kenoscomm | [Open] Zenith Locked

[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.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Thank you Flat, Matt is now doing his best to practice psychic infosec. Which means that in addition to his usual brief meditation to keep other people's secrets under mental lock and key, he also narrows the aperture of Communion so it's just him and Anakin.

He's pretty sure, anyway. ]

I know we discussed a few of my misgivings about this whole setup. [ Dry. ] Primarily, I picked Zenith because I wanted there to be someone on this side, a spellcaster, who I knew would be willing to work with Meridian. On harnessing these energies for something that's not violence.

Though I have some personal reasons too.

[Oh hey, it's Matt. Anakin straightens a bit, his mental connection focusing to reinforce that private little tunnel.]

So you decided to put yourself here, to make sure that there's some possibility of compromise?

[He's not shocked, and if anything he sounds appreciative.]

[ Right, right, Matt could've ... introduced himself. Too much infosec, scale it back next time. ]

Compromise for sure. [ The sense of a nod, along with a flicker of relief that Anakin seems to accept this as a legitimate motivation. ] But also ...

So I think these energies, Zenith and Meridian, have complementary applications, some of which we've already seen in our time here. And to explore those applications as fully as I want to, I need someone on this side of things to be able to channel Zenith.

[It's alright. Anakin picked up on the who fairly quick.]

That's understandable, as well. When we talked about Discord being able to be lessened by members of opposing factions more easily, it struck me as odd. If the energies weren't compatible in some way, why would that be the case.

So attempting to study it, academically at least, makes sense. Have you made much headway?

Right, [ Matt agrees, a little brighter--for the process of exploration, not the subject itself, ] in some way. Some of my favorite religious traditions from my home world, philosophical traditions, they'd found ways to make harmony out of seemingly opposing forces. By its nature it's counterintuitive, but it's like ... when you find a way to make harmony out of conflict, that's the strongest force there is. One of them.

[ A sigh. ]

In terms of progress, though, I'd say I have ... plans and hypotheses, more than anything solid I've learned. But I'm working on it.

[ Matt feels guilty about this, even though realistically, Kenos does keep one busy. ]

[Anakin pings back a sense of reassurance and confidence. None of that guilt, friend.]

Anything I can do to help? I'm not much of a...wizard...but I do have my powers back now.

[That confidence grows, burning a little brighter at the mention of that.]

...Not that I'm with the other guys. But I'll do what I can, if there's anything.

[ Matt has a love-hate relationship with Communion. But at the moment, he leans much closer to finding it miraculous. Anakin's reassurance feels as indelible as his own emotions--totally trustworthy, without him having to say a word. Outside the connections Matt shares with those of his Aspect, Communion is the only place he can feel something like that. If his own reply is more reserved, it's only because his magical plans so far lean towards the carnal. And that's, you know.

A lot. ]

It sounds like you're equipped to be helpful in a bunch of ways, [ Matt notes quickly. He adds, his psychic tone almost teasing, ] I didn't know you were a knight and a general.

[ Matt, you didn't know he was either of those things. ]

What powers do you have back?

It didn't seem terribly important to mention at the time.

[Anakin's internal smile is, if anything, a touch amused. He enjoys not being immediately recognizable. Though that's changing around here. Highstorm folks are odd.]

I...it's hard to describe what I can do with the Force. I can see and feel more clearly, I can enhance my body, I can heal, I can move objects. A good many things. Many people find it easiest to think of Jedi like wizards.

Oh, that's awesome, [ Matt enthuses. His psychic presence warms. The term "wizard" is an archaic one to his ears, but he's pleased to meet another magic user--or close enough to it. ] Some of that sounds like what I can do with magic, so I can see how a wizard comparison would come up.

[ Still, he can't help feeling curious. If the Jedi are only like wizards, then what are they really? ]

But your, uh ... martial perspective, seems as valuable as any of that. Speaking just for myself, I've been trying to learn a little combat, but I'm a soft-handed civilian. [ Dry. ] I don't really want to fight anyone, but I appreciate people who know how to navigate that kind of environment.

[Space Monks, Matt. They're Space Monks.

Anakin chuckles softly to himself, but there is a definite sense of acceptance on his end.]

I'll hopefully be able to navigate things as well, here. If you would like to learn some of those skills, I'd be happy to teach.

[ One of the great tragedies of Matt's existence is that he's a cleric who has no idea what a cleric is. ]

Oh. [ Matt brightens. The chance to learn something is always a welcome one. ] Yeah, I've got ... let's see ...

Beginning sword-fighting, with Link. And the war god gave me a gun. [ This second item is accompanied by a sense of affectionate eye-rolling. ] And I've been reading up a little in the Tomes--just a little. I've been trying to access, like ... a more combat-oriented mindset.

A drill instructor would probably do you good.

[Is Anakin volunteering? Maybe.]

I've done some work with recruits that hesitate. I could probably help with that.

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