text; un: starbuck

[faithfulskeptic]

Let's say I accept the premise that I've been brought through unknown means to a space station at an indeterminate, extrasolar location.

[ She doesn't, but she's already got the sense that the argument isn't going anywhere. Also that no one cares that this is like, eighty different kinds of illegal. ]

Has anyone successfully met the conditions specified to change what they regret? How is that even possible? Is there any evidence that your actions here can actually alter the past?

If you believe it, what convinced you?

If you don't, but you're still playing along with all this, why?

Comments

[faithfulskeptic]

You seem very well-informed about the state of things.

How long have you been here?

[blackfire]

Eighteen months.

[faithfulskeptic]

That's a significant investment of time in pursuit of this goal.

You've never been tempted to try leaving?

[blackfire]

What would you consider an acceptable investment of your lifespan to rewrite the fabric of space-time and create a divergent reality?

（ sometimes, the Dry Sass™ just jumps out. ）

No. I have never considered leaving.

[faithfulskeptic]

I'm not sure it's that easy a choice. What are our responsibilities to our actual lives? Who's to say an alteration to a past event, even if it successfully created a changed timeline, would represent a real improvement and not have unintended consequences?

[blackfire]

Several of our number have left and returned, as Doctor McCoy mentioned to you. But more than he alone have unilaterally claimed that they have no memory of the station upon return to their original universe and world of origin, and found that no time had passed there during their absence. Therefore, any responsibility posited is imagined.

To the latter — who indeed? There are guarantees neither in life nor in our nascent meddling. Either you are willing to take it on faith, or you aren't.

[faithfulskeptic]

I guess that's what it boils down to.

[blackfire]

So? Do you intend to remain or return?

[faithfulskeptic]

I... don't know, yet.

[blackfire]

I recommend you decide soon.

When people return to their homes, it occurs as a result of the teleportation process to other worlds. If your resolve is not set by then, you may find yourself gone from this place.

[faithfulskeptic]

Is that so?

It's good to know the deadline. Thank you for sharing your perspective-- it's a lot for me to think about.

[blackfire]

Of course.

Please feel free to call on me should you have other questions.

（ and with that, he ends the conversation. ）