042. [Text, and one other thing.]

[explosivecombat]

[TEXT]

I've noticed that when people are asked the question of whether they would change any major events in their past, a prevalent answer seems to be "No, because everything that's happened to me and everything I've chosen to do have made me who I am today." Sometimes I find that position unbearably arrogant; who's to say that the person you could have been – as terrifying though that notion seems to be for most – wouldn't be an improvement on you are now?

Not all changes are for the better, but there's no reason to assume they'll be for the worse, either.

I hold to a general principle of not regretting anything I've done; that hasn't changed, even now. Just the same, that doesn't mean that sometimes I don't wonder what would have happened if I've chosen to do something different at critical junctures of my life, regardless of how pointless that practice actually is in reality.

The idea of seeking solidarity in such notions is also pointless, but I suppose today is good for indulging in things like that. If I have any questions to pose to the rest of you today – and I admit I didn't start this with that sort of thing in mind for once – I suppose what I want to know is whether you would change anything or not. What it is doesn't matter; I just want to know whether such doubts have crossed your mind before, whether you find it plausible or not.

At the very least those feathers from on high are good for one thing, and that's ensuring that such insipid thoughts aren't keeping me up at night; I've been sleeping surprisingly well since picking one up.


[PRIVATE MESSAGE – ARCHER]

I imagine it would be a good idea for me to let you know that I haven't simply vanished into the aether.

I'm feeling reclusive tonight; do let Isaac know I won't be around.

Comments

[explosivecombat]

But now that you're aware, they've been working out well for you...?

[cobraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa]

I still control it and I've been supplied reinforcements, so I would say so.

[He keeps looking at the other ones, but he's not sure if that would be a mistake to invade them just yet.]

[explosivecombat]

I'm assuming you saw that rather loud individual calling for blood the other day.

[cobraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa]

Let's say I didn't. What idiot dares challenge me?

[explosivecombat]

The one who thinks standing on a literal soapbox and yelling grants him the authority to institute a draft.

[cobraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa]

And here I was under the impression that someone was dealing with that particular individual.

[Damn it Jinnai, he should've just sent Blake a bomb or a gift basket full of snakes instead of listening to taking a less destructive approach to things.]

[explosivecombat]

I don't know if he's going to actually accomplish anything; it looks like a lot of useless bluster to me, frankly.

[...You know, there's probably something to be said about entrusting the bizarre screaming teenager to do anything, but Kimblee is well aware of how effective bizarre screaming teenagers can be, so...]

[cobraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa]

I'm not worried about him accomplishing anything. I can guarantee that he won't. But I am rapidly finding a new level of annoyance at his continued existence that I didn't think was possible.

[That was a little wordy for text, but there's really no better way to phrase it.]

[explosivecombat]

Ah, that isn't always a bad thing, though. Reminds us that we're alive and all that.

...As well as giving us something to focus on during slow days, if nothing else.

[cobraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa]

[And now he's completely confused.]

Are you suggesting that his continued existence is a good thing?

[explosivecombat]

I'm suggesting that his continued existence can be a source of amusement if played right.

[cobraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa]

And what would be the right way to play it?