it's best to get this out of the way.

[nonbelligerent]

Though it would be preferable to know without having to experiment with lives...

[tothemaxwell]

I'm beginning to wonder if we can truly do anything without trading life for it.

I have been speaking with our hosts, and they are only able to provide boons if we sacrifice things of our own. I wonder how large a sacrifice we would need to truly avert further tragedy... or if it is even possible for the time being.

[omegathree]

[Val gives a little shrug. It would be nice to not have lives hanging on the balance but there's nothing they can do now.

Trades?]

It's hard to say so early.

That's the kind of thing you're better off asking those two. Have you been making trades with them?

[nonbelligerent]

[he just nods.]

[tothemaxwell]

Yes, I am the same as Shess.

It seems it is the only way to properly converse beyond their bounds, depending.

[omegathree]

Beyond their bounds? The way that they get muffled when they try to share things?

Interesting.

[nonbelligerent]

Yes. If they can come up with a task for you that the universe deems proportional, they can give a bit more.

[tothemaxwell]

Precisely that. Depending on the request, a contract may also be drawn up.

In any case, it seems that if we are to progress further with this situation beyond our own surmising, we must do what we can to parlay with Lune and Sol. That is my feeling, at least.

[omegathree]

[A nod as he listens to it all.]

If we're all going to be here together, it makes sense to learn about each other. Sol and Lune included.

[nonbelligerent]

Yes. While I can understand others' hostility, there's little to be gained by treating them as an enemy off the bat.

[looking at you, kara.]

[tothemaxwell]

Yes, if anything, the hostility and fear will impede us from progressing in anything, here.

What is it that they keep saying? "Take care of each other"?

[omegathree]

They don't have to treat them as best friends, but they're a source of information.

That is what they say. We're all here together, so we should become each other's support system.

[nonbelligerent]

Of course, some may find that difficult, especially when we're being compelled to kill one another.

[tothemaxwell]

Still, as I said—there must be some to lead by example.

In the end, our trust is bound to be misplaced in some individuals—but I'm not wholly certain that the fault would ever lie with us. After all, if the corruption seizes on to the darkness within someone's heart suddenly and without warning, then it isn't a mistake of our inability to judge someone.

It seems that we must simply look out for each other, regardless of the consequences that action might hold. That is what makes the most sense to me.

[omegathree]

[The thing is, Val completely agrees with what Milla is saying. But he also knows most of the people here are human, and humans panic.]

It's much easier to say that than to do it. Still, I'll look after the people who rely on me.

[nonbelligerent]

What Valvatorez said.

[tothemaxwell]

...Hmhm. [It looks like she's chuckling.]

Do you both have people other than your partners relying on you? It seems like I picked excellent late-night companions.