ataraxion | [voice]

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[voice]

Tranquility - the last transmission on the network was not a hoax. We have been boarded.

All non-combat personnel should keep to their quarters at the present moment. Further instructions will follow.

Note please that the boarders are able to hack all transmissions, including those which are highly encrypted. Do not discuss tactical information over the network. Do not discuss extraneous things. We do not know what will be of use to these brigands, and we need to deny them as much information as possible. Keep silent; keep vigilant; updates to come.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Why? That's what you mean. It's not the ship that sets rules, it's the people, and you're one of those people. So sorry I don't know your moral code.

None of us torture.

And wouldn't? And you know that.

That's right. And if they try, I'll personally stop them.

Seriously.

No, I'm joking. I joke so often, after all.

It sounds like a joke. Single-handedly, you're going to stop anyone that dares t' go against that? You know how many people are aboard this ship, yeah? And all of them, you're going t' keep all of them in line.

We take prisoners, I'll be part of guarding the prisoners. And yes: I'll keep them safe.

Right. Hope the balance of power never shifts, or you aren't going to know what t' do.

What is that supposed to mean, precisely - the "balance of power"? What, you think we're suddenly going to have an influx of sociopaths?

I'm saying that if you don't want people tortured for information, and there's two people that do--or more, or less, it doesn't matter how many--you're going t' have trouble. And you're going to say that you can handle it, that you're prepared for that, and I hope you are, because there's--

[He cuts himself off, with an irritated little noise.]

Look, you know what I'm saying. Power is tenuous. It always is.

I can handle it.

[He sounds stubborn, to say the least.]

Two people or five or twenty. I'm willing to bend on certain things and listen to the consensus of everyone here; there's no question about that. If everyone here decides they wish to use marijuana and that there's nothing wrong with it, then so be it; I'll abide by this ruling.

But there are certain things that are simply wrong. And I will never, so long as I breathe, abide seeing them done.

[He laughs, helpless and grim all at once. There's pirates swarming the fucking ship and there's werewolves around every corner and he's here debating this with this idiotic solicitor, lawyer, whatever--and for what. He won't listen. He won't have the sense to.

But he says it anyways, nearly talking over him:]

Then they'll kill you.

[Grimly:]

There are worse things to die for.

[Harshly, he laughs again.]

Yeah. Of course. You're all the same, yeah? I'll tell you what's better, is living.

Yes. It's not bad, overall. But there are things that are more important, sir, and ensuring that people don't torture other human beings is pretty damned far up there.

And yet they do it anyway.

Who is "they"?

Humanity. For all of your ensuring, it still goes on. In small ways, large ways--it doesn't matter. It goes on.

Name me a name. Someone on this ship, of course, since we're dealing with the people on this ship.

Did you hear me say humanity?

Would you torture someone?

No.

[If it's a lie, if it's a half-truth--it's said vehemently. Now, right now: no.]

You aren't listening, I'm speaking in general. Humanity, in general.

Sir, if you can only speak in generalities then your arguments hold no weight. Point me to a specific example.

Oh, come on! You know what I mean. History, it's full of this-- why the hell are you even wasting your time? I apologised, I said I was sorry for taking you wrong, what the hell else d'you want?