Welp We're Here and That's What Matters

[ahelpingpaw]

[Perhaps it's tradition by now, he doesn't know. Still, he does send a note to everyone some time after the trial. Simple and to the point:]

Because everything on this ship is awful, I think a drink is needed. Come get some at the bar, it'll do you some good as long as you don't drink too much

Filbo (pawprint)

[Indeed, if you come to the bar you'll find there's one of everything. Filbo seems to have asked literally every drink he knows or has at least heard about, and lined them up from the most mellow to the strongest. There's one of each, so it's limited, take yours before it's gone! Or...ask Jimmy Buffett for more, he's right there.

Should he be encouraging drinking? He's not completely certain, but he had to do something! And this is as good as anything -- not festive because this is no time to be festive, but also social enough to encourage coming.

This will do.]

Comments

[scouserer]

Well, it's better than anything I'd be able to play, that's for sure.

[He pauses, mulling over his decision.]

You happen to know the Moonlight Sonata? I dunno if it's even a thing in your world.

[jibunwo]

...I'm familiar, actually.

[it's a complete crapshoot what media does and doesn't exist in this godforsaken canon but nothing says no]

[So, sure enough, he paused before changing to a different tune.]

The first movement's a little dismal, but perhaps that's more suited to the mood at present.

[scouserer]

If you don't mind me saying, I think we're well past the point of 'a little' dismal.

[He stands and listens for a bit, allowing the music to wash over him.]

I don't know what to think of today. It all just seemed...seemed like an exercise in futility.

[jibunwo]

[Lelouch was silent at first, single uncovered eye wandering back to his device before lowering to the keys again.]

Not long before I came here, there was a Britannian princess who had the means and intent to end the conflict that necessitated the formation of the Black Knights. It wouldn't have dismantled the empire itself, but it would have given countless innocent people the ability to live peaceful lives. But something went wrong at a critical moment, and in the aftermath she was killed and her reputation destroyed. Everything she did was out of the honest desire of a kind heart, but she'll be remembered as a monster.

...I can't help but think of her now. The world doesn't care anything for one's intent or desire; it's a cold and unfair place to live in, and always has been.

But we're still alive. Nothing is over until every last one of us is wiped out--or worse, when those remain lose their will to fight back. Though it pains me more than I can say, I know now as I did then that things have to continue, else all the bloodshed up to now will have been utterly in vain. And I can not devalue people like Sara and Freyja by allowing myself to collapse.

[scouserer]

[Constantine nods numbly, taking in Zero's words.]

The world is cold and unfair--and that's why we have to make it more fair.

[His words are quiet, but firm. He watches Zero for a few moments, an unreadable expression on his face.]

You're right, of course. We have to push on for the sake of everyone else who's died. But if all of us die at the hands of the Captain, it'll be for naught. I just feel like we need more time.

[A pause. He lets out a snort.]

Funny thing to say while we're stuck in a time loop, huh?

[jibunwo]

That's precisely why 'Zero' was created--to make the world a better place. That, at least, is something I'm used to fighting for.

[He glanced up with a small smirk, hands still moving easily along the keys.]

We may be short on time and under more pressure than one could ordinarily bear. But our goals are not yet impossible. A path to victory still exists, we need only the tenacity and courage to seek it out. And if Jack really has been resetting the board like Scott seems to believe, then that's going to be a mistake on his part as well. We may win or we may lose this time, but he will not be victorious forever.

[scouserer]

[Constantine nods in agreement and then pauses, suddenly--caught on something that Zero just said.]

Wait--what do you mean, "resetting the board"?

[Has Scott been saying things??? That are comprehensible?????]

[jibunwo]

[weird, right?]

He seems to be under the impression that this isn't the first time we've done this whole thing. Given the nature of the looping time, it's...plausible as a theory, but I harbor several doubts. Still, if that is the case, it's a terrible idea on Jack's part.

[scouserer]

[A pause.]

No--No, actually, that seems to line up with what he's after.

[He puts his hands in his pockets, frowning deeply.]

I spoke with him the other day--he got a tip about an apparent source of power and loot, and I think that's what this whole cruise is about. If he's doing things over and over again, it's not without reason--and I assume this has something to do with trying to find it. Knowing him, he wouldn't care about a few dead people if it meant his personal gain.