[ It's quite sudden when a presence reaches out to Bondrewd through Communion. It's familiar to him, but also not, since they've not had a proper conversation so much as direction being given. However. The voice of Aetós is fairly unmistakable. ]
Aetós. [ But faintly, there’s a little note of approval and humor in his emotions. ] But I see you picked up the hint.
[ It’s not a subtle puzzle to connect “Kite” and “Aetós”, but it wasn’t really meant to be. For someone seeking their attention, it would be obvious, but it’s obscure to anyone else. ]
I would have reached out earlier. But you arrived with somewhat poor timing, personally. Matters had to be cleaned up first. [ just little Manon oopsies, don’t worry about it, ] I was surprised that Shard-Bearers took over my Zoo. Usually they do not have the fortitude.
Had you not, I would have put more of an effort into ensuring I captured your attention.
[ He was, in fact, looking forward to it. Aetós is a deeply intriguing individual, of elusive morality — and great intellect. Naturally, Bondrewd is interested in them! ]
Mm, it reminded me of my Ido Front. I am more familiar with the impact of science without oversight [ or ethical consideration ] than most. Is there something you wish to discuss with me? I admit, I am a fan of your work — I do not know why you perform it, but I find it interesting all the same. Were I able to leave the documents you left behind, I might even have more input.
I lived in a place far to dangerous for people to impose true limitation upon my activities. And as a White Whistle, my authority was absolute by societal standard. I got results.
[ The most important thing to him, after all, is results. All else, he would sacrifice to obtain them and pass them on. ]
Every 2,000 years, my world underwent extreme change, sourced to the presence of the Abyss and its periodic growth. I sought to understand what happened to cause such apocalyptic changes, and avoid the extinction of humanity, heralding them to the next dawn. To that end, I worked to discover what changes I had to make — blessings, curses, souls, all to reach a point where people would survive whatever came next.
[ Aetós listens silently, but when Bondrewd mentions apocalypse, they do laugh, though it’s no more than a single note that’s clear and cold. ]
Interesting. It sounds like your world and mine share some threads. Unusual.
[ Though that’s clearly a personal aside, since they move on from it quickly. ]
Souls are what interest me. This comes with curses and blessings at times. But it is largely the question of the spark of life that drives me. A frightening prospect to most. Especially here, where it can become tangible. Broken.
So, in a place where extinction is not a concern… What interests you?
The truth of the soul, of course. The very choice to use the world "shard" in place of "soul" here strikes me as a wonderfully poignant lexical decision. I fear not for my fate. I shed such connections and tethers for the work and the impact it may have.
[ He beams, empty and dark across their connection. ]
I want to explore the seat of the soul, in Kenos. Nothing else truly matters to me but what their lives mean, and maybe saving them — if it is at all possible.
[ There is a sense of "if not, oh well!" within him, though. ]
[ It's light, but there's approval and interest. ]
Then, I believe we may be able to do some work together. You seek the truth of it. I wish to create it.
[ There's passion in that single word, and it's the sort that Bondrewd will easily recognize because he holds it himself. It's that passion for discovery and progress focused on a singular point... At the expense of everything else. But that's not a problem, is it? ]
I cannot bring you to my labs right away. You understand, I am sure. But I will give you a task, if you're agreeable. Complete it, and I will feel more confident in extending an offer more formally. We can work together.
[ He feels he has never understood, nor been as understood, as in this moment. The pursuit of knowledge and the results are what matter to him; he prays upon an altar of scientific inquiry and methodical discovery, and finds Kenos a beautiful realm to explore. The people brought to it? Expendable, if necessary. ]
Name it, if you would allow me to expend my efforts in the direction of your choosing. I have sought a connection to you for some time, after all.
So, it is best to start with the work that most find so disagreeable. And provide some information for you. And data for me. No Shard-Bearer of this generation has yet to experience the worst of what Discord has to offer. It is worth showing and sharing.
It does not matter to me which Shard-Bearer, merely that you facilitate them reaching the apex of Discord, the fourth tier. At that point, let them do as they are drawn to for a day or so. Then see them killed and collect the Shard. Our first project can be on theirs.
Is this a matter you would like to see observed in public, or private? It seems by your words [ 'let them do as they are drawn to' ] that imprisoning them for observation might limit the data.
It will. I do not want to ruin the surprise. But they will be unruly. It is best to let things run their course, somewhat. It will also be informative for you and the rest of this generation.
[ see bon they're just as benevolent as you! clearly! ]
If they retreat to privacy, that is fine. But this would be unusual.
[ The Greenwood Yards rewarded him with the exact means to accomplish such a thing, after all. Herbs, that will reduce his Discord by allowing him to offload it onto someone else. ]
If I am feeling particularly inspired, I may be able to duplicate the observable data with a second. Within given parameters, naturally. One does not wish to lose control of the research, while seeking a variety of data.
It would be on my own time, and for no reason other than that I enjoy the idea of a control and a variant. One will be obtained, regardless. When I have the Shard in hand, where shall I bring it?
I'll let you know at the time. Depending on how things go, it may be more advantageous to meet somewhere in particular.
[ But he clearly gets the joke, since there's a tiny flicker of amusement even if the answer is purely practical. ]
I look forward to seeing how you choose to accomplish it. Discord is fascinating. Powerful. But too chaotic to be controlled. It should be interesting for you to observe it as it grows.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ring ring
Bondrewd, isn't it? You know who I am, I hope.
[ senpai, duh ]
I was hoping we might have a little chat.
no subject
[ The most muted, albeit pleased, sense of acknowledgement bleeds from him.
Senpai noticed him....... ? ]
Of course. I confess that I am — excited to finally get to speak with you.
no subject
[ It’s not a subtle puzzle to connect “Kite” and “Aetós”, but it wasn’t really meant to be. For someone seeking their attention, it would be obvious, but it’s obscure to anyone else. ]
I would have reached out earlier. But you arrived with somewhat poor timing, personally. Matters had to be cleaned up first. [ just little Manon oopsies, don’t worry about it, ] I was surprised that Shard-Bearers took over my Zoo. Usually they do not have the fortitude.
no subject
[ He was, in fact, looking forward to it. Aetós is a deeply intriguing individual, of elusive morality — and great intellect. Naturally, Bondrewd is interested in them! ]
Mm, it reminded me of my Ido Front. I am more familiar with the impact of science without oversight [ or ethical consideration ] than most. Is there something you wish to discuss with me? I admit, I am a fan of your work — I do not know why you perform it, but I find it interesting all the same. Were I able to leave the documents you left behind, I might even have more input.
no subject
[ It’s a simple, curt answer to the question that’s followed by silence that’s just a little too long. ]
I understand that you worked in your world without oversight, and that is unusual. Useful, perhaps. What is it that you were trying to discover?
me boomeranging these to clear u from duty fast
[ The most important thing to him, after all, is results. All else, he would sacrifice to obtain them and pass them on. ]
Every 2,000 years, my world underwent extreme change, sourced to the presence of the Abyss and its periodic growth. I sought to understand what happened to cause such apocalyptic changes, and avoid the extinction of humanity, heralding them to the next dawn. To that end, I worked to discover what changes I had to make — blessings, curses, souls, all to reach a point where people would survive whatever came next.
me crawling back after five days like a scrub
Interesting. It sounds like your world and mine share some threads. Unusual.
[ Though that’s clearly a personal aside, since they move on from it quickly. ]
Souls are what interest me. This comes with curses and blessings at times. But it is largely the question of the spark of life that drives me. A frightening prospect to most. Especially here, where it can become tangible. Broken.
So, in a place where extinction is not a concern… What interests you?
no subject
The truth of the soul, of course. The very choice to use the world "shard" in place of "soul" here strikes me as a wonderfully poignant lexical decision. I fear not for my fate. I shed such connections and tethers for the work and the impact it may have.
[ He beams, empty and dark across their connection. ]
I want to explore the seat of the soul, in Kenos. Nothing else truly matters to me but what their lives mean, and maybe saving them — if it is at all possible.
[ There is a sense of "if not, oh well!" within him, though. ]
no subject
[ It's light, but there's approval and interest. ]
Then, I believe we may be able to do some work together. You seek the truth of it. I wish to create it.
[ There's passion in that single word, and it's the sort that Bondrewd will easily recognize because he holds it himself. It's that passion for discovery and progress focused on a singular point... At the expense of everything else. But that's not a problem, is it? ]
I cannot bring you to my labs right away. You understand, I am sure. But I will give you a task, if you're agreeable. Complete it, and I will feel more confident in extending an offer more formally. We can work together.
[ or: 💍? ]
no subject
[ He feels he has never understood, nor been as understood, as in this moment. The pursuit of knowledge and the results are what matter to him; he prays upon an altar of scientific inquiry and methodical discovery, and finds Kenos a beautiful realm to explore. The people brought to it? Expendable, if necessary. ]
Name it, if you would allow me to expend my efforts in the direction of your choosing. I have sought a connection to you for some time, after all.
[ 💍!!! ]
no subject
[ trying to get his attention bondrewd… kyaa… ]
So, it is best to start with the work that most find so disagreeable. And provide some information for you. And data for me. No Shard-Bearer of this generation has yet to experience the worst of what Discord has to offer. It is worth showing and sharing.
It does not matter to me which Shard-Bearer, merely that you facilitate them reaching the apex of Discord, the fourth tier. At that point, let them do as they are drawn to for a day or so. Then see them killed and collect the Shard. Our first project can be on theirs.
no subject
[ doesn't he sound excited ]
Is this a matter you would like to see observed in public, or private? It seems by your words [ 'let them do as they are drawn to' ] that imprisoning them for observation might limit the data.
no subject
[ see bon they're just as benevolent as you! clearly! ]
If they retreat to privacy, that is fine. But this would be unusual.
no subject
[ The Greenwood Yards rewarded him with the exact means to accomplish such a thing, after all. Herbs, that will reduce his Discord by allowing him to offload it onto someone else. ]
If I am feeling particularly inspired, I may be able to duplicate the observable data with a second. Within given parameters, naturally. One does not wish to lose control of the research, while seeking a variety of data.
no subject
That would be excellent, of course. Difficult. But that could be my own biases at work, I admit.
[ they're a glass cannon :( ]
If you can accomplish that, then it's to your credit. A better sign for our work together. But I will not insist.
no subject
It would be on my own time, and for no reason other than that I enjoy the idea of a control and a variant. One will be obtained, regardless. When I have the Shard in hand, where shall I bring it?
Shall I send it to you via little bird? [ KITE ]
no subject
[ But he clearly gets the joke, since there's a tiny flicker of amusement even if the answer is purely practical. ]
I look forward to seeing how you choose to accomplish it. Discord is fascinating. Powerful. But too chaotic to be controlled. It should be interesting for you to observe it as it grows.