I didn't think about it that closely. It was instinct to not want her to die simply because she was there and vulnerable. I had a notion the trap door passage might lead to her cell since the lever affected both, and that I might be able to get her out that way.
A few years ago, and with memories intact, I would have killed her to escape. These days, depending on the circumstances, I wouldn't let her die if there was another way, but if I had ten seconds to get into the next room or else the Earth explodes, then neither her life nor my feelings are the most important thing in that moment. Since there wasn't any sort of extreme situation like that, however, simply stacking the boxes and not killing her seems the most reasonable approach.
I'd hate to be in a position where someone killed me just because it was too much a pain in the arse not to. I mean, I think I'm worth the effort, even the person is a stranger and doesn't know it yet.
Do you really still believe that? Because the thing is, when it comes down to it, the people who really have the ability to do significant culling are balding middle-aged ministers with expanding waistlines and shrinking ethics. And they aren't strong, they're just powerful.
[He wonders if there's a way he can ask Jacob to stay and guard his door without admitting that he feels irrationally anxious. Miss Florbelle is locked up. No one's going to break into his cabin. But his pulse won't settle and he can't sleep.]
[Fortunately for Norton, Jacob has no intention of going anywhere and wasn't even going to ask. He sits back in his chair, Mae beside him, and lounges there idly.]
You'll be alright.
Go make some tea. Take a nap. Do your nails, I don't know. Whatever you need to do to relax. I'll stay a while.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2024-12-15 08:23 pm (UTC)Pull the lever again.
Both are smart, but you were obviously not supposed to kill the prisoner.
I'd kill her, though. You get out and then what? You have to figure out a way to get back in and save her. It doesn't make sense to go back.
[He shrugs.]
no subject
Date: 2024-12-15 08:42 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-12-15 09:30 pm (UTC)Why didn't you just kill her? She was going to die anyway. And you didn't know her.
no subject
Date: 2024-12-16 01:22 am (UTC)A few years ago, and with memories intact, I would have killed her to escape. These days, depending on the circumstances, I wouldn't let her die if there was another way, but if I had ten seconds to get into the next room or else the Earth explodes, then neither her life nor my feelings are the most important thing in that moment. Since there wasn't any sort of extreme situation like that, however, simply stacking the boxes and not killing her seems the most reasonable approach.
no subject
Date: 2024-12-16 01:54 am (UTC)[He shrugs.]
Maybe, without my memories, I would have tried to save her. Sounds like something I would have done.
no subject
Date: 2024-12-16 03:33 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-12-16 03:34 am (UTC)The weak have their place, but - it is up to the strong to thin the herd.
no subject
Date: 2024-12-16 04:32 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-12-17 01:53 am (UTC)And didn't you tell me about different kinds of strengths? That's a different strength - power.
no subject
Date: 2024-12-17 05:09 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-12-17 11:21 am (UTC)[And now Jacob has his own issues with it, but that doesn't stop him from clinging to it.]
Anyway, that's my answer.
no subject
Date: 2024-12-18 05:10 am (UTC)[He wonders if there's a way he can ask Jacob to stay and guard his door without admitting that he feels irrationally anxious. Miss Florbelle is locked up. No one's going to break into his cabin. But his pulse won't settle and he can't sleep.]
no subject
Date: 2024-12-18 10:08 am (UTC)You'll be alright.
Go make some tea. Take a nap. Do your nails, I don't know. Whatever you need to do to relax. I'll stay a while.