Originally a reblog to this post by @ladysouthpaw1213 but I couldnt shut up
I keep thinking back to Mason's letter. The diary entry thing that his therapist makes him write. Of how betrayed he felt by Reznov. How he wasn't even sure if any of the trust or fidelity he felt towards the man was genuine or programmed. And that was just him scratching the surface of his emotions before he cut himself off.
He used me.
He used me.
He used me.
I can say it over and over again, but it doesn't change anything. I believe deep down that Reznov was my friend. I just don't know if I was programmed to believe that.
And then I look at Bell, who was basically speedrun through that entire process.
None of it was real. All of the feelings of brotherhood and familiarity to Adler and Sims, forged. All the bonds made with everyone in the safehouse, ingenuine.
At least Mason's feelings were partially real, from the time he spent with Reznov in Vorkuta. Painful, long, and drawn out, sure; still somewhat real. At least some of the sentiments he felt were produced organically, intentions aside. But Bell didn't even have that. Every single one of Bell's established feelings were implanted by carving a hole in their fucking head and shoving them in like the numbers. And all over just a month. Imagine the amount of shit that was shot up their eye that made it happen.
And the worst part? I think the crew members did feel some sort of remorse towards Bell. Screw 'hardened agents from CIA/MI6/Military'; they're fucking human. Park was actively lowering dosage and trying to comfort Bell through the whole process. Lazar thanks Bell if he's saved, telling them he owed them. And then turns away in shame in the failed betrayal ending, unable to face Bell getting shot and the fact that he wasnt able to repay that favour. Sims grew distant from Adler and even quit the CIA; it isn't a stretch to think that this was the inciting event. Woods and Mason would be fucking pissed, of course. Probably until they saw Adler get a taste of his own medicine. And my heart weeps every day for the content of pissed off Mason about Bell that we were robbed of.
And Adler?
Meanwhile, Hudson can't give a fuck. Hudson didnt spend enough time around Bell, thankfully. But he still couldnt care. He couldnt even be allowed to care if his whole team—his brothers—were killed by Bell in Duga. He's a handler, this is his job, and he has to stomach worse. Bell is just one among the pile of things tucked away in his mind that he'd rather not think about.
I truly believe it wasn't personal for him.
It was unfortunate, but such is war.
He sacrificed his rook. The game won't end.
Not until one of the kings was brought to his knees.
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