What I might do in the future isn't something I know right now, obviously... But if it is to save someone I care about, of course I'll do whatever it takes to do so.
What? Are you saying you think these creatures could get their hands on a god like Zeus? Even my mother?
I don't know how to put it in words, teacher. What balance is means that you can't choose one extreme over the other. If you don't make a choice, then you choose neither. Is this what balance is?
When you mention yourself, are you talking about the other Chiron? I feel conflicted, myself. About a lot of things.
I follow your logic. Inaction is a choice in and of itself, and a hard one to bear. But let me put it to you like this: your inaction may save hundreds of others. Is it fair to be selfish in that instance?
Fair or not, is not acting something a hero should do? A hero has the power to change things, and to not change those things... would mean he wouldn't be remembered at all.
I cannot say on this thing. I would like to talk about it more, but in person.
But being a hero is something I am through and through. I cannot stop being a hero and doing what I feel is right, even if I've decided that I don't need to pursue eternal glory.
[There's a pause and the sound of the door unlocking. And then Chiron there, same as he ever was, although wearing a bit more of a spiffed up suit than he might otherwise be wearing.
[ Achilles himself is wearing the uniform COST has provided him. When he comes in, his eyes will naturally drift down to his legs, before he catches himself and actually laughs. ]
Hah! I still find it strange to look upon you in this form. Have you considered asking for your legs back?
[ He'll stroll in like he owns the place, already making himself comfortable by collapsing on the bed and spreading his arms out to take up most of the room. ]
As I was walking over here, I had a thought - even if we have this talk in person, COST will probably still be listening to everything we say.
[ The Regency, he says. That's a bit irksome, isn't it? But Achilles has never been the type to censor himself regardless of what he says.
He just wanted to save what he is about to say for the person he's been questioning so far. ]
I don't know if I trust the other Chiron. As a whole, I'm not sure if I should trust COST either.
Since Gallipoli, I've had so many questions. I feel as though I was sent away because I was asking too many, and now I feel even more soured.
That other man hasn't earned my loyalty like you have. You aren't the same person. And he's done nothing but make me question what his true intentions in this war are.
[ He moves to sit, hanging his head as he lets a moment of silence pass. He needs to think before he speaks, so he's being careful. As much as he doesn't trust COST, he's not about to give the enemy information that can be easily exploited. ]
Questions that he himself refused to answer.
I had begged him to give me reason to trust him, and he failed to do that.
I won't be manipulated. [ Then he finally lifts his head to hold the other's stare. ] And I won't let him endanger those I care about either.
Even if they choose it? Or if they agree with what is being done?
[The question is asked with a mild tone. But Chiron knows that he stands with himself.
There is another question, of course. What is Achilles doing here if he does not have any trust in the organization? What is gained, what is owed from his point of view?]
No, that is information I don't have, nor would I expect to have. Armies like this cannot share information at all levels. It isn't their way.
[In contrast, Chiron is the definition of calm. He can guess at where this might go, and if it means standing in opposition to Achilles again, he knows he can harden his heart and go through with the matter.]
I am asking if you intend to try and stop me if I ever err in your judgement.
[ So it's not about what he'd initially suspected or feared. Still, his expression shows something like regret, as if he's prematurely experiencing it before anything has happened. ]
If you stray from your path, it would be my duty to stop you.
But I believe you would do the right thing no matter what. It wouldn't come to that.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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What? Are you saying you think these creatures could get their hands on a god like Zeus? Even my mother?
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Zeus is already an ally of the Regency. It would be foolish to do this to allies.
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But you're still worried about that possibility, aren't you.
Why else would you tell me you're disturbed?
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This place has that effect of forcing one's mind to run through various scenarios such as these.
And you asked.
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Should we be helping these people?
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I trust myself implicitly, Achilles. My answer of yes is fraught with bias.
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Is this what balance is?
When you mention yourself, are you talking about the other Chiron?
I feel conflicted, myself. About a lot of things.
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Yes, that's who I'm referring to.
Where does your conflict lie?
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I cannot say on this thing.
I would like to talk about it more, but in person.
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I am in my room. Knock, I keep my door locked.
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Alright. I'll be there soon.
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He stands aside so Achilles can come in.]
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Hah! I still find it strange to look upon you in this form. Have you considered asking for your legs back?
[ He'll stroll in like he owns the place, already making himself comfortable by collapsing on the bed and spreading his arms out to take up most of the room. ]
As I was walking over here, I had a thought - even if we have this talk in person, COST will probably still be listening to everything we say.
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[Oh. He should have mentioned that. Regardless, Chiron closes the door, locks it, and inches only a few feet from it.]
The Regency is also listening to everything we say, so speak carefully.
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[ The Regency, he says. That's a bit irksome, isn't it? But Achilles has never been the type to censor himself regardless of what he says.
He just wanted to save what he is about to say for the person he's been questioning so far. ]
I don't know if I trust the other Chiron. As a whole, I'm not sure if I should trust COST either.
Since Gallipoli, I've had so many questions. I feel as though I was sent away because I was asking too many, and now I feel even more soured.
That other man hasn't earned my loyalty like you have. You aren't the same person. And he's done nothing but make me question what his true intentions in this war are.
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[Well, it's stuff that if overheard, could be used against COST. Chiron doesn't say so, but there's a little flinch in the back of his head.]
How has he done that? And what questions do you have that remain?
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Questions that he himself refused to answer.
I had begged him to give me reason to trust him, and he failed to do that.
I won't be manipulated. [ Then he finally lifts his head to hold the other's stare. ] And I won't let him endanger those I care about either.
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[The question is asked with a mild tone. But Chiron knows that he stands with himself.
There is another question, of course. What is Achilles doing here if he does not have any trust in the organization? What is gained, what is owed from his point of view?]
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[ He moves to stand now, keeping his own tone and gaze even and devoid of the passion he actually feels. ]
What we talked about earlier, about whether or not a hero should remain inactive for the sake of keeping order.
That applies to all this.
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[Chiron isn't moving.]
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[ He's bowing his head, now. He lets out a laugh that's too sharp to be good-natured.
His voice is now completely different from before. His tone is low and rough, like a warning snarl. ]
What are you saying? Are you telling me you know what's really going on?
Then tell me! What cause are we truly fighting for? Is it really just?
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[In contrast, Chiron is the definition of calm. He can guess at where this might go, and if it means standing in opposition to Achilles again, he knows he can harden his heart and go through with the matter.]
I am asking if you intend to try and stop me if I ever err in your judgement.
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[ So it's not about what he'd initially suspected or feared. Still, his expression shows something like regret, as if he's prematurely experiencing it before anything has happened. ]
If you stray from your path, it would be my duty to stop you.
But I believe you would do the right thing no matter what. It wouldn't come to that.
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[There's a flicker of genuine curiosity there in Chiron's eyes.]
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