122 - WHOA THERE finally addressing some flood issues

[major_west]

I've been here for nearly two years now, and while others may have seen results, I have not. It's become clear to me that no matter what course I'd have taken, the end result would have been the same: they live. My men and I die. Perhaps, if I had been a better man-- by whatever metric you wardens measure it by-- I'd have had no second chance at

Comments

Private

[impure_tale]

Sparrow?

Private

[major_west]

Yes?

Private

[impure_tale]

I seem to recall writing something almost similar when I first -- "awakened" after that flood. Almost.

And believe me, in the past I could not have written better than you just have. But I also think you're wrong.

Private

[major_west]

And why is that?

Private

[impure_tale]

Because your assertion has no integrity and it's unbecoming of you.

Private

[major_west]

I disagree. It's honest.

Private

[impure_tale]

It's easy, and you're more honorable than that when you allow yourself to be.

Private

[major_west]

What use is honour if it would've gotten my men killed all the same?

Private

[impure_tale]

Because you are an example to them, and what use is your example as a leader if in the face of death you defy the very principles of your character that your rank and station are meant to represent?

Private

[major_west]

All I did was try to keep them alive and sane, all while knowing that there was no hope left in the world. To turn on them for the sake of a handful of outsiders would've been defying my rank and station.

Private

[impure_tale]

I can't believe I'm even saying this

They were soldiers, Henry. Charged with the defense of their nation and people. If anyone should be expected to maintain some modicum of human decency for their fellow man in a crisis it should be them, and it is not a betrayal to have that expectation! If that's not a standard you can hold then you have no providence to maintain your commission!

Private

[major_west]

You weren't there! I come from a world where you can't afford to be merciful, not if you wanted to survive.

Private

[impure_tale]

You were merciless and you didn't survive, so that philosophy hasn't served you well! Not only did you not survive but you suffered a death far worse than being shot for sticking to principles. Wouldn't you agree, Major?

Private

[major_west]

I had a moment of mercy, and everything unravelled.

And no, I wasn't shot-- that is, he wasn't shot. He was stuck with a bayonet. It was no less traumatic than what happened to me.

Private

[impure_tale]

Horseshit. He didn't wake me with his screaming nearly as much.

Private

[major_west]

Shut up.