exsilium | viii. video

[he's in the process of tilting this device to its proper angle as this turns on, and only a beat passes before he stills, his expression drawn but placid.]

Should you find yourself, throughout all these wanderings in this world's time...standing at the very moment the United Earth's rule handed over to a computer, what do you believe you would do? If you know yourself well enough to know.

This precise moment is unknown to us. The chance is there. And it being so critical to everything about our current state... [a slight pause, mouth pressing into a thin line.]

I feel it something that needs consideration among us.

[another beat, and he shifts to turn the public feed off.]

[private filter to CABLE begins directly after that click, and Blue settles a moment to collect his thoughts and stifle some apprehension.]

Cable. We have not spoken for a time...with all that has happened, I believe you would not find it so strange.

But I hope, as we are...kindred, in a sense, that I could speak to you. Of something I believe you to be particularly knowledgeable...and capable of.

[a beat. he nods faintly, ending the message and switching the feed to a private filter to RAIDEN:]

Raiden. May I speak with you? In regards to your world...and this one.

[another pause, and that message is closed.

after a few minutes of thought, he turns on a private filter to SOFIYA:]

Sofiya... [a hesitation.] I would like to speak to you again, should you have time.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[he leans into this gesture without little fight; it's taxing, all this. his body feels very heavy with the weight of all this – questions and then some. the element of time makes it all so much more complicated...war and survival is ]

Every answer proposes a dozen new questions. [and what is right? doing nothing is the only thing that's wrong.]

[ she leans her head against his, free hand slipping into his and gripping it tightly. she regrets that she can't bear all of that weight for him, no matter how strong his shoulders, but if she can alleviate only a little, that will satisfy her. ]

It began with a heavy question, this was inevitable, I think. We may not know exactly what should be done until that moment, but we know now that there are options.

And there are others suited to help us weigh them, as well.

Many are still...so young. [this is something he won't stop lamenting, no matter how many times they prove themselves capable and...well, stronger than him. it's not right.

he sits in silence, fingers curled around hers, eyes closed. he's wrestling with what he's learned, what could be done, how...wanting very much to make this a task for him, alone if he can. not for glory, never for that. just...to spare others from paying the price.

he's old. his time's almost up. these young people should flourish. and Physis, too...if this is where she'll be meant to stay, he wants it safe and happy for her, too.]

[ she finds it no easier, feeling that deadline hanging over his head. her time with him is precious, and she hates to think it may still be limited. she doesn't want to think of how these others will have to carry on after him, but...the necessity was only growing. ]

As was Jomy when we first found him, and I too, in my time.

You yourself were still young in the beginning, that seems to be the way it always goes.

[and it was never fair. that much goes without saying, even if it does burn in his throat and simmer in his thoughts.

a shade bitter:] I knew it then, choosing him. As I know it now, having to choose again. But should I offer this chance to others at all? With a risk so high... [his head lifts away from hers, shaking faintly.] I can't be so arrogant as to hold myself responsible for the choices others make, yet...I can't...refuse the wills of these people, can I?

[ she leans out a little to run a hand along his cheek and through his hair. so much agitation, and he wasn't wrong to have it, either. but there's only so much he can do himself, and without that help, everything will only go more quickly. ]

And you hadn't chosen wrong with him. He is brave and kind in heart, he has been the Soldier we need. Like him, these here will need to prepare for the future, [ a future with you? they both know it, but she doesn't want to say it. a future like that isn't what she wants. ] and theirs are the hands that future will be in.

It will be up to us to guide them.

Edited 2013-10-23 06:49 (UTC)

[his eyes close to the soothing gesture, head dipping to settle against her hand. it's easier to hear the reasoning, hard to swallow and accept though it is.

he just doesn't want these young people to hurt for this cause anymore.

but she's right. his hands are too weak to carry this burden alone.]

It has to be them. [no doubt. but...]

viii. video

action;

action;

action;

action;

action;

action;

action;