when one bypasses the brain [video]

[oncearanger]

[Billy is located in his garage, a number of shiny orb-like devices lining the walls behind him. There are a few gun-like shells too, though when questioned he'll be all too eager to explain that none of them are lethal.

He has the pale, bags-under-eyes look of someone who's hardly slept in a week. It's well earned.]

I've been thinking about the battle all week. And with what I know---or think I know---of the United Earth, I think I've committed an unforgivable crime. The UE citizens are guided from birth to hold certain opinions and aptitudes, slotted into their roles by a totalitarian organization pulling the strings, aren't they? If that's true, the soldiers never made an informed decision to fight against us. They were innocent, and...I murdered without acknowledging that. They never had a chance at freedom, and now they'll never have it.

[He hangs his head, drumming his fingers against the worktable.]

I know there's no penance for what I've done, no excuse that justifies it. Nothing will ever be enough. But to make it easier for others to fight without killing, I've been drawing up blueprints and making protoypes for some more effective non-lethal weapons. I understand if you don't trust me with them, or if you would rather develop them without me, but I'm willing to assist if you'll have me.

And before I end this: please don't think I'm passing judgment on anyone else about this. That world was worth trying to save, supplies were low. I simply allowed myself to cross a moral line I swore I wouldn't. I don't know how to live with myself, but I fully acknowledge that this is my own fault.

Comments

private, text, anonymous.

[bumbles]

You're not alone. That battle tore pieces off a lot of us. Don' feel like you're bearing this alone.

private, text, anonymous.

[oncearanger]

That's...sad, but I have to admit it's a little comforting.

How are you coping?

perma-all the things.

[bumbles]

It's solidarity. At least when other people understand something, it can make the burden a little lighter. In theory.

( Honestly, knowing that other people are feeling this way might just make it worse. Some hero you are, Atlas. )

I'm getting there. We just have to keep going, right? Keep pushing, and things will get better.

[oncearanger]

It might, if we push in the right ways.

That's why I'm trying to develop better tools, so we have more options with fighting.

[bumbles]

I'm not really any use with technology, but if you need any help involving giant stone targets, I'd be happy to pitch in.

My name's Atlas. You helped me when I was talking about missing friends after I got here. Thank you for that.

[oncearanger]

Hey.

It wasn't a problem at all. And I think we could use those targets. Do you make them with your powers, or build them?

[bumbles]

A mix. I can manipulate the stone, if I have the material it's easy, depending what you want.

We could set something up in the Outlands.

[oncearanger]

That's incredible!

There's space in the ruins, I think. I'm concerned about radiation's interference.

[bumbles]

Thank you.

Right, that makes sense. I can meet you there sometime and set something up?

[oncearanger]

That sounds like a great plan to me.

[bumbles]

Great. I'll get in touch soon.