十八 [Voice ; Japanese/Text]

[brbmodernizing]

...How is everyone? The recent events were certainly upsetting, but now that things seem to have calmed down a bit..

[There's a long pause, and it sounds as if Japan is distracted by something for a while. It has to be a few minutes that pass before he remembers it's recording.]

These new communicators are quite fascinating.. From what I've seen, they come in assorted colors. Is this correct? ...

Oh, yes. If I may add something else. For clothing, what are the options here? I am aware there are stores, though I do not know exactly which types.. [He's avoided that area since the dress incident, okay.] Are there materials to sew? Or new clothing in sets? Ah, if you have any information, please share this with me.

[He then types this message in text, along with adding the following note:]

If you have not already noticed, Denmark-san is looking to start a project. An apartment building. I believe it would be in our best interests, so if you are interested in helping this cause, please contact me here, or be sure to notify him in the near future.

Comments

[brbmodernizing]

...Could you explain your thoughts?

[blameshimself.livejournal.com]

...Um.

You told me that countries feel what their citizens feel, right? So, for you, America-san, and England-san... removing your chip would be the most dangerous, don't you think? All of us are in terrible condition, people die all the time and the economical state is well... there is no economy.

While I understand this place isn't a country that is personified in your world, we're still your citizens and with so many of us in pain, that can only serve to hurt you... right?

[brbmodernizing]

...There may be aches. I am not sure if it will be the same, here. America-san seems to be fine, as usual.

Ah.. One thing I miss is feeling like a country. ... There is a sort of feeling you get when you speak to another, one that tells you just how different you are, and that they share that with you. It's connecting. Comforting.

I do not feel it while I am chipped.

[blameshimself.livejournal.com]

I would wager that there are far more Japanese citizens than American citizens here.

You would rather be open to pain, then, if it meant you could feel that connection?

[brbmodernizing]

There are not the millions that are back home. ... I would gladly deal with whatever pain came from it for that connection, that power, and that sense of security.

At least, those are my thoughts most recently. It seems I continue to change my mind. Perhaps I will settle on something at some point.

[blameshimself.livejournal.com]

You're right; there aren't. [...] When I think about it... I suppose most people in your position would.

Ah, you shouldn't be so wishy-washy, Honda-san. Pick one or the other. As your citizen, I will support you fully.

[brbmodernizing]

...I simply find it difficult to select an option definitely. I would much rather hover in between..

[blameshimself.livejournal.com]

If you remain so indecisive, you'll never get anything done....

[brbmodernizing]

That is not necessarily true. Remaining open to both choices gives one many opportunities that one could miss by dedicating to one decision.

[blameshimself.livejournal.com]

But that's only putting forth a 50% effort.

[brbmodernizing]

I do not believe that is how it works. It is like seeing both sides of a situation. Understanding two words, but refusing to choose one over the other in your sentence.

[blameshimself.livejournal.com]

But if you do that, you won't be able to communicate at all. You have to choose words carefully--especially when you write them. You don't want to say a word with an incorrect meaning.....

[brbmodernizing]

Instead of "yes" or "no," I say "perhaps."

[blameshimself.livejournal.com]

But what do you mean?

[brbmodernizing]

Too many things to be represented by a single word.

[blameshimself.livejournal.com]

...Ah. Japan is an area of gray.

[brbmodernizing]

Perhaps so.

[blameshimself.livejournal.com]

...Aha.

[ S-SEES WHAT YOU DID. ]

[brbmodernizing]

Eh? [DOES NOT REALIZE]

[blameshimself.livejournal.com]

[ YEAH SURE YOU DON'T. ]

I didn't know you had a sense of humor.

[brbmodernizing]

... Surely everyone has at least a small sense?

[blameshimself.livejournal.com]

...Perhaps so.

[ Can. Do it. Too. ]

[brbmodernizing]

[DOES NOT UNDERSTAND.]