[thoughts]

[hok_ton]

One of my childsoldiers died yesterday. He was an old man, with a loving family and adopted children. I hadn't seen him in over thirty years, yet he still wanted me there. Strange

Comments

[sandinmyboots]

They're both equally evil.

[There's no judgement; he says it like it's a fact. Since it is. Evil is evil is evil and it's always fun.]

[hok_ton]

Hmm. I was thinking of it as a choice between two evils. So neither is more evil?

[Karakael would argue that wrecking a child's innocence is only fun for the disturbed. Though he once took pleasure in such things.]

[sandinmyboots]

Right. In one, you knowingly neglect a child who has an unpleasant future ahead of them. In the other, you give them a choice they cannot understand that may end up killing them.

However, if we argue intent, we could say that the latter is less evil, since you intend to make them happier and healthier before they die horribly in battle. Is this correct?

[The Empire does it all the time. It's how it rolls. Kefka's a little too used to it, by now.]

[hok_ton]

Basically. Also, should they not die, they are assured a future and a high position in society after their soldiering is done.

[How nice to run into someone who understands the situation.]

[sandinmyboots]

Right! It's like if a parent gives their child a vaccine: even if it's painful and could have some side effects, it has a good effect in the end!

[hok_ton]

Yes. But how does one judge if the child needs the vaccine, or if the doctor is competent enough to give it?

[sandinmyboots]

That's something you've got to do for yourself, isn't it? Are you willing to play god over their fate?

[hok_ton]

...yes, I suppose I am. How...unfortunate.

[sandinmyboots]

How 'unfortunate'?

I'd say you have an edge up on others, in that you can admit it.

[hok_ton]

I have been a God before. It is a lonely, angry existence. Returning to the mindset necessary for it is not something I relish.

[sandinmyboots]

...it's that bad?

[hok_ton]

Yes.

[sandinmyboots]

[how is that different from how Kefka's life is now]

[it's not]

What did you do as a god?

[hok_ton]

I ruled a galaxy.

[sandinmyboots]

Why did it make you so angry?

[hok_ton]

Because...

Because when a galaxy depends upon you, you can't run away. You have to be mad to accept the responsibility of ruling a million worlds and trillions of people.