[netbook] everything happens so much

[forwander]

[The note is scrawled in Passenger's indelicate handwriting... about an hour after this whole thing happens.]

This is Passenger. I did not think this note would be necessary, but in case this somehow went missed: The black stone on my forehead is not decorative and should not be touched. It's an Originium shard from my Oripathy, and touching it is likely to infect you. The disease is incurable and 100% fatal, and we Infected would not wish Oripathy upon anybody.

Do not touch the strange black rocks. I know it's tempting. Do not do it.

Thank you.

Comments

[purevanillacookie]

I know, my friend. I know.

You ... did not have rights back home? Simply because you were infected?

[forwander]

It depends on the country. In Ursus, Infected are slaughtered. In Leithanien, they're relegated to the slums and eventually "euthanized". In Lungmen, they're merely put into prisons. In Laterano, they're exiled. In Kazimierz, Victoria, and Columbia, they simply wait to be exploited by the government as cheap labour. In Sargon, they're left to rot, unless the Lord Ameer at the time just so happens to want to support their plight.

I believe Kjerag is one of the few countries on Terra with no prejudice against the Infected. Most countries do not want us. Most would see us die terribly, as if that won't make the spread of the contagion worse.

[purevanillacookie]

[ Though there's really no way to convey emotions properly through writing, he somehow manages. The way his text is slanted, distressed. Thickened. Aggressively underlined. Peepaw angry, what is this bullshit. ]

But why?! Why treat those infected as they are any less because of something they cannot help!? Surely with proper precautions taken it wouldn't even be a problem! They need help, not to be treated like

like refuse!

[forwander]

That's how things are on Terra. It's why extremist groups such as Reunion pop up everywhere — rights for the Infected are practically nonexistent.

[purevanillacookie]

Ridiculous.

[ They've had this disease for five hundred years, a Doctor for ten thousand, and haven't cured it? They treat the infected like rubbish?

HMPH. They need Jesus. ]

[forwander]

I agree with you, but that does not change anything. Rhodes Island attempts to change things, at least, but to change an entire world is a difficult undertaking.

At the end of the day, we are just people.

[purevanillacookie]

[ Ah those words hit. To change the world... ]

It is a lofty, struggling endeavor, but

Ah, my friend, I am truly sorry. In so many ways. And I know my claims sound like arrogance, but I will find a cure.

[ He must, and not just for him, but if the way to return home ever opens... he may be able to give it to Passenger or Gnosis, and they can take it back. ]

[forwander]

I will believe in you because I have no other choice.

But if the need arises, when the symptoms hit, I do have some home remedies for the nausea and headaches I can offer. I wouldn't see you suffer.

[purevanillacookie]

Thank you. And though I am unsure how my own healing may aid, I offer it in moments where pain is strong, or seems overwhelming. Anything I come across that may help, I will pass onto you.