Namur (
om_nom_namur) wrote in
genessia2017-01-29 06:28 pm
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Hype(?) Train [Video]
[Blue, webbed hands hold up the pretty date auction advertisement distributed through the paper.]
Look at this shit. Seriously?
[The flier gets tossed to the side, in favor of letting the camera focus on Namur's face. His teeth aren't fully bared, but there's certainly a bit more of a snap in the way he says his words.]
Come through time an' space an' differnt universes or dimensions or whatever the hell shit we gone through an' y'all still wanna auction each other off like random shit y' find in some ol' dead bloke's attic? Someone please 'splain it t' me cuz they couldn't back in Balamb. Y'all get some kinda thrill sellin' yer pals? Make y' feel powerful or some shit? Oh, 's okay cuz 's for charity, yer gonna say. Who gives a shit? Yer sellin' people!
[He pounds his fist on the table next to his communicator, making it jump. By the time the feed stops fuzzing and focuses again, he's running his fingers through his hair, trying to calm himself down because he's getting more fired up than he meant. He takes a deep breath and blows it out slowly.]
A'ight, look. Anyone still watchin'. If y' sign up for this damned thing thinkin' 's gonna be fun or whatever an' y' wind up gettin' stuck with some asshole y' ain't okay with, but yer still gonna go through with it cuz charity or whatever- call me. I'll back y' up. Don't care if I never metcha 'fore. Need a 'mergency phone call oops gotta go, I'll make that call. Need a friend happens t' be close by jus' in case, tell me where an' when, I'll be there, catch me? Seriously.
[Namur gives a sloppy but well practiced salute. Anyone familiar with SeeD will recognize it instantly.]
Peace out, peeps.
Look at this shit. Seriously?
[The flier gets tossed to the side, in favor of letting the camera focus on Namur's face. His teeth aren't fully bared, but there's certainly a bit more of a snap in the way he says his words.]
Come through time an' space an' differnt universes or dimensions or whatever the hell shit we gone through an' y'all still wanna auction each other off like random shit y' find in some ol' dead bloke's attic? Someone please 'splain it t' me cuz they couldn't back in Balamb. Y'all get some kinda thrill sellin' yer pals? Make y' feel powerful or some shit? Oh, 's okay cuz 's for charity, yer gonna say. Who gives a shit? Yer sellin' people!
[He pounds his fist on the table next to his communicator, making it jump. By the time the feed stops fuzzing and focuses again, he's running his fingers through his hair, trying to calm himself down because he's getting more fired up than he meant. He takes a deep breath and blows it out slowly.]
A'ight, look. Anyone still watchin'. If y' sign up for this damned thing thinkin' 's gonna be fun or whatever an' y' wind up gettin' stuck with some asshole y' ain't okay with, but yer still gonna go through with it cuz charity or whatever- call me. I'll back y' up. Don't care if I never metcha 'fore. Need a 'mergency phone call oops gotta go, I'll make that call. Need a friend happens t' be close by jus' in case, tell me where an' when, I'll be there, catch me? Seriously.
[Namur gives a sloppy but well practiced salute. Anyone familiar with SeeD will recognize it instantly.]
Peace out, peeps.
Re: [Video]
"False premise. I never spout...that."
[Language.]
[Video]
Hang in there, Ted.
He'll come back in a bit.]
Haaa shit. Needed a good laugh for the day. Thanks, man. 'S up t' y' if y' wanna come jaw at me in person or not.
Re: [Video]
[Ted laughs too, reflexively, and stops when the feeds cuts out. When it returns he's still warm and earnest.]
"Heh, you're entirely welcome, though the least you could do is share it."
[For one, Ted enjoys making others laugh. For another, Namur's laugh in particular is very silly and, for that reason, very infectious. Even his normal voice is comic. But any exaggeration therein is a gold mine of hilarity. Thus, why Ted was disappointed to be deprived the best of it.]
"Ah, hmm..."
[A hard decision. On the one hand, Ted enjoys livelier, three-dimensional experiences. On the other, Namur's keen senses might spoil the joke. Undoubtedly Ted's prank would be uncovered before the fullness of time. For that, perhaps video is the wiser choice.]
"Here's fine. Mm, so to start, lay out, succinctly and simply as you can, your objections to the whole thing, if you please."
[Video]
First gut reaction's that I ain't gonna sit in some shitty room watchin' my friends get auctioned off. Know it ain't a permanent thing, but the auction's real, an' for too many people the tap a that gavel's gonna determine the fate a the rest a their life. 'S a thing I swore I'd never let happen t' the people I care 'bout. 'S a thing gives me bad memories, an' bad dreams. Hell with that shit.
Two, people ain't things y' squabble an' fight over. Don't sell 'em, don't buy 'em, cuz they ain't like the random shit y' leave sittin' 'round in yer house. People got a right t' decide who they hang out with an' who they don't, an' a auction takes that 'way, even if 's jus' for a date.
Three, sounds like there's a hell of a lotta people gonna be gettin' auctioned off that ain't gone voluntarily cuz 's their own damn friends that signed 'em up without 'em knowin' 'bout it, an' then used the charity bit as leverage t' put the pressure on 'em. Do it or y' don't give a shit 'bout the... hell I don't even know who the hell gets the cash. Probly pups or homeless people or some shit. Anyway. That ain't cool. Can't make a big fuss 'bout how it ain't the same as actual slave auctions cuz everbody there's doin' it willin'ly if people's been forced int' it. Know who does that shit? Actual slavers.
Four. Gotta trust there ain't a shitload a asshats in the crowd biddin' on people jus' t' make their life hell. What if that Battler shit come 'round an' started biddin' on all the people he mutilated? That sound like fun an' games? Naw man. An' if y' think Battler's the only shitlord 'round here that'd do somethin' like that yer wrong. They're here, they're jus' sneakier 'bout it.
Five. Hate shit where people don't getta make their own choices. All they can do is jus' stand there while the fate a their date gets determined by someone else. Like. Hell, even a whore's got some say in who she sleeps with an' who she don't. Give her the creeps too much an' she can tell y' t' shove off. But naw, let's all line up an' treat our friends worse'n a pimp treats his whores. Cuz that makes sense.
[There's a pause here as he thinks again. Then he nods.]
'Kay. Think that's all a it. Whaleshit.
Re: [Video]
"Let's see if I understand all that. You say, first, that something as seemingly innocuous as a date auction may have far-reaching, far-too-indelible consequences.
Next, that it wounds the dignity of those involved.
Third, that a noble thing like charity is rendered ignoble by the application of peer pressure, or soft compulsion.
Fourth, the possibility of wolves among lambs; that is, villains in otherwise polite company.
Finally, the denial of liberty.
Is that a fair summation?"
[Video]
If y' jus' said what I done said then yeah, sure.
Re: [Video]
[Ted will optimistically assume he's got the heart of it.]
Good! Then in like manner I'll address each in turn.
For your first point, I must agree and yet approve all the more. I contend that every action, every venture, can leave scars and impressions with terrible permanency, and that the only way to avoid them is to die or perhaps not get out of bed in the morning. Fate and its markings can come from anywhere at any time.
In fact, I recall a similar line of thought you once commended to me; that of taking life's arbitrary qualities, and using them anyway. Not creation, quite, but...reincorporation?
To summarize, the 'rest of one's life' hangs on so many things that can't be picked. Is it not all the more romantic and lively for that? I'll touch on this later.
For your second, I can only say that that dignity is a little prudish. Such fussiness with oneself would never allow for something like, say, slapstick; a terrible loss for the world, I'm sure you'll agree. I can't think it much harm to debase yourself so and allow time for whomever comes your way. The dynamism and variety of it I think rather romantic, actually.
For your third, I'm afraid I'll have to bore you and simply restate that whatever the recommendations, pressures, and so on, it is, in the end, and entirely voluntary thing. Of course, it is wrong to prey upon people's weaknesses to cajole them into wickedness, but assuming wickedness from the outset is question-begging. But then, that's a hairy thing, eh? Do you mean to guard liberty for those who will not guard it themselves? Tricky business.
Your fourth is your best; that worries me too. How is it that so many villains can mingle so freely? Heh, a little ironic, considering your pirate occupation. By all rights any decent society would've hung you on sight. And yet here you are, scourge of the seas and free as a bird.
Oh I know, it's different where you're from and the connotations don't quite translate. I'm curious; what do you think can be done about it? Posting mind-readers at the door to scan all and sundry for villainous intent? I don't say this to despair, mind; goodness knows I'd like a way to rout evil before it happens. But then we're in the realm of horse sense and gut feelings; fine things, mind, but not infallible. Alas, ignorance of good and evil has yet to be solved. Some day soon, I hope.
And last of all, liberty. This, I think, is the crux of the matter, and is far too interesting to answer so straightly. So it's questions for you!
[Video]
Re: [Video]
[Namur's totally harshing his mellow, here. Too long, didn't listen, maybe? A point-by-point approach, perhaps...]
"Not difficult, exactly, but...hmm. Well, suppose one wanted to sell themselves, come what may?"
Re: [Video]
An' I'd still be tellin' people not t buy y'.
Re: [Video]
"Haha, how scrupulous! I wonder whether you give me a great compliment or everyone else great insult. I repeat: no one is there but of their own free will. No one's dragged by fetters at the absolute mercy of chance. Whoever arrives on that fateful night is there with full agreement.
Unless, of course, they are weak-minded and weak-willed people for whom even the mildest suggestion is irresistible. Is that your take? Am I alone the only one strong enough to command my own volition?"
[Video]
Re: [Video]
"Hm! Oh please. You know the adage hurled from chiding mothers the world over, I expect." He adopted a more matronly tone. "'If everyone else jumped off a bridge...' and so on. If it's as dire as you say, I doubt any compulsion, however friendly, would sway so much."
The next question had him burst out laughing.
"You're asking me about venereal perversion? Hahahaha! Ah, oh...
Mm, well, suppose I can take a crack at that too, though I doubt I'm as seasoned in the matter. Purely from a place of theory, you understand. Turning fear into arousal...there's traces of that, in masochism, where one turns the moment of submission and and enthrallment to mean utter resignation to pain from the other.
I've also read that, in primitive times where, say, a woman's fighting men--which was practically all men--were decimated by an enemy, they found it a more favorable alternative to be bed than slain. Better to submit that way than by getting one's throat cut, or something.
That reminds me of an interesting study I encountered, stating that women, especially those that are confident and seemingly well adjusted, actually have a startling preference for rape over every other fantasy..."
Ted stopped and his eyes widened, as he just then realized how dark that is.
"Eh heh, well, I don't think such illicit forces are at work at an event so innocuous, if you'll forgive some question begging. You probably know better than I how eroticism can be twisted into any shape."
[Video]
[Why you humans gotta be always making fun shit bad and bad shit good? Seriously.]
Asked cuz yer a human. An' repressed as hell.
[As the explanation continues, though, Namur's scowl deepens exponentially.]
Not really. Mean, come from a place where folk got all kinds a differnt shit made for breedin' so maybe I got a few more ideas'n most but I don't do none a that tyin' people up or makin' 'em scared shit. Tastes awful. Girl oughta be happy an' feelin' good, otherwise yer muckin' it up.
Re: [Video]
"Hah, I'll have to take your word for it." [Now, walking off cliffs? That's just crazy. Ted's tone turns somber as he's forced to consider that Namur might not be quite as perverse as he seemed.]
"I'm tempted to say you've...very innocent ideas of how some find happiness. I'm equally tempted to suggest that whoever gave you the idea that a kink was some primary motivator is pretty perverse themselves. Projection, I think that's called."
[He pauses in thought. His face brightens with a flash of epiphany; he may be close to the truth of things.]
"This reminds me of that other conversation we had, where you said that not all chose piracy. I'm interested to know how piracy chose you; that is, how did the Phoenix Pirates pick their crew? If it's how I think, it may yet reveal all."
[Video]
As for how I got caught up in piracy, jus' gonna say this. Got caught up in a buncha differnt whaleshit when I's a smolt. Piracy worked out t' be the best bet.
[There's an odd hardness in those words, and in his expression.]
Re: [Video]
He chuckled mildly. "That's a titch mystical. All right; why were the 'in' in? I assume it was something more conscious than casting lots."
[Video]
[Eyeroll.]
Sure. 'S mystical. Only them that's learned t' properly dance the Song a Silent Leagues can understand the secret words we use. If y' understood 'em, y' might have a chance.
Re: [Video]
"Pfha, I figured as much. Goodness, for pirates your talent for peculiar privacy is almost snobbish. Ah well, I think it's enough to know that there was exclusion going on; more mysta- than demagoguery. All right, another test or two and I'll have the truth of it.
Suppose two societies: a large one where you may befriend anyone you like, or a small one where, for better or worse, your companions are chosen for you. Which is better, and why?
Another test: if you could change the weather to suit you, would you?"
[Video]
An' who died an' made you professor a the year? Sounds like y' already got an opinion so how 'bout y' jus' tell me the right answer an' save us both a shitload a time?
Re: [Video]
Right, you don't like these primrose paths. [Namur's never any fun when it comes to rhetorical roundabouts.] Ahem, well, since you've outlined your objections, suppose I'll unfurl my defense of the thing.
What I am for, and what you seem to be against, is adventure. This auction is but one of a few ways in which the world, Genessia, provides them. And because it is an adventure of love; a truly romantic romance, it is open to anyone. For an adventure is a thing that comes to us; a blind and bracing bolt from the blue. It is in the not choosing that life becomes truly romantic.
This world is too full of the other thing; things we choose, things we will. For example, when was the last time you heard anyone talk of their neighbors? That would be one relation which would be thrust upon us, for better or worse. It would be organic. But of course, such things are rare; too rare. What we have is the other thing, the synthetic. People we can pick or discard at will; the self clamors on. Goodness, even the bounties never dare to attack any of us with necklaces. Suppose it's because we never engage them, except on our terms.
But the self can be quiet there; at the auction, one is free to be tossed and turned by the merry winds of fate. That world is adventurous: broad, romantic, full of discomforts and denunciations. It is uncongenial, and dramatic. For a drama to be necessary and exciting, it needs be settled without our permission. Thus, the auction's strength is in its limitations, forcing one to meet things they may not like. It sets the framework for romance.
Your bid to save those who encounter a fate they do not like, however nobly intended, is at root tame and timid. To have adventures and romance is to court peril, reward, punishment, and fulfillment. Those things must be real. Yet you're prepared to hollow the thing out and remove the unwanted side, little realizing how it spoils sport.
Now, I bear no ill will towards those who aren't suited for it. Some are tame, tired, and ought to stay home and enjoy their narrow lives as best they can; goodness knows Genessia can be too exciting. [Never experienced it himself, but he understands the concept. Theoretically.]
In summation, you've a sorry grasp of fun. Can't you see that the romance is in the risk? In the fact that one runs into they know not what? What is Genessia, if not life itself, if not the drama inherent in what we never dreamed of?
[Video]
SELLIN' PEOPLE AIN'T ROMANTIC!!! It ain't adventure an' it ain't fun! Yer sick in the damned head, Ted! An' this comin' from me! Shit, don't it say somethin' when even a gods-rotted pirate tells y' a thing ain't no good? The hell is wrong with y'?
Re: [Video]
[Ted pulled back as Namur maxed out the volume, as though the phone were repelling him with gale force winds. The fierceness of Namur's protest subdued Ted's expression, which, upon recovery, would hint at a deep and profound joy.
He knew it wasn't good to have wrath or knowingly stoke it, and yet he couldn't help but feel as though he were getting the best of Namur, in the best possible meaning of that phrase.]
"God redeem you..."[He murmured, before continuing like before with added relish.]
"Ahem, well, I confess the pecuniary component is vulgar; were it up to me I'd do something more like a drawing, rather than ceding the thing entirely to the wealthy.
Heh, while I'm glad we're agreed on the depravity of pirates, I think that makes their compunctions rather less reliable. 'To the impure, nothing is pure'.
Besides, what would you know about romance? [Ted teased] You've never even been married, despite ample opportunity! People have even told you they had fun in auctions past, yet you refuse to believe! How would you know, having never given it a fair shake?
[Video]
Shut up, Ted!
[Oh yeah, that's gonna do it.]
There's reasons I can't ever take this shit lightly or think a it as a joke or a game or okay in any kinda way. Deal with it.
Re: [Video] [Private]
"...all right, as you wish. Sorry for upsetting you."
[Oh, right, he almost forgot.]
"And so long as I'm apologizing, sorry again for signing you up for it."
[Video] [Private]
Re: [Video] [Private]