exsilium | when one bypasses the brain [video]

[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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

That should work.

I'd be happy to discuss it. As long as I can do this without breaking it---I'm fairly sure I can, but I want to protect it for you.

This thing can take a lot of punishment, and if what you're doing isn't good for it... it'll let me know.

[Probably loudly and at great length.]

Whenever's good for you is good for me. But hey, you gonna be okay? You look pretty rough. No offense.

Excellent. Will it work around this time tomorrow? I should be awake by then.

[He glances off at the side.]

I'm being forced to sleep some time today whether I like it or not, whether by drugs or being rendered unconscious more forcefully. It'll happen.

Yeah, that works. Where'll you be at?

[He scrutinizes the screen to try and figure out how serious Billy is about that... but that sort of ultimatum sounds familiar.]

Heh. Sounds like you've got someone looking out for you. Good luck with that.

I'll be here at the garage.

[He nods.]

Yeah. And thanks.

I'll see you there. Sleep well. [Annnnd he cuts the feed.]