exsilium | 003-video

[Loki seems to be lounging back in something, with the communicator in his lap. One leg is draped over the arm of the seat. The lighting is pale, seemingly coming in through a nearby window, and the tassels in the back of his headdress occasionally flutter in the breeze.]

I see that the Initiative has recently contacted you in attempt to explain their purpose for bringing you here. How many of their words do you suppose were spoken in honesty?

This...United Earth...is clearly a threat to them, of this I haven't a doubt. But do regimes not rise and fall throughout time? We are told they are even now tapping our worlds for resources. If we were brought to desperate times would we not do the same? One does what one can to survive. The predator and the prey, survival of the fittest, life-forms devouring one another in the endless, destructive cycle....

[He drifts off, as if he's not really talking about the United Earth anymore, then he glances back into the camera.]

United Earth represents the victors in a long war. I wonder, if the Initiative were to gain the upper hand, through your aid, would they, too, find themselves corrupted by their own power? Even from this abject state could they rise to greater heights than their current enemies and be seen as tyrants? Or, perhaps, their efforts are for naught. Perhaps by sending you through time they are not altering history but ensuring it. The vagaries of time travel can be mischievous.

[Silence as he rubs his chin and stares into the middle distance, lost in thought.]

I am not saying you should all rise up against your hosts in hatred, nay. I do not suggest a revolution. Many amongst you have already voiced their thoughts on that matter and thus far the Initiative seems unconcerned about the seeds of sedition blossoming in their ranks.

[His naked brow arches and he grins a lopsided grin.]

I am only proposing that you do not allow their propaganda to cloud your better judgment. Above all things, think, or you are nothing more than cattle to be herded where they will. Whatever choices you make, be sure that they are your own and that your decisions are well informed.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

What does digging have to do with aught?

[These old dudes...]

Means a place you live.

I see.

[He doesn't, really.]

Then you will cooperate as long as they provide you with a place to live?

I'll cooperate long as it's good for me.

Not, I think, an unwise choice.

Yeah? A lotta people say I'm an idiot for it.

Many find it easier to be compliant than to resist, even if resisting becomes the wiser path.

I dunno about that.

You find it easier to resist?

It was always the "sit down and shut up" part that was hard for me.

Not precisely what I am talking about, but I understand your meaning.

So what're you talking about?

I am saying that in trying times it is human nature to accept misfortune rather than to seek change.

Ah...

[He falls into silent contemplation for a moment.]

[Loki says nothing but glances off towards the window, looking less pensive than mildly bored.]

It's kinda the same thing, ain't it?

Is it?

I dunno. I mean... At least with me, the whole reason I wouldn't do whatever I was told was 'cause I didn't think it was right. Seeking change. That's the whole thing I was doing.

Edited 2012-12-04 10:50 (UTC)

The path of change is often riddled with destruction. Conquering it can be painful and requires a strength of will many do not possess...

[A calculated pause]

What made you decide things were not "right" as you say?

Innocent people were dying.

Ah...

Yes, well, I can see how that might become rather off-putting.

It probably sounds stupid. A lotta people here don't care about that kinda thing. Hell, a lotta people where I come from don't care, either. But I don't get how people ignore it. I mean, I tried. You said compliance is easier, but I don't see how it ever could be.

Maybe, in your case, those who have convinced themselves that such things do not matter are the ones who have become compliant.

Yeah, definitely. To the whole fucking game.

And yet, you chose to play said game. Did you know it was this hurtful to others at the start?

[He doesn't seem judgmental about this.]

(no subject)

hostage - 2012-12-05 00:14 (UTC) - Expand