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Originally Posted by
pathoftheturtle
I think that it is entirely possible that Sheemie himself is more pivotal than it may seem in the threat to the Tower. If he had never become a breaker, then things might not have ever gotten so bad, and Jake might not have needed to sacrifice himself. It could be that trying to dissuade Sheemie from his course is the only thing that the beam really can do to try to spare Jake while also keeping its main commitment, to protect the Tower.
That's true, but wouldn't it be true for virtually any breaker, especially Ted Brautigan? By that measure, if Ted hadn't run away and than offered to Break willingly (in order to save Bobby Garfield who, conveniently enough, also resembles Jake) than the Beams might not have degenerated so fast. Although, remembering your argument, its actually Sheemie who allows Ted to take his vacation and meet Bobby. ...