Camp: private conversations

[backspacing]

Respond here for a private conversation with Red! All comment threads are screened.

Comments

[fallbymyhands]

[a breath]

You said. . . you wished to see as many of us return home healthy and whole as possible.

If that is true-- and I believe it is now-- then. . . will you tell me what you can?

[backspacing]

...

[She takes the time to consider this.]

...When your time here at camp is at an end, I will tell you.

[fallbymyhands]

. . . and if by then, it's too late?

[backspacing]

You think you won't survive to the end?

[fallbymyhands]

[. . . she likes to think she will. no, she knows she will. she'll fight to do just that]

Even if I did, by then it would still be too late for those who don't make it that far.

[backspacing]

Which is the point. This knowledge could affect how things go here, which is why I'm not permitted to share it. But when it is over it won't matter anymore, at which point I can tell you.

[fallbymyhands]

[another frustrated noise, hissed between pursed lips and a tight expression]

How did you come to be involved in this camp, Red?

[backspacing]

I was told about it by the people running it. After hearing about it, I decided to work here.

[fallbymyhands]

But what about the job description made you accept the position?

[like, would anyone willingly read a classified ad that is "come be a counselor in murder camp, we have benefits!!" and willingly sign up?]

[backspacing]

...

[She can be very general and not give away too many details, maybe.]

This camp is run by a rather large group. They have more than enough workers to have an endless supply of counselors to this camp. Indeed, that's how it used to be: they would rotate counselors every couple of years at most. Some only stayed for one year before moving on to other projects.

I was new to the group when I first heard about the camp. I had only been a member for...maybe three weeks? Four? I hadn't even done any assignments beyond my training ones. But I heard two other workers talking about the job posting.

[Her face goes harsh there, as if the memory is particularly upsetting to her.]

They talked about the campers as if they were cattle. And they laughed about it. They were talking about creative ways to execute campers and how they would run the camp if they got picked.

So I put in for the job. Because as horrible as it is, I don't want any of you to face what could have been.

[fallbymyhands]

[. . . . . . wow]

It's. . . difficult, to consider what happened with the moose more humane than what could have been.

[she doesn't even want to imagine how Lilith may have been killed if anyone else but Red were here]

[backspacing]

If you can't imagine something worse than that, then it's probably for the best.

[fallbymyhands]

You're probably right.

[closes her eyes, and shakes her head]

What sort of organization do you work for? Can you tell me what its ultimate goals are?

[backspacing]

It's...a little difficult to categorize them, actually. You could say they're 'doing good for the sake of the world', but given how large the organization is there's bound to be a few people in it for themselves.

[fallbymyhands]

[??]

Of course. That's just how things are. But do you mean to tell me that they're doing this for a supposed greater good?

[backspacing]

Supposedly. But you can see why I question that at times, yes?

[fallbymyhands]

Absolutely.

[Lilith was KILLED BY A MOOSE, after all]

I can't imagine what greater good is achieved. . . through this.

[backspacing]

If you make it to the end, you will understand.

[fallbymyhands]

. . . I would like it for everyone to make it to the end.

Is that possible, Red?

[backspacing]

No, it's not.

[fallbymyhands]

[. . . of course]

Is there-- a way to cure people like Zaberisk?

[backspacing]

Not that we have ever found. Once they're like that, they're like that permanently.

[fallbymyhands]

[she feels her heart sink at that. and yet, in the back of her mind, she also finds herself asking: what would Jesus Arisato do?]

[he had found a way to win the unwinnable fight against Nyx. he wouldn't have stopped just because no one else had found a way to cure people like Lilith]

Just because you haven't found it doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Correct?

[backspacing]

It's possible there is a solution. But as I said, the people I work for have not found that solution.

[fallbymyhands]

Then all we must do is be better than the people you work for.

[wow that sure sounds shounen]

[even tho she isn't shounen at all]