two: video

[ex_mostlyarmless446]

[Connors is pacing around his room at NOHoPE, walking in and out of frame. When he walks in the frame, it's obvious to those who know him that something is wrong. The pacing starts off slow, but slowly becomes more and more frantic. His hair is disheveled-aside from that, he seems somewhat normal.]

You know, it was never a bad idea. A world without weakness. Everyone equal. Everyone finally on the same playing field. No more side-stepping around awkward situations, no more 'I'm sorry, I forgot, let me get that for you, Dr. Connors,' no more people treating you like you're something weak, something inferior, something- [a dark chuckle] Something less than human.

[The pacing becomes a bit more frantic, but Connors's voice still continues in a low, equal tone.]

I'm thinking of taking it back up once I get out of this cell. Get my old job back, work on cross-species regeneration, finally iron out the damn kinks and get the thing to work properly. I deserve this. [There's a pause, and Connors stops pacing.] And it wouldn't be that bad if I became that thing again. After all, I was strong. I could do so much.

[Connors turns to the camera, bitter scowl on his face.]

What do you think, City? Do I deserve a second chance? Or should the good doctor just slither back to where he came and leave well enough alone?

[Whoopsie doo, someone is totally affected by the Shadow Witch plot. Still scowling, Connors turns off the camera]

Comments

permavoice;

[uzi]

I think you're foolish to ask that question of everyone else.

permavid

[ex_mostlyarmless446]

What makes you say that?

[uzi]

Everyone in this City operates under a different code and context. You can never really deserve a second chance, just prove it was worth it once you've got one.

[ex_mostlyarmless446]

So that's your code and context. But what about everybody else's?

[uzi]

It doesn't matter. I'm telling you to set your own.

[ex_mostlyarmless446]

I'm allowed to be interested in others opinion.

[uzi]

Will their opinions sway yours, or are you already decided?

[ex_mostlyarmless446]

Now what kind of scientist would I be if I already decided on my conclusion before taking the samples?

[uzi]

One with a mind of his own.

[ex_mostlyarmless446]

One who would be looking for answers instead of seeing where the answers led.

[uzi]

You'll do that, anyway. There's no way to stop yourself.

[ex_mostlyarmless446]

Speaking from experience or just from idle curiosity?

[uzi]

Acute observation.

[ex_mostlyarmless446]

Hmmph.

Personally, I don't think it's foolish. Asking others what they think is always a good strategy, especially with something as...mutable as my situation. But I don't think I'll change your mind anytime soon.

[uzi]

_{( A verbal shrug. )} Morality is complicated, easily convinced. At the end of the day it doesn't matter how you come by your conclusions, only what they are and what that means.

[ex_mostlyarmless446]

After all, hemming and hawing doesn't change what actually happens.

[uzi]

And for all we like chatting on the Network, I think Cityzens are people who value action.

[ex_mostlyarmless446]

I know I certainly am.

[uzi]

Then act, and we'll see what comes of it.

[ex_mostlyarmless446]

[A dark chuckle.] You might not like it.

[uzi]

If I don't, I'll do something about it.

[ex_mostlyarmless446]

I'd love to see that.

[uzi]

And I'd love to prove to you how foolish it is to say that.

[ex_mostlyarmless446]

Is that a challenge, Ms. Chang? You might regret such actionsss.

[yeah, he hisses a bit on the 's'.]