[005 - Handwritten]

[carptricks]

[The journal sits in Kaito's lap, propped open but turned to an empty page, for quite some time before he actually starts writing in it.]

A death sentence seems like a bit much for the crime of piracy, huh. . . tch. And they're supposed to be the law enforcement of this world? Gimme a break. Some law enforcement that is.

[Someone is highly against killing as a form of punishment, if that much wasn't obvious. His existing bias against law enforcement doesn't help matters, either]

Everyone, be careful out there, yeah?

[He flips a page when he's done writing, and starts a completely new entry, but not before asking his journal politely to filter it to those on his crew]

[Private to The Shepherd]

Oi! We're going after that shard, right? Near Stone Nest? We'd better hit the ship tomorrow if we wanna make it there in time!

[/Private]

Comments

[carptricks]

I know it's normal. And I know what it was intended to do.

[still, it leaves a bad taste in his mouth]

I just have a hard time believing anyone out there would deserve to die.

[unionjackass]

It's not about whether someone deserves to die, although some might disagree. It's about upholding the law. That poor boy did not deserve to die as he did, and if he was forced to engage in piracy even less so. Enforcing laws put in place to protect political and economical interests is simply part of a navy's job. They do protect civilians on land and at sea from piracy as well.

A severe crime requires a severe deterrent.

It's not as if you have to relish it, heavens no; but accept it as a part of that sort of life.

[carptricks]

[He stays quiet for a moment, allowing England to say his piece, before he speaks up again]

Then if it's about the law the only the law, would you agree that we should follow laws that produce poor or unfair results?

[unionjackass]

Yes. That's what the law is for. And should the laws be proven to the governing body that they're inefficient, God help us that they have the wisdom to change those laws.

[carptricks]

And if they don't? Blindly following a law just because it's a law sounds like a recipe for disaster, if you ask me.

[But hey, he's the type who believes that if you have to commit a wrong to do a right, then so be it]

[unionjackass]

Tell me lad, have you ever studied world history?

[Because really.]

[carptricks]

No, they forgot to mention that subject in school.

[don't mind his cheekiness]

'Course I have.

[unionjackass]

Then you must not have paid attention to the structure of government and judicial systems across the breadth of written record. Laws are placed for a reason. Restrictions are required as small sacrifices in order to maintain a society.

Sarcasm is unnecessary by the way, thank you.

[carptricks]

I have paid attention, and that's definitely not all there is to it. Laws are in place for a reason, sure-- don't kill people, don't hurt them, and so on-- and a good number of 'em serve a better purpose.

But you can't just stop there. Looking at the content of a law is important too, or else we'd have really stupid laws like "you have to kill a cat every Thursday or else we'll put you to death." Who'd follow a dumb law like that one?

[unionjackass]

I never said it was simple either. Oh lad, you'd be surprised what silly laws have been put in place.

My point is, they aren't just there for convenience. How you follow a law is up to you, nobody ever said anything about blindly following them. Even so there are consequences for not following those laws although I believe that ought to go without saying.

[carptricks]

Would I, really?

[That response is a bit dry, but the rest of it is normal, at least]

And of course there are consequences, but if they're unjust consequences of an illegitimate law that the governing body refuses to change, then someone's gotta try and fix things for the better, right?

[unionjackass]

Yes, you would. I could always give you an extensive list if you're curious... [He could, but he won't unless specifically requested.]

At any rate, that's what governing bodies and their components are for. You just can't expect them to work perfectly. Many people have died for what they believe would be a just change; piracy is hardly within that category.

[carptricks]

Try me. I've already heard of some pretty ridiculous ones back home.

[He has to admit, he's curious]

And 'm not saying the laws making piracy a crime are unjust. I just don't like death as a punishment for it. Nor do I subscribe to the belief that laws should be followed simply because they're laws.

[unionjackass]

It's a good thing you're not a member of Parliament. [a beat] Then again, you may fit in very well.

Laws against piracy have bloody good reasons, as does the punishment for engaging in it. I'd certainly hope no one likes the thought of anyone dying, but unfortunately it's just necessary.

Sometimes... You've got to accept things that you don't like. Sometimes, the right thing isn't the path you believe to be acceptable. It's true, the law is the law--but if I could have prevented the death of that child, I most certainly would have. There's a difference lad, between blindly following the law, and living justly.

[carptricks]

. . .

[firmly, and with conviction]

I'm not the kind of person who can just accept things quietly.

[Why else would he have taken up his father's mantle and turned himself into the world's most infamous thief, just to bring justice to his father's murderers?]

[unionjackass]

Thought as much. To each their own, really.

[carptricks]

. . . that sounds about right, yeah.

[unionjackass]

I don't advocate sitting quietly; only that certain things should be accepted. [a pause...] One can accept something and still fight to change it. I for one, accept that I am on a ridiculous "adventure" but I have no intention of dallying about. Coming to terms with things can often help with the change one wants to see.

Surely you have something or someone back home--not that I'm prying, it's none of my business, but I hope you see my point.

[carptricks]

I do. Adaptation is an important skill. And I don't plan on failing to adapt.