44th Insane Speech // Voice

[liebe_krieg]

I have been thinking about monsters.

The question of what humanity there may be found in monsters has already been asked and discussed many times. Do they have a soul, are they capable of love, and other romantic notions. [The Major can be heard scoffing] My interest is focused on the other side of the coin: what depths a human being may sink to before they receive the label ‘monster.’

One hears it thrown about of course: ‘you monster! You fiend! You mad demon!” [Laughter] Such vicious rhetoric! But do the people who say that really mean someone is devoid of all humanity? That they lack the things which truly make a genuine human?

A claim like that carries great implications, you know. A brief look at the history of humanity shows that a great many of us have done things which might prompt some to cry ‘monster!’ Would it follow then, that a significant portion of humans on this Earth have never been human at all? Whatever would that mean for the concept of ‘human?’

These questions are of keen interest to me. And part of that interest is what you think on the matter.

Comments

[liebe_krieg]

Ah, you are another refugee from the past, then. [Looking at that look] But not so far that you experienced the war. You must have read about it though, didn't you? About the crowds that got going in those days.

[backatthehotel]

Nah. My da, though. Anzio.

[Brief sadness, shaken off and replaced by nervous enthusiasm.]

Yeah. I've seen -- I've watched movies. Newsreels. It's a fantastic spectacle. Everything about it. [But this is the kind of gushing that most people don't like to hear. He makes a face as he remembers that.] Which doesn't excuse any of it.

[He pulls his knee up to his chest. Just coincidentally showing off his well-worn boots... his jackboots.]

But I'm an entertainer, you know? I've got to appreciate it for that.

[liebe_krieg]

Anzio! Ahhhh... your father must have experienced pure, grinding, muddy Hell then. Only very strong soldiers could make it through ordeals like that.

[The Major sees the face, the beginning of the gushing, and immediately wants more, wants to encourage what he sees] 'Spectacle' really is the word though, isn't it? The choreography of marching millions, the symphony of a thousand cannons, the fireworks of a world in flames. There is no shame for any entertainer to appreciate such a show. It is only a reasonable reaction to what is on display.

[backatthehotel]

That's how I've heard it.

[The returned enthusiasm. Not what he expected. He licks his lips, trying to work something out. Careful, careful...]

Most people, they'd say there was. Some things you're not supposed to go around appreciating. But you make it sound like you've got some personal experience, yourself.

[liebe_krieg]

[Cagily:]

Personal experience? Yes, you could say that. I am also a refugee of the past, like you. Except from a bit further back.

[backatthehotel]

[You could be smart here, Pinkerton. You could. Or you could be very, very stupid. He fishes out a cigarette and lights up.]

It's a hell of a thing, innit? Just getting -- [a hand gesture] -- and everything's different. World's passed you by. Forty, sixty, seventy years.

Always been interested in history.

[...stupid it is.]

[liebe_krieg]

A wise interest to have. There is always so very much to be interested in! I have been fortunate, in that regard. The Porter took me from the year nineteen-ninety-nine. Only a decade of the world passed me by when I came here. [The Major says this offhandedly despite looking like he's in his early thirties. The benefits of Nazi mad science.]

I have witnessed and experienced every day of the twentieth century's history since the day I was born. It has been a truly spectacular show to watch.

I could tell you about it, if you would like. It would be my pleasure to help you pursue your interests.

[backatthehotel]

Ninety-nine? You don't look it. Not gonna lie, I'm jealous. That's the kind of opportunity I'd jump at. Just to get to see the changes. Everything firsthand. There's so much you can't get any other way, I think.

...I think the pleasure there would be mine.

[liebe_krieg]

Lovely. Then perhaps we should meet sometime, and you will allow an old soldier to spin you some tales. I think it will be most educational.

[OOC: Sorry for the delay, I've been really busy this week! Would you like to log this next week?]

[backatthehotel]

That'd be fantastic. You'll lemme know what's convenient for you, I suppose? [Just guessing there should be some discretion, here.]

((No worries! Life happens. I'd love to do a log -- you'll let me know when you're good for it?))

[liebe_krieg]

I will be in touch when I am able. [Because being a wanted terrorist puts a crimp in social scheduling] It would be easier if I had a name to put to you, entertainer.

[backatthehotel]

Floyd Pinkerton. Stage name, Pink Floyd.