Path of the Vampire forum

Life would be so much easier if everything, every decision was black and white. Where choices and their consequences were readily apparent. Where people and organizations were transparent in their motives. But alas life is not like that. Even if it was, my life certainly wouldn’t follow the pattern. It’s never been normal, so why should it ever be?

The simple answer? It won’t ever be. It’s an impossibility. It used to bother me… now, it’s become so commonplace I usually don’t think twice about it.

Usually.

The news of this cure has the city riled up and up in arms - humans and vampires alike. I can’t really fault them, but I’m not sure anyone is thinking logically. I’m not sure how one can without all the facts or even some basis of solid knowledge. I’m sure each is doing what they believe right but there’s the concern that even then, their actions are based on perceptions and feelings.

So little is known about this cure. Why was it developed? Was it really a goodwill gesture as some of those leaked bits would have one believe? Or is merely an illusion of choice that disguises some great plan to eradicate the vampire populous? Even if it was created as goodwill (which I personally find hard to believe) what is to keep them from later changing their minds and using it for ill as a way to control the community? Was it created to ensure vampires couldn’t rise against them?

What precisely does it do? How does it work? Those same leaked bits would have us believe that there are no discernable side effects. We know nothing about their testing methods. Did they test on a variety of paths and ages? What were their test conditions? What do they consider a ‘discernable’ side effect – one they can see? Do they monitor internal changes as well? Or are they only concerned with making sure the need for blood and their enhanced attributes are gone?

Can it be weaponized? Of course, this depends on the delivery method used to administer it. Along with what the effects would be on humans. If it’s a liquid that’s drunk and is completely safe for humans, I wouldn’t put it past them to taint the water supply. Particularly if only a small amount of it was needed to be effective. A shot would be trickier given you’d have to know your target was a vampire, but using a tranquilizer gun for the delivery system wouldn’t be out of the question in that case.

I’ve been to the facility. Went the day the news broke. Got shot twice for my trouble. Of course, I hadn’t been thinking properly and just charged in. Wanting to keep family and friends safe is great but I went without all the information. I still don’t have all the information. And really I’m not sure it’s my place to even have a say in this mess. I’m not exactly a part of the community most affected by it – just by extension.

I said as much to Elizabeth last night. It is becoming commonplace to see her around now and to stop for a spot of conversation. She’s quite knowledgeable and pleasant to talk with. I can see why Doc likes her. Of course, him I haven’t heard from in a fortnight ever since he headed off to talk to her (at least that was my assumption). Time is his till he is ready. I would ask his view on all this, but I learnt ages ago to not disturb one when they were engaged in the type of battle raging at the facility. A single moment of ill-concentration could make or break a side. It is disappointing, to say otherwise would be a lie, but Liz had some wonderful insights.

I certainly don’t believe that the government is the correct organization to hold on to this cure. Their security is quite lax if the information leak is any indication so it would not be secure there, I think. Nor would I trust the politicians that would control it to have the best interests of the community as a whole in mind in regards to its use. Too many allow money to talk louder than what is truly right. That they could be bought is nothing to take lightly.

But is it right to destroy it? I’m not sure. I know there are some who would be eager to return to a truly human state. Is it right to deny that based on what could be if it fell in the wrong hands? Would there be some way to ensure the reward outweighed the risk in preserving it?

Liz posed the question last evening as to why it couldn’t be attained and studied. I have to agree with that. If it is preserved, it would have to be studied before being administered, in all honesty. I don’t think the government’s tests should be taken as solid proof that it works and without any nasty side effects. In reality, we can’t be sure if those emails were hacked out of the database or if they were misinformation leaked to see what the reaction of the masses would be.

But who to hold it while it is studied and the vampire community could discuss its use? It is a hard decision and I’m not sure it is one that could be agreed upon in a timely manner. Nor do I think a decision on its use would come swiftly or without some infighting. I am reminded of a scene from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in which Dumbledore is telling Harry he made it so the stone could only be removed from the mirror by someone who wanted it, but would not seek to use it. The caretaker of the cure would have to be someone like that, I believe.

It is possible that there is no cure locked in that facility. Small possibility but still one. One must wonder if this was created as a staged event to show the human populous that vampires are dangerous beings that needed to be put down. If the cure exists, and is held elsewhere, this siege would be the perfect soapbox for the government to stand upon and use to further their agenda. Perhaps to pass a law that would make that cure compulsory. I can only hope that this is far from the truth. Too many will hurt if it is reality.

Only time will tell.


[FOR THE CURE]