Normally I wouldn't have cause to speak about another when he himself is not present but...I feel I may be able to confide in you regarding this particular matter since we have come to an understanding about the way the modern vampire operates, and you having witnessed it yourself at the opening of Fangtasia.
Well. Some time ago...After the incident involving the vampire that nearly stole my life...After having gone back to Skye Medical, Doctor Yumeno spoke to me about the hospital receiving anonymous donations from the Sangunarian Society, a donation that I believe to have been an illicit attempt at bribery in order to quiet the attacks that had gone on at the time and a way to allow them to continue siphoning blood from the hospital without arousing suspicions.
Needless to say...I responded rather poorly, and ended up sending in my resignation shortly thereafter.
[So he attempted to breach the subject once more and consequently evoked more tension between them.]
I wanted to make amends so I contacted him little more than a week ago, but even though I tried to reconcile our differences I feel more that my good-natured attempt has...come at my own expense. I feel as though I've compromised myself on these beliefs, if only to try and talk sense into him...
Despite the fact that he himself was bitten he still maintains the belief that vampires are merely doing what they have to do to survive.
[She sits down while he's speaking, rubbing her eyes with her fingers briefly. Yes, she'd heard about the incident involving Daedalus and the vampire. How couldn't she? The whole reason she had been down at Fangtasia that night had been for him. But Seward didn't know that.
She sighs.]
I had heard that you had resigned over this but it really wasn't my business to speak up on it.
[The next part, however, is going to be a little difficult to explain.]
I think the problem is that Daedalus as a person and as a physician can't bring himself to be discriminate against any group in particular. To deny any patient their right to be treated and cared for isn't in his nature. It's also against the Hippocratic oath, isn't it? Daedalus, more than anyone else, understands that someone can be called a monster because of their attributes...when that can be the farthest thing from the truth.
[Like her and the other Proxies.]I know how vampires are in mythology and in other works of old literature. But that might not be true for them in this
( ... )
I don't doubt that Doctor Yumeno is an excellent physician, and that he follows policies to the letter.
[Indeed, he was almost moreso than most around here. And Seward did in fact admire that.]
And yes, but I hardly see how that applies in this case. Vampires do not age or grow old and die like humans do. They do not succumb to illness. At least, not the vampires I am familiar with. They do not go to hospitals to be healed.
I do not blame those who were without choice, like my poor Lucy. She was different than the rest if simply that the lack of choosing caused her body to reject the disease. But, she still was changed and there is no cure for what they become.
Their main objective is to drink blood, or to steal the life force and vitality of other beings, with a substantial risk of infection. Our vulnerabilities is what they use to their advantage to feed on the ignorant, the unsuspecting, and the foolish. It's selfish and abominable the lows these creatures will go to...
[He crinkles his brow, leaning forwards despite their being unable to see one another visibly. There were some important things he had to touch on here.]Miss Re-l, I do not speak merely to vilify them. Were there redeemable qualities to be had I would gladly take back what I say
( ... )
And I understand that what you're trying to do is warn me and make it clear that vampires are something to be feared. The problem is that those are vampires as you know them and that doesn't apply to all of the ones that are here. There are some vampires in the city who can walk in the sunlight. Did you know that? And there are many who don't like to feed on people. Wouldn't that make them more respectable?
You're using a term like "vampire" as a blanket statement to cover anyone who can do these things, but not all of them are bad people. The Sanguinarian Society has taken steps to stay out of people's lives and to be politically correct. They don't want to be villains. I don't think many of them want to kill.
Humans can be monstrous too. And just like everyone else in this city, there are good and bad people. There are those who take the lives of others and those who don't.
I'm not berating you. Personally...I just think you need to be careful of whom you point fingers at and call "monsters" in this city.
tl...breaking this into two comments.psyd_sewardAugust 29 2011, 22:44:06 UTC
[He's quite taken aback...Seward hadn't really meant for it to go this far.]
Actually, I was trying to explain to you how Doctor Yumeno and I see differently, and where he was mistaken. The explanation as a whole was needed, in order to further my point, that they are in fact dangerous and caution needs to be exercised around them lest he or you or anyone here get hurt or far worse. [Changed.]
I never said I was an expert by any means, and I apologise forthwith if I implied otherwise...But yes, I did not mean to disregard your former comment of possibilities. And yes that would make them more respectable..Even commendable and noble so far as to command my respect!
The main difference is that humans have a choice in what they dine on. They have a choice on being monstrous, while the only way for the vampires of my time and the majority here are able to survive is that they must feed on the blood and souls and livelihood of humans
( ... )
But...If that is so I have not witnessed it for myself, and I would rather gladly be mistaken in my viewpoint for then the horrors which I have seen and which I have suffered by would not have to be an absolute!
[And there his voice breaks, his resolve crumbling. He sighed deeply, and bitterly. It was gut-wrenching to have to hear everything that you stood against be dissected and picked apart.]
It's only the vampire I know that I call monster. But if indeed there is good in some of these creatures, in even just a small number of them I would very much like to meet them.
I take no enjoyment in vindication. I'd much rather be wrong. If only I were completely, utterly wrong.
[And this...said more to himself, quietly.]
I myself mingled amongst the modern vampire at Fangstasia and the ones that went there were no different!
[With the exception of Angel and Spike, though ironically he'd passed over them completely as they'd been so minute and unassuming.]Fine then...I'll be careful. I'll be bloody punctilious if that would make me
( ... )
The vampire you knew is a monster, if he still lives. And that sort of behavior... What he did is inexcusable and disgusting. When I find more acceptable examples, I'll be sure to introduce you.
[Re-l sits back in her chair.]
I worry that you could potentially get yourself into a situation because of that mindset, though. Just as I'm always afraid that Daedalus' nature will put him into some problem one of these days. He still seems to think rationality matters to a person like the Joker!
[She sighs.]
I know you would rather be wrong. You're not an unkind man. It's just...nothing's the same in this world. Nothing's so clear cut anymore. Not for me, anyway.
[For pity's-- She frowns sharply.]
Look, I'm not treating you like a child. All I'm asking is that you take care, which is exactly what I would say to anyone else. Don't sulk at me, John Seward; you are better than that.
[There's a quiet on his end for a while, while he takes this in. He hadn't meant to have an outburst but it was out of frustration more than anything that he had done so. Clearly he'd lost sight of his original intent, which was to communicate his dismay over Doctor Yumeno's subborn refusal to see anything other than what he had wanted to see when it came to the true nature of the average vampire. He'd not only dismissed Seward rather rudely, but tried to accuse him of being a crackpot as well!
Apparently even after being bitten there was no way to convince the younger doctor otherwise without his own sanity and credibility being questioned.
When next he spoke his voice went soft and his tone apologetic.]I am sorry. I-forgive me. I should not have spoke to you out of anger when you are right. This is not my home. It was unrealistic for me to think that it should be held to the same principles, or expected to follow the same set of rules...I suppose that is something I must live with. However, that does not mean I have to agree with
( ... )
[She lets out a very soft sigh on her end, not because of what he's said, but rather...because she's snapped at him. It wasn't right of her. She doesn't want to upset him and she doesn't want to make this transition into a new time and world any harder than it already has been for the poor man.
She's not one to lose her temper. She's angry that she let it get the best of her.]
I understand your warnings and so does he. I wish he would have listened a little better to you. And no, you shouldn't have to agree with what's being done. For now, it's all we have.
[She nods.]
Let me speak with Daedalus. I'm sure he's just being defensive of his own position as well. I'll see what I can do.
Beyond that, I know you'll be careful. I will be too. And I'm sorry for snapping at you.
[He doesn't fault or condemn her for it; instead, he feels somewhat apologetic for the whole thing. In hindsight he'd made a grave error that would not be easily corrected or erased. The egregious truth of it was evident even more so now that Doctor Yumeno's opinion of him continued to warp and decline
( ... )
[She'll speak with Daedalus anyway, if only to reason through the situation and to make him understand that Seward is just as right as he is, if only in another sense. She doesn't like the idea that Daedalus is being uncouth with someone she happens to be friends with.]
It's only one person, you know. It's just Daedalus. And he does respect you, though he may not agree with your philosophies or viewpoints.
[Just as she, sometimes, can't agree with Raul's.]
A foul-tempered brute? Don't assume. My opinion of you hasn't changed.
[She's just more aware of the things that trouble him.]
Don't worry so much about my opinions, Doctor Seward.
[Being Victorian sometimes sure is awkward.]
I had a private matter to speak of with you.
Reply
Sure, go ahead.
Reply
Normally I wouldn't have cause to speak about another when he himself is not present but...I feel I may be able to confide in you regarding this particular matter since we have come to an understanding about the way the modern vampire operates, and you having witnessed it yourself at the opening of Fangtasia.
Well. Some time ago...After the incident involving the vampire that nearly stole my life...After having gone back to Skye Medical, Doctor Yumeno spoke to me about the hospital receiving anonymous donations from the Sangunarian Society, a donation that I believe to have been an illicit attempt at bribery in order to quiet the attacks that had gone on at the time and a way to allow them to continue siphoning blood from the hospital without arousing suspicions.
Needless to say...I responded rather poorly, and ended up sending in my resignation shortly thereafter.
Reply
I wanted to make amends so I contacted him little more than a week ago, but even though I tried to reconcile our differences I feel more that my good-natured attempt has...come at my own expense. I feel as though I've compromised myself on these beliefs, if only to try and talk sense into him...
Despite the fact that he himself was bitten he still maintains the belief that vampires are merely doing what they have to do to survive.
Reply
She sighs.]
I had heard that you had resigned over this but it really wasn't my business to speak up on it.
[The next part, however, is going to be a little difficult to explain.]
I think the problem is that Daedalus as a person and as a physician can't bring himself to be discriminate against any group in particular. To deny any patient their right to be treated and cared for isn't in his nature. It's also against the Hippocratic oath, isn't it? Daedalus, more than anyone else, understands that someone can be called a monster because of their attributes...when that can be the farthest thing from the truth.
[Like her and the other Proxies.]I know how vampires are in mythology and in other works of old literature. But that might not be true for them in this ( ... )
Reply
[Indeed, he was almost moreso than most around here. And Seward did in fact admire that.]
And yes, but I hardly see how that applies in this case. Vampires do not age or grow old and die like humans do. They do not succumb to illness. At least, not the vampires I am familiar with. They do not go to hospitals to be healed.
Reply
Their main objective is to drink blood, or to steal the life force and vitality of other beings, with a substantial risk of infection. Our vulnerabilities is what they use to their advantage to feed on the ignorant, the unsuspecting, and the foolish. It's selfish and abominable the lows these creatures will go to...
[He crinkles his brow, leaning forwards despite their being unable to see one another visibly. There were some important things he had to touch on here.]Miss Re-l, I do not speak merely to vilify them. Were there redeemable qualities to be had I would gladly take back what I say ( ... )
Reply
You're using a term like "vampire" as a blanket statement to cover anyone who can do these things, but not all of them are bad people. The Sanguinarian Society has taken steps to stay out of people's lives and to be politically correct. They don't want to be villains. I don't think many of them want to kill.
Humans can be monstrous too. And just like everyone else in this city, there are good and bad people. There are those who take the lives of others and those who don't.
I'm not berating you. Personally...I just think you need to be careful of whom you point fingers at and call "monsters" in this city.
Reply
Actually, I was trying to explain to you how Doctor Yumeno and I see differently, and where he was mistaken. The explanation as a whole was needed, in order to further my point, that they are in fact dangerous and caution needs to be exercised around them lest he or you or anyone here get hurt or far worse. [Changed.]
I never said I was an expert by any means, and I apologise forthwith if I implied otherwise...But yes, I did not mean to disregard your former comment of possibilities. And yes that would make them more respectable..Even commendable and noble so far as to command my respect!
The main difference is that humans have a choice in what they dine on. They have a choice on being monstrous, while the only way for the vampires of my time and the majority here are able to survive is that they must feed on the blood and souls and livelihood of humans ( ... )
Reply
[And there his voice breaks, his resolve crumbling. He sighed deeply, and bitterly. It was gut-wrenching to have to hear everything that you stood against be dissected and picked apart.]
It's only the vampire I know that I call monster. But if indeed there is good in some of these creatures, in even just a small number of them I would very much like to meet them.
I take no enjoyment in vindication. I'd much rather be wrong. If only I were completely, utterly wrong.
[And this...said more to himself, quietly.]
I myself mingled amongst the modern vampire at Fangstasia and the ones that went there were no different!
[With the exception of Angel and Spike, though ironically he'd passed over them completely as they'd been so minute and unassuming.]Fine then...I'll be careful. I'll be bloody punctilious if that would make me ( ... )
Reply
[Re-l sits back in her chair.]
I worry that you could potentially get yourself into a situation because of that mindset, though. Just as I'm always afraid that Daedalus' nature will put him into some problem one of these days. He still seems to think rationality matters to a person like the Joker!
[She sighs.]
I know you would rather be wrong. You're not an unkind man. It's just...nothing's the same in this world. Nothing's so clear cut anymore. Not for me, anyway.
[For pity's-- She frowns sharply.]
Look, I'm not treating you like a child. All I'm asking is that you take care, which is exactly what I would say to anyone else. Don't sulk at me, John Seward; you are better than that.
Reply
Apparently even after being bitten there was no way to convince the younger doctor otherwise without his own sanity and credibility being questioned.
When next he spoke his voice went soft and his tone apologetic.]I am sorry. I-forgive me. I should not have spoke to you out of anger when you are right. This is not my home. It was unrealistic for me to think that it should be held to the same principles, or expected to follow the same set of rules...I suppose that is something I must live with. However, that does not mean I have to agree with ( ... )
Reply
She's not one to lose her temper. She's angry that she let it get the best of her.]
I understand your warnings and so does he. I wish he would have listened a little better to you. And no, you shouldn't have to agree with what's being done. For now, it's all we have.
[She nods.]
Let me speak with Daedalus. I'm sure he's just being defensive of his own position as well. I'll see what I can do.
Beyond that, I know you'll be careful. I will be too. And I'm sorry for snapping at you.
Reply
Reply
It's only one person, you know. It's just Daedalus. And he does respect you, though he may not agree with your philosophies or viewpoints.
[Just as she, sometimes, can't agree with Raul's.]
A foul-tempered brute? Don't assume. My opinion of you hasn't changed.
[She's just more aware of the things that trouble him.]
Don't worry so much about my opinions, Doctor Seward.
Reply
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