( 01 ) video.

[oversleeps]

[ when the feed clicks on, marduk is in what appears to be a ruined building near the edge of town. there's snow on the floor and holes in the walls, but he's not wearing a single scrap of winter clothing. more importantly, he doesn't look especially pleased to be doing this. ]

Recently, one of the locals here went missing. Don't ask me what his name was, I'm not the one who gives a shit. I'm just here to solve the mystery.

He's missing because he's dead, and he's dead because I killed him.

[ he pauses here. it looks like it's for dramatic effect, but really he's just trying to figure out how to end the announcement. ]

Most of you would call that murder, wouldn't you? Can't remember if you all figured out what to do about that, but-- if you want retribution, you can come and get it.

[ good enough. the video ends there. ]

Comments

[oversleeps]

Well
I suppose it's true that I don't have much to gain
But why not, really?
I think it's been established that I have little shame in the matter

[lucency]

You - you talk about retribution. Do you want someone to come after you?

[oversleeps]

I can't say that I'd mind it
It gives one something better to do than killing the innocent, right?
Don't suppose you're the one offering it
No offense meant, but you hardly seem the type

[lucency]

No. I'm not. [ an eye for an eye leads to blindness and all that. ]

I don't understand how you can be so callous about it.

[oversleeps]

What would you rather me be
Repentant and hand wringing before the crowd?
Begging the forgiveness of people I would just as soon stab in the throat?
Please, enlighten me
How would a decent person would act.

[lucency]

A decent person wouldn't've murdered in cold blood, simply because they could.

[oversleeps]

So you've made clear
If I had been properly remorseful here
To whatever degree you'd deem acceptable
Would you at least not harp on so much about it?

[lucency]

It wouldn't change what you've done. [ god, she looks uncomfortable. ] But it would prove a willingness to do better in the future.

[oversleeps]

Doing better is simply
Not killing anyone else
Isn't it?
That's a hard idea to commit to
At least if you like solving problems.

[lucency]

People aren't a problem to be solved! And it means nothing if your regret isn't truthful.

[oversleeps]

Of course people aren't a problem
Not directly
But the things they do frequently are.

[lucency]

Should I hope that he did something worth your brand of punishment?

[oversleeps]

If it would make you feel better
I'd hate to crush any of your hopes, after all.

[lucency]

[ a set of her jaw and a roll of her eyes. ] I'll take that as a "no."

[oversleeps]

He did nothing.
I believe it's what you call
A victim of circumstance
It's all very sad.

[lucency]

A victim of your own twisted desires, you mean. I see.

[oversleeps]

Twisted?
That's a bit harsh
Don't you think

[lucency]

No.

[oversleeps]

You must live such a humorless life.

[lucency]

Lives aren't to be toyed with for entertainment or humor, either. You just don't want to listen.

[oversleeps]

And what
Pray tell
Am I supposed to be listening to?

[lucency]

[ curtly: ] Reason.

[ and decency excuse u. ]

[oversleeps]

[ look it's not very convincing ok ]

Reason in regards to what
Not killing him?
That's a bit late
Not doing so again?
That's not even worth considering.

[lucency]

Reason in that there was no reason to take his life. It was pointless, and even if it weren't - it wouldn't be worth it.

[ JUST BE NICER!!!!! ]

[oversleeps]

[ asking way too much tbh ]

Is there any point that does make it worth it
According to decent people?