week 0, tuesday evening

[disilluded]

[HI BELPH wherever you are, Sousei is here to bother you now.... nice. (Getting plastered in the dining hall, thanks, Belph.)

He's also got his arms crossed behind his back, posture perfectly straight, but he'll approach anyway.]

Pensive? Or merely drinking for sport?

[Sup.]

Comments

[axilium]

[belph looks up from his drink. in spite of all the alcohol he's ingested, he doesn't seem drunk, at least.

he smiles.]

Do you think I'm drowning my sorrows away?

[disilluded]

No.

[Not yet.]

Though I suppose drinking to think is rather oxymoronic, I am not unfamiliar with the practice.

[For people other than the straightedge Abe no Sousei.]

[axilium]

Some people claim that their minds get sharper while drunk.

... Of course, that's probably just wishful thinking, though.

[disilluded]

I would imagine so, yes.

[Honestly.]

Wishful thinking that way comes from those who would like to dull their sorrows in alcohol.

[axilium]

Maybe! I wouldn't know, because I don't get drunk.

[disilluded]

How convenient. [Dryly.]

Let us hope that skill holds true for you, because this would be a very poor time to become intoxicated.

[axilium]

Sure, Dad.

[disilluded]

[Ugh.]

Do not call me that. You do not have to act as though I am being unreasonable for my concern in this.

[axilium]

I don't know about that. In a situation like this, which we've been thrown right into? Some might argue that concern for others is a little jarring.

[disilluded]

The situation has not changed my own personal set of morals.

[Frankly!!]

If such a threat could, I would be concerned as to the sort of person I am.

[axilium]

And what sort of person would that be?

[disilluded]

I would hesitate to attempt to describe myself.

[That sounds hideously arrogant, but--]

However, my duty has always been first and foremost to my country and to protect civilians. There appear to be many here, so it would appear my duty has been extended.

[axilium]

Is that so? Great—I'm a civilian, so would that apply to me?

[disilluded]

Yes.

[Simply. No matter how much of a pain in the ass you are--]

Civilians are not meant to be placed in situations such as this. Naturally, you are to be protected.

[axilium]

... Even if my life is tied to someone you might have bad blood with?

[disilluded]

I suppose I should not be surprised that it is that obvious.

[Sousei crosses his arms, expression contemplative.]

... Yes, even then. Petty grudges have no place here. Lives are not to be weighed on a scale of "worthy" or "unworthy"--though I have personal reasons to dislike him, I wish to see him in chains in prison, not murdered. Your life, though connected to his, is in no danger from me.

[axilium]

Good to know. I mean, I'd sure hate it if I had to die just because either of you was a grudgewanker.

[disilluded]

I imagine anyone would be rather irritated by that.

[Understatement.]

Regardless, I have no intentions of that.

[axilium]

I'll hold you to that, then.

But if you really mean it, then I think we'll get along just fine, bud.

[disilluded]

Yes, well... it would be most ideal if I never have to prove it, but...

[He finds that unlikely in a place like this.]

We shall see.

[axilium]

Wow, this is inspiring so much confidence.

[disilluded]

I don't intend to offer up placating words just in an attempt to inspire confidence.