[video - to reignite]

[rekindlenpcs]

[The feed opens to Irene sitting in her office - there's a bit of sun coming in the window behind her and spreading across the desk, making the whole room seem warm and cheery.]

Hello! For those of you that I didn't meet on the first day, my name is Irene, and I'm the city's liaison to the arrivals from other worlds. It's a pleasure to meet you!

First of all, I'd like to thank everyone for their hard work. It hasn't even been a month, and the city's energy levels are already picking up. Because of that, we expect to be able to re-energize and open the Third District to visitors soon.

But before we can do that, there's a few things that need to be done. I'm posting today to ask for volunteers to help power a number of generators throughout the district, which will then activate and negate the draining effect that is presently still active. There's three large generators and a number of smaller ones. If you are in good health and would like to participate, please gather at the bridges between Districts 2 and 3 early Sunday afternoon.

I'll also answer any questions you have about the operation at this time. Thank you again for all your help.

[She folds her hands at the bottom of the screen, waiting.]

Comments

[driftlock]

Compassion. You mean 'letting people take advantage of you.' You do that, you get a society of predators and prey.

[He recognizes it as a nice idea, but he's seen too much.]

[winged_knight]

I know how to do charity in moderation if that's what you mean. If it's not...

Do you really think a world where no one cared about anyone else would be better? Would you be happy in that world?

[Too much of the wrong side of people, it makes Wing sad. People are capable of so much more.]

[driftlock]

Right. That why you were out in the desert alone trying to figure a way to rescue all those slaves?

[Puh-leeze, Wing. Deadlock isn't quite that stupid.[

What I'd be happy in doesn't fraggin' matter. But it'd be better than being dead.

[winged_knight]

Risking one life to save dozens is a worthy risk.

[Yes, yes, he's forgetting about the all those in Crystal City he risked, but that risk is not immediate, where as the slaves need is.]

But it does. [It's soulful, the way he says it. Like it matters in a personal sense, not just an ethical one.] If you couldn't be happy, could anyone?

[driftlock]

Not if they're all losers. If they were any slagging good they wouldn't have gotten captured.

[DUH.]

Not the point. [He's not sure what the point is, anymore.] Because it's not about me, or whether I even make it.

[winged_knight]

So I am to pass judgement on them, and if I judge them "losers", I should let them die?

Would you have said the same from your position in the gutters?

[Because a lot of people probably judged him a loser then. Wing prefers to think most mechs capable of more if given a chance.]

[But oh Deadlock's willingness to put his cause above himself rings a chord in Wing, and it feel very right. Now if only the mech had the right cause.] Every life is important, has value, yours is no different.

[driftlock]

They'd let you die. Half of them would probably help that happen.

[Hence Deadlock's urge to wrap you in bubble wrap. And/or caution tape. Just to be safe, because in his mind, Wing clearly hasn't the common sense to cross the street without getting robbed.]

Hnh. You knew me back then, I'd've been one of them.

Yeah? Every life? What about yours?

[Then he frowns, aware that he's almost admitting something. Time to use Scowl of THAT MEANT NOTHING.]

[winged_knight]

So I should be just as bad as they are?

How do you make the world a better place that way Drift?

[Mind the wings please, and no wrapping too tight. Pass on the caution tape though, it clashes with his gold highlights.]

[And he sees you, evading half his questions...]

Yes. But why does that...[have a queer look Deadlock]...matter?

[driftlock]

It's not about being 'just as bad'. It's about being not stupid. Not wasting your life.

[Okay, no caution tape but he will insist on blinking warning lights.]

[Dodge parry thrust.] Your own life doesn't matter to you?

[winged_knight]

How is helping others wasting my life?

[Make them gold and it's a deal.]

[Also Deadlock you are acting very suspicious.]

It does... But I also want what I do with it to matter to others. To make a difference.

[¬.¬] You seem increasingly concerned with my well being Drift. [Just sayin'.]