Saving the Soul of a Ship

[Excitable.Boy]

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Ian sat silently, though he was watching Theobald closely.
He could see the gears turning, the realizations and slow relief taking over Theobald's expression.
"Time..."
He began, but with a tense pause.
"Time is unpredictable, and we are simply at its mercy."
He seemed satisfied with this response, though he was now ignoring his drink.

"Eventually, we all see this things at face value. Some of us just take longer than others.
Sometimes, it's too late..."
He trailed off, looking thoughtful.
After some time he seemed to remember his drink, downing it in one large gulp.
"You may have already guessed,"
He began apprehensively, his voice low and quiet.
"But my values don't align with most of my Junker kin."
He looked around, hoping nobody heard him.

"These fu---"
He stopped himself, looking around.
"These days people only think of profits, comfort, their own wants."
He threw his cigar to the floor, and put his face in his hands, seeming troubled.

"Forget projects, forget the stress they bring. Stare death in the eyes
and then come tell me any type of status matters. I'll laugh in your mug, I pity those who busy themself with such trifles.
You're my friend, Theobald. Thanking me is beyond the point. I don't want your thanks.
I saw the end in that power core. I saw everything I'd be missing.
I'll help you. I'll always help a friend. But please, don't thank me.
I want to do this..."

He looked exhausted, his entire being appeared defeated.
He looked at the bottle of liquor they shared, and thrust it away.

"We should get to work."
He said, with a forced grin.

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