major_west: (crazy in the rain)
major_west ([personal profile] major_west) wrote2010-01-31 04:19 pm

122 - WHOA THERE finally addressing some flood issues

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 all. My death would have brought peace, a darkness, whatever it is those who do not end up on the Barge receive... and nothing more.

In light of that, I must admit that I've even less reason to repent. I'm quite attached to consciousness, to simply being and feeling alive, even if it's in death here.

Survival is all that matters.

Private

[identity profile] inhumandog.livejournal.com 2010-02-01 01:53 am (UTC)(link)
Fine. They were his tendencies. And yes, Sexby did deliver the final blow, but...

I do not know why this is even a discussion. I am starting to feel this entire exercise is futile.

Private

[identity profile] major-west.livejournal.com 2010-02-01 02:04 am (UTC)(link)
Then don't think of it as an exercise.

Six months ago, when I started the riot, one of my friends was attacked and tortured by the Master because she was in the wrong place, at the wrong time, and he took it as a window of opportunity. Several people died. My own Warden was shot. If I blamed myself for everything that happened while others were abusing the situation, I'd never get any sleep.

Private

[identity profile] inhumandog.livejournal.com 2010-02-01 02:12 am (UTC)(link)
So where does the responsibility rest? On the individual person? If they go along with what is said, then it is their fault?

If they are willing to do what is asked, then the blame rests solely on their shoulders, not the one who issued the order...or request?

Private

[identity profile] major-west.livejournal.com 2010-02-01 02:25 am (UTC)(link)
I believe it's different based upon the situation. If a man enters into a situation knowing full-well of the risks he's about to undertake and being under no obligation accept, then yes, I believe responsibility lies on his shoulders.

When somebody is dependent upon you, or ignorant, or... your subordinate, it's different. I will always feel responsibility for the deaths of my men, but they were my soldiers. I wasn't yours. The actions of a knowing volunteer and an insane zealot are not on your hands.

Private

[identity profile] inhumandog.livejournal.com 2010-02-01 02:37 am (UTC)(link)
Ah. Well, thank you, Major. I think this has been a great help.

Private - I DO NOT TRUST THAT SMILE

[identity profile] major-west.livejournal.com 2010-02-01 02:38 am (UTC)(link)
You're welcome.

Private - You really...really shouldn't. West just justified EVERYTHING Iago does...

[identity profile] inhumandog.livejournal.com 2010-02-01 02:44 am (UTC)(link)
I have one final question for you, however.

Do you really believe that, if you leave this Barge, the only option is to die?

Private - West is a horrible jerk with MESSED UP MORALS, so the Marquis picked the wrong dude :c

[identity profile] major-west.livejournal.com 2010-02-01 02:48 am (UTC)(link)
I have no home to return to, so it would seem that the best option for me is to "retire" to a world somewhere and wait to die all over again. At least here, there is the assurance that I'd come back.
Edited 2010-02-01 02:50 (UTC)

Private - Iago's not complaining about it now XD

[identity profile] inhumandog.livejournal.com 2010-02-01 02:52 am (UTC)(link)
That does seem quite unappealing.

Especially as I have nowhere to go, either.

Private

[identity profile] major-west.livejournal.com 2010-02-01 04:33 pm (UTC)(link)
What do you intend to do about that, then? The wardens insist that the best option is to become one of them.

Private

[identity profile] inhumandog.livejournal.com 2010-02-01 10:55 pm (UTC)(link)
I would rather not answer that. This conversation is already too dangerous.