This Again

I'm starting to become worried about a Proxy...

Normally that sentiment, when announced by a runner, would mean something to the effect of "Oh God, there's this Proxy stalking me, and oh fuck what do I do?" Well... it's a human. So I suppose you would shoot them. That sounds like an idea. Honestly not my first choice of reaction, but just saying...

But no, for me that's not really ever been the concern. Proxies are not the enemy, but I've been over this before. So when I start worrying about any given proxy, it's for the same reason you might worry for a fellow runner. You think they're starting to lose themselves to the monster... or that they're going to die... and that makes you feel bad. Because you don't want to see them go like that.

Now granted, I'm still an optimist when I can be. Hope is not lost. I firmly suspect that each of the proxies I'm presently concerned with will pull through in the end. I believe in them. Odd as that may sound to some. But that doesn't stop me from being concerned about them.

Which leads me to the point of the matter I suppose. In most of the current cases there is one standout feature which seems to hold the highest degree of relative significance when searching for the root cause of their dilemmas. And for once, it's not the Construct. It's the Bureaucracy.

Lately, whatever mild admiration I had for the effectiveness of the proxy organizational structure has been summarily lost in light of recent events. With so many bungled mishaps, infiltrations, and clear abuses of power, I'm left to wonder why any self respecting proxy listens to these so called "Highers" at all. What sway could they possibly hold over you? What reason have you to believe that the orders they give you come from the Construct at all? I for one am left to believe that these fools are sitting around wanking it in a comfy chair while sending people out on suicide missions for their own personal amusement. And in regards to human ass-fuckery, this is about as evil as you can get in my book. These bastards are sending people off to die while they stay it safe in a hole somewhere, never once rewarding successes, yet quick to anger at the slightest failure. That sickens me.

Am I drawing the wrong conclusions here? Do enlighten me. I'm always happy to learn more about the system. Or the "culture" if you prefer that.

But if I'm anywhere near to correct, then wouldn't you agree it's about time for some new leadership? I mean seriously, what's stopping you from revolting against these clowns? The Construct? You think it cares? Unless you suddenly change sides, it doesn't even seem to notice you lot, so that can't be it. What do you think is going to happen? The Highers are going to send some elite proxy kill squad to eliminate you? What elite proxy kill squads?? Last I checked, you guys ARE the elite proxy kill squads. They have nothing on you. Your leash has an invisible chain. They can't tug back on something that isn't there.

But maybe I'm being too idealistic. It's not my place to be making such calls. But given what we've been seeing lately... a little defiance shown from you guys now and then would be a much appreciated change of pace. Hell, you might even make some actual Progress if you tried it. Just a thought.

Ugh, I dunno...
Just... just stay safe out there... you crazy bunch of bastards.


((Except you Writer... you've recently managed to achieve sole ownership of my list of "People Who Can Go Die in a Fire." So that means you're a bigger douche than David now. Congrats!))