aionchat | [PLEROMA] | I heard a rumor...

[ The communion is clear, practiced, and clipped. Business-like. ]

We have quite a few new arrivals, so... Welcome to the Pleroma. I am sure we will all have the opportunity to introduce ourselves to you, but it's often polite to introduce oneself, isn't it? My name is Akua Sahelian, and I speak to you now of what I wish were a warm welcome, but instead, of serious tidings.

I do not know how many of you have been introduced to the wider group, or how much information you've been presented, so allow me to give you all a basics, hm?

If you can hear this, you have accepted the Pleroma. You may have already met one, or many of them, but regardless if you met them before -- we oppose the Kenoma -- perhaps not the individuals, but the... force of kenoma itself. Pleroma and Kenoma are no mere forces of Good and Evil -- The Kenoma would destroy this world -- and all worlds -- to rebirth a world of their own making from the ashes. If you have joined with us, then you have found perhaps something to save here -- or perhaps you believe that your world is still out there. Some do, but I will not promise that which I cannot see with my own eyes. Whatever has brought you to us, I'm afraid that I cannot promise an easy fight -- or an easy existence here. Even now, the Kenoma have captured two of our own, and I have no doubt that they will come out with an experience that only a True Villain by the name of the Regent could craft. [ In communion, it sounds like a Title, a Name. ]

We will have to rescue them, and though I wish I could say that only those that are willing to fight should come, the truth of it is that we must collectively join together. There is no choice, and we will need every willing person to join in, to save our allies. If you have experienced combat before -- of any sort -- your experience will be more than welcome. If you do not, please reach out to one us, and we will find a place for you. We all have...grand and great talents, and we'll need every single one, to find victory when our allies are eventually retrieved. You will be needed, no matter what your experience was before you arrived, you will be able to find some use of your unique talents. Please, if you are new, speak up, tell us about yourselves, and ask your questions. I'm sure someone will answer it. Even the smallest of talents, can mean the difference between losing more of our allies an assets, or victory.

I cannot provide details at this time -- no plans have been set -- but I will tell you to be ready.

Speaking of being ready, however... I must turn a part of our discussion to something just as serious, but in a different vein. I think it clear, that we will have to continue to fight those who have signed on to the Kenoma, and while it's an inevitability, particularly in these times -- we need to assess our enemies. We will want to share the names, the abilities, and the demeanors of our enemies, those in the Kenoma who may be a threat, those who would be weak to physical threat, or...

[ A pause, then. ]

I was...dissipated recently. As I regrew, I... knew something. [ Her voice now almost sounds...authoritative. Like she is Speaking something of great import, the communion gives her words an emphasis that she can only imagine, as it would not work in person. ]

While no Sovereign, they are sovereign in this land, and though their plans have been thwarted in some small ways, they have been given a gift. The gift of knowing the true hearts of their followers, one way or the other. They have no use for the frail and the convictionless, after all. Venera and Godsblood are not the only ones that face culling, as the light of the Sovereign fades.

I believe... there may be individuals within the kenoma that have less conviction than others. They may be willing to help, or even defect, although we will be racing against the Regent's own touch. We may wish to seek them out, and free them from the Kenoma, they may come willingly, but they may also come by force. If you have spoken to those who lack conviction for their Sect, please, share that as well. It may be invaluable. If we know who lacks the resolve to stay with them, we can then pursue them, convince them, or bring them to our bases, to be convinced. I know some may find that unpleasant work -- but... Well, let's just say occasionally, capturing your enemy and teaching them of your perspective works.

I'd know.

[ A pause, before: ] Well, now. Please chime in, I shouldn't do all of the talking.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Truthfully, I am not entirely certain of that, but I can tell you what I know. What I am certain of--or certain as I may be.

The Regent sent us--their Kenoma--to Venera and Godsblood, to put down rebellion in both cities. I went to Venera, and...

[A pause. She's not proud, but...] I am no fighter, but I...did my best to work against the Kenoma. Helping the rebels escape the town. Leading soldiers off if I could. Just...foiling what I could.

I think what may have severed my connection to the Kenoma finally was when Ser Estinien slew me--I did not return to Achamoth, and stayed in Venera. I do not know for certain, but I cannot help but think that part of what I did was work in opposition to the Kenoma, the Regent, and their directives. So whatever hold it had was weakened.

[There is no judgment from the other end. The only emotions that really come through the Communion are interest and a tight sense of control over his own mind.

Interesting...]

Do you believe dissipation damages the connection, or were your loyalties wavering before you were defeated?

[That would be useful.]

It may, but my loyalties were definitely wavering. There were things the Regent was doing, or planning, that...I could not stomach.

I was not privy to many of their plans, but they pulled all of their Kenoma, and many Pleroma--I could not see them all, it may have been all of them, as well--into a mindscape of their own creation, and exhorted us to go out and do their will, and gloat at the Pleroma that their rebellion would be annihilated.

Clearly the Regent overestimates their power, then. Rebellions of Ideas and Hope are not so easily crushed.

[He knows. From years of experience trying.]

You do not regret your choice. I can sense that, and that is good.

[Encouragement? From this guy?]

If you are not a fighter, what is it that you do best?

I...am not sure. I know Aions may grow in power as they pledge allegiance to their cause. I...did not do so. So the only powers I have are my empathy and I can shift into a small bird.

The latter is somewhat good for spying, but I also believe there are enough Kenoma who know of it that it would not be very effective. I feel as if they will be watching for me, now.

[Meteion certainly would, were the situation reversed...]

Empathy is a more potent ability than it may seem, at first glance. How strongly can you read the emotions of others?

[He's agreeing with you on the bird thing. He'd have probably ordered every bird of that species shot on sight until he knew Meteion was dead if he were the Regent.]

I can tell you are obfuscating yours. Dampening them. A necessity? [Meteion could pry, but that's rude and she will not do so.]

I can...sense, to some degree, everyone who is communing. I suppose I could possibly attempt to detect others... [She means should she return to Achamoth, but...she's afraid, even though she clamps down forcibly on her own fear.]

I do not wish to return to Achamoth. While I know the Regent dismissed me as weak, I do not wish to open myself up to any revenge they may wish to inflict upon me.

[Even as she suspects she would be powerless against it, should the Regent wish to do so.]

Of a desire for privacy, yes. And because I am told my presence can be...overwhelming.

[This was a common thing for him, back when his fall. Anakin's presence, his aura, burned like a star in the Force and his fellow Jedi never seemed fully comfortable if he was not holding something back.

He notes the fear, despite her attempts to hide it.]

Your fear is likely wise, and while pain can be an invaluable teacher, I suspect you would not find it so easy to escape a second time.

[Still...]

Yet, do not let it rule you. If you are considered weak, then you can change that. Grow stronger, cultivate your power.

I will not pry further, I promise. [Meteion would not anyway, has not, but she feels it best to put the promise in words, with Vader.]

I think that, too. I'm going to do what I can to reveal what I can, to make the assault easier...if it even can be easier, but I don't want to go back to Achamoth. For exactly that reason. I'm not sure the Regent would have it out for me...but I also don't put it past them.

[Voicing the fear doesn't exactly make it go away, but it does lessen it. Maybe it shouldn't, but Meteion already has no plans to endanger herself again. She's staying in Godsblood.]

I am...working on that. I am not good at fighting and I don't particularly want to, but there are other ways to accomplish...disabling someone.

[Meteion doesn't like the idea of killing, either, which is why she is not even bringing it up. She's done enough, under the influence of the Meteia.]

[It is definitely for the best. Do not disappoint him, bird-child.]

If the Regent is the leader that I have been made to believe they are, then they undoubtedly have it out for all of us.

[However...]

There are certainly other ways to disable opponents. If you do not wish to fight, then that is something we can certainly work on.

I do not think you are incorrect, Ser Vader. I think they are. [And she has had interaction with them, as well, so...]

We? I am not certain that I would...make you suffer through such a thing.

[There's a tinge of humor in her voice, but she does know how some folk see her. Meteion does not want to annoy anyone on purpose.]

[He thinks back...back to Ahsoka as a child.]

...I am certain I have worked with much, much more unruly and troublesome students than you.

[Upon pondering that for a moment, Meteion nods. Vader can't see it, but he can likely feel her affirmation. She does not try to be troublesome.]

No, if you are going to be so courteous as to attempt to teach me, it behooves me to be an attentive student.

Though I fear I am required to stay in Godsblood at the moment.

Of course. There is little time to begin, in any event. We have to deal with this raid, first.

One of us, at least. I suppose I do, too. At least with the aftermath, whatever happens.

Still, when you do deign to teach me...I will try to be a good pupil. Thank you.

[PLEROMA] | I heard a rumor...

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