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[holyposition]

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t.laughlin

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[mygoodsir]

You know, it's terribly funny because I did consider myself a modern man. I suppose it just goes to show that it's all a matter of perspective.

[holyposition]

Maybe you were. I haven't known you long, but you're more forward-thinking than I would have thought for someone of your era.

[mygoodsir]

Thank you. I tried very hard to embrace science and logical thinking, to look forward to exploration and innovation. Not to hold too tightly to tradition.

But of course I did. I do.

[holyposition]

We all do, to some degree. I don't think that's a bad thing. Especially not here. You can adapt without forgetting where you've come from.

[mygoodsir]

For good or for ill, I don't think I will ever be able to forget that.

[holyposition]

I was thinking of England, more than the Arctic. I hope it hasn't all been tainted by what you've been through.

[mygoodsir]

England is a funny place, Mr. Laughlin. I'd always believed it to be a good land. Civilised. Do you find it so?

I'm quite certain I'm tainted for life, sir.

[holyposition]

My first real impression of it is this place, so I'm sorry to say, but no.

You keep saying that. I have to ask now. Why, Harry?

[mygoodsir]

A pity. I wish I could show you the best of it.

There are some sins that cannot be forgiven, are there not?

[holyposition]

The only sin that God won't forgive is rejecting His love. As long as you ask for it with contrition.

But you said before that you weren't sorry.

[mygoodsir]

No. I am not.

And I am also rambling. I'm afraid I tend to do that. My father would say that if patter were water I'd drown.

[holyposition]

I don't want to pressure you, but if you need to unburden yourself, I'm available. I'm not a priest, but your people don't do confession anyway, right?

So, as a friend.

[mygoodsir]

No, we do not.

A friend. It's very, very good to have one of those. I thank you.

And I shall let you get on with your day, Tim.

[holyposition]

You're welcome.

Take care of yourself. I'll see you at breakfast tomorrow.