ph_logs | Work Friends Are Like Prison Friends [October

Who: Agent Jean & Members of the Ocularum They Don't Know Well Yet

What: Post-Gala Follow-ups & Allaying Concerns

When: Early October

Where: YOU pick

Warning(s): Honestly hard to list but, y'know, Jean Things. Violence, corporate exploitation, discussions of brutality, depression & self-loathing, absolutely bonkers capitalist bullshit

Those members of the Ocularum who have recently joined, or whom Jean does not yet know well, find handwritten letters delivered to them. The writing itself is neat and professional, though at some difficulty; the thick paper bears the marks of scouring sand for the ink, indentations where spelling mistakes or sloppy handwriting from picking up speed has been destroyed and replaced with something the author deems more suitable. Still.

Esteemed Peer, You may recognize me from the recent meeting. I must apologize for not being at my best during that time; I offer no excuses. However, given the state of recent events, and especially rising tensions in Pumpkin Hollow, I am moved to correct my previous state of negligence. It would be my privilege, if you are amenable, to meet and discuss at a time or place of your choosing and explain whatever happenings at the Gala you deem in need of explanation, and answer questions you may have as to my intentions, qualifications, and background. Food and drink can be provided; time of day or inconvenience of locale are no object. Please send your reply via letter, telephone, or sending stone to: Agent Jean of Hyrule (pending), Pumpkin Hollow Recovery Task Force

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Jean's world must be twisted indeed if their people use lifeforce to create technology. It's almost worse than the Hellhounds consuming the energy for power.

"In my world, that Light is called a soul, and it is the essence of a living being, their truth, their memories, their consciousness, the very thing that gives them breath. Removing it generally kills the entity it belongs to, and very very few have the ability to extract it as a pure substance. Doing so is considered to be against the natural order and the Creator."

Evil. In a certain manner of speaking.

A small nod. "That is not dissimilar to my understanding, as the ability to manipulate the Light is the Singularity - the 'technology which breaks the laws of reality' - which gave my employer its place in the City's governance. Fatal extraction was...the de facto mode of engagement." Jean sighs. "I also was not expecting this line of conversation, but it's one I am prepared to give answer to, if you like. To be frank, that I have this ability at all here is an oddity, as it stems from the Library, which is worlds away now. But."

But.

"...Well, we use the tools we have."

"And which ability is that? The weaponizing of Light? I cannot say I am any different really. As one of those few with the power to touch souls, it takes a certain restraint and nobility to use that power without succumbing to it."

Though she doesn't know enough to judge Jean on that, and it's not as if she's using her powers as originally intended by the Creator, to help and aid the dying. No. She uses it for her own selfish reasons.

"But I am interested in how you thought this conversation would go and I also wonder just how many other conversations you've had that haven't gone as expected."

A pause.

"Also, I want to examine the sword with my magic."

"...To be honest, I, ha...I had been expecting concerns about my past and character. The level of violence displayed at the Gala has...disturbed others."

Jean is keenly aware that they are, in some ways, Neil's enforcer. Their own feelings about this are decidedly mixed, leaning negative.

But we use the tools we have.

Valdis blinks and bites her lips so as not to laugh.

"I mean, I ate someone's heart once, so...I can't say it bothered me."

And she would do it again if it felt right. She may be half heaven, but she is also decidedly part hell and there's no way that Aster doesn't consider her his because of it. Won't stop her from eating his heart if she gets the chance though.

The following is said without thought, with the same tone and emotions one uses in response to a friend ripping a fat fart in public: "Comrade, cannibalism is extremely rude."

They'll get to the sword. Eventually.

"It's not cannibalism if they aren't the same species as I am. The man I devoured was an evil one, someone who spent eons torturing others. He did not deserve a subtle or pleasant death, nor did he deserve a burial. I hope his spirit never finds rest."

Because she had not taken his soul, though not for lack of trying.

Hey Valdis you know that feeling people get when they hear something they understand emotionally to be incorrect but know is factually correct? The cannibalism line produces that in Jean.

So instead of arguing the point when they themself aren't sure how to articulate the mental constipation they're experiencing, they pivot: "Examining the blade should be quite possible. I'd like to be on hand to take detailed notes; copies will be provided to Doctor West and Comrade Sims. Though to be frank..." they trail off. "...I'd much rather it be destroyed. As soon as possible."

If Jean had pressed, they might have learned something interesting about the pride of Hellhounds, but alas.

"I would be fine with all that, though I wish to take it to my friend to examine as well, she is well versed in weaponry and recently forged some daggers that have proven quite effective against minor demons. It may improve our future odds."

Jean would much rather try their best to foster a good workplace environment. This taste of a decent community is something they're anxious to protect.

"I advise the utmost caution, comrade. The...the weapons you have sensed me using have significant side effects, and I cannot imagine this blade is a free lunch either."

Valdis does listen to what they have to say, and does feel that caution is warranted. Even with her powers, she is not invincible, and she does not understand Jean's weapons.

"I am experienced in temperamental weapons, but understand your concern."

No amount of pride, even damaged pride, will make her less cautious in this.

"Could you explain the risks of your weapons to me?"

"Initially, psychological damage, friendly fire, and a strong risk of the weapon acting on its own. Long term exposure without the proper failsafes results in Corossion; the permanent alteration of the self into an entity more like the one connected to the weapon. This is the reason for my caution in who receives them."

It does sound dangerous to attempt to wield one of Jean's weapons, but she's not interested in their weapons, only the one from, Aster.

"I have my own divine blade, somehow bound to my soul and infused with the soul energy of my brother, so I am no stranger to that type of weapon. I do not believe Aster's sword to be bound like your weapons and mine, though I do wonder why Aster chose you specifically for this task. Still, it is extremely difficult to destroy a divine blade on my world."

She pauses and bites her lip.

"It may be worth noting that divine does not mean of Heaven, weapons forged by demons are also considered divine. It is not impossible to destroy them, but it depends on the level of the weapon."

Jean sighs. "I can't speak for hostile Management, but at a guess my selection was a combination of spite, utility, and advancing his spurious claim to my services. I want nothing from him, and I do not trust his gifts. Nor do I want them around as a foundation for his claims."

"Aster has laid claim to your services?"

Work Friends Are Like Prison Friends [October | Closed to the Ocularum]

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