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[takestime]

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[withintenfeet]

Even as he winces at a jab that should not affect him that much, "Because...I think death would hurt her more than it hurts me."

Tempus huffs in exasperation, so he elaborates, "I have you, and other people, that I can rely on until the death toll passes. She'll just - feel even more terrified and helpless. And I know that caring about the progress of other inmates isn't your job, but it is mine."

[takestime]

"It's not your job, either. Their welfare, maybe, but not their progress. Anyway. You're allowed to care even if it isn't your duty."

He wonders if Zerxus has forgotten.

[withintenfeet]

"...I'd say it's my job not to regress it, if I can help it."

But Kahl isn't wrong, and the sheepish acknowledgement is there in his voice, in his expression. He clings so desperately to compassion in Hell, even knowing he can't do much with it. Even in Avalir, there were constraints.

What he treasures most about the Barge is how much their purpose aligns, and now -

"Their death - their true, final death - was weeks ago. They have no idea what being an inmate should be like."

[takestime]

"Are you saying they didn't know better?" Kahl asks, with exactly as much contempt as he feels that implication deserves.

[withintenfeet]

"What? No." His grimace is downright indignant. "I'm saying - this is a rough start for a new inmate and that matters. It doesn't erase or excuse anything, but it matters. And I hate the idea of compounding that with a death toll."

[takestime]

And he did make the call to the Cap'n to revive Zerxus. Not a choice that exculpates them, but - interesting.

"I will see what they have to say for themselves before I act "