Claude I somehow made this on mobile

[malewife]

SOMETHING UPSIDE DOWN

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[malewife]

[ he goes silent because he's so fucking shocked that claude just said this aloud ]

[shaft]

Unless you're looking for advice on manipulating politicians. I know a thing or two about that.

[malewife]

[ claude is no longer smart ]

Politicians don't exist in my world anymore, though charisma can be useful.

Threats are just as useful.

[shaft]

Threats will make you a lot of enemies quickly.

—Wait, there are no politicians?

[malewife]

Enemies can be dealt with if you're stronger than them.

[ easy, but... ]

The apocalypse made all forms of government and their branches useless. Some politicians survived, but there is currently no system in place. It's difficult to start up when scenarios take place and no one will listen to someone who's weaker than them.

[shaft]

Who protects the weak then?

[malewife]

They figure that out themselves. Either band together, somehow gain power, or ally with someone stronger.

There are few who are strong and choose to protect the weak. It is a choice and a burden.

[shaft]

Do you think that's fair?

[malewife]

... No one chose the apocalypse. Everyone is trying to survive how they can.

I don't think it's less fair than before.

[shaft]

What did you have before?

[malewife]

Had a job, a younger sister to care for. I was doing fine before the apocalypse.

But you understand that not everyone benefits. No matter what government or person in power, there will be people who are worse off.

[shaft]

I understand, yeah. I'm not naive enough to believe that everything can be fixed by a supposedly just leader.

So what now? You just survive?

[malewife]

... For a long time, yes.

[ He's thinking. ]

But things are different now. I have to decide how I want to live. [ ... ] Are you living?

[shaft]

[ ... ]

I'm not sure. I've been in survival mode for a while now.

[malewife]

It may seem easier, but you can’t go on like that forever.

[ Solidarity. ]

[shaft]

I wonder...

How would you differentiate the two?

[malewife]

Your answer could be different from mine.

[ He can’t give you an answer. ]

[shaft]

That's true enough, but I'm curious about your experience all the same.

[malewife]

... The simple answer is no fear of dying in your sleep or from poison. Not needing to prepare to defend what is yours every single day.

Ideally, it is a peaceful time where you can spend time with your loved ones. Have picnics by the beach. Go on trips.

[shaft]

... That doesn't sound so bad.

I'm a little fascinated by the image of you relaxing at the beach.

[malewife]

I know how to relax and take vacations unlike some people.

[shaft]

You want to teach Dimitri?

[malewife]

I also enjoy weapon maintenance, but he’s a lost cause.

[shaft]

Don't say that... [ he looks pretty bummed ] He deserves a break.

Somehow.

[malewife]

[ closes his eyes. ]

… What my companions did is force a vacation onto the person who only knew how to work. You might need to do the same.

[ Puts responsibility on Claude. ]