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

Sorry, busy week!

[superbshot]

Yes, of course it is.

Manipulation is a tool. Tools are neither good nor evil on their own, and can be used to either end.

no worries!!!

[passio]

[ … ]

And would it be wrong? To use that tool for good? Even if it hurts?

[superbshot]

I do not believe so, no. Your thoughts may differ, but I am willing to do what may be painful, for Good. In the short term it may hurt, but in the end, it will be a better world.

[passio]

[ dextera privately thinks that doesn’t sound so different from the regent, but he understands the fundamental difference enough that he doesn’t believe it warrants an argument. ]

There are a lot of people who feel the same way as you.

[ instead, he simply says this. ]

[superbshot]

What do you think, though?

[passio]

[ well... she'll feel his hestiation, as he searches for something to say. ]

I don't know. It's hard to say what I'm willing to do. I don't have that kind of conviction.

[superbshot]

I don't know you, so I can't say one way or another.

But you don't have to have the conviction to use force to do simple things to help people. Moving supplies, drawing maps, helping locate safe-houses...things like that are invaluable too, in any conflict.

[passio]

[ there’s the small unfurling of something in his chest as she lays out practical options for him. ]

Will that really help?

[superbshot]

Yes, of course it will. Wars are won with logistics as much as on the field.

[passio]

[ she’s treated to a long pause, and then, in text that’s even smaller than before to reflect the tentative nature of his answer: ]

I see.

Thank you.