…Depends on how you quantify pain. [ a half shrug of the shoulders. ] Even if your suffering ain’t “real” — doesn’t pretending to feel it, respond like you’re feelin’ it, make it real?
[ he watches the robot intently — then his eyes flicker to the man’s tail. there’s a hint of a smile. ]
Well, Mister, if you’re gonna do something fucked up… no point in saying sorry! You did it pal, it already happened. Sympathy that’s just for yourself is really just pity in the end.
[ he leans in pretty, not quite minding his personal space. ]
I think you’re better off just breaking it and calling it a day. You got material for your notes now, yeah?
An interesting philosophical perspective. Still, a doll is a doll, no? Even if it is constructed to gain empathy.
[Really, he does sound like he's enjoying the discussion.]
I would have to disagree. Sympathy and comprehension for the subject of your focus respects what they endure, after all. Though I can certainly see why you think as you do.
[Get in close, buddy. Bondrewd doesn't seem to mind one bit.]
I like a thorough examination, personally.
[The tail abruptly twists, tearing the small robot open. Legs twitch, but now it can no longer skitter to freedom.]
Ah, a simple arrangement, but I can see use in you yet, little one. [Bondrewd runs a thumb over wires, a chip, and ports.] You have my thanks. [He's going to pick up the remains. That's his now! +1 little greeter robot into his inventory]
I dunno. [ the cold and calculating objectivism, the clinical conclusions — this is a researcher, he thinks. ] Underestimating a living thing’s ability to screw you is gonna get you killed, you know. Everything evolves.
[ the guy is respectful enough that he can’t will himself to be mad — even if he’s playing cool it for the meantime.
but then his tail pieces through the robot’s steel shell — and sha-ming’s eyes stray seemingly boredly. he can’t look. ]
At least you play nice with your victims. [ a snort. ] You would’ve gotten more out of that thing if you kept it alive.
[ he says, having suggested he break it to start with. ]
Sometimes, you need to know what living things are capable of, even at the risk of your own life. It can be quite thrilling.
[It's endearing, he thinks, the way this young man's eyes stray away. It's also fascinating how much care people have for these tiny robots. Humans are truly capable of many things -- compassion, cruelty, benevolence, selfishness, and so on.]
There are others. I am not concerned.
[There's a nod at the assessment.] Indeed. Forgive me for not introducing myself sooner. The people of my world call me Bondrewd the Novel, Sovereign of the Dawn. The rank of a White Whistle, if it means anything to you.
One of those people that’ll do anything in the pursuit of knowledge, huh? [ … ] Damn, I kinda hope you don’t have kids.
[ no particular reason he’s saying this. none at all. his eyes flicker up to the man — more specifically his mask. he looks at it with a blatant curiosity. ]
You dunno if it’ll be the same. [ a beat. ] Every subject’s got its own draw. Bein’ wasteful about it… that’s just goofy.
[ but then the man introduces himself, with such grace, and sha-ming’s wearing a shitteating grin. ]
Yeah, that means jack to me, sorry. Gonna give you a heads up: we’re all from different places. I’m talking whole universes here. Whatever you had back home isn’t gonna transfer.
But well, even if it did… can’t say I’d care! I’m not really into respecting authority.
[ although… ]
I like the tail, by the way. [ another beat. ] It’s cute. I’m gonna call you Boney.
I have a daughter, in fact. My adorable spirited Prushka.
[There's a distinct warmth and fondness in his voice. None of it is an act, or playing to gain trust. It is simply the truth; he completely loves Prushka, and in fact feels nothing but pride. Truly, he could not be more proud of her.]
Perhaps not. And for that, I will accept my mistake. However, thus far I've seen that they all seem to function much the same.
[There's a tilt of his helmet, indicating curiosity.] Authority? Ah, well, my title allows me certain benefits, but to adhere to written law is frivolous. So I can respect that.
[The tail flicks.] An adorable nickname. [so hey, he doesn't seem to mind] Do I get to know who you are in return, or shall I also give you a moniker?
[ interesting. the way he speaks of her — the way he doesn’t acknowledge the insult at all. sha-ming scoffs. ]
Bet you’re dad of the year. [ … ] You should tell her your research matters more than her while you’re still ahead. It’ll be useful, make her better prepared for the future, you feel?
[ for a moment, he’s a little stunned by how effortlessly he responds; not a shred of guilt or frustration there, huh? it’s impressive. ]
Can’t say I don’t dig the self awareness. [ another grin. but then he notes the flick of his tail and… ah. that’s cute. really cute. ]
Think so, Boney? Handpicked it myself. [ he shoves his hands into his pockets, gets a good gander at his helmet. ] Already wanna know more about me, huh? I’m Sha-Ming. Let’s get comfortable with each other, ok?
[ a cant of the head. ]
What’re you studying? [ a beat. ] And what makes it worth killing for?
I'm afraid such a thing is impossible. Prushka is on a journey she will likely never return from along with her friends, even when comes the day I return to my world. So to tell her that... it simply cannot be done. Still, I am fortunate that she knows I think of her always, though.
[One of the true negative aspects of being here and not back in is own universe is really that he cannot study their journey any longer. Through the eyes of that Blessed child, he could at least see them. Know how their adventure is going. As it is now... he does wish it could be different.]
Of course, of course. It's a pleasure, Sha-Ming. I look forward to knowing more about you. [And he does mean that, truly.]
I am continuously studying the effects of a place we call the Abyss. The environment, how each layer affects people, how to circumvent those effects, and so on. Though my research does expand outside of that as well if I come across something I never have before.
I do prefer if I don't have to kill for such things -- but as I said before, to find oneself in the circumstances of a battle... thrilling. Battle doesn't suit all, but to explore the Abyss, one must be ready to accept that it is unavoidable in most cases.
[ he stares very hard, as if attempting to parse what in the universe was just said. did this man just sentence his daughter to death. ]
Well, uh— good on you for taking puberty well. Hope she’s out there partying with her friends.
[ what can he even say. his parents had him living with monkeys. but the man is courteous — nice. those are the most dangerous types. shockingly, he listens intently; there’s a flicker of interest, even in his own eyes.
he can pretend like he doesn’t understand the thirst for knowledge, like he’s removed from it — but really, it’s what he knows best. his own ilk. ]
You’re a researcher, then. An ecologist. [ a beat. ] I could tell.
[That actually earns an amused sound from Bondrewd, so close to a laugh.] It is an adventure they are all determined to see through. I can only respect their resolve.
[It is a warm tone he takes. Genuinely, he hopes their journey goes well. To be full of Curses and Blessings alike.]
You're an observant one, that much is clear to see. [And one who weaves around to learn without making it seem like a big deal. It's clever!]
Ah, there would be so much to explain. How to begin? [Bondrewd raises a hand to the chin of his helmet, thinking.] A very long time ago, explorers found an island. There was what seemed to be a chasm... except that it was thousands of meters deep, its very bottom theoretically left unexplored. Inside are unique relics, flora, and fauna -- deadly and beautiful.
And at each layer of the Abyss, it is a unique landscape. With each layer having a unique side-effect if you attempt to ascend from it. People call it the Curse. The deeper one travels, the harder it is to return topside.
[ and it isn’t his business! let dad of the year be dad of the year. hopefully those kids don’t die. ]
Eh… not really. [ he shrugs the compliment off, although it sits in his chest a bit — maybe a little more than it should. ] I’m used to this kind of stuff. That’s all.
[ but then that explanation tumbles in, and he rocks back and forth on his heels. ]
Like discoverin’ a new planet. [ somehow, he understands. ] Yer risking it all for that. All of you. Why?
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expiationlogs2024-06-10 07:58 am
no subject
[ he watches the robot intently — then his eyes flicker to the man’s tail. there’s a hint of a smile. ]
Well, Mister, if you’re gonna do something fucked up… no point in saying sorry! You did it pal, it already happened. Sympathy that’s just for yourself is really just pity in the end.
[ he leans in pretty, not quite minding his personal space. ]
I think you’re better off just breaking it and calling it a day. You got material for your notes now, yeah?
no subject
[Really, he does sound like he's enjoying the discussion.]
I would have to disagree. Sympathy and comprehension for the subject of your focus respects what they endure, after all. Though I can certainly see why you think as you do.
[Get in close, buddy. Bondrewd doesn't seem to mind one bit.]
I like a thorough examination, personally.
[The tail abruptly twists, tearing the small robot open. Legs twitch, but now it can no longer skitter to freedom.]
Ah, a simple arrangement, but I can see use in you yet, little one. [Bondrewd runs a thumb over wires, a chip, and ports.] You have my thanks. [He's going to pick up the remains. That's his now! +1 little greeter robot into his inventory]
no subject
[ the guy is respectful enough that he can’t will himself to be mad — even if he’s playing cool it for the meantime.
but then his tail pieces through the robot’s steel shell — and sha-ming’s eyes stray seemingly boredly. he can’t look. ]
At least you play nice with your victims. [ a snort. ] You would’ve gotten more out of that thing if you kept it alive.
[ he says, having suggested he break it to start with. ]
You new here, Mister?
no subject
[It's endearing, he thinks, the way this young man's eyes stray away. It's also fascinating how much care people have for these tiny robots. Humans are truly capable of many things -- compassion, cruelty, benevolence, selfishness, and so on.]
There are others. I am not concerned.
[There's a nod at the assessment.] Indeed. Forgive me for not introducing myself sooner. The people of my world call me Bondrewd the Novel, Sovereign of the Dawn. The rank of a White Whistle, if it means anything to you.
no subject
One of those people that’ll do anything in the pursuit of knowledge, huh? [ … ] Damn, I kinda hope you don’t have kids.
[ no particular reason he’s saying this. none at all. his eyes flicker up to the man — more specifically his mask. he looks at it with a blatant curiosity. ]
You dunno if it’ll be the same. [ a beat. ] Every subject’s got its own draw. Bein’ wasteful about it… that’s just goofy.
[ but then the man introduces himself, with such grace, and sha-ming’s wearing a shitteating grin. ]
Yeah, that means jack to me, sorry. Gonna give you a heads up: we’re all from different places. I’m talking whole universes here. Whatever you had back home isn’t gonna transfer.
But well, even if it did… can’t say I’d care! I’m not really into respecting authority.
[ although… ]
I like the tail, by the way. [ another beat. ] It’s cute. I’m gonna call you Boney.
no subject
[There's a distinct warmth and fondness in his voice. None of it is an act, or playing to gain trust. It is simply the truth; he completely loves Prushka, and in fact feels nothing but pride. Truly, he could not be more proud of her.]
Perhaps not. And for that, I will accept my mistake. However, thus far I've seen that they all seem to function much the same.
[There's a tilt of his helmet, indicating curiosity.] Authority? Ah, well, my title allows me certain benefits, but to adhere to written law is frivolous. So I can respect that.
[The tail flicks.] An adorable nickname. [so hey, he doesn't seem to mind] Do I get to know who you are in return, or shall I also give you a moniker?
no subject
Bet you’re dad of the year. [ … ] You should tell her your research matters more than her while you’re still ahead. It’ll be useful, make her better prepared for the future, you feel?
[ for a moment, he’s a little stunned by how effortlessly he responds; not a shred of guilt or frustration there, huh? it’s impressive. ]
Can’t say I don’t dig the self awareness. [ another grin. but then he notes the flick of his tail and… ah. that’s cute. really cute. ]
Think so, Boney? Handpicked it myself. [ he shoves his hands into his pockets, gets a good gander at his helmet. ] Already wanna know more about me, huh? I’m Sha-Ming. Let’s get comfortable with each other, ok?
[ a cant of the head. ]
What’re you studying? [ a beat. ] And what makes it worth killing for?
no subject
[One of the true negative aspects of being here and not back in is own universe is really that he cannot study their journey any longer. Through the eyes of that Blessed child, he could at least see them. Know how their adventure is going. As it is now... he does wish it could be different.]
Of course, of course. It's a pleasure, Sha-Ming. I look forward to knowing more about you. [And he does mean that, truly.]
I am continuously studying the effects of a place we call the Abyss. The environment, how each layer affects people, how to circumvent those effects, and so on. Though my research does expand outside of that as well if I come across something I never have before.
I do prefer if I don't have to kill for such things -- but as I said before, to find oneself in the circumstances of a battle... thrilling. Battle doesn't suit all, but to explore the Abyss, one must be ready to accept that it is unavoidable in most cases.
no subject
Well, uh— good on you for taking puberty well. Hope she’s out there partying with her friends.
[ what can he even say. his parents had him living with monkeys. but the man is courteous — nice. those are the most dangerous types. shockingly, he listens intently; there’s a flicker of interest, even in his own eyes.
he can pretend like he doesn’t understand the thirst for knowledge, like he’s removed from it — but really, it’s what he knows best. his own ilk. ]
You’re a researcher, then. An ecologist. [ a beat. ] I could tell.
That Abyss of yours. Tell me more about it.
no subject
[It is a warm tone he takes. Genuinely, he hopes their journey goes well. To be full of Curses and Blessings alike.]
You're an observant one, that much is clear to see. [And one who weaves around to learn without making it seem like a big deal. It's clever!]
Ah, there would be so much to explain. How to begin? [Bondrewd raises a hand to the chin of his helmet, thinking.] A very long time ago, explorers found an island. There was what seemed to be a chasm... except that it was thousands of meters deep, its very bottom theoretically left unexplored. Inside are unique relics, flora, and fauna -- deadly and beautiful.
And at each layer of the Abyss, it is a unique landscape. With each layer having a unique side-effect if you attempt to ascend from it. People call it the Curse. The deeper one travels, the harder it is to return topside.
no subject
[ and it isn’t his business! let dad of the year be dad of the year. hopefully those kids don’t die. ]
Eh… not really. [ he shrugs the compliment off, although it sits in his chest a bit — maybe a little more than it should. ] I’m used to this kind of stuff. That’s all.
[ but then that explanation tumbles in, and he rocks back and forth on his heels. ]
Like discoverin’ a new planet. [ somehow, he understands. ] Yer risking it all for that. All of you. Why?