fandomhigh | Practical Philosophy, Friday

"In the modern Western view, influenced as it is by Christian theology, each person consists of a body and a soul," Ender said. "Sometimes we add on the mind, as well, with our soul being some carrier of an innate emotional self, and the mind holding our capacity for thought. The general idea behind this is that our bodies are simply lumps of flesh, possessed by a soul that is eternal. You inhabit your body, but you are your soul."

He reached for his bottle of water.

"There are cases where our body doesn't map so well onto the soul," he said. "People with phantom limbs, or transgender people who don't see the body they should have in the mirror, for instance. A quirk of the body misaligns with the soul and wrecks the self? Whatever it means, that lump of flesh is apparently more than just a vessel. It means something. And for it to not be what it's supposed to can have grave consequences for the soul."

He unscrewed the cap and took a sip.

"Fandom likes to play with our bodies," he said. "Sometimes, Dean Skywalker likes to do so, too. Has that ever happened to you? Did it tell you anything about yourself? How did you feel?"

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If you want to do so privately.

"Ho, kreetle," Ben said, grinning as he approached.

"Ho, Ben," Ender returned, smiling at him. "So you've managed to stay out of your grandfather's clutches today."

"He's in Jaina's galaxy dropping Juliet off for summer camp in Hapes," he said with a grin. "It's an entire Granddad free weekend."

"Sounds like a good excuse to do something productive," Ender said dryly.

"Define productive," Ben said, grinning wider. "Does it involve ice cream?"

"Would taking you out on an ice cream date count as productive?" Ender mused. "Hm. Make your case."

"Well, it would a time for us to relax and reconnect without Bantha and Val around, which is fleetingly rare," Ben began, "and because the ice cream here is really top notch, something we don't know is true on the next planet, and because it's the summer and summer is meant for slowing down and enjoying things that don't have a greater point."

He smiled. "How'd I do?"

"Sentimental," Ender judged. His mouth curved. "But just this once, I'll let you work the ref."

Ben leaned in to give him a quick kiss. "I have my moments."

"Once or twice," Ender said, kissing him back. "And I know you've missed the Ben Skywalker."

Edited 2021-05-28 19:37 (UTC)

Ben laughed. "I'm not sure I can finish it without help these days," he admitted.

Ender laughed. "We'll share one," he said, "And I won't tell anyone if we leave with a heap still uneaten."

"That poor, unloved ice cream," Ben faux-lamented.

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