to the pleroma (text)

[passio]

[ it’s not an intentional attempt at anonymity. dextera just has no experience with this kind of broad communication, and to him, there’s little point in introducing himself anyway. those who have met him may be able to recognize the emotional “signature” attached to the words newly displayed in their minds, and may be able even to attach the soft sound of his breath or the perpetually-uncertain expression he wears to the message he knows is about to be contentious.

but, it’s been bothering him since the events in venera. perhaps the seed was planted even before that, from his very first experience with the kenoma and having the pleroma overtake it to save him in the end. ]

Are we wrong?

[ it’s… actually not what he wanted to open with, but the panic of broadcasting a message so publicly has him blurting things out even through what should be the most temperate of mediums. ]

The Regent said it was the Pleroma that caused the disease in Venera. That force wanted us to live forever in delusion. I don’t want to destroy the world. I don’t want to make a new one either. I was happy there. I would have been happy there.

The distilled Kenoma tried to manipulate our thoughts. Didn’t you all feel that power when we escaped? The Hope that allowed us to fight? Are we still being manipulated?

Comments

[passio]

That should be the responsibility of the gods. They should guard their creation.

[wolof]

Ah, but if they do so, don't they then remove the right to free will? If they interfere directly, are we truly their creations to live and breathe and decide, or are were merely playthings, to force into rigid boxes, if we get out of line?

The gods have their Intercessor, don't get me wrong. [ Intercessor, as if it's a title. ] However, direct actions would be...catastrophic. Where does it end, if they truly do start to interfere?

[passio]

[ intercessor… dextera may not know the title, but he can guess what it might mean. someone like the false angels, or at least who the false angels claimed to be until all went awry during the blaze.

he’s actively silent, as if projecting a lack of response through the shard, until he finally comes on an answer. ]

I want to know that, too. There are times when I want someone to make my choices for me. I just don’t want to ever think that I was the one who made them if they do.

[wolof]

I'm the opposite. If the gods dared to try to make a decision for me, I would find a way to bring the forces of below, and all the demons and devils of the hells to bear against them.

[ Intense... ]

I don't trust the gods to know the limit, I suppose.

[passio]

[ intense, yes, but understandable. ]

I don’t trust myself. I guess that’s the difference.

[ it’s not said with any malice or judgment, though; dextera is acknowledging that people feel differently, and that’s a good thing. ]

[wolof]

[ A pause, a flicker of understanding. ]

We wouldn't be mortal, if we didn't doubt, would we?

It's not wrong to... question, or remind yourself of where you don't trust yourself, I think.

I wouldn't trust gods with my fate, but... our blindspots are rather massive at times, aren't they?

[ That feeling isn't directed at him, but instead, a knowledge of her own blindspots. ]

[passio]

It’s still better. Taking responsibility.

[ dextera admires the people who would make their own choices, but it’s hard for him to consistently be that person. ]

Even if you make mistakes.

[wolof]

I agree. For all the mistakes we make... it proves we're still stumbling about, messing up. Could we do that, if we were being controlled?

I think not. Not at the frequency we mere mortals make them, hm?

[passio]

[ “we mere mortals.” he wonders if he can even think of himself that way anymore. ]

You’re right. I hope you’re right.

Thank you for taking the time to talk to me.

[wolof]

And I thank you for the...philosophical discussion.

Perhaps we'll get to again sometime.