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

[coupris]

Because a few hurt feelings don't give me the right to decide the fate of billions of people I've never even met.

[His tone is a bit more somber, but it isn't pointed. There's nothing wrong with Dextera having doubts.]

The Pleroma may not be an absolute good. I doubt very much that it is. However, it's never taken our choices away.

[passio]

—…

[ dextera inevitably flinches, and it’s reflected likewise in a flicker of the text he sends. kim wasn’t targeting him, but his words managed to strike a sensitive spot nonetheless. ]

Yes. You’re right about that. Maybe that’s something only a person can do.

[coupris]

Maybe so. But you're still here, deciding. I think doubt is quite human, too, no?

[passio]

[ human, is it? there’s a meaningful pause. ]

It’s a blessing and a burden.