Ernest and Seeker interview each other

Characters in this scene: Ernest Rhannels, StarStruckSeeker

viceVersailes — 03/07/2021

The Vroom call loads in, revealing the face of the young Ernest Rhannels. Square glasses frame a boyish face, clean shaven, though any kind of facial hair wouldn't fit him. He's deathly pale, and black hair has been coiffed into the style currently most popular among Fortune 500 CEOs. He's wearing a nice suit- white tie, black shirt, grey jacket- and behind him is a room with awards and trophies arrayed, some for works of poetry and writing, the rest for chess. He looks into the camera, as opposed to at the screen.

StarStruckSeeker — 03/07/2021

Arriving exactly on time, Seeker's camera loads to show the body of a well-groomed man in his 40s, a neatly trimmed salt and pepper beard matching his charcoal suit, though there are deep circles under his eyes. Regardless, he looks like he could be a VP at any major bank or financial institution, and appears to be in a private office within an office building. He gives a polite smile as he sees Ernest. "Good afternoon. I hope the timing was convenient for you."

ernestEnpassant — 03/07/2021

"Your timing's quite perfect, thank you!" The 'thank you,' is drawn out, and he leans toward the screen to say it, as though the weight of Ernest's gratitude is sufficient to move him. "My morning routine is accomplished, I've no commitments for the afternoon, and if you're so inclined, I've *just* finished preparing a demonstration of my abilities as soon as you'd like to see them in aciton." His facial expressions seem to be limited to smiles and smile-variants.

StarStruckSeeker — 03/07/2021

"Very well! I *am* deeply curious to hear and see more about your Practice - what made you choose chess as a focus?"

ernestEnpassant — 03/07/2021

The smile becomes coy. "I won't lie to you, it's a decision older than my reasons for it. When my dads started to introduce to me the basics of their practice, it just seemed so obvious. I've played the game since before I can remember, and I've gone to great efforts to be as good as I am at it." Coy becomes thoughful. "If I had to defend my decision though- oh, I could do it all day. Sympathy requires symbols, and the symbology of chess is something that I understand more deeply than language. I have a strong claim to it, given my lifestyle, history and Implement, which is always useful in conflict. Chess is versatile, most see a game of the mind and of war, but I can argue that it can reflect priorities of a system or individual or family, the activity of a community or a conversation or an alliance or rivalry." Thoughtful becomes coy, and he recites; "Patterns are Power in Practice, and of course Connections Connive to Carry the Clever to Crowns."

Ernest shrugs. "It was the only choice I was ever going to make, specialty wise. My life has been in service of making sure that choice works out."

StarStruckSeeker — 03/07/2021

Seeker nods along, leaning in as Ernest begins to speak. "And within those systems, communities, conversations, alliances, rivalries - are there any that you feel most attuned to? There are so many paths that you could take and still make use of your choice."

ernestEnpassant — 03/07/2021

The question of attunement seems to stump him, but he gives it genuine thought, looking up and to the side as if staring down the question before meeting the camera again with a smile and an answer. "Right now, my interest is in clean resolutions for alliances and communities in conflict. By setting up the game right, I can play a quick victory or solve a simple puzzle, and the attached Connections will conduct quick solutions and simple victories. That way, say two friends are fighting, they come to terms neatly, or if a community is in crisis, a clean solution presents itself. My practice leans into Enchanting in that manner, but I'd say the distinction between a Sympath and Enchanter is really only the degree of specialisation. Sympaths commit to connections alone, Enchanters dabble elsewhere, and I try not to dabble as a rule." He gives another upward glance- he might be checking notes behind the camera. "For the future? I want to assemble or find some permanent hierarchies to connect permanent boards to. Since the taking of a piece needn't be a death, only an ending, that sort of investment could pay long dividends insofar as supporting or sabotaging organisations."

StarStruckSeeker — 03/07/2021

Seeker looks thoughtful, then nods. "I see. I believe that's a wise goal; many projects I have been attached to have had roadblocks or conflict that delayed progress. Having a partner with skills like yours would have gone a long way towards smoothing them over. Forgive me for being blunt, but do you know yet what your ultimate goal would be with this? Are there any hierarchies which you're particularly interested in? For some context, I am at my most effective when my partner has clear goals and ambitions, and wouldn't want to pressure you toward choosing a path before you're ready."

ernestEnpassant — 03/07/2021

Ernest nods along, and his smile falls for the first time into a frown of deep consideration. He comes to a decision after a long pause; "I'm sorry to say that my goals and ambitions aren't as clear as you might like. I know what they are, but they're... divorced, from reality. I'm not really in the right place to see what's materially *happening,* what it would mean to achieve the things I really want. Thus far I've been gathering karma by interceding on the obvious and street level, making sure criminals are caught, making sure friends stick together or break up when they should, but that's limited to newspapers and what I run into by accident." He leans back in the chair, looking at the ceiling. "But as to what those goals and ambitions are, even in the vaguest sense... I'd like to do the people in my life justice, not just them personally, but people like them. I was raised by an Other, and I've had conversations with Others about how hostile Practitioners are to them, seeing resources where people are standing. And that's a symptom of a bigger disease- that's how humans treat Others because that's how humans treat each other. It's the foundational patterns of civilisation, that there's always a bigger fish and that everyone's food for something. Eat until you're eaten." Ernest shakes his head. "That sucks, and the worst bit is that changing it in an appreciable manner, if it's even successful, is going to happen on a scale that I'll never get to see. Even extending my lifespan won't help, because all the methods involve some kind of stasis or incorporation of the status quo. He returns to stare at the camera, determined. "But that doesn't change that I want to. I want to build hierarchies and communities that ripple out and change things for the better. First project would be one where Others and humans cooperate as an assumption, equals in opportunity, access to that opportunity, rights, and safety. Then I'd get it to grow, see how far I can take it."

StarStruckSeeker — 03/07/2021

Seeker gazes intently at the screen as Ernest speaks, face giving away very little until the end, when he cracks his first real smile. "I see. You know, I don't think I've ever heard such a truly massive ambition told so genuinely. And you're so *young.*" They take a moment, sitting back and glancing to the side before leaning back in. "But if I were you, to give some un-requested advice, I wouldn't declare so firmly that extending your lifespan won't help. I think a dream like that means you'll inevitably be pressing against the edges of what's established when you pursue it, and that means you might can never be sure what you'll discover." "If you don't mind me asking, do you know if you have your family's support on this?"

ernestEnpassant — 03/07/2021

Ernest nods. “I do. My dads love the idea, my sisters are younger and even more idealistic. As to material support, I wouldn’t be surprised if my sisters join me directly once they’ve awakened, and my dads are happy to fund a proverbial startup if I can prove concept well enough. They might not have the time or mobility to participate directly, though.” Ernest shrugs. “They’ll all need to see results before they buy in further, but I have their tutelage and love, and that’s enough to start.” He leans forward, eyes wide and inquisitive. “But enough about me! You sir have achieved a great deal- I want to know the specifics of *how.* I’m good at chess and can make that matter- what tricks do you bring to the table?”

StarStruckSeeker — 03/07/2021

"Aside from the accumulated knowledge of multiple lifetimes, in person the spirits let me sense ambitions. Goals. Institutions and systems that need building. I was made to feel them and pursue them. It's something of an ambient awareness, and it means that in negotiations I can put together agreements or arguments that get to the real heart of what each participant is looking for. In effect... it cuts through metaphorical red tape." Seeker pauses for a moment to think. "It's a strength and a weakness. My nature is to seek to fulfill goals, and while I can certainly prioritize, it can be ... draining for me to negotiate with those who have no common ground to find. When I am with a partner as a Familiar, their knowledge and goals become my own without being lost to them, and their strength of will supplements mine without diminishing. I stabilize. Become a partner in building something, rather than supplanting someone in an attempt to try." "When I first began to work with James, the Goblin King, his dream of unifying the Warrens was... a worthy endeavor in scale, but not one that I was personally invested in. Yet that personal interest became irrelevant. When I first felt how he felt, knew what he know about Goblins, I could see the path to fulfilling his dream. We almost made it." Starstruck sighs.

ernestEnpassant — 03/07/2021

The young man’s expression falls at ‘almost,’ sensing tragedy. “Almost?”

StarStruckSeeker — 03/07/2021

He nods. "We... made a remarkable amount of progress, but my plans did not account for a new rival. James was ambushed and killed. I had a difficult time extracting myself from the Warrens without being bound."

"Since then, I've revisited that incident and the rise of that rival extensively, and have found the error I made in planning his protective detail - I do not believe it would happen again, were I to go back. But I will not claim to be a bodyguard or combatant."

ernestEnpassant — 03/07/2021

“I’m sorry for your loss. I remember you wrote that that was a friendship of more than 30 years.”

StarStruckSeeker — 03/07/2021

"Thank you. Yes, it was." Starstruck looks tired, but maintains his posture and neutral expression. "But the works we created together still stand. Even now, the Warrens in that area are better connected and transit within is easier. He did not get to use it to transport an army, but the system has been built and remains."

ernestEnpassant — 03/08/2021

Ernest takes off his glasses to polish them. “That’s something to be proud of. Work that lasts, improvements that endure.” He puts them back on and looks at Starstruck with new eyes. “And I’ll admit! I’m jealous of your experience. You might be better at chess than me, for one. What amenities would you be hoping for during a familiarship? Is there anything that you’ve experienced that you’d rather never have to do again?”

StarStruckSeeker — 03/08/2021

Starstruck smiles as Ernest mentions chess. "I may be able to play a game with you - several of the Milenans played, so my knowledge is over a hundred years out of date. As for amenities, I would expect to have access to the same resources as you do, and to be treated as your partner in a hypothetical joint goal. I do not require luxurious living space, but would need an office or the equivalent." He thinks for a moment.

"As for anything I would rather not do again... well, I have little interest in working on vanity projects. Coordinating the building of a palace or maximizing the attractiveness of peasantry may be goals a human can have, but in most cases they are neither productive nor relevant to making building something meaningful. If, say, the palace were important for making impressions on visiting dignitaries, I could understand the need."

ernestEnpassant — 03/08/2021

“I don’t think you’ll have to worry about vanity projects for me, unless I get sentimental. I may ask for your help in dressing things up aesthetically, but that’ll be for the express purpose of establishing useful parallels and similarities for my practice. I’ll try to stay practical and professional if and when we work together.” He looks up and to the left, presumably checking another set of notes. “And what about difficulties? Is there anything you’d prefer to avoid outright in terms of what we’ll be working with? Particular Realms, Others, forms of practice or items that you’d rather stay away from?

StarStruckSeeker — 03/08/2021

"For Realms, I find being in the Faerie Courts personally uncomfortable. There are too many ambient ambitions, and individual Faerie," he shudders, "often contain *conflicting ambitions*. When it comes to negotiation, I would prefer to avoid direct and unprepared contact with most single-minded types of Other; barring extensive planning, it is likely that their ambitions will not be something I can fulfill. As a Familiar, it would not be crippling. Only distracting."

ernestEnpassant — 03/08/2021

Ernest nods. “I’d prefer to avoid the Faerie myself as well. I’ve seen Glamour Drowned and Bright-Eyed alike, and it’s a fate that *horrifies* me.” He returns to his standard smile. “I’ll be honest, I was already sold, but I hope I can use your answers to be a better partner. Is there anything else you’d like me to know? Are you still interested in having me to work with?”

StarStruckSeeker — 03/08/2021

Starstruck takes a longer time to think about an answer than he has before. "I like you, Ernest, and I *am* interested in working with you. I think your dreams are almost too big, but it seems that we might have the means to put the plans in motion - and I like big. My main concern about partnering with you, and paradoxically also something I like very much about you, is that you are so very young. The dreams and optimism of youth are often... if not ill-advised, then unachievable. If we were to become partners, then in some senses, I would mirror you and gain some of the optimism, and in others I may be able to help temper some of that youthful idealism with experience." He pauses again, thinking, then smiles. "Perhaps it is not just you who is idealistic, but I who have grown cynical."

ernestEnpassant — 03/08/2021

The young man turns around his chair and gestures toward his wall of awards. “I don’t much care for any of these, you know. They’re just visible from the desk because what they represent is easily understood.” He points off camera, realises Starstruck can’t see, and balks before rushing to twist the camera toward another wall, this one adorned with photos. Teams of schoolboys are arrayed in uniform, covering years of competitive debating and chess. They’re interspersed with more homely pictures, Ernest between his dads, with his sisters, and being doted on by what appears to be Mary Poppins. “These are what I really care for. Not the triumphs, but the people who helped me get there. The phrase ‘standing on the shoulders of giants’ comes to mind, only none of them were larger than life. Everyone who ever gave me their time or help or love, they’ve only ever been people, with only so much time and help and love to give.” He’s briefly lost on that sentiment before he turns back to the camera. “I’m idealistic, yes, and nineteen is hardly old compared to the ancient things in this world. Compared to the things that I want to change. I think you’re right to be wary of my ability, I certainly am.” He returns to his seat. “How about some results? You know more than me, you must know someone or something that a bit of sympathetic tampering could help or hinder for the betterment of most. Give me a target, we’ll work together on giving them their due, and if you’re happy with what we accomplish, we can make the partnership offical.”

StarStruckSeeker — 03/08/2021

Starstruck gives another genuine smile as he listens to Ernest, and leans forward to get a better view of the picture. He nods. "I cannot read you perfectly from here, but you want to give them your best, correct? I accept this deal and do know a few targets that may be to your interest. Give me an hour or so to compile the list. Is geographic or Realm location an important factor for you?"

ernestEnpassant — 03/08/2021

“I live in Missouri, so the United States would be easiest power or money wise. I could probably ask my dads to arrange transport anywhere, but international travel via sympathetic methods is terribly difficult and I don’t want to ask them to spend favours from other families.”

StarStruckSeeker — 03/08/2021

"Very well. Yes, the United States has more than its fair share of predators and leeches. I will prepare a list of three for you to choose from and send it as soon as it is complete." He pauses, then continues, "Ernest, it has been a pleasure speaking with you. I am looking forward to working with you on our joint endeavor. Do you have any more questions for me before we part ways for now?"

ernestEnpassant — 03/08/2021

He puffs out one cheek, like he’s chewing the question. “Do you have a favourite food?” If there was any sort of professionalism, it dissolves as he jumps to explain that; “It’s just that I like to be able to provide for people the way they like, you know, make them feel comfortable, and if there’s snacks that I can carry or a dietary constraint you have, well I’d want to know!”

StarStruckSeeker — 03/08/2021

Starstruck looks shocked, then laughs despite himself. "Well, dietary restrictions would depend on my body at the time. Right now there's nothing I know of - but if you have any, if I became your familiar I would have them, too." He chuckles. "So if you're gluten intolerant, you shouldn't experience eating bread through me. But on a more serious note, I'm quite fond of wine, venison and roast fowl - I suppose I haven't quite been able to shake my roots."

ernestEnpassant — 03/08/2021

He writes all of that down as you say it, nodding along as if it’s the most serious thing in the world. He doesn’t seem to have anything to add once you finish.

StarStruckSeeker — 03/08/2021

Starstruck is still smiling and says, "I do appreciate you asking. I will send over the list as soon as I can. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. Or, well, what I mean to say is - take care, Ernest. I'm looking forward to working with you."

ernestEnpassant — 03/08/2021

“Take care!” He waves you off with a goofy grin.

StarStruckSeeker — 03/08/2021

Starstruck returns the grin and ends the Vroom call. He leans back in his chair to stare at the ceiling, runs his fingers through the back of his hair, and the smile stays on his face.