[ audio ] of guilt and memory wiping

[heartbreaking]

In light of recent events upon the outpost it's clear that there are a number of us who are suffering the after-effects of torture. You all have my utmost sympathies - I have witnessed such things before and I will offer the same services here that I gave to my dear friend when he was put under a similar duress.

[ A duress that Durham himself instigated, yes, but that's another matter entirely. Or so Durham tells himself. ]

Whilst those who have been subjected to a torture most terrible are undoubtedly brave, it would not be thought of an act of cowardice to wish to rid oneself of the memory of such a trauma. Torture does not end just because one has been released from the cell; there are the lingering effects of anxious melancholies, exhausted spirits, weakened nerves... to say nothing of restless sleep.

You need not bear these memories as a millstone and for those that wish it I will gladly relieve you of such a burdensome weight. You may find me in my cabin - the eighth room upon the eighth passenger deck. Ask for Thomas Sutton - [ A thoughtful pause, then he adds: ] - or perhaps it would do better if you were to ask for Durham. Either way, I shall endeavour to do my utmost to help those that are prepared to ask for it.

[ Another pause, longer this time, and then Durham picks up again. This time his voice is harder, cooler; this is a matter of business, rather than a favour. ]

And while I am here I may as well announce this too - Oxford. Your Durham has disembarked. In light of this I propose a parlé. I would request that we meet un-armed but as both of us possess weapons that are not so easily cast aside, might I simply ask that it be under a white flag of truce? I do not know how many of your fellows remain on board but I suppose they may attend as well.

( OOC : Durham is essentially offering a bit of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Hit me up HERE if you have any questions! )

Comments

[hostage]

[Leave a message, kid.]

[jurisimpudent]

Pinkman!

[hostage]

[Try again.]

[jurisimpudent]

For the...I see your connection is active.

[hostage]

[Yeah, it sure is.]

[jurisimpudent]

You were speaking before. Don't act as though you're unable to.

[hostage]

[An order. He can do that.]

...Sorry. What?

[jurisimpudent]

...What do you mean, "what"?

[hostage]

[Thank Loki for this:]

I can't help others when I'm in pain.

[jurisimpudent]

[Edgeworth bites this out.]

Of course you can. That's what everyone does, every day.

[hostage]

Oh...

[Wait, that also sounds true.]

[jurisimpudent]

...Right.

[hostage]

[Now he has to think about that.]

[jurisimpudent]

...Pinkman?

[hostage]

How?

[jurisimpudent]

How...what?

[hostage]

How do you go on? How do you help people after you hurt them so much?

[jurisimpudent]

You just...do.

[He hesitates. It's like asking for a definition of the. It just is.]

You remind yourself that if you dwell in self-indulgence, then more people will be out there being hurt. So you allow yourself no time for self-indulgence. It's a binary decision: either you wallow in your pain or you help. So long as you know how to help, then it's simple enough to take that next step.

[hostage]

I don't know how.

[jurisimpudent]

...That's a separate issue, but we can talk about that in private.

voice | Shrike encryption

[amethysts]

Are you in your room? I'm coming to see you. And do yoi want me to hit him in the fucking face with a chair?

I'm so sorry, Jesse, he just--doesn't get it. I'm not excusing him, he's still being an asshole, but I'm gonna make him shove it. Fuck. I should've given you Shrike before.

Shrike encryption

[hostage]

...Yeah, I'm in my room.

I'm okay.

Shrike encryption

[amethysts]

I know. But I'm fucking furious.

I'll be right there. You don't have to keep talking to him if you don't want to, you understand?

Shrike encryption

[hostage]

Okay.

Shrike encryption

[amethysts]

'Kay.

[Shrike breathes deep. She doesn't cry on the way over, after she cuts the feed, but Libby would have.]