[Open] Zenith Locked

[holonethero]

[Anakin has taken his time in reaching out to others, partially because he doesn't really like the idea of communion and partially because of his desire to remain detached, but he knows that isn't feasible. He's heard all of the warnings about the war coming to an end soon, and about the need for action...but committing to that is not something he's willing to do just yet. However he still wants to be of some help, and in a sudden, snap decision he just...does it.

His mental voice falters briefly, almost as though he's thinking better of it, but when he does speak up it's in a confident, clear tone. He's used to public speaking, at least, even if this is a little weird.]

Good afternoon. I have been remiss in introducing myself to the rest of you. My name is Anakin Skywalker, Jedi Knight and General of the Grand Army of the Galactic Republic. I've recently arrived and I've been slowly taking things in. I have a few questions, and an offer I'd like to put on the table.

[His thoughts slow, and are accompanied by images of a long stone room with a shallow, sandy floor. A training room.]

The offer first. I have trained many men and women in my unit in self-defense, and I've had an apprentice Jedi up until very recently. I've come to understand that many of you come from civilian backgrounds. If you would like to learn how to fight, or you'd like to brush up on things, particularly when it comes to swordsmanship, please seek me out.

[He pauses to let that sink in before going on.]

Secondly, the questions. I'm curious what made you choose Zenith to give your allegiance? And I would also ask what would make you change your mind? I am not intending to question anyone's loyalties or allegiances except possibly my own, I just would like to understand why you've made the choice you did. It may help me frame my own thoughts better.


Thank you for your time and your thoughts.


[His thoughts quiet then, waiting for responses.]

Comments

[twohand]

I am versed in combat, but always seek to enhance my skills.

[ Says a small, but lethal, little elf. His presence arrives without fanfare or grandiosity, only the impression of a well-tended campfire in the dark of night, with a sea of empty seats ( still warm to the touch, as if their owners had only recently gone ) for the choosing. ]

As for my choice, I think of Zenith as the only way to protect us from Oblivion and preserve the life, experiences and memories of all thwt came before. We are the last of many things. Meridian's goal would throw them, and us, directly back into the maw.

[ In his gentleness, he is ferocious about protecting others. Fane has gone, and his heartbreak is acute — he had wanted, so badly, to save him and now? Now, he knows he must turn that sentiment upon everyone that much more. Momentarily, he hones in upon Silco's presence ( the memory of descending upon him and dissipating him during the last Oracle swims to the forefront of his mind, a flicker of a vision for all to see ). ]

That does not mean I think Zenith is not corrupt, and has been failing at its responsibility for a long time. I would have been Meridian if not for Oblivion, and my care for people. If Oblivion were routed permanently, I see no reason we should not go home.

[holonethero]

[Anakin, for his part, is happy to sit down next to that fire and join the smaller man. His presence remains cloaked somewhat, though it releases the soft warmth of starlight as he opens up a little more. The brief flicker of a vision of Silco doesn't go unmissed, but he decides to leave that lie. It's doubtless a complex situation.]

I'd be happy to show you what I can, and learn from you as well, then.

[He knows he's not perfect, and he's generally open to learning. Even if he is probably more confident than he should be, Obi-Wan did teach him some humility.

He also finds himself in agreement, here. Oblivion is the problem, more than anything, and he definitely feels Zenith has it's problems. Silco and Yuber both stand out to him as...troubled spots, for instance, but it's Oblivion that ultimately drew him to Zenith.]

That, I think, I agree with most. With what information I've been given so far, it seems like Oblivion is the biggest, most existential threat, and simply going back to the way things were feels both...impractical...and irresponsible.

[twohand]

I will seek you out, then. We can ensure our skills stay sharp, and assist others, too.

[ Actually, it's not complex at all: Silco is dangerous to everyone and everything, and should be eliminated as a danger! Imprisonment is a good angle, but Drizzt had lost the man's Shard due to the nature of the last Oracle. ]

I don't think it's impractical. Worlds and realms have risen and fallen en masse before in my home's history. The Spellplague warped the fabric of reality, yet still we persisted... I do not see how Meridian's goal is not simply persistence. What I do not agree with, is how we were pressured into a war and told little about the root cause of that war. Or how our Faction invites people to "any means" mentalities.

[ He's a little chatty, but deeply severe about policing Zenith. They are a subtle group and a smaller one than Meridian, but there is no reason to accept bad seeds because — why? They're Zenith, and a rotten Zenith is better than a Meridian? They're necessary to victory? Absolutely not. ]

I do feel it is irresponsible. But, why do you think it is impractical? What experiences lead you to that?

[holonethero]

I look forward to it, Mister...?

[Prompting the other man to offer a name...

The commentary on Meridian and the rest is something Anakin takes in quietly, processing and absorbing the information with deliberate consideration. He's impulsive to be sure, but Obi-Wan did teach him how to stop and think. This is one of those moments he's grateful for those lessons.]

I say impractical because in my experience, things that are dead cannot be returned to life. It's very easy to wish to undo the past, but another thing entirely to do so, and on a grand scale like that? I don't know if that's even possible.

[He continues after a brief pause.]

I also think anyone promising everything you want is trying to sell you something shady, and Meridian is definitely offering that. I don't know if I'd trust whatever it is they are selling. I feel similarly about Zenith, but I have less misgivings about it for the reasons I already mentioned.

help he's so happy to talk to anakin

[twohand]

Drizzt. I am a ranger, in title. My skills lie with blades, ranged combat, and partner work — but, I have practical experience in a little of everything.

[ As with all things, he is effortlessly friendly. A gentle-spoken man who finally casts off the deep, shadowed hood his mind supplies the impression of his image with, to bare the dark skin and long, tapered ears of his kin. Bright purple eyes, but perhaps to Anakin... he can be nothing special, too. No vitriol has followed him to Kenos, pertaining to his heritage, and while he will not forget the hated ( or the root cause for it ), it has been a pleasant thing — to be known for himself, not his kind.

With an open smile, he invites Anakin deeper into his mind's fold. Openly allowing him to take a look around at his intentions, at his honesty and apprehensions. ]

I will say that Zenith is offering a great deal as well. Who has not harbored thoughts of change, or even the creation, something new and more equitable — based on one's own perceptions of injustice, inequality or difficulties? We often forget we must walk paths and choose the best options in imperfect worlds, so to be offered a chance to simply make a world we wish others could have? How is that not "everything", too?

[ Despite the hard line, Drizzt's patience and kindness is firm. He is not asking questions to sway Anakin from Zenith ( his belief in it is ironclad, steady and flexible at the same time, because it is born of the yearning to protect and be good ), but to ensure he does not become careless or lack empathy for the "other side". They need to understand Meridian, to save them.

It's why his questions are pointed, but not steeped in nastiness or cruelty toward him. Just the soft plea of someone who needs his allies to think more robustly, that, more compassionately, and still maintain their faith in Zenith. ]

It is a dangerous, poisonous offer. We could be far easier corrupted than Meridians who speak of their path as the more practical — their claim is that they are reigniting embers, not creating flame from nothing. They also claim moral high ground, by accepting the imperfections of those worlds and striving for them.

[ Zenith is NOT an easy path! ]

My world could readily return dead to life with a spell or rite, for a price. So, it is not unrealistic to me, but I oppose it. I have to, because they will die if they succeed. And I love their right to live too much, to see them snuffed out like our worlds were. Don't you?

[holonethero]

[Nothing about Drizzt is strange or alarming to Anakin. Even if he were familiar with Drow and their reputation, he keeps an open mind about people and as he's not the man is simply a dark skinned humanoid. If anything he's more surprised to see so many human-like beings here, given the staggering diversity of his home. There's a hint of curiosity about his appearance, mainly because he's met Frieren, and he's interested to know if they're both elves.

But that is set aside as he peeks inside, just for a moment. Anakin's sense retreats, and he offers a gentle mental reassurance. He's not the prying type, but he recognizes the gesture and it's significance. For his part, he opens himself up to a point, laying bare his own intentions, as well as his concerns. Yuber and Silco both feature prominently, as does his general uncertainty with how all of this is even supposed to work. He's so out of his depth...]

I...suppose you have a point there, Drizzt. [He shakes his head, ceding that point.] Still, it feels less daunting than the prospect of re-creating what could be an infinite number of other ones. The One versus the Many, though I don't really know how either option will come to pass anyway.

[Confirming his agreement. He's mostly going off of what seems the most practical to him, and his worldview. He tries to be pragmatic, generally. Anakin, for his part, clearly holds no animosity towards Meridian. There is a sense from him that he doesn't like the propaganda machine they've set up, but that's the only wrinkle in his impression. A vague image of Liem particularly floats to the surface of his thoughts, along with a solidly positive impression.]

You're right about it being easy to corrupt though, and I think that's why we need to walk a tighter rope. But I think the good that can come from taking the harder road is greater. Or at least, it feels that way to me.

[He huffs something of a laugh.]

It seems that my world is the odd one out. Other people have talked about returning the dead to life, but we seemed to have traded it for the ability to travel the stars.

[Another impression, this time of flight. Of space-travel. Of something so utterly amazing he can only offer his impressions, because he doesn't have words.]

That being said, I agree with you. They deserve to live, to have a chance to be happy. Even if they're against us now, if we win, they should have a place. Honestly, I think that no matter what happens, they should have a say.

[As if they win, he imagines they'd return his Galaxy to life as well. Even if he's gone, at least Padme and the Republic will be alright. And that matters more than anything he might want, anyway.]