07. [voice]
Since the arrival of these peculiar rats, I've observed any number of interesting reactions from those afflicted with their presence. Violence, negotiations, even camaraderie. I do believe it would be interesting to take note of which person or persons exhibited which particular behaviors. I would say this could be very informative in the future.
[His voice is smooth, and slightly amused. Although that could be your imagination. ...still, it's not difficult to imagine him leaning against his chair's armrest, smirking. Especially if you know him.]
However... in this case, I'm most interested in the violence. I wonder what can be said about people who exhibit hostility toward sentient beings without even an attempt at forming a truce or reaching some manner of understanding? Would they be so quick to draw a blade or a gun in the face of a human being, with or without explosives?
Does the fact that we know some residents here have done quite well at making peace with the creatures have any bearing on this decision?
Suppose you were to find that a group of urchins have invaded your home. They're armed, but human. One could suppose that killing them might be justified, since they are invaders in your personal space. On the other hand, one might be less quick to draw a weapon on them, as they would be human children. And even less likely to do so after viewing evidence of urchins from the same little band sharing tea and photographs over lunch. Sharing stories. Telling tales.
Would you be willing to commit an act of violence against them without discussion?
Would that answer change if they were revealed to be inhuman in some way?
And how close to humanity must one be in order to warrant that level of consideration?
[There's a little silence. A long stretch of quiet and breath and the sound of his fingertips tapping the side of the Forge, idly. It would be easy to think he'd left it recording by accident... but, of course, he hasn't.]
[After another second or two, this becomes evident.]
Well, it's an interesting academic question. Of course, then again, it may not be simply academic for long, given the oddities of this city.
Shunsui, Renji. I assume you're settling well in this most unique of environments? You must forgive my rudeness in not having greeted you personally. [Not that he thinks you regretted this. He's smirking again.]
You could say I have been occupied.
[And then, click, the feed cuts.]
[His voice is smooth, and slightly amused. Although that could be your imagination. ...still, it's not difficult to imagine him leaning against his chair's armrest, smirking. Especially if you know him.]
However... in this case, I'm most interested in the violence. I wonder what can be said about people who exhibit hostility toward sentient beings without even an attempt at forming a truce or reaching some manner of understanding? Would they be so quick to draw a blade or a gun in the face of a human being, with or without explosives?
Does the fact that we know some residents here have done quite well at making peace with the creatures have any bearing on this decision?
Suppose you were to find that a group of urchins have invaded your home. They're armed, but human. One could suppose that killing them might be justified, since they are invaders in your personal space. On the other hand, one might be less quick to draw a weapon on them, as they would be human children. And even less likely to do so after viewing evidence of urchins from the same little band sharing tea and photographs over lunch. Sharing stories. Telling tales.
Would you be willing to commit an act of violence against them without discussion?
Would that answer change if they were revealed to be inhuman in some way?
And how close to humanity must one be in order to warrant that level of consideration?
[There's a little silence. A long stretch of quiet and breath and the sound of his fingertips tapping the side of the Forge, idly. It would be easy to think he'd left it recording by accident... but, of course, he hasn't.]
[After another second or two, this becomes evident.]
Well, it's an interesting academic question. Of course, then again, it may not be simply academic for long, given the oddities of this city.
Shunsui, Renji. I assume you're settling well in this most unique of environments? You must forgive my rudeness in not having greeted you personally. [Not that he thinks you regretted this. He's smirking again.]
You could say I have been occupied.
[And then, click, the feed cuts.]