Case # 12: Video

[19centconstable]

[George is in his room. He looks slightly dazed and has a damp washcloth pressed against his head. There is a bruise blooming underneath it.]

I'm afraid I was...indisposed.

[George shuffles his feet and there is the sound of broken glass crunching.]

But I've managed to find my trousers now. Has something happened?

Comments

private

[kingfor-aday.livejournal.com]

George, please.

Sveta told me not to apologise to her. I still did, but you've got nothing to apologise for.

I got the impression this might have been how it was always going to end. I don't think she wanted anyone else hurt in her defence.

And I know that's awful.

Re: private

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

All the same: I broke my word to you, sir.

Re: private

[kingfor-aday.livejournal.com]

I broke my word to all of you. I told you all I could fix it.

I failed in that. So, if anything, consider it even, if you really must.

Re: private

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

I still believe you could have done. If I had managed to do my part.

Re: private

[kingfor-aday.livejournal.com]

George.

Please, don't feel guilty. Please. You didn't want her dead, you did as much as you could.

I'm asking you, please. It's alright.

Re: private

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

If you say, sir. I still vow to make it up to you somehow.

Re: private

[kingfor-aday.livejournal.com]

Alright. Make it up to me like this.

Tell me I'm not inhuman, or a monster, or any of this, for letting others suffer whilst protecting her.

But only tell me if it's true.

Re: private

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

Of course you aren't any of that. When someone has an illness, you don't simply kill them to keep them from becoming catching, you try to treat them, for however long it takes.

Re: private

[kingfor-aday.livejournal.com]

Do you think I did it because she's Sveta, or because it's right?

[He's not really doubting his own morality. Just needs it confirmed.]

Re: private

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

I think you'd have done the same for any of us.

Re: private

[kingfor-aday.livejournal.com]

And I'm not a hypocrite?

Re: private

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

If a hypocrite is someone who doesn't believe others should be killed, then I am one as well.

Re: private

[kingfor-aday.livejournal.com]

Some people would argue that I let people be killed to keep her alive.

Re: private

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

I don't think that's a sound argument.

Re: private

[kingfor-aday.livejournal.com]

...Thank you, George.

Re: private

[19centconstable.livejournal.com]

Of course.