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.

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[She listens to his side just as attentively, and once he apologizes she is quick to lift a hand, as if to halt him.]

Please, there is nothing to forgive. I would not wish to hear apologies for you speaking your mind.

[He is right to an extent, she can recognize that much. And yet, their situations are not so similar that she can share the same view; still that does not mean she does not find reason or valor in it.

She smiles.]

We come from very different places, I believe this much. For I can understand that which you explain to me eloquently so, yet it is difficult for me to agree wholeheartedly, as I myself do not share the same experiences. The world I come from, there is a force much stronger than any kin alive, a shadow that spreads through soul and land alike, and if not for countries, if not for kingdoms keeping true, if not for such bonds and loyalties remaining strong as they do, such evil would have taken over all, and would by now have destroyed all that we have ever held dear and precious to us.

[If anything, she hopes her explanation puts things to a different kind of perspective.]

Edited 2014-04-18 23:30 (UTC)

Very different indeed, so it sounds. I understand your point of view entirely, presented in such a situation. Though I might contend that in this case, moral good and nationhood both stand on the same side. Truly, the best and most powerful combination. Though I cannot be envious of your predicament, for it sounds trying, I hold it in esteem that your kingdoms ally themselves for the best of all men and earth alike.

...If I may?

[Pausing here, to see if it was all right if he might ask her some questions.

The place of her birth sounded fascinating, if not in a grave state, and he should like to hear more... so long as the topic was neither sore nor sensitive.]

In both our cases, there are things of evil it seems. In different ways perhaps, but from what you spoke I can see a shadow too lingers in the place you are from. It is only of a different kind. Yet it might be odd from me but I would not want to be anywhere else, even if it shall all wither and die, for it is where I am from. I could be offered a world of peace, but it would not be where I would belong.

[She does not mind it in the least. Perhaps because she misses it so, and most of all the people there, it is why she likes talking about it, despite all the bad things.

With a nod, she answers.] You may.

Perhaps there is evil in all worlds, so that we might be able to define goodness.

[With a light smile.]

Your loyalty to the place that is your home is admirable.

And thank you for permitting my question. I wonder, what is your country called? I would enjoy hearing of it; I think it poses a wonderful opportunity, to exist in a space where so many from across times and worlds also dwell.

That much I agree on. For as many things good there must be evil as well, for if there is light then it will cast a shadow. Much like we would not be able to recognize happiness if we have not felt sadness or sorrow at least once.

And my country is called Rohan. It is a great kingdom of Men in Middle Earth, and it is found in the vale between what are called the Misty Mountains and the White Mountains, which are also known as Ered Nimrais. To the west of our lands are the fords of the river Isen, and to the east one may find the shores of Anduin, which we commonly call The Great River.

Our capital, the hill fort of Edoras, rests upon the slopes of the White Mountains. If one ventures deeper into those mountains they will also find Dunharrow, a known camp, and as well the valley of Helm's Deep, behind it the great Glittering Caves, Hornburg.

And our countryside is a most wonderful sight. There are seas of green as far as one's eye can see, even as the pastures grow around houses and villages. Forests we do not have many, but still the old forest of Fangorn lies within our borders, where live the last of the race of Ents.

[ She finds herself smiling all the more she speaks of her home, though it is bittersweet to remember it when she is trapped here. As she finally finishes, she lowers her head apologetically upon realizing how much she spoke. ]

My apologies if I bore you. I let my words run long.

Oh, no...

[With a dreamy sort of a stare, but clearly affected only insofar as picturing the realm and being taken with such natural imagery as in the description.][With a bit of a flush and a smile to match it-] what is an Ent?

I could not be bored, Mademoiselle. Nothing would be further from the truth than that.

[ Her smile softens as she speaks. ] I am glad, then. And I thank you for your kindness, or patience - perhaps both.

[ She then nods slightly before continuing on to answer his question. ]

Ents are another race of Middle Earth, one of the oldest. The best way in which I can explain them, though this I have only heard and never once seen them myself, is that Ents are much like big trees which can walk and talk.

It is truly no trouble, Mademoiselle. I do not exaggerate when I say that the pleasure is all mine.

[A pause then, to consider her answer.]

Not like the fae then? Not spirits which dwell in trees, or nature gods; but the living trees themselves?

[ She shakes her head softly. ]

Not at all like spirits, no. Though the souls of those trees may as well be just as old, created as they were at the same time as the Elves. It was them who taught the Ents how to speak, so the tales say.

And are their many languages, where you hail from? Or one dominant way of speech?

[As a linguist, and a dreamer, the idea of an ethereal creature teaching the spirits to speak a tongue translated and used by man was thrilling. he could not help his enthusiasm.]

Many languages, yes, yet at the same time we have our Common Speech - it is called Westron. Depending on the race of people and the kingdom, they may have different dialects or languages altogether. Like myself, for instance, I speak Rohirric as well, the language of the Rohirrim from Rohan.