No, not if damnation is forever, in this hypothetical situation where there is only up or down.
[ the shittiest elevator of the afterlife. it probably breaks down a lot ]
I could illustrate a number of upsetting thought experiments to make my point—but the primary point I intend to make is that any scale used to weigh lives is probably improperly balanced. Situations are too nuanced and life experiences too difficult to say that some souls just aren't worth saving.
I also do not hate the idea that all lives make it to the same end, somehow. Whether that end is good, or bad, or malleable.
[ glances over to where lucas' hands fidget nervously. they frown in thought before asking, just a touch... well, not gentle. but gentler in approach than anything else they've asked ]
It would achieve one thing that no one sees in their lifetime, at least.
[True equality, wow! Though he's still not sold on the idea since he is unfortunately very Catholic in his belief that some people simply deserve to suffer in perpetuity.
It doesn't seem like he's noticed his own fidgeting though, since he looks very briefly surprised and his hands immediately and reflexively still. At least the approach is gentler, so he doesn't also reflexively lie.]
...There are parts that I would prefer not to discuss.
[ it's not meant to make lucas want to die under the weight of perception ]
But it has been a long day, and I do not care to add to your troubles even unintentionally when you have undoubtedly spent the evening consoling others as is.
[He will die under the weight of perception anyway...
There's a little lapse into silence after that, though, and he briefly glances away from the garden and back in the direction he'd come from. Thinking about the conversations he's had and how everyone was doing.]
...We're all doing what we can. I don't find it a trouble to support others as far as I'm able, though it's frustrating to only be able to do that much. But thank you.
I teach. It's more than enough to keep me busy, and though the problems I solve are on a much, much smaller scale, they're things that I can still do something about.
You sound like War, now. [(war voice) CHILDREN?] Children aren't always easy to work with, but I wouldn't say there are problems with them. If anything, adults are the ones with problems more often than not.
That's certainly part of it. The future rests on the shoulders of the children, after all. It's important to teach them the skills needed to navigate the world and people around them with respect and kindness.
No, I'm just enduring the customer service part of the job. Once you're all done asking for us, I'll get to work to see if there's anything to circumvent the blood payment and save the cowboy... [ they clearly fail ]
Or to disrupt the Monday ritual... There's still too much to do...
[The optimistic belief that you are raising people to be better humans! And also Necessary. NOT THE FAILED COWBOY RESCUE PLAN THOUGH GIRL HELP. ALSO WHERE'S THE SLEEP IN THIS PLAN. His brow furrows a little. This can probably be seen in his general expression if not in his eyebrows.]
I see... Please find the time to rest when you're able, then. Overworking isn't good for the mind or body, especially in difficult situations.
[Just gazing at them like YOU CAN'T JUST GO TWO MONTHS WITHOUT REST YOU DUMB BINCH.
Politely:] That's very important and something we would all like to see happen, but a person can only withstand so much... Unless you're able to go without basic necessities?
[War can make people fly and Pestilence is apparently on the brink of returning to the sea ala seafoam and Death was a furry so he thinks Famine is maybe also a bozo.]
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[ the shittiest elevator of the afterlife. it probably breaks down a lot ]
I could illustrate a number of upsetting thought experiments to make my point—but the primary point I intend to make is that any scale used to weigh lives is probably improperly balanced. Situations are too nuanced and life experiences too difficult to say that some souls just aren't worth saving.
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He does not know this, so he just sits on his considerations and his disagreements, unclasping and reclasping the hands settled against his lap.]
Maybe so. [A very mild quasi-agreement.] I suppose your notion of nothingness circumvents any problems of imbalance entirely.
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[ glances over to where lucas' hands fidget nervously. they frown in thought before asking, just a touch... well, not gentle. but gentler in approach than anything else they've asked ]
Does this conversation cause you discomfort?
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[True equality, wow! Though he's still not sold on the idea since he is unfortunately very Catholic in his belief that some people simply deserve to suffer in perpetuity.
It doesn't seem like he's noticed his own fidgeting though, since he looks very briefly surprised and his hands immediately and reflexively still. At least the approach is gentler, so he doesn't also reflexively lie.]
...There are parts that I would prefer not to discuss.
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Which parts?
[ a tilt of their head ]
I will circumvent them.
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Also this is suspiciously considerate.]
You don't need to. [He will circumvent them himself.] But thank you.
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Ah, I see. You'll do it for me. [ they catch on quick ] Very well then. I'll say nothing tonight even if I notice.
[ lucas will be allowed to dodge on this day ]
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Only for tonight?
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[ it's not meant to make lucas want to die under the weight of perception ]
But it has been a long day, and I do not care to add to your troubles even unintentionally when you have undoubtedly spent the evening consoling others as is.
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There's a little lapse into silence after that, though, and he briefly glances away from the garden and back in the direction he'd come from. Thinking about the conversations he's had and how everyone was doing.]
...We're all doing what we can. I don't find it a trouble to support others as far as I'm able, though it's frustrating to only be able to do that much. But thank you.
[He does sound genuine in his thanks.]
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[ very simply, though famine will accept lucas' words regardless ]
Perhaps in the coming weeks, there will be more to be done.
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I should hope so... I'm unused to sitting idle.
[He is used to (redacted)ing.]
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I teach. It's more than enough to keep me busy, and though the problems I solve are on a much, much smaller scale, they're things that I can still do something about.
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[ more thoughtful and awed than anything... what the fuck... small people ]
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You sound like War, now. [(war voice) CHILDREN?] Children aren't always easy to work with, but I wouldn't say there are problems with them. If anything, adults are the ones with problems more often than not.
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Is that why you teach? So the children can learn something?
[ so that their brains aren't potatoes... ]
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[No potato brains on his watch...]
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[ they yawn ]
But there are worse callings in life.
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[He thinks it is Necessary. There's a little wryness to his smile for a second at the second part, but given the yawn:]
If you're tired, you really ought to get back to bed and not spend the night sleeping in the garden. I apologize for calling on you so late.
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[ just asks... they shake their head though ]
No, I'm just enduring the customer service part of the job. Once you're all done asking for us, I'll get to work to see if there's anything to circumvent the blood payment and save the cowboy... [ they clearly fail ]
Or to disrupt the Monday ritual... There's still too much to do...
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[The optimistic belief that you are raising people to be better humans! And also Necessary. NOT THE FAILED COWBOY RESCUE PLAN THOUGH GIRL HELP. ALSO WHERE'S THE SLEEP IN THIS PLAN. His brow furrows a little. This can probably be seen in his general expression if not in his eyebrows.]
I see... Please find the time to rest when you're able, then. Overworking isn't good for the mind or body, especially in difficult situations.
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[ they don't know anything about teaching, so they'll just have to accept that ]
Rest can come after all of you are safe and returned home. There is no more worthwhile reason to work oneself than to ensure the lives of others.
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Politely:] That's very important and something we would all like to see happen, but a person can only withstand so much... Unless you're able to go without basic necessities?
[War can make people fly and Pestilence is apparently on the brink of returning to the sea ala seafoam and Death was a furry so he thinks Famine is maybe also a bozo.]
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If the name did not indicate as much, I know how to survive on little.
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