video; un: polaris

[anbaric]

[ asriel has been described as an imposing figure, and the harsh lighting in this place does nothing to dispel that. it's a spacious room, and what light there is seems swallowed by the darkness of the shadows. the lamp on the desk beside him provides most of what there is, and it also illuminates the mess of books and papers he did not bother to tidy before making this.

his snow leopard daemon sits calm and still at his side, all except for her tail sweeping back and forth. there are the sounds of ravens chattering nearby unseen, but as the cat seems more attentive to asriel, they don't seem to be the cause of her anticipation. ]

I am Lord Asriel Belacqua. Few of you will know me, as I only recently found myself in this world, which is why I am here now.

For various reasons, I am interested in the pthumerians, but my research will take time and is more limited in some areas than I would like. I would rather hear it from the rest of you since the people alive here right now are more relevant than the opinions of authors who may no longer be with us. Do you consider them friends or foes? What role does their presence play in your lives? Do you approve of their influence on you? Consider me taking a neutral stance, so all sides have value; if it is worth mentioning, I would hear of it.

[ it's intended to be some encouragement to those who might wonder if their information isn't important enough (because it is), but asriel being asriel means it comes out sounding more like a command. ]

You needn't answer all the questions either, just whatever you like.

[ yes, the snow leopard talks too, but stelmaria's manner manages to be gentler, at least. ]

Given the implications of the illness problem, now seems an appropriate time for an exchange of information, don't you think?

Comments

[anbaric]

[ asriel bristles again, and stelmaria gets up and moves off. he's never had to explain himself because his reputation has always preceded him, and so he can't help but take the question as a blow to his pride. wherever his daemon has gone, she is still a steadying presence — he shouldn't go wasting resources over something so trivial. ]

I have no intention of hiding my findings if that is your concern. I have had to work alone out of necessity in the past, so I lack an answer that would satisfy you, I'm sure.

Know that the work is what matters. Nothing else.

[ he won't pretend he's here to make friends. ]

I am asking questions because I want to know the answers.

[ he thinks that's a silly question. ]

Experimental theology seeks a complete understanding of the world and how it works. What is understood can be used; that's why it often frightens those who don't.

[martyrofduty]

That's not my concern. I want an example of working on a team to see what that's like. If you haven't, you haven't.

Answers and understanding can be used many ways, both good and ill. For example, understanding a disease could help someone kill/sicken people with it or to cure it.

You're determined. I'm sure you'll learn some answers. What's your goal beyond that?

[anbaric]

Many things seem to be not your concern despite the number of questions.

[ asriel is more complaining aloud than expecting an actual response. ]

But you are correct. It's very easy to misuse knowledge if one is so inclined. It's hard to say my long-term goals without a complete understanding of the situation, but whatever they may be, I always work for the greater good.