002 // simple solutions

[ultragorgeous]

[He smiles a bit, sitting back from the screen for a moment.]

So, it seems that we'll be leaving this place. Some of you seem...upset.

Not I! I am quite pleased to be rid of this place. But if it bothers you that much, I, the great GENIUS Dist the Rose, propose this:

Given the right materials, I could begin making replicas. In fact, I could even replicate the entire island. If we bring one Exile with us, I could make many more from them. You see? It matters not if I make a hundred or a hundred thousand! We could simply repopulate the island!

[He folds his hands in his lap, pleased.]

It's a simple solution, directly from the mind of a genius. You may thank me now.

Comments

[substitutable]

The Exsiles are kept mostly ignorant of the Initiative's operations and they're not even involved. How much they've helped us has nothing to do with the value of their lives -- or what? Are you saying that their lives are worth less because they haven't been convenient to you?

[ultragorgeous]

If they weren't important enough to be involved, I think it's quite fair to say that they could be easily replaced.

[substitutable]

... You don't understand anything at all.

Every life is important. It doesn't matter if they're fighting some dumb war or kept in the dark about it. There is no such thing as a replaceable life.

[ultragorgeous]

I disagree. Any number of people could be replaced by replicas and their contributions to the world would be the same, overall.

[substitutable]

That's why I'm saying you don't understand.

People's worth can't be measured. What they contribute to the world -- as a whole? -- doesn't matter. Even if they do nothing with their lives that bring a huge impact, it's not mine, or anyone's, and especially not your place to decide something like that.

The best way to save these people is to undo what's going to happen to Exsilium by going back in time.

[ultragorgeous]

Hmph, I don't need to be lectured by you when you clearly cannot grasp the simple concept that some people are insignificant.

[substitutable]

Clearly our morals don't match up, then. I'm starting to realize there's no hope about getting that through your skull.