The problem is that the author, and Buffy, may be using an absurdly broad definition of torture and expecting it to carry all the moral weight of the normal, narrow, definition (may because, as you say, the author never actually states their terms, which they should have.)
It's interesting, really, because this distinction lies at the root of the current political debate about the use of torture. It's hard to tell exactly which definition is in use by any particular participant.
Which may make this 'fic a very interesting statement about that debate.--
"I give you the beautiful... the talented... the tirelessly atomic-powered...
R!
DOROTHY!
WAYNERIGHT!
--
Sucrose Octanitrate.
Proof positive that with sufficient motivation, you can make anything explode.
It's interesting, really, because this distinction lies at the root of the current political debate about the use of torture. It's hard to tell exactly which definition is in use by any particular participant.
Which may make this 'fic a very interesting statement about that debate.--
"I give you the beautiful... the talented... the tirelessly atomic-powered...
R!
DOROTHY!
WAYNERIGHT!
--
Sucrose Octanitrate.
Proof positive that with sufficient motivation, you can make anything explode.