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[lifetothefullest]

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[lifetothefullest]

[Oh, hm. Definitely a different issue than Lance was expecting, and one he's slightly unclear about; not that not wanting to be in the military part--he gets that perfectly well--but if it would end up being a problem.]

That's understandable, but would it be necessary to be involved in the war if you went there? I know things are very... Militaristic in Ephemera's world, but even in the military there are noncombatants that assist in medical efforts, rebuilding, that sort of thing.

[braveoff]

That's the thing. Everyone on that planet is a combatant, even the medics. Apparently most of their army is kids since the war's been going on so long. Anyone who can hold a gun gets tossed into it.

[ He breathes out, thinking. ]

I don't expect to show up and be an exception. But I don't know if I could handle it, either.

[lifetothefullest]

[Ugh, of course that would be the situation. Can't expect children and doctors not to also take part in the fighting, right?]

That's... Unfortunate, but makes sense.

[And that said--]

You have good reason to be concerned, and it isn't wrong to be unwilling to participate.

[Even if that means it creates a conflict about whether or not to go to Ephemera's world.]

[braveoff]

It might not even be possible for me to go, and we could be stuck here for years before it's an option anyway, so the logical part of me is saying I shouldn't be worrying about this yet. But I am. I can't get those ruins out in the desert off my mind, I just keep thinking of who used to live in them and how they must have died. What it'd be like to be in the middle of that kind of fight.

[lifetothefullest]

If it does end up being possible, you may not have much time to decide. Thinking about your options in advance is a good idea, and not just for practical reasons; it's better to work through it and have a plan in place for your own mental and emotional benefit.

[That's all essentially professional advice, but the next part is much more just Lance.]

But if you're feeling so conflicted, particularly on an emotional level, you may already know what decision to make.

[braveoff]

You think I should tell him I can't go, huh?

[ He shakes his head, because that was the first panicked thought to pop into his head and he's already dismissed it. This is too important to bail on. ]

There must be some way to brace for it. What would I have done if there was a draft back home, right?

[lifetothefullest]

I didn't say that, but the fact that you did is telling.

[He isn't saying that in the psychologist way, just as an observation, although--]

But yeah. That seems to be, from my viewpoint, what you want to do.

[He shakes his head a little at the last question, though it isn't completely a rejection of the topic.]

A draft in a world like either of ours would be a very different situation, for many reasons. It's likely not comparable.

Why is the only choice Ephemera's world, though?

[braveoff]

It's not what I want. It's what I'm scared of.

[ Why? Drake scrubs at his face for a moment, then leans forward with his elbows braced on his knees. ]

When we met, all he wanted was to go home and finish what he'd started. I've spent months hoping he'd decide not to go back after all, and instead he came up with something better. Something that'll actually have meaning. It's a good idea, Lance.

[lifetothefullest]

[Lance is quiet, listening, and watching Drake's body language; he isn't really convinced by his words, especially not with the entire conversation so far.

But he let out a long, quiet breath, before deciding to ask--]

Do you want me to respond professionally, or personally?

[Because there will be a big difference, and it's only fair to give Drake the chance to clearly decide which he wants.]

[braveoff]

[ Oh geez. If there's that much of a difference between them maybe he should go with professional. But Lance's personal opinion might take both their feelings into account. Drake winces a little. ]

I don't suppose you'd let me hear both?

[lifetothefullest]

[Lance offers a small shrug at that.]

The professional advice would involve some more questioning first, but generally ask you to examine more carefully your motivations for making this decision, and if you truly believe it's as good a choice--let alone the best choice--as you're stating considering you have such strong reservations.

[And all of that said--]

Personally, I'd ask you if any number of positives about the situation could outweigh the possibility of having to participate in a war.

[And everything that goes with it, because no matter how in the 'right' one since might be--and who knows how much that's the case here--horrible things happen and are done in wars. The moral issue isn't one to ignore.]

[braveoff]

[ Examining his motivations and weighing the positives, huh? That sounds... difficult. At least it's a starting point. ]

I guess I've got a lot of thinking to do. But this is too complicated for a pro/con list.

[lifetothefullest]

It is, especially as one single aspect can outweigh all the others, on either side.

[There's another issue to consider as well.]

Have you spoken with Ephemera about your concerns?

[braveoff]

[ Ah, he knew that question was coming. Drake shakes his head, looking vaguely guilty. ]

No. I don't want him to think I'm backing out before we even know if it's possible, when I'd rather just find a way to make it through. But on the other hand, I don't want to lead him on either.

[lifetothefullest]

This is a decision that should be made together, not just because you're a couple but because it will affect both of you.

[In many different ways.]

[braveoff]

How do you mean?

[lifetothefullest]

Whether you do or don't go with Ephemera, back to his world, it will directly impact his life going forward. In particular, if you go with him but hate it there and regret what you have to do because of it, that will take a toll whether consciously or subconsciously.

[braveoff]

Oh. Yeah, that would really suck. It's a risk with going anywhere, though, even with staying here. I know you're right. I just wish I could--

[ Wait. He could know the future. It would just require talking to Wash's people. ]

[lifetothefullest]

What is it?

[Because obviously he just thought of or realized something.]

[braveoff]

Maybe Carolina knows how it ends.

[lifetothefullest]

Would it be safe to ask her?

[Because Lance hasn't spoken to her yet and had a chance to judge anything for himself, and so can only go by Ephemera's warnings.]

[braveoff]

...safe? Yeah. My issue would be telling her why I want to know.

Look, I love him, but Ephemera is incredibly biased about these guys. Even if they were exactly like he says once, they're not now. He's only just figured that out with Washington, and I think Carolina's going to be harder for him... but she seems okay, to me. Actually, way less of a threat than Wash.

[lifetothefullest]

I'm aware that Ephemera's biased, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be cautious

[Not just with them, but with everyone in Hadriel; so many people here seem to come from places where violence is a first resort and life is not particularly valued, and so asking a relative stranger a bunch of questions about their world can be risky at best.]

However, you know them better than me, so if you feel it's a viable option then it's worth trying. The more information the better when it comes to making a decision.

[braveoff]

I don't know about it being a viable option. I think it's safe, but she might not tell me anything. She isn't exactly cuddly, and I'm sure she'd want to know why I'm asking first.

[lifetothefullest]

Either way, you should speak with Ephemera first. Both about your concerns, and the idea of asking Carolina about the future.

[Not that Drake has to make his decisions based on what Ephemera says about them, but as a couple it's something they should talk about. And considering Lance doesn't know Carolina--or any of them at all other than Washington--he really can't give Drake any advice on whether to talk to her or not.]