o7 ɂ voice

[mattersverymuch]

Consider this a disclaimer: what you are about to hear is not a question regarding the Admiral's motives. If I might be blunt, I don't actually care what his motives are, or indeed if he has any at all. Thank you so much for your time.

What purpose does it serve to assign legitimacy to one moral code over another? People subscribe to a moral code because it's what they've been taught, or because it allows them to survive, or because they enjoy it. Some give credence to their own code and consider it better than all others, while some aspire to a code they consider to be superior to theirs.

If one's moral code indicates one's ability to lead and make the "right" choices - the absurdity of which statement I'm not about to delve into, it's far too easy - where do people with elaborate designs on world peace by means of violence fit in, or, conversely, those who would kill to eliminate violent crime, or those who relish crime but would view assisting others as an equally worthy adventure? Of course, there are also hypocrites who betray their own code, or those golden, selfish few who exist alone and codeless.

I would like a definition of right, please. I would like all of them. Maybe I'll make a collage.

spam | merlin

[In a way, he's surprised he wasn't saddled with baggage sooner. Surprise and curiosity don't mean that he wants to be approached or even approach himself, however, so he has been steadfastly ignoring any and all messages from Merlin. They're excruciatingly unimportant.]

[Instead he takes a seat in the gardens - an unusual place of rest for him, which is part of the point. Besides, there's something enjoyable enough about plant life. It doesn't ask annoying questions.]

Comments

spam

[takeyouapart]

[He hisses as if suddenly stung.] You caught me. All the Wardens meet up on Tuesdays and do it as a team.

spam

[mattersverymuch]

I suppose there are worse things to do with your time than come up with slogans. At least it implies an awareness of your own individual uselessness.

[This is what he says instead of laughing. Stop being funny, Merlin.]

spam

[takeyouapart]

You're absolutely right. Sometimes we hug each other and cry a bit, too.

spam

[mattersverymuch]

[Wow, just making a face now. Gross.]

That explains so much about the state of the ship.

spam

[takeyouapart]

I didn't even think you'd have noticed. Existing alone and all that.

spam

[mattersverymuch]

[Oh, he's been paying attention. The marquis shrugs.]

One can observe.

spam

[takeyouapart]

[He makes an 'mm' noise of agreement.]

So what do you think 'right' means? Or do you just think it's a word that people use to describe the choices they want to make anyway?

spam

[mattersverymuch]

[The marquis gives him an almost pitying look.]

You're the one with the file. I'm afraid I have no self-insight whatsoever.

spam

[takeyouapart]

I haven't read it yet, and if that's really how you feel about yourself then you're welcome to tag along next Tuesday.

spam

[mattersverymuch]

That's a very generous offer.

[He narrows his eyes. Why hasn't he read the file?]

spam

[takeyouapart]

I don't think I'll hold my breath waiting for you to take me up on it, though.

spam

[mattersverymuch]

No, I wouldn't if I were you. [Thank goodness he isn't.]

What, exactly, are you trying to accomplish?

spam

[takeyouapart]

Right this second? Just saying hello, trying to get an idea of who you are.

spam

[mattersverymuch]

And are you getting one?

spam

[takeyouapart]

Yeah, you're a prat and you're a bit too pleased about it.

spam

[mattersverymuch]

Hm. By your standards.

spam

[takeyouapart]

Well, I didn't think you'd thank me for conducting a survey.

So what's your idea of who you are?

spam

[mattersverymuch]

I regret to say that the chance of me thanking you for anything is extremely slim.

I'm a businessman, of course.

spam

[takeyouapart]

Not a very good one, obviously.

spam

[mattersverymuch]

[His eyes narrow.]

You really haven't read my file.

spam

[takeyouapart]

Why, is there something in there that'll make your own death look like part of a long-term success strategy?

spam; sorry i've been so long with these x_x

[mattersverymuch]

There is, actually.

spam; no worries!

[takeyouapart]

[That is, honestly, only a marginal surprise.]

So I suppose all you've got to do is sit around and wait for it to pay off.

spam

[mattersverymuch]

I suppose.

[Mild annoyance here. The second death was significantly less strategic, damnit.]

spam

[takeyouapart]

And you've been here...nine, ten months?