FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org your story's terrifying
I wasn't planning on being an assassin anyway
[for all they had choices in the matter here. he'll respect your wise sage ways, Akame (though he's setting to hunting down her file now, and when he sees her picture --- it wasn't too surprising, but seriously, how did so many teenagers make so many bad decisions in their short home lives?)]
[(or maybe she was immortal.)]
[(an immortal assassin... creepy).]
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org you don't tend to get their life story though, do you?
... or do you? did you case people, too? did you work in an organization? you mentioned a partner! was it just the two of you??
[perhaps he should've treated the job with more severity, but actions always stuck out louder than words. and, well. texting gave him bravery.]
do you know how quickly she would turn him away from this life regardless? you do you, hinata. leave the stalking and murder to akame, and all will be right with the world.
maybe, speaking of poor decisions. also w o w you read too much manga!! she's perfectly mortal!!]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i'm glad. you seem like you come from a peaceful background. it's surprising you're here, but....perhaps it's best that you learn.
[and now she's intrigued. she'll be reading his file soon.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
you have the right idea. our organization would gather information on the targets beforehand, so we'd know enough of their background to take action against them.
it's not much different from the cdc.
[she doesn't mind his casual way of framing things. it actually makes talking about it a little easier.]
Edited (i can do words today really) 2015-01-08 10:41 (UTC)
so he knows something. well. let's have a gander, shall we...?
yes, his personality assessment is dead-on. he is overly-inquisitive, and that'll get him in trouble.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
true. but, even so, us providing protection is a means to an end. you must consider that as well.
the world isn't always black and white. not everything will be clear-cut.
FROM akame@cdc.org
but i digress. i refer to night raid when i mention 'my organization'. i have been with them for two years.
if you're worried that i'm going to do anything to anyone, don't. we're all comrades here---i have no reason to do so. you are familiar with that concept as well, even if the context is different.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
with that being the case, what do you hope to take from all this?
[since, as also noted in his file, he's got a persistence to him. what a curious boy.]
[a lot she says feeds discomfort, a type of anxiety that began in the stomach and spread quickly to his throat (dry swallowing, fingers twitching over the blackglass).]
[it means: more and more pauses before and between replies. it means: he forces himself to think through it.]
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org ??? Why would I be worried about that?? Were other people worried about that? Did they know where they were???
[a beat.]
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org Sorry, how do you mean? "What I hope to take from all this..."??
that means he's using his brain. thinking before he speaks. it's a step in the right direction. he needs this. she can tell.
but as a member of red team, she also needs to divert his attention. get a feel for how his mindset works.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
not really. i just figured i'd clear up the air. i'd rather we not be on bad terms.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
perhaps i worded it wrong.
what do you hope to learn from this, is what i mean.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
this isn't anything you were familiar with before. do you think that this experience will make you stronger? do you think it's made you stronger, so far?
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org What do I hope to learn from... being employed by the CDC?
[it shouldn't have been so difficult to wrap his head around the question. had it made him stronger? incredibly. would it come to? if he wanted to survive, sure.]
[but the way she says it, it's as if-- the CDC were imparting something he could take back home. from her perspective, maybe it was. she'd definitely learn a thing or two to bring back to her rebel group, technology and space travel not withstanding. as her world was her normal, of course she'd apply it to him. but then - there existed the very large problem of --]
that's right. but...there's no combat in your world, correct?
perhaps what i should be really asking is: say you returned home one day. will your friends see that you've changed? do you think that they'll embrace it, since you've gone through a harsh experience? would you share it with them to begin with?
[it will change him further. she knows this. even in a non-combative atmosphere, it'll be obvious. it'll be noticed. she's seen a similar change in Tatsumi, who came from similarly humble origins to Hinata's (though he knew his way around combat from the get-go), who's become more decisive, more pragmatic.
will Hinata be able to handle potentially being looked at in a different light?
still, that's an interesting topic he brings up. the length of this agreement with the CDC isn't something she's really considered, however.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i haven't. i figured it'd last for the duration of my service here.
unless there's something you'd like to tell me?
Edited (yeah i left something out) 2015-01-14 19:49 (UTC)
[there's a slight pause as she considers the information.
well.
old age will be the least of her worries, really. if anything, the longer the contract, the better.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
that's fine. so long as the CDC stays true to their word. so long as our worlds remain safe.
it's a fair trade.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
hopefully, time will progress as it does here.
at least it'll be less strange and confusing than if you came back as an elderly person, while the rest of your friends remained young.
i can't imagine that'd go over very well.
[she knows Leone and Lubbock would make fun of her, if they saw her as an old woman with grey hair. many jokes are sure to be made about whether or not she's lost her infamous appetite.
regardless, however, she'll take being away from her friends for decades to keep them safe over worrying frantically whether or not any of them will live to see the next day.]
[even though her picture paints her as a young teenager, he's learned enough by now that appearances count for absolutely nothing. the dismissal in her message is clear, and he almost takes it ---]
[five, ten, fifteen, thirty seconds to stare and type and delete and type and hover over the send button.]
[-- and,]
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org Why do you think it IS???
[as if she hadn't made it clear it was to be her exit (as if she hadn't... was that a compliment? he couldn't tell). if they'd been in person, he wouldn't have mustered the guts to press like that- probably-, but he couldn't let it go here...!]
[....persistent little bugger, isn't he? well, it seemed like he was getting more and more uncomfortable with the conversation, but...it doesn't do any sort of good to be rude, either.
and it's not just about fairness. it's about equivalent exchange. is the CDC dangling a carrot over one's head to pressure them to join their cause? without a doubt. are they basically using threats to further pursue that objective? most certainly.
but, there is something that hinata appears to be forgetting----]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
it's fair because they gave all of us a choice. we didn't have to do this. they never said we couldn't say no, despite more or less making the consequences of refusal clear.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i just hope you don't regret the choice you've made, as, clearly, you are here.
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org Guilt comes naturally from taking responsibility, but if it turns into a regret that holds you back, you can't do anything or help anyone. At that point, it's just self-pity
That's the biggest lesson I've learned since coming here
[so the answer to her question is...]
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org Also that one person isn't worth a planet, so no, I wouldn't say it's fair!!
It works, because who in their right mind would pick suicide??? But it's not fair
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org In a month of Earth's time, you should tell me if you think on whether or not this employment's changed your mind! Or added to your skills! Or whatever! We'll trade stories - that's fair! Ok????
however, his standpoint is still swathed in black and white. furthermore, she knows better than to try and argue with him. she'd prefer that he draw a clear line between the positives and the negatives than be apathetic.
it shows that he has a conscience. she hopes he'll hang onto it.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i agree. regret...only distracts you. hinders you from accomplishing your goals. that's a good attitude you're upholding.
[in fact, she envies him slightly.
regret is what drives her.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
but...in the end, even though the cdc obligated all of us----you in particular still went with what you felt was right.
you didn't choose yourself. you chose your world, and the people in it.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
in the meantime, very well. in addition, we should try to meet up in person for concrete proof of any changes. is that alright with you?
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org It's fine! Are you sure it's not because you're a slow typer, though??
[rude as hell, but uh. so it went. he felt a tad prickly - not by her, necessarily. not that the lack thereof protected her from being on the receiving end of it.]
[he hadn't chosen himself - hadn't see been listening? it had been join or die. if he'd actually believed the recruiter at the time of his signing, would he have chosen any differently? at this point, he couldn't imagine so. would she have, if she'd known less or more? probably not. in that, they could be equal.]
[one of the very few things. it worked for what it was worth.]
[lucky for him, Akame's not technologically savvy enough to take that as too much of an insult.
but, she's also well-aware that the fate of her world lies upon her now. she knows that she's walking on eggshells. she knows where he's coming from, and understands why the coercion and muscling aspect of the arrangement irks him.
it's just counterproductive to be focusing so much on that----not when you have to consider the lives of millions on top of your personal feelings and morals.]
FROM akame@cdc.org
no.
i just feel like it's better confirmation if i see you in person. like i said before, i'd like to see what you've become capable of.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
until then, good luck. and don't give up on what you think is right---just don't let it cloud your judgment.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
your story's terrifying
I wasn't planning on being an assassin anyway
[for all they had choices in the matter here. he'll respect your wise sage ways, Akame (though he's setting to hunting down her file now, and when he sees her picture --- it wasn't too surprising, but seriously, how did so many teenagers make so many bad decisions in their short home lives?)]
[(or maybe she was immortal.)]
[(an immortal assassin... creepy).]
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
you don't tend to get their life story though, do you?
... or do you? did you case people, too? did you work in an organization? you mentioned a partner! was it just the two of you??
[perhaps he should've treated the job with more severity, but actions always stuck out louder than words. and, well. texting gave him bravery.]
no subject
do you know how quickly she would turn him away from this life regardless? you do you, hinata. leave the stalking and murder to akame, and all will be right with the world.
maybe, speaking of poor decisions. also w o w you read too much manga!! she's perfectly mortal!!]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i'm glad. you seem like you come from a peaceful background. it's surprising you're here, but....perhaps it's best that you learn.
[and now she's intrigued. she'll be reading his file soon.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
you have the right idea. our organization would gather information on the targets beforehand, so we'd know enough of their background to take action against them.
it's not much different from the cdc.
[she doesn't mind his casual way of framing things. it actually makes talking about it a little easier.]
no subject
[the next reply takes a bit to arrive.]
[someone's read her file.]
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
Bit bigger scale with the planet thing though
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
Except we havent had to destroy anything like people yet
The CDC was protecting some who were, actually, from a planet with walking volcanos. That's something I try to keep in mind
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
Which organization? How long were you with them?
no subject
so he knows something. well. let's have a gander, shall we...?
yes, his personality assessment is dead-on. he is overly-inquisitive, and that'll get him in trouble.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
true. but, even so, us providing protection is a means to an end. you must consider that as well.
the world isn't always black and white. not everything will be clear-cut.
FROM akame@cdc.org
but i digress. i refer to night raid when i mention 'my organization'. i have been with them for two years.
if you're worried that i'm going to do anything to anyone, don't. we're all comrades here---i have no reason to do so. you are familiar with that concept as well, even if the context is different.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
with that being the case, what do you hope to take from all this?
[since, as also noted in his file, he's got a persistence to him. what a curious boy.]
no subject
[it means: more and more pauses before and between replies. it means: he forces himself to think through it.]
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
??? Why would I be worried about that?? Were other people worried about that? Did they know where they were???
[a beat.]
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
Sorry, how do you mean? "What I hope to take from all this..."??
no subject
good.
that means he's using his brain. thinking before he speaks. it's a step in the right direction. he needs this. she can tell.
but as a member of red team, she also needs to divert his attention. get a feel for how his mindset works.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
not really. i just figured i'd clear up the air. i'd rather we not be on bad terms.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
perhaps i worded it wrong.
what do you hope to learn from this, is what i mean.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
this isn't anything you were familiar with before. do you think that this experience will make you stronger? do you think it's made you stronger, so far?
1/2
What do I hope to learn from... being employed by the CDC?
[it shouldn't have been so difficult to wrap his head around the question. had it made him stronger? incredibly. would it come to? if he wanted to survive, sure.]
[but the way she says it, it's as if-- the CDC were imparting something he could take back home. from her perspective, maybe it was. she'd definitely learn a thing or two to bring back to her rebel group, technology and space travel not withstanding. as her world was her normal, of course she'd apply it to him. but then - there existed the very large problem of --]
no subject
Have you asked anyone about how long contracts last yet?
no subject
that's right. but...there's no combat in your world, correct?
perhaps what i should be really asking is: say you returned home one day. will your friends see that you've changed? do you think that they'll embrace it, since you've gone through a harsh experience? would you share it with them to begin with?
[it will change him further. she knows this. even in a non-combative atmosphere, it'll be obvious. it'll be noticed. she's seen a similar change in Tatsumi, who came from similarly humble origins to Hinata's (though he knew his way around combat from the get-go), who's become more decisive, more pragmatic.
will Hinata be able to handle potentially being looked at in a different light?
still, that's an interesting topic he brings up. the length of this agreement with the CDC isn't something she's really considered, however.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i haven't. i figured it'd last for the duration of my service here.
unless there's something you'd like to tell me?
no subject
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
Most contracts last for decades, if not a few lifetimes (by human standards)
No one says when it'll expire, either
[a beat.]
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
I don't know how time works at home while we're here
But even if it doesn't move forward, at best, we'll return as old geezers and grannies
no subject
well.
old age will be the least of her worries, really. if anything, the longer the contract, the better.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
that's fine. so long as the CDC stays true to their word. so long as our worlds remain safe.
it's a fair trade.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
hopefully, time will progress as it does here.
at least it'll be less strange and confusing than if you came back as an elderly person, while the rest of your friends remained young.
i can't imagine that'd go over very well.
[she knows Leone and Lubbock would make fun of her, if they saw her as an old woman with grey hair. many jokes are sure to be made about whether or not she's lost her infamous appetite.
regardless, however, she'll take being away from her friends for decades to keep them safe over worrying frantically whether or not any of them will live to see the next day.]
no subject
"Fair trade"
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
???
[just. one thing to focus on, right then.]
no subject
...do you not think it's a fair exchange?
FROM: akame@cdc.org
well, i suppose it's something to think about, in your case. i'll leave you to it, then.
keep working hard. i can tell it's taken you a lot of effort to get accustomed to this.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
hopefully, we'll meet in person. i'd like to see what you're capable of.
[it sounds vaguely threatening, but...her intentions are actually far from violent.
......believe it or not.]
no subject
[five, ten, fifteen, thirty seconds to stare and type and delete and type and hover over the send button.]
[-- and,]
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
Why do you think it IS???
[as if she hadn't made it clear it was to be her exit (as if she hadn't... was that a compliment? he couldn't tell). if they'd been in person, he wouldn't have mustered the guts to press like that- probably-, but he couldn't let it go here...!]
[what assassin believed in fairness, anyway?]
no subject
and it's not just about fairness. it's about equivalent exchange. is the CDC dangling a carrot over one's head to pressure them to join their cause? without a doubt. are they basically using threats to further pursue that objective? most certainly.
but, there is something that hinata appears to be forgetting----]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
it's fair because they gave all of us a choice. we didn't have to do this. they never said we couldn't say no, despite more or less making the consequences of refusal clear.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i just hope you don't regret the choice you've made, as, clearly, you are here.
does that lay your questions to rest?
no subject
oh
[...]
yeah
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
Guilt comes naturally from taking responsibility, but if it turns into a regret that holds you back, you can't do anything or help anyone. At that point, it's just self-pity
That's the biggest lesson I've learned since coming here
[so the answer to her question is...]
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
Also that one person isn't worth a planet, so no, I wouldn't say it's fair!!
It works, because who in their right mind would pick suicide??? But it's not fair
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
In a month of Earth's time, you should tell me if you think on whether or not this employment's changed your mind! Or added to your skills! Or whatever! We'll trade stories - that's fair! Ok????
no subject
however, his standpoint is still swathed in black and white. furthermore, she knows better than to try and argue with him. she'd prefer that he draw a clear line between the positives and the negatives than be apathetic.
it shows that he has a conscience. she hopes he'll hang onto it.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i agree. regret...only distracts you. hinders you from accomplishing your goals. that's a good attitude you're upholding.
[in fact, she envies him slightly.
regret is what drives her.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
but...in the end, even though the cdc obligated all of us----you in particular still went with what you felt was right.
you didn't choose yourself. you chose your world, and the people in it.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
in the meantime, very well. in addition, we should try to meet up in person for concrete proof of any changes. is that alright with you?
no subject
It's fine! Are you sure it's not because you're a slow typer, though??
[rude as hell, but uh. so it went. he felt a tad prickly - not by her, necessarily. not that the lack thereof protected her from being on the receiving end of it.]
[he hadn't chosen himself - hadn't see been listening? it had been join or die. if he'd actually believed the recruiter at the time of his signing, would he have chosen any differently? at this point, he couldn't imagine so. would she have, if she'd known less or more? probably not. in that, they could be equal.]
[one of the very few things. it worked for what it was worth.]
no subject
but, she's also well-aware that the fate of her world lies upon her now. she knows that she's walking on eggshells. she knows where he's coming from, and understands why the coercion and muscling aspect of the arrangement irks him.
it's just counterproductive to be focusing so much on that----not when you have to consider the lives of millions on top of your personal feelings and morals.]
FROM akame@cdc.org
no.
i just feel like it's better confirmation if i see you in person. like i said before, i'd like to see what you've become capable of.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
until then, good luck. and don't give up on what you think is right---just don't let it cloud your judgment.