ataraxion | [Video]

A query, for the ship...

I wonder, with what we do know about our predicament; and I admit, my knowledge is little when it comes to the gadgetry and computations that the running of this vessel requires; and what we do know about M. 'Smiley', as he is like to be called...

Well, how to put this?

[A pause and a breath, before tilting his head just softly and staring up at the camera.]

Smiley may not be human, is it so? This has been presented to me as an option. Not human, but digital?

And he has been upon the networks, in order to mock us. But the mocking has had a defined purpose, I have seen. Threats, that we "had better" fix problems-- both technical, and human in the case of the mutineer-- before it costs us our lives. That we "had better" keep the ship running. Yet, if it were not his will that it be fixed too, were it not in his best interest also, would he not use fear as a means of making us do his bidding?

If Smiley would guide us to to save our lives by saving the ship; perhaps it may mean that it is the improper course of action, after all? Perhaps we ensure his-- or it's-- safety by ensuring our own? And in doing so, we too may be responsible in part for leaving this vessel open to stealing more lives from their homes, more people from their families...

In other words, the question I would like to pose is this: If we knew, for fact, that the only way to stop the terrors on this ship and the kidnappings seen each month was in destroying the ship, thus protecting any future targets-- be they like us, or like those pirates, who were seen to summary execution...

Would you be willing to pay that price, to see that the right thing be done?

Dulce et decorum est pro mores mori.

Forgive me, if it is too morbid in thought. The question is surely a difficult one.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

No.

No- he was there. He was there! I remember. I heard him singing, from Marius' arms, I heard him sing.

If he was there... [Another wave of tears was brought on as she curled in tighter, digging into her skin further.]

[...Oh. Oh. That was a blow he had not meant to cause her, a disturbance that he had not been aware he pressed upon her mind. It was ignorant, and had been cruel.

Apologetic at once, he moved a bit nearer, in hopes that proximity to the one that had upset her could in some way stem that awful pain and knowledge.]

...But he is here now. He is here now, and so are you. Oh, Eponine-- I am so sorry, I should not have spoken so carelessly. But you are both here, and well, right now.

It does not matter! In Paris- he is dead! My sweet, sweet brother! He should have left- should have been sent away! You did not know us related, but someone should have thought. Should have sent the child away! It was no place for a boy like him!

[With Jehan closer, she folds towards him, eager for the comfort.]

Marius lives. Gavroche is dead. Should not it be switched! [She laughs through her tears]

[He did take her in, with one arm, and leaned her against his shoulder, if that be a better place for her to cry and a drier spot for her tears to soak into.]

He had the bravery of ten men in what he accomplished, much as his sister was our better; I cannot say I know what happened to Gavroche. [Though he could predict, and assume, and would not either give her false hope.] I did not see him fall.

[But he couldn't say that Marius deserved death in his place, either.]

Your sweet brother is away from Paris, and with its grace, it's ills too. He lives, here.

Your better! [She manages to choke the words out into the crook of his neck. She's so small, fitting into his arms easily, even if he only uses one.]

You were one of the first to die, too... [She can piece that much together easily.] I shall ask. I must know. I cannot ask him. Recalling to his sister- it would be too painful.

[No, deserved was the wrong word.]

I have seen him. We spend much time together- a family at last, without the others. But- Marius lives. Tell me he does not marry the lark!

I cannot consult you in how to approach the topic with your brother; perhaps he even knows not what you speak of... [Though Jehan really thought otherwise.]

And of Marius, I likewise cannot say.

[Apart from the fact that he had been in love, and Jehan did think he returned to that love.]

She was bound for England with her father. [Maybe Marius left the barricades to get to her in time. Maybe he lost her. Or he was taken prisoner by the guard.]

Would Courfeyrac or Combeferre or even Bahorel recall?

I-- would not know. Bahorel was gone before me on the barricades; [With some note of hurt to his voice as he carried on--] And no others remained far after.

Bahorel was much after Marius' arrival here, and Courfeyrac and Combeferre came as I did; Marius was not long here once we arrived. He was long with Enjolras... but I fear the man disappeared on the same jump in which you arrived.

There can be no further information for you here, I imagine.

Oh. [She considers this, before reaching a hand up to gently cup his cheek.]

Shh, you do not need to say more. They were your friends, I believe, at that barricade. I shall not have you talk more of them, if it hurts.

[The hand draws him from his alarm and colours his cheeks instead. Perhaps they are too close? Gradually, he'd let his grip upon her go.]

That is kind of you, but worry not for me. You are the one in tears. Are you much disturbed, still?

[She drops her hand slowly. She'd only meant it in comfort.]

I am. My brother died, my love survived. How does anyone reconcile that?

Perhaps there is no way to. You have every right to be in distress.

Perhaps...

I should not have made you come down here.

You did not make me. I came on my own.

And it was I who shocked you; my apologies.

[Going to stand now, though, and offering his hand to her for the same purpose once he was up.]

Yet I gave you a reason to come.

Do not apologize.

[Still, she takes his hand to stand.]

Ever I would, we are as friends, Eponine. I would do no less for any friend, especially if it was I who had upset them. Will you be well on your own now?

Friends. I do like that.

I am always well on my own.

[A small smile.]

I mean, do you prefer to be alone or in company?

I am not used to company.

That doers not answer the question, per say. Shall I take my leave then?

Perhaps... that is for the best. I will contact you. When I am better. I should process. I believe I will shower.

All right. Be well in the meanwhile, Eponine. Regardless what you speak on, I am sure your brother would appreciate your visit.

[With a little bow as means of parting goodbye,] I take my leave.

Thank you.

[She inclines her head.]

I will take my time, then see him. We are a true family now.

You are. [He agreed, by the door, with a slight bow of his head.]

See you soon, Eponine. We are not far, should you want for anything.

[And with that, he let her be.]

[Video]

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