backdated to fiddlesticks 24, morning

[blue_ice]

I need to address what happened last night. If you're tired of hearing about it, I promise I'll be fast and avoid detail.

[ He looks like he hasn't slept much. He's giving the crew a very somber expression. ]

First, Xue Yang isn't dead. The spirit going by the name of Wester put him in a penalty coma, where he's being forced to karmically experience the sensation of death. I know this because an incarnation of the same spirit dealt me the same punishment for a somewhat lesser crime, and I'm still standing.

Wester's spirit has certain abilities to uncover the past. The image they conjured was likely the truth, but it shouldn't have been shown to you all with such little warning. And I promise we're working on tracking them down to be dealt with, because however well-intentioned, it wasn't their place to be sole judge, jury, and executioner. You all shouldn't have to be afraid that every minor sin will bring wrath on your heads.

I'll try to answer any questions you have.

And...Wester, if you're listening, I still believe in you. We're both sinners, for better or worse, and you won't turn me away that easily. But we have to deal with this, delaying will only make it worse.

Comments

[blue_ice]

If I can extrapolate from my own experience...I was in that coma for months, and when I woke I was initially consumed with wanting revenge on the spirit. But interventions from family and people who would later become allies helped. It was essentially a reset for me, a second chance...it gives me nightmares even now, but I'm largely a functioning human.

[ He sighs. ]

If he has the will to keep going, I'm fairly confident he'll make it.

And of course we won't allow Wester to do this again. Once punishment is issued I hope my connection with them will let me persuade them, but we have everyone else's weight to fall back on if I can't.

[radishlobbyist]

[ ...and there comes the meltdown of Wen Qing which had been in the works ever since she first saw that video. ]

Months?! [ She is all but spitting the word, just short of trembling with cold rage. ] So let me clarify this. Wester expected Xue Yang to be in a coma for months and need more help even after to become a largely functioning human.

[ Her eyes narrow. ]

I see how it is. The medical team on this train is a joke to them. They consider us their personal servants. [ A moment of silence. ] You can be sure it won't happen again. I'm not going to permit it.

[blue_ice]

I meant 'functioning' in the psychological sense of trusting people and working with them, as opposed to being a walking instrument of self destruction. Physically, I was fine with some therapy that was only necessary after being still for so long, but I doubt he'll be in a coma long enough to need that.

[ He pinches the bridge of his nose. ]

I'll help him.

[radishlobbyist]

[ She shakes her head, lips pinched in aggravation. ]

No, no, you don't need to feel obligated to do anything. It is not your fault. I. [ Another purse of her lips. ] I shouldn't have been angry with you when you aren't the cause of my anger. What you do is appreciated.