[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

[zauneyete]

[ hi anakin. ]

Is there any choice but Zenith? Yes, Meridian exists, but what good is a group of hope-crazed madmen so lost in the past that they cannot see the future before them? No, there was no choice but Zenith.

[ There are other reasons, of course. The one he does not share, the precious thing that he keeps sequestered and hidden away, now on his person at all times because the other option is to put her in danger over and over again. There is no place safe in Kenos, and he cannot lose her now. Not before the end. He has to bring her there, it's all for her, after all. ]

For your second question: there is nothing that could draw me away. [ Save for... perhaps...A small shred of a possibility that seems more and more minuscule by the day. ] I harmonized within my first days here, and I have not wavered from the path.

[ A beat. ]

What is the purpose of your question? To hunt out possible traitors? It seems inelegant at best.

[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.

[tattooism]

My, my~, what convenient timing to have someone of rank such as that appear. Pleasure to make your acquaintance, General.

[The voice is a husky rumble, casual and conversational, accompanied by the impression of {the person}, whoever they were, draping themselves into a seat to get comfortable in Communion.]

The answer to your question is a simple one~ For me, at least. I asked the other shard-bearers to show me which faction was most compelling without making any outrageous claims as to what advantages I might be able to provide in this conflict... and a Zenite was the only one who put proper effort into wooing me.

So I am a Zenite ♡

[eightfoldfiend]

[Yuber's presence is, as always, heavy and oppressive and it feels like it might catch fire at any moment.

There is a sense of him looming over Anakin, eyeing his energy over the Communion.]

...What made you choose Zenith? Why are you hesitating now?

Bold thing to say you might betray us to join the Meri.

[ghostmoder]

Meridian talks a big game, but I haven't heard a single one of 'em talk like they actually understand what they're trying to do. I'm not about to stick my neck out [and, by proxy, the necks of everyone he cares about] for a buncha clowns that're stuck too far up their own asses to think about what it means.

[Resurrecting one person is hard enough. Resurrecting entire worlds, potentially innumerable ones? Come on. Something has to give somewhere. And until Meridian can meet his standard of proof, he's unlikely to make the gamble.

What Anakin in particular might feel though, Exalt to Exalt, is an impression of what Yusuke is leaving unsaid: a backdrop of righteous anger and defensiveness on behalf of the Meris, who (it seems to him) are being taken advantage of in their grief.]

[holonethero]

[At the implied threat, Anakin's presence swells, growing to match Yuber's as he stops trying to contain himself. His sense swirls with heat and light, giving the impression that he's made of starlight, or might simply be a star given form. Masking his presence in the Force had become second nature to him at home, and he'd had little trouble doing through Communion, but the hostile response puts him on the defensive. He won't let himself be intimidated.]

I wasn't aware that trying to better understand everyone else's reasoning would make me a traitor. But since you asked, I chose Zenith because I see the impossibility of Meridian's goal, while Zenith's feels slightly less impractical.

[holonethero]

[Oh, yes. This guy. Gross.

Still, Anakin hears him out, taking in what he's saying and giving it fair weight. The wording makes Silco seem more like an ideological zealot and less...rational. But he supposes the final question is a fair one.]

Nothing like that. I wouldn't say that uncertainty in a cause as daunting as this is treasonous. I'd say unwavering, blind support for most causes might even be a negative. I just want to better understand everyone's motives and reasons for pursuing this one.

[eightfoldfiend]

[Yuber's presence withdraws, almost like parting smoke against the light. After a moment he regathers himself, not humbled but seeming to look Anakin eye-to-eye with a fond smirk. One warrior acknowledging another.]

Not just impossible but dangerous!

While we seek to build a final bastion where we prepare for the future the Meri are clinging to their memories. If they were successful in restoring their worlds, what then? Oblivion would return, no doubt. If you don't learn from the past and all that.

Imagine what we could accomplish if they abandoned their foolish mission and joined us!

[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.

[private]

[semicharmed]

[ 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.

[fursuit]

[ Tezcatlipoca whistles out an impressed noise, but at least with the benefit of Communion, it’s obviously genuine! ]

That’s one hell of a title! I mean, shit, wanna take you up on brushing up just to see what you can do, honestly. Too many generals sit on their asses and don’t get to proper fightin’, but sounds like that ain’t you.

[ And to himself, he hopes some Zenites take him up on the offer. Too many people here aren’t combatants at all, and they need to be doing better. That’s something he keeps to himself for now, though, since he focuses on the question for the rest. ]

Technically, if Set felt like switchin’ over to Zenith, I’d have to change my mind. We struck up an agreement, since havin’ two war gods on the same side? Fucks up the balance. Way better to have one for each. But ain’t like I disagree with what Zenith is wantin’ to do, for the record Suits me better.

[spellcollect]

Having a frontline fighter is always useful.

[ And then- ]

I'm... used to loss, in a way. I've outlived quite a few dear friends and companions. But more importantly, I believe it when I'm told those places are gone and cannot be reclaimed or restored. There's no magic powerful enough to bring back the dead, after all. If there was proof that such a thing might work... I might be swayed.

[ She's being rather honest about it. ]

[diegeticmusic]

Would you take someone who's a total beginner? I barely know how to throw a punch.

[But since she arrived and the war suddenly got very hot between Zenith and Meridian, she thinks this would probably be a good thing to start learning.]

As for Zenith... I think it chose me, more than I chose it. I've been drawn to it from the beginning.

[She sighs.]

I understand Meridian's position, but... in my experience, trying to go backwards, or preserve what was lost, only makes everything worse in the long run.

[holonethero]

You as well, ma'am.

[He's. Not sure what to do with a person presenting themselves like this, but he defaults to polite in most circumstances involving women.]

You chose based on what you were offered, then?

[Well, he certainly isn't judging that. But it is a bit of a surprise, given how ideologically motivated everyone else's answers have been and that certainly shines through.]

[holonethero]

[Anakin picks up on the anger and defensiveness, the Exalt-bond making this stand out a little more clearly than it otherwise might have. Mentally he seems to nod his agreement, or at least his understanding.]

That makes a lot of sense. I didn't get the impression when I spoke to the members of their group that any of them really knew what they were suggesting. The idea of bringing back the dead is...just something that isn't done where I'm from. It shouldn't be possible, and the thought of entire universes worth of the dead being re-created? Time...life...it doesn't work like that.

Private

[holonethero]

[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.]

[holonethero]

[Well, he's glad to not be made fun of...]

I only really brought that up so that people would know I'm serious. I'm not really someone that stands on rank. But if you want, I'd be happy to work with you.

[Though the notion of war gods sounds strange and fanciful to him. There's a curious flicker in the Communion, like his eyebrows rising and lips pursing.]

What exactly do you mean by god? Not to be rude but that's a concept with a lot of variation.

[holonethero]

Well, I'm certainly that.

[He's good at front-lines. And back lines. And...most lines, really.

But her reasoning sobors him up.]

I recall you saying your people are long-lived. That's undoubtedly something that takes a toll, and you have my sympathy. And my agreement. The dead return to the Force, and they do not...or should not...leave it.

[holonethero]

I've started with worse. One of my early assignments involved training younglings no older than five or six.

[He, at least, sounds confident in his ability. She's obviously no youngling.

Her reasoning for the choice, in some ways, makes a lot of sense to Anakin. He hadn't felt particularly 'called' but it was certainly his experience that working backwards rarely went well.]

You saying that makes me feel a little better about my own decision. We Jedi are taught to let go of the past, and to look ahead. Preserve what we can, but always focus on the here, not on what was.

[tattooism]

“Miss”, if you must, please. I may likely be your elder, but there’s no need to whip out the “ma’am”s. Not today at least.

[It almost feels as if she’s simply forgotten that she hasn’t provided her name- or perhaps, that she simply assumes most people to know it, somehow, even in a different world.]

Now, I can’t say I love that phrasing… it makes me sound terribly materialistic. Choosing based on what I’m offered…

I prefer to think of it far deeper.

Something like… “choosing based on what its members were willing to go out of their way to do, even with no promise of a reward or the guarantee of a powerful ally”.

[holonethero]

[Anakin doesn't quite smile back, but there's a respectful nod. He sees you and he has heard you, Yuber. Eye to Eye, indeed.]

Yes, that is a good point. I spoke with one of them the other day, before I made my decision and he didn't seem to have much of a plan for Oblivion.

If I'm honest, I think that's the most important thing to address for both sides. It needs to be answered, and really we should be working together to make that a reality.

[spellcollect]

Thank you.

[ There's a moment where she considers this. ]

I don't feel as if I've had a toll taken from me. But I do understand that sometimes you need to let go.

[ghostmoder]

[There's an impression of something like indecision from his end of the connection. Things he's not, strictly speaking, supposed to talk about, at least not with ordinary people.

But the people here are hardly ordinary, and this probably counts as an extraordinary circumstance. Right?

With some caution:]

It's not impossible. But the kinda scale they're talking about, even if the Oracles do have enough juice to manage it, there's no way it ends the way they say it will.

[He thinks it's more likely it goes sideways in ways very much worse than lowercase-o oblivion: empty husks of worlds recreated without life; fragile souls separated from their bodies or even their ghosts, lost without any way to return to the afterlife; natural cycles of existence disrupted or fractured.]

[semicharmed]

[ 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.

[punkisntdead]

Alright, I gotta see some of your badass Space Army General moves in action, I think.

[Is this Chloe's way of saying "hey, teach me to fight"? Perhaps. But between this and their last talk, it sounds like this dude should have plenty of experience to go around, so it'd be dumb as hell not to take advantage. Plus it just sounds cool.]

But me being with Zenith... things were breaking back home—like, reality-level breaking—and cutting all that off and starting from scratch with something new sounds like the best way to fix things to me. And if that Oblivion shit's got anything to do with it, then all the more reason to go with the side that's cutting off the bad.