keeps_a_cool_head | Log 0020

It is with confidence I report that the native species here are generally of a friendlier nature. Their food is tolerable and they are easily persuaded to provide it to strangers.

They seem armed with rudimentary weapons. Theoretically any one of us could launch a successful attack and come away with minimal casualties.

If the need should arise, of course.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

From:

walkingmeltdown

Well, if we're being technical, that was a metaphor.

But admittedly one that it is all too apt as to how I view my physical state. It's an ailment, a disability. Something that needs to be fixed or at the very least worked around.

From:

keeps_a_cool_head

You're needlessly victimizing yourself. What you think of as a weakness can also be your greatest strength.

From:

walkingmeltdown

[That gets a sharp pause out of him, because 'victimizing'? Really, Scorpius?]

Some strengths require sacrifices in order to maintain. And this is one that comes with too hefty a pricetag.

From:

keeps_a_cool_head

And what price would that be?

From:

walkingmeltdown

I can't help feeling I would have to reinvent myself completely, in order to make this fit in. Changing the way I self-identify.

[His words are more curt, now. You know how he feels bout change when it comes to himself.]

From:

keeps_a_cool_head

Make no mistake, Derek: you've changed already. Changing your perception of yourself only means that you cease lying about what you are.

From:

walkingmeltdown

[Those words hit a different button Scorpius may not have even intended -- because him having already changed, personality wise, thinking wise, is the red letter issue for the day around here.

He's been trying so hard to fight the battle that nothing has been done to him that he isn't capable of undoing.

But by the time this port is coming along, he's teetering on the edge of having to acknowledge he's lost that battle. Still stubbornly trying to cling though, white-knuckled.]

And what about you? Do you find that so natural to accept, when something comes along that threatens to shake you up at the foundation?

Or do you stand your ground?

From:

keeps_a_cool_head

If something were to shake my foundation, I would retreat, adjust my tactics, and come at the problem anew.

It's all an adjustment.

From:

walkingmeltdown

It's all about persistence, then, is it? But then what about pride?

From:

keeps_a_cool_head

Pride has its place, when negotiating with those who can be intimidated into backing down.

But I will always sacrifice pride for results.

From:

walkingmeltdown

It's not nearly so easy a sacrifice for me -- especially when I find the results cannot actually be certain.

From:

keeps_a_cool_head

What has your pride ever given you that sacrifice would not have given you faster?

From:

walkingmeltdown

'Pride' isn't necessarily a thing that gives you anything. It's something you've earned.

And I have a marked distaste for having things that I worked for taken from me.

From:

keeps_a_cool_head

Pride is too fragile a thing to hold onto for very long. I would separate your attachment to it, if I were you.

From:

walkingmeltdown

Once burned, twice shy? [That might sound like a non sequitar to Scorpius. But he thinks he might be getting a hint of the voice of experience, there.]

From:

keeps_a_cool_head

Not at all.

Simply experience speaking.

From:

walkingmeltdown

That's more or less what I was saying...but never mind. I won't ask.

From:

keeps_a_cool_head

Ah. The human expression threw me.

From:

walkingmeltdown

How long have you been hanging around us humans, Scorpius? Maybe we need to work a little bit harder on catching you up.

From:

keeps_a_cool_head

Not long enough, apparently. Your idioms don't translate well.

From:

walkingmeltdown

Yes, well, they're idioms. They never do.

From:

keeps_a_cool_head

A fair point. But I am learning some.

From:

walkingmeltdown

We'll have you reading poetry and classic literature next. Just to see what you make of it. With your outsider's perspective.

From:

keeps_a_cool_head

I would take any recommendations you care to make, Derek. We do have a library aboard this ship.

From:

walkingmeltdown

Do you want what I actually know of as significant and educational in regards to literary merit, or what I read for pleasure? Because there is...a difference.