The Sea Wasp (Ryk E. Spoor)

I very rarely accept hypothetical questions as-asked, because too often they're asked without nuance. In those cases I too tend to ask for particulars or set out different cases and possible reactions to said cases.

The rare time I do answer straightly a hypothetical question as-asked I seem to startle the asker. I get the feeling my motivations don't match those of a lot of other folks.

-- Steve, for instance, was asked how much money it would take for him to perform a certain humiliating act... and when he answered that dignity was more important than cash, because sufficient cash can be obtained by other means without degrading onself, the room went completely silent.