5 ☄ text

[fifthreturned]

All right, folks. We saw what the Null you guys are hiding said - and hey, maybe not the best idea, you know? They're kind of trying to murder us all. But as it turns out, at least some of what it said is accurate. But that doesn't mean it all is, and believe me, the Null are more than smart enough to use half-truths to mess with you - to mess with all of us.

So we're pretty divided on this, to say the least. A lot of us think it's stupid to listen to anything a Null said, since again, they're kind of trying to murder us all. But some of us are willing to try it, since you'd be on the line instead of us (not super nice, but hey) and then Hope pointed out that some of you are already trying to find ways to cross the waters and go searching.

Also probably not a great idea to do that on your own, but y'know, he's the one who'll have to resurrect you, not me.

Long story short, since our opinions are pretty divided, we figured we'd let you weigh in, and as I'm the most neutral, I get to listen.

Convince me that we should go search using the information the Null gave us, and we'll provide crafts for you to use. Or convince me it's a terrible idea, and we won't.

Man, I'm already tired just thinking about it. Not too long-winded, okay? Go.

Comments

[so_dark_a_road]

I, too, would be interested to know what the Null said that you think is untrue, or a half-truth?

If you used the Door fragments to fix the Door here in Hadriel, in what way exactly will it be improved? What will you be able to do with it that you cannot do now?

We're ultimately looking for solutions to problems. If all we do is flee from the Null and fight them whenever they catch up with us, the problems will never be solved. We'll probably all die in the end, unless we take a new tack. This is a chance to gain some new knowledge that might help us work out some real solutions. We know we're taking a chance, but true seekers take chances. Innovation requires risk.

[fifthreturned]

Door questions go to Sorrow! I got nothing there. I guess he thinks they might help.

As for what might be untrue, we don't have any reason to believe that the coordinates given lead to the fragments, or that they lead to anything at all, or that they don't lead to a trap of some kind.

[so_dark_a_road]

Thanks, we'll ask Sorrow, then.

And as for the Null, I don't trust them en masse, not at all. I always did believe that they were capable of using deceit, so I understand your distrust now. Nevertheless, Name is in a very different situation than its cohorts are. If they prevail, they'll have no mercy on the infected fugitive. Name's best chance of survival is to be helpful to you and us. I don't mean that this couldn't be a trick, but I don't think that it is. I'm willing to risk it, for the sake of what we might gain.

And I hope that you seven may come to feel the same way.

[fifthreturned]

We probably won't. We might decide to help you, but none of us are likely to trust a Null anytime soon. We were allies with them once, and they turned on us and slaughtered our entire race. They are highly intelligent beings that are more than capable of lies and deception.

I liked them a lot, back in the day, and even I'm not keen to trust any of them anytime soon.

[so_dark_a_road]

I agree, it is hard to deal with betrayal. They obviously did deceive you, in that instance. I don't know that there is anything more I can say, in the face of your experiences.

[ Slight smile. ] Would you like one of my tranquil memories? You're under pressure; it might help.

[fifthreturned]

The offer's nice, but I'm good right now. I've gotta concentrate on all this stuff.

[so_dark_a_road]

All right, you concentrate. Good luck with your discussions!