[Return] [Voice]

[aetherweaver]

[There's a vaguely British-sounding voice emitting from the journals, and those who recognize Nara'a will note it's not his usual calm tone.]

Would anyone, anyone like to explain what in the hells just happened? 'Oh, the town or the spaceship or the book closing sound?' All of it.

[He takes a breath, lets it out.]

Right. Everyone back here? All appendages accounted for?

Comments

[aetherweaver]

... I'm not sure. Either way, we can't seem to do anything about it at the moment. And the off-star people were not intending to do harm, at least...

[curzed]

Intention is not relevant. Kidnapping and unlawful detainment are not benevolent.

It is easier, if it were a created scenario and not a planet left to the dubious mercy of beings who do not understand 'informed consent'.

[aetherweaver]

I'm aware that it's not.

[He's trying to not sound irritated. It's not Konrad's fault, it's just... everything.]

They seemed to be leaving, at the very least...

[curzed]

And can return easily.

[A little doodle appears in the margins of his writing, looks like some kind of ship.]

As I detected to teleportation, and it began on contact with that book, it may be best to err on the side of some form of simulation in line with the pod-aliens warning we'd received.

[aetherweaver]

I feel like they might not be so keen on doing so, but perhaps.

But yes, perhaps it was some sort of... simulation. Though I think that 'warning' was a fictional movie... ? Things lined up too well for it to be real.

[curzed]

That is generally how warnings work, it does no good if what you warn for is wildly different from its subject.

If it were a second invasion, or third, then the refinement of the process would be expected, but they are still terrible at acting human.

[aetherweaver]

They are. That much is true.

[There's a sigh, which is probably weird coming out of a book.]

Hopefully they'll at least keep an eye on the place in case someone else shows up. I'd rather have well-meaning but incompetent rather than malicious and destructive.

[curzed]

Not just incompetent but willfully so. If I never encounter that simulation again it will be too soon, the entire month was an exercise in frustration.

No human world is free of defenders. If it is not a fabrication, it will be protected. I must admit I prefer the threats that arrive with weapons in hand than ones that appear with a smile on their lips and lies behind their teeth.

[aetherweaver]

I mean... it's simpler, but there's always some complexity. Even the Empire I fought against most fiercely was made up of people. When they came to kill me I killed them... but otherwise... mm.

I don't know how willfully incompetent they were, but it's still frustrating.

[curzed]

[the words that follow are almost artistic in their fanciness, the script exaggeratedly so. There is even a daisy as the dot on every single i.]

I know exactly how willfully incompetent they were.

[his writing returns to what passes for normal for Curze.]

Your insight is noted, but it seems we write on different subjects. What is the relevance of a fighting force being made of people?

[aetherweaver]

People are individuals with hopes and dreams. They are not countless innocents to slaughter. Even should some alien force come to fight them, they would have to defend themselves, of course... but...

[He's quiet for a few moments before returning to text.]

It weighs on the soul, knowing that your enemy is as much of a person as you are.

[curzed]

On hypothetical alone, there is agreement.

But in turn, based on what I wrote that you responded to, are you implying you would prefer your foe to pretend to be an ally first?

[aetherweaver]

No. It isi easier when the enemy is simply an enemy. But in my case I have gotten to know them. Iti adds... complications. Especially if they turn again, by their own will or another's.

[curzed]

Let no doubts resonate in your heart, for where you hesitate your enemy may not.

None will be protected if you lie dead in the dust. There will be time for regrets at duty's end.

[aetherweaver]

I'm aware of that mindset. ... But treating your opponent as if they're mere savages leads to... terrible things on its own, I feel.

[curzed]

Those are your words, not mine.

Are you inclined to treat your foes as 'mere savages' that you must guard against it?

[aetherweaver]

... I suppose it's all very complicated, isn't it.

I just worry about them. But I suppose that's one more worry added to the pile.

[curzed]

There is no complicating factor for myself, only resolution. Not for the first time I must wonder if this is an affliction that plagues only mortals.

[aetherweaver]

You don't consider yourself mortal?

[curzed]

I am not. It is a fact, not a belief.

One may counsel another to choose the greater numbers over the lesser, and strike to spare the former as much as possible, but one cannot force them to change their own hearts. I will always choose the innocent civilian over the alien invader.

[aetherweaver]

... I would do the same. But that does not mean I would not grieve for the others, despite everything.

[curzed]

No, nor did I imply it should, so we are in agreement.